# Esdras 2 (Ezra 4)

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> The Second Book of Esdras
> 
> 2Esdr 1
> The second book of the prophet Esdras, the son of Saraias,
> the son of Azarias, the son of Helchias, the son of Sadamias,
> the sou of Sadoc, the son of Achitob,
> 
> 2
> The son of Achias, the son of Phinees, the son of Heli,
> the son of Amarias, the son of Aziei, the son of Marimoth,
> the son of And he spake unto the of Borith, the son of Abisei,
> the son of Phinees, the son of Eleazar,
> 
> 3
> The son of Aaron, of the tribe of Levi; which was captive in
> the land of the Medes, in the reign of Artexerxes king of the
> Persians.
> 
> 4
> And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,
> 
> 5
> Go thy way, and shew my people their sinful deeds, and their
> children their wickedness which they have done against me; that
> they may tell their children's children:
> 
> 6
> Because the sins of their fathers are increased in them: for
> they have forgotten me, and have offered unto strange gods.
> 
> 7
> Am not I even he that brought them out of the land of Egypt,
> from the house of bondage? but they have provoked me unto wrath,
> and despised my counsels.
> 
> 8
> Pull thou off then the hair of thy head, and cast all evil upon them, 
> for they have not been obedient unto my law, but it is a rebellious people.
> 
> 9
> How long shall I forbear them, into whom I have done so much good?
> 
> 10
> Many kings have I destroyed for their sakes; Pharaoh with his
> servants and all his power have I smitten down.
> 
> 11
> All the nations have I destroyed before them, and in the east
> I have scattered the people of two provinces, even of Tyrus and
> Sidon, and have slain all their enemies.
> 
> 12
> Speak thou therefore unto them, saying, Thus saith the Lord,
> 
> 13
> I led you through the sea and in the beginning gave you 
> a large and safe passage; I gave you Moses for a leader, 
> and Aaron for a priest.
> 
> 14
> I gave you light in a pillar of fire, and great wonders have
> I done among you; yet have ye forgotten me, saith the Lord.
> 
> 15
> Thus saith the Almighty Lord, The quails were as a token to you; 
> I gave you tents for your safeguard: nevertheless ye murmured there,
> 
> 16
> And triumphed not in my name for the destruction of your enemies, 
> but ever to this day do ye yet murmur.
> 
> 17
> Where are the benefits that I have done for you? when ye were
> hungry and thirsty in the wilderness, did ye not cry unto me,
> 
> 18
> Saying, Why hast thou brought us into this wilderness to kill us? 
> it had been better for us to have served the Egyptians, 
> than to die in this wilderness.
> 
> 19
> Then had I pity upon your mournings, and gave you manna to eat; 
> so ye did eat angels' bread.
> 
> 20
> When ye were thirsty, did I not cleave the rock, and waters
> flowed out to your fill? for the heat I covered you with the
> leaves of the trees.
> 
> 21
> I divided among you a fruitful land, I cast out the
> Canaanites, the Pherezites, and the Philistines, before you:
> what shall I yet do more for you? saith the Lord.
> 
> 22
> Thus saith the Almighty Lord, When ye were in the wilderness,
> in the river of the Amorites, being athirst, and blaspheming my name,
> 
> 23
> I gave you not fire for your blasphemies, but cast a tree in the water, 
> and made the river sweet.
> 
> 24
> What shall I do unto thee, O Jacob? thou, Juda, wouldest not
> obey me: I will turn me to other nations, and unto those will 
> I give my name, that they may keep my statutes.
> 
> 25
> Seeing ye have forsaken me, I will forsake you also; when ye desire me 
> to be gracious unto you, I shall have no mercy upon you.
> 
> 26
> Whensoever ye shall call upon me, I will not hear you: 
> for ye have defiled your hands with blood, and your feet are swift 
> to commit manslaughter.
> 
> 27
> Ye have not as it were forsaken me, but your own selves,
> saith the Lord.
> 
> 28
> Thus saith the Almighty Lord, Have I not prayed you as a
> father his sons, as a mother her daughters, and a nurse her
> young babes,
> 
> 29
> That ye would be my people, and I should be your God; that ye
> would be my children, and I should be your father?
> 
> 30
> I gathered you together, as a hen gathereth her chickens
> under her wings: but now, what shall I do unto you? I will cast
> you out from my face.
> 
> 31
> When ye offer unto me, I will turn my face from you: for your
> solemn feastdays, your new moons, and your circumcisions, have I
> forsaken.
> 
> 32
> I sent unto you my servants the prophets, whom ye have taken
> and slain, and torn their bodies in pieces, whose blood I will
> require of your hands, saith the Lord.
> 
> 33
> Thus saith the Almighty Lord, Your house is desolate, I will
> cast you out as the wind doth stubble.
> 
> 34
> And your children shall not be fruitful; for they have
> despised my commandment, and done the thing that is an evil
> before me.
> 
> 35
> Your houses will I give to a people that shall come; which
> not having heard of me yet shall believe me; to whom I have
> shewed no signs, yet they shall do that I have commanded them.
> 
> 36
> They have seen no prophets, yet they shall call their sins to
> remembrance, and acknowledge them.
> 
> 37
> I take to witness the grace of the people to come, whose
> little ones rejoice in gladness: and though they have not seen
> me with bodily eyes, yet in spirit they believe the thing that I
> say.
> 
> 38
> And now, brother, behold what glory; and see the people that
> come from the east:
> 
> 39
> Unto whom I will give for leaders, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,
> Oseas, Amos, and Micheas, Joel, Abdias, and Jonas,
> 
> 40
> Nahum, and Abacuc, Sophonias, Aggeus, Zachary, and Malachy,
> which is called also an angel of the Lord.
> 
> 2Esdr 2
> Thus saith the Lord, I brought this people out of bondage,
> and I gave them my commandments by menservants the prophets;
> whom they would not hear, but despised my counsels.
> 
> 2
> The mother that bare them saith unto them, Go your way, ye
> children; for I am a widow and forsaken.
> 
> 3
> I brought you up with gladness; but with sorrow and heaviness
> have I lost you: for ye have sinned before the Lord your God,
> and done that thing that is evil before him.
> 
> 4
> But what shall I now do unto you? I am a widow and forsaken:
> go your way, O my children, and ask mercy of the Lord.
> 
> 5
> As for me, O father, I call upon thee for a witness over the
> mother of these children, which would not keep my covenant,
> 
> 6
> That thou bring them to confusion, and their mother to a
> spoil, that there may be no offspring of them.
> 
> 7
> Let them be scattered abroad among the heathen, let their
> names be put out of the earth: for they have despised my
> covenant.
> 
> 8
> Woe be unto thee, Assur, thou that hidest the unrighteous in
> thee! O thou wicked people, remember what I did unto Sodom and
> Gomorrha;
> 
> 9
> Whose land lieth in clods of pitch and heaps of ashes: even
> so also will I do unto them that hear me not, saith the Almighty
> Lord.
> 
> 10
> Thus saith the Lord unto Esdras, Tell my people that I will
> give them the kingdom of Jerusalem, which I would have given
> unto Israel.
> 
> 11
> Their glory also will I take unto me, and give these the
> everlasting tabernacles, which I had prepared for them.
> 
> 12
> They shall have the tree of life for an ointment of sweet
> savour; they shall neither labour, nor be weary.
> 
> 13
> Go, and ye shall receive: pray for few days unto you, that
> they may be shortened: the kingdom is already prepared for you:
> watch.
> 
> 14
> Take heaven and earth to witness; for I have broken the evil
> in pieces, and created the good: for I live, saith the Lord.
> 
> 15
> Mother, embrace thy children, and bring them up with
> gladness, make their feet as fast as a pillar: for I have chosen
> thee, saith the Lord.
> 
> 16
> And those that be dead will I raise up again from their
> places, and bring them out of the graves: for I have known my
> name in Israel.
