15 But it is not possible to escape your hand;

16 for ungodly men, refusing to know you, were scourged in the strength of your arm,

pursued with strange rains and hails and relentless storms,

and utterly consumed with fire.

17 Because, what was most marvellous,

in the water which quenches all things, the fire burnt hotter;

for the world fights for the righteous.

18 Because at one time the flame was restrained,

that it might not burn up the creatures sent against the ungodly,

but that these themselves as they looked might see that they were chased by the judgement of God.

19 At another time even in the midst of water it burns more intensely than fire,

that it may destroy the produce of an unrighteous land.

20 Instead of these things, you gave your people angels’ food to eat,

and you provided ready-to-eat bread for them from heaven without toil,

having the virtue of every pleasant flavour,

and agreeable to every taste.

21 Because your nature showed your sweetness towards your children,

while that bread, serving the desire of the eater,

changed itself according to every man’s choice.

22 But snow and ice endured fire, and didn’t melt,

that people might know that fire was destroying the fruits of the enemies,

burning in the hail and flashing in the rains;

23 and that this fire, again, in order that righteous people may be nourished,

has even forgotten its own power.

24 Because the creation, ministering to you, its maker,

strains its force against the unrighteous for punishment

and in kindness, slackens it on behalf of those who trust in you.

25 Therefore at that time also, converting itself into all forms,

it ministered to your all-nourishing bounty,

according to the desire of those who had need,

26 that your children, whom you loved, Oh master, might learn

that it is not the growth of crops that nourishes a man,

but that your word preserves those who trust you.

27 Because that which was not destroyed by fire,

melted away when it was simply warmed by a faint sunbeam,

28 that it might be known that we must rise before the sun to give you thanks,

and must pray to you at the dawning of the light;

29 for the hope of the unthankful will melt as the winter’s hoar frost,

and will flow away as water that has no use.