12 Now I beseech those that reade this booke, that they be not discouraged for these calamities, but that they iudge those punishments not to be for destruction, but for a chastening of our nation.
13 For it is a token of his great goodnesse, when wicked doers are not suffered any longtime, but forthwith punished.
14 For not as with other nations whom the Lord patiently forbeareth to punish, till they be come to the fulnesse of their sinnes, so dealeth he with vs,
15 Lest that being come to the height of sinne, afterwards hee should take vengeance of vs.
16 And therfore he neuer withdraweth his mercie from vs: and though he punish with aduersitie, yet doeth he neuer forsake his people.
17 But let this that we haue spoken be for a warning vnto vs: And nowe will wee come to the declaring of the matter in few words.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16).