> 
> 17
> Fear not, thou mother of the children: for I have chosen
> thee, saith the Lord.
> 
> 18
> For thy help will I send my servants Esau and Jeremy, after
> whose counsel I have sanctified and prepared for thee twelve
> trees laden with divers fruits,
> 
> 19
> And as many fountains flowing with milk and honey, and seven
> mighty mountains, whereupon there grow roses and lilies, whereby
> I will fill thy children with joy.
> 
> 20
> Do right to the widow, judge for the fatherless, give to the
> poor, defend the orphan, clothe the naked,
> 
> 21
> Heal the broken and the weak, laugh not a lame man to scorn,
> defend the maimed, and let the blind man come into the sight of
> my clearness.
> 
> 22
> Keep the old and young within thy walls.
> 
> 23
> Wheresoever thou findest the dead, take them and bury them,
> and I will give thee the first place in my resurrection.
> 
> 24
> Abide still, O my people, and take thy rest, for thy
> quietness still come.
> 
> 25
> Nourish thy children, O thou good nurse; stablish their feet.
> 
> 26
> As for the servants whom I have given thee, there shall not
> one of them perish; for I will require them from among thy
> number.
> 
> 27
> Be not weary: for when the day of trouble and heaviness
> cometh, others shall weep and be sorrowful, but thou shalt be
> merry and have abundance.
> 
> 28
> The heathen shall envy thee, but they shall be able to do
> nothing against thee, saith the Lord.
> 
> 29
> My hands shall cover thee, so that thy children shall not see
> hell.
> 
> 30
> Be joyful, O thou mother, with thy children; for I will
> deliver thee, saith the Lord.
> 
> 31
> Remember thy children that sleep, for I shall bring them out
> of the sides of the earth, and shew mercy unto them: for I am
> merciful, saith the Lord Almighty.
> 
> 32
> Embrace thy children until I come and shew mercy unto them:
> for my wells run over, and my grace shall not fail.
> 
> 33
> I Esdras received a charge of the Lord upon the mount Oreb,
> that I should go unto Israel; but when I came unto them, they
> set me at nought, and despised the commandment of the Lord.
> 
> 34
> And therefore I say unto you, O ye heathen, that hear and
> understand, look for your Shepherd, he shall give you
> everlasting rest; for he is nigh at hand, that shall come in the
> end of the world.
> 
> 35
> Be ready to the reward of the kingdom, for the everlasting
> light shall shine upon you for evermore.
> 
> 36
> Flee the shadow of this world, receive the joyfulness of your
> glory: I testify my Saviour openly.
> 
> 37
> O receive the gift that is given you, and be glad, giving
> thanks unto him that hath led you to the heavenly kingdom.
> 
> 38
> Arise up and stand, behold the number of those that be sealed
> in the feast of the Lord;
> 
> 39
> Which are departed from the shadow of the world, and have
> received glorious garments of the Lord.
> 
> 40
> Take thy number, O Sion, and shut up those of thine that are
> clothed in white, which have fulfilled the law of the Lord.
> 
> 41
> The number of thy children, whom thou longedst for, is
> fulfilled: beseech the power of the Lord, that thy people, which
> have been called from the beginning, may be hallowed.
> 
> 42
> I Esdras saw upon the mount Sion a great people, whom I could
> not number, and they all praised the Lord with songs.
> 
> 43
> And in the midst of them there was a young man of a high
> stature, taller than all the rest, and upon every one of their
> heads he set crowns, and was more exalted; which I marvelled at
> greatly.
> 
> 44
> So I asked the angel, and said, Sir, what are these?
> 
> 45
> He answered and said unto me, These be they that have put off
> the mortal clothing, and put on the immortal, and have confessed
> the name of God: now are they crowned, and receive palms.
> 
> 46
> Then said I unto the angel, What young person is it that
> crowneth them, and giveth them palms in their hands?
