Erster Clemensbrief

20. The heavens, peaceably revolving by his appointment, are subject unto him. Day and night perr form the course appointed by him, in no wise interrupting one another. By his ordinance, the sun and moon, and all the companies of stars, roll on, in harmony, without any deviation, within the bounds allotted to them* In obedience to his will, the pregnant earth yields her fruit plentifully in due season to man and beast, and to all creatures that are therein; not hesitating nor changing any thing which was decreed by him. The unsearchable secrets of the abyss, and the untold judgments of the lower world, are restrained by the same commands. The hollow depth of the vast sea, gathered together into its: several collections by his word, passes not its allotted bounds ; but as he commanded, so doth if. For he said, “ Hitherto shalt thou come, and thy waves shall be broken wiihin thee.” 4 The ocean impassable to mankind, and the worlds which are beyond it, are governed by the same commands of their master. Spring and summer, and autumn and \yinter, give place peaceably to one another. The winds, in their stations, perform their- service without interruption, each in his appointed season. The ever-flowing fountains, minister-:, ing both to pleasure and to health, without ceasing put forth their breasts to support the life of man. Nay, the smallest of living creatures maintain their intercourse in concord and peace. All these hath the great Creator and Lord of all things ordained to be in peace and concord; for he is good to all; but above measure to us, who flee to his mercy, through our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be glory and majesty, for ever and ever; Amen. * Job xxxviii. 11. 14 THE EPISTLE OF CLEMENT [§21,22.