17
And which was wonderful, in water, which extinguisheth all things, the fire had more force: for the world fighteth for the just.
18
For at one time, the fire was mitigated, that the beasts which were sent against the wicked might not be burned, but that they might see and perceive that they were persecuted by the judgment of God.
19
And at another time the fire, above its own power, burned in the midst of water, to destroy the fruits of a wicked land.
20
Instead of which things thou didst feed thy people with the food of angels, and gavest them bread from heaven prepared without labour; having in it all that is delicious, and the sweetness of every taste.
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: