39. but I will rejoice over the framing of the righteous, their pilgrimage also, and the salvation, and the reward, that they shall have.
40. Like therefore as I have spoken, so shall it be.
41. For as the husbandman sows much seed upon the ground, and plants many trees, and yet not all that is sown shall come up in due season, neither shall all that is planted take root: even so they that are sown in the world shall not all be saved.
42. I answered then and said, if I have found favor, let me speak before you.
43. Forasmuch as the husbandman’s seed, if it come not up, seeing that it has not received your rain in due season, or if it be corrupted through too much rain, so perishes;
44. likewise man, which is formed with your hands, and is called your own image, because he is made like to you, for whose sake you have formed all things, even him have you made like to the husbandman’s seed.
45. Be not angry with us, but spare your people, and have mercy upon your inheritance; for you have mercy upon your own creation.
46. Then answered he me, and said, Things present are for them that now be, and things to come for such as shall be hereafter.
47. For you come far short that you should be able to love my creature more than I. But you have brought yourself full near to the unrighteous. Let this never be.
48. Yet in this shall you be admirable to the Most High;
49. in that you have humbled yourself, as it becomes you, and have not judged yourself worthy to be among the righteous, so as to be much glorified.
50. For many grievous miseries shall befall them that in the last times dwell in the world, because they have walked in great pride.
51. But understand you for yourself, and of such as be like you seek out the glory.
52. For to you is paradise opened, the tree of life planted, the time to come is prepared, plenteousness is made ready, a city is builded, and rest is allowed, goodness is perfected, wisdom being perfect beforehand.
53. The root of evil is sealed up from you, weakness is done away from you, and [death] is hidden; hell and corruption are fled into forgetfulness:
54. sorrows are passed away, and in the end is showed the treasure of immortality.
55. Therefore ask you no more questions concerning the multitude of them that perish.
56. For when they had received liberty, they despised the Most High, thought scorn of his law, and forsook his ways.
57. Moreover they have trodden down his righteous,
58. and said in their heart, that there is no God; yes, and that knowing they must die.