3. Then said I, Yes my Lord. And he answered me, and said, I am sent to show you three ways, and to set forth three similitudes before you:
4. whereof if you can declare me one, I also will show you the way that you desire to see, and I will teach you wherefore the heart is wicked.
5. And I said, say on, my Lord. Then said he to me, Go to, weigh me a weight of fire, or measure me a measure of wind, or call me again the day that is past.
6. Then answered I and said, who of the sons of men is able to do this, that you should ask me of such things?
7. And he said to me, If I had asked you, saying, How many dwellings are there in the heart of the sea? or how many springs are there at the fountain head of the deep? or how many ways are above the firmament? or which are the outgoings of hell? or which are the paths of paradise?
8. perhaps you would say to me, I never went down into the deep, nor as yet into hell, neither did I ever climb up into heaven.
9. Nevertheless now have I asked you but only of the fire and wind, and of the day, things wherethrough you have passed, and without which you can not be, and yet have you given me no answer of them.
10. He said moreover to me, Your own things, that are grown up with you, can you not know;
11. how then can your vessel comprehend the way of the Most High? and how can he that is already worn out with the corrupted world understand incorruption?