11. And others, that had run together into the caves near by to keep the seventh day secretly, being betrayed to Philip were all burned together, because they scrupled to defend themselves, from regard to the honor of that most solemn day.
12. I beseech therefore those that read this book, that they be not discouraged because of the calamities, but account that these punishments were not for the destruction, but for the chastening of our race.
13. For indeed that those who act impiously be not let alone any long time, but straightway meet with retribution, is a sign of great beneficence.
14. For in the case of the other nations the Sovereign Lord does with longsuffering forbear, until that he punish them when they have attained to the full measure of their sins; but not so judged he as touching us,
15. that he may not take vengeance on us afterward, when we be come to the height of our sins.
16. Wherefore he never withdraws his mercy from us; but though he chasteneth with calamity, yet does he not forsake his own people.