36. And to them Jeremiel the archangel gave answer, and said, Even when the number is fulfilled of them that are like to you. For he has weighed the world in the balance;
37. and by measure has he measured the times, and by number has he counted the seasons; and he shall not move nor stir them, until the said measure be fulfilled.
38. Then answered I and said, O Lord that bear rule, yet even we all are full of impiety:
39. and for our sakes perhaps it is that the threshing time of the righteous is kept back, because of the sins of them that dwell upon the earth.
40. So he answered me, and said, Go your way to a woman with child, and ask of her when she has fulfilled her nine months, if her womb may keep the birth any longer within her.
41. Then said I, no, Lord, that can it not. And he said to me, in the grave the chambers of souls are like the womb:
42. for like as a woman that travails makes haste to escape the anguish of the travail: even so do these places haste to deliver those things that are committed to them from the beginning.
43. Then shall it be showed you concerning those things which you desire to see.
44. Then answered I and said, if I have found favor in your sight, and if it be possible, and if I be meet therefore,
45. show me this also, whether there be more to come than is past, or whether the more part is gone over us.