> 
> 47
> So he answered and said unto me, It is the Son of God, whom
> they have confessed in the world. Then began I greatly to
> commend them that stood so stiffly for the name of the Lord.
> 
> 48
> Then the angel said unto me, Go thy way, and tell my people
> what manner of things, and how great wonders of the Lord thy
> God, thou hast seen.
> 
> 2Esdr 3
> In the thirtieth year after the ruin of the city I was in
> Babylon, and lay troubled upon my bed, and my thoughts came up
> over my heart:
> 
> 2
> For I saw the desolation of Sion, and the wealth of them that
> dwelt at Babylon.
> 
> 3
> And my spirit was sore moved, so that I began to speak words
> full of fear to the most High, and said,
> 
> 4
> O Lord, who bearest rule, thou spakest at the beginning, when
> thou didst plant the earth, and that thyself alone, and
> commandedst the people,
> 
> 5
> And gavest a body unto Adam without soul, which was the
> workmanship of thine hands, and didst breathe into him the
> breath of life, and he was made living before thee.
> 
> 6
> And thou leadest him into paradise, which thy right hand had
> planted, before ever the earth came forward.
> 
> 7
> And unto him thou gavest commandment to love thy way: which
> he transgressed, and immediately thou appointedst death in him
> and in his generations, of whom came nations, tribes, people,
> and kindreds, out of number.
> 
> 8
> And every people walked after their own will, and did
> wonderful things before thee, and despised thy commandments.
> 
> 9
> And again in process of time thou broughtest the flood upon
> those that dwelt in the world, and destroyedst them.
> 
> 10
> And it came to pass in every of them, that as death was to
> Adam, so was the flood to these.
> 
> 11
> Nevertheless one of them thou leftest, namely, Noah with his
> household, of whom came all righteous men.
> 
> 12
> And it happened, that when they that dwelt upon the earth
> began to multiply, and had gotten them many children, and were a
> great people, they began again to be more ungodly than the
> first.
> 
> 13
> Now when they lived so wickedly before thee, thou didst
> choose thee a man from among them, whose name was Abraham.
> 
> 14
> Him thou lovedst, and unto him only thou shewedst thy will:
> 
> 15
> And madest an everlasting covenant with him, promising him
> that thou wouldest never forsake his seed.
> 
> 16
> And unto him thou gavest Isaac, and unto Isaac also thou
> gavest Jacob and Esau. As for Jacob, thou didst choose him to
> thee, and put by Esau: and so Jacob became a great multitude.
> 
> 17
> And it came to pass, that when thou leadest his seed out of
> Egypt, thou broughtest them up to the mount Sinai.
> 
> 18
> And bowing the heavens, thou didst set fast the earth,
> movedst the whole world, and madest the depths to tremble, and
> troubledst the men of that age.
> 
> 19
> And thy glory went through four gates, of fire, and of
> earthquake, and of wind, and of cold; that thou mightest give
> the law unto the seed of Jacob, and diligence unto the
> generation of Israel.
> 
> 20
> And yet tookest thou not away from them a wicked heart, that
> thy law might bring forth fruit in them.
> 
> 21
> For the first Adam bearing a wicked heart transgressed, and
> was overcome; and so be all they that are born of him.
> 
> 22
> Thus infirmity was made permanent; and the law (also) in the
> heart of the people with the malignity of the root; so that the
> good departed away, and the evil abode still.
> 
> 23
> So the times passed away, and the years were brought to an
> end: then didst thou raise thee up a servant, called David:
> 
> 24
> Whom thou commandedst to build a city unto thy name, and to
> offer incense and oblations unto thee therein.
> 
> 25
> When this was done many years, then they that inhabited the
> city forsook thee,
> 
> 26
> And in all things did even as Adam and all his generations
> had done: for they also had a wicked heart:
> 
> 27
> And so thou gavest thy city over into the hands of thine
> enemies.
> 
> 28
> Are their deeds then any better that inhabit Babylon, that
> they should therefore have the dominion over Sion?
