Historians are not by and large inclined to supernatural explanations, but they are addicted to a near equivalent - 'inevitability'.

The king greeted the document (the Collectanea) not so much as a drowning man greets a straw but as he might a rescue party from outer space.

Trials are a part of life, but there is value in sometimes experiencing adversity which will test (and so strengthen) our faith and also build an understanding of God and ourselves.