The Former Days
Said the Kobriner: "Some people say: 'Nowadays it is difficult to serve the Lord. Formerly there were many good and pious folk whose example could be imitated.'
"This notion is absurd, and I say to them: 'Have you truly endeavored to seek the Lord without avail? Endeavor to seek Him in the manner of those in former days and you too will find Him even as they did.' We may learn this fromt the verse (Ecclesiastes 7:101): 'Do not say: "How was it that the former days were better than these?" for it is not out of wisdom that you inquired concerning this."
Source: Or Yesharim
