12 I urge those who read this book to not be discouraged because of the calamities, but recognise that these punishments were not for the destruction, but for the chastening of our race. 13 Because indeed it is a sign of great kindness that those who act impiously are not let alone for a long time, but immediately meet with retribution. 14 Because in the case of the other nations, the Sovereign master waits patiently to punish them until they have attained to the full measure of their sins; but not with us, 15 that he may not take vengeance on us afterward,[fn] when we have come to the[fn] height of our sins. 16 Therefore he never withdraws his mercy from us; but though he chastens with calamity, he doesn’t forsake his own people. 17 However let this that we have spoken suffice to remind you; but after a few words, we must come to the narrative.