Wis 16:1 Therefore by the like were they
punished worthily, and by the multitude of beasts tormented.
Wis 16:2 Instead of which punishment, dealing graciously with thine own
people, thou preparedst for them meat of a strange taste, even quails to
stir up their appetite:
Wis 16:3 To the end that they, desiring food, might for the ugly sight of
the beasts sent among them lothe even that, which they must needs desire;
but these, suffering penury for a short space, might be made partakers of a
strange taste.
Wis 16:4 For it was requisite, that upon them exercising tyranny should come
penury, which they could not avoid: but to these it should only be shewed
how their enemies were tormented.
Wis 16:5 For when the horrible fierceness of beasts came upon these, and
they perished with the stings of crooked serpents, thy wrath endured not for
ever:
Wis 16:6 But they were troubled for a small season, that they might be
admonished, having a sign of salvation, to put them in remembrance of the
commandment of thy law.
Wis 16:7 For he that turned himself toward it was not saved by the thing
that he saw, but by thee, that art the Saviour of all.
Wis 16:8 And in this thou madest thine enemies confess, that it is thou who
deliverest from all evil:
Wis 16:9 For them the bitings of grasshoppers and flies killed, neither was
there found any remedy for their life: for they were worthy to be punished
by such.
Wis 16:10 But thy sons not the very teeth of venomous dragons overcame: for
thy mercy was ever by them, and healed them.
Wis 16:11 For they were pricked, that they should remember thy words; and
were quickly saved, that not falling into deep forgetfulness, they might be
continually mindful of thy goodness.
Wis 16:12 For it was neither herb, nor mollifying plaister, that restored
them to health: but thy word, O Lord, which healeth all things.
Wis 16:13 For thou hast power of life and death: thou leadest to the gates
of hell, and bringest up again.
Wis 16:14 A man indeed killeth through his malice: and the spirit, when it
is gone forth, returneth not; neither the soul received up cometh again.
Wis 16:15 But it is not possible to escape thine hand.
Wis 16:16 For the ungodly, that denied to know thee, were scourged by the
strength of thine arm: with strange rains, hails, and showers, were they
persecuted, that they could not avoid, and through fire were they consumed.
Wis 16:17 For, which is most to be wondered at, the fire had more force in
the water, that quencheth all things: for the world fighteth for the
righteous.
Wis 16:18 For sometime the flame was mitigated, that it might not burn up
the beasts that were sent against the ungodly; but themselves might see and
perceive that they were persecuted with the judgment of God.
Wis 16:19 And at another time it burneth even in the midst of water above
the power of fire, that it might destroy the fruits of an unjust land.
Wis 16:20 Instead whereof thou feddest thine own people with angels' food,
and didst send them from heaven bread prepared without their labour, able to
content every man's delight, and agreeing to every taste.
Wis 16:21 For thy sustenance declared thy sweetness unto thy children, and
serving to the appetite of the eater, tempered itself to every man's liking.
Wis 16:22 But snow and ice endured the fire, and melted not, that they might
know that fire burning in the hail, and sparkling in the rain, did destroy
the fruits of the enemies.
Wis 16:23 But this again did even forget his own strength, that the
righteous might be nourished.
Wis 16:24 For the creature that serveth thee, who art the Maker increaseth
his strength against the unrighteous for their punishment, and abateth his
strength for the benefit of such as put their trust in thee.
Wis 16:25 Therefore even then was it altered into all fashions, and was
obedient to thy grace, that nourisheth all things, according to the desire
of them that had need:
Wis 16:26 That thy children, O Lord, whom thou lovest, might know, that it
is not the growing of fruits that nourisheth man: but that it is thy word,
which preserveth them that put their trust in thee.
Wis 16:27 For that which was not destroyed of the fire, being warmed with a
little sunbeam, soon melted away:
Wis 16:28 That it might be known, that we must prevent the sun to give thee
thanks, and at the dayspring pray unto thee.
Wis 16:29 For the hope of the unthankful shall melt away as the winter's
hoar frost, and shall run away as unprofitable water.