21
For thy sustenance shewed thy sweetness to thy children, and serving every man's will, it was turned to what every man liked.
22
But snow and ice endured the force of fire, and melted not: that they might know that fire burning in the hail and flashing in the rain destroyed the fruits of the enemies.
23
But this same again, that the just might be nourished, did even forget its own strength.
24
For the creature serving thee the Creator, is made fierce against the unjust for their punishment; and abateth its strength for the benefit of them that trust in thee.
25
Therefore even then it was transformed into all things, and was obedient to thy grace that nourisheth all, according to the will of them that desired it of thee.
26
That thy children, O Lord, whom thou lovedst, might know that it is not the growing of fruits that nourisheth men, but thy word preseveth them that believe in thee:
27
For that which could not be destroyed by fire, being warmed with a little sunbeam presently melted away:
28
That it might be known to all, that we ought to prevent the sun to bless thee, and adore thee at the dawning of the light.
29
For the hope of the unthankful shall melt away as the winter's ice, and shall run off as unprofitable water.