105. This fire is hidden in the time of captivity, during which sin reigns, but in the time of liberty it is brought forth. And though it is changed into the appearance of water, yet it preserves its nature as fire so as to consume the sacrifice. Do not wonder when thou readest that God the Father said: “I am a consuming fire.” Deut. iv. 24. And again: “They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living water.” Jer. ii. 13. The Lord Jesus, too, like a fire inflamed the hearts of those who heard Him, and like a fount of waters cooled them. For He Himself said in His Gospel that He came to send fire on the earth S. Luke xii. 49. and to supply a draught of living waters to those who thirst. S. John vii. 37, 38.