> 
> 29
> For when I came thither, and had seen impieties without
> number, then my soul saw many evildoers in this thirtieth year,
> so that my heart failed me.
> 
> 30
> For I have seen how thou sufferest them sinning, and hast
> spared wicked doers: and hast destroyed thy people, and hast
> preserved thine enemies, and hast not signified it.
> 
> 31
> I do not remember how this way may be left: Are they then of
> Babylon better than they of Sion?
> 
> 32
> Or is there any other people that knoweth thee beside Israel?
> or what generation hath so believed thy covenants as Jacob?
> 
> 33
> And yet their reward appeareth not, and their labour hath no
> fruit: for I have gone here and there through the heathen, and I
> see that they flow in wealth, and think not upon thy
> commandments.
> 
> 34
> Weigh thou therefore our wickedness now in the balance, and
> their's also that dwell the world; and so shall thy name no
> where be found but in Israel.
> 
> 35
> Or when was it that they which dwell upon the earth have not
> sinned in thy sight? or what people have so kept thy
> commandments?
> 
> 36
> Thou shalt find that Israel by name hath kept thy precepts;
> but not the heathen.
> 
> 2Esdr 4
> And the angel that was sent unto me, whose name was Uriel,
> gave me an answer,
> 
> 2
> And said, Thy heart hath gone to far in this world, and
> thinkest thou to comprehend the way of the most High?
> 
> 3
> Then said I, Yea, my lord. And he answered me, and said, I am
> sent to shew thee three ways, and to set forth three similitudes
> before thee:
> 
> 4
> Whereof if thou canst declare me one, I will shew thee also
> the way that thou desirest to see, and I shall shew thee from
> whence the wicked heart cometh.
> 
> 5
> And I said, Tell on, my lord. Then said he unto me, Go thy
> way, weigh me the weight of the fire, or measure me the blast of
> the wind, or call me again the day that is past.
> 
> 6
> Then answered I and said, What man is able to do that, that
> thou shouldest ask such things of me?
> 
> 7
> And he said unto me, If I should ask thee how great dwellings
> are in the midst of the sea, or how many springs are in the
> beginning of the deep, or how many springs are above the
> firmament, or which are the outgoings of paradise:
> 
> 8
> Peradventure thou wouldest say unto 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 thee but only of the fire and
> wind, and of the day wherethrough thou hast passed, and of
> things from which thou canst not be separated, and yet canst
> thou give me no answer of them.
> 
> 10
> He said moreover unto me, Thine own things, and such as are
> grown up with thee, canst thou not know;
> 
> 11
> How should thy vessel then be able to comprehend the way of
> the Highest, and, the world being now outwardly corrupted to
> understand the corruption that is evident in my sight?
> 
> 12
> Then said I unto him, It were better that we were not at all,
> than that we should live still in wickedness, and to suffer, and
> not to know wherefore.
> 
> 13
> He answered me, and said, I went into a forest into a plain,
> and the trees took counsel,
> 
> 14
> And said, Come, let us go and make war against the sea that
> it may depart away before us, and that we may make us more
> woods.
> 
> 15
> The floods of the sea also in like manner took counsel, and
> said, Come, let us go up and subdue the woods of the plain, that
> there also we may make us another country.
> 
> 16
> The thought of the wood was in vain, for the fire came and
> consumed it.
> 
> 17
> The thought of the floods of the sea came likewise to nought,
> for the sand stood up and stopped them.
> 
> 18
> If thou wert judge now betwixt these two, whom wouldest thou
> begin to justify? or whom wouldest thou condemn?
> 
> 19
> I answered and said, Verily it is a foolish thought that they
> both have devised, for the ground is given unto the wood, and
> the sea also hath his place to bear his floods.
> 
> 20
> Then answered he me, and said, Thou hast given a right
> judgment, but why judgest thou not thyself also?
> 
> 21
> For like as the ground is given unto the wood, and the sea to
> his floods: even so they that dwell upon the earth may
> understand nothing but that which is upon the earth: and he that
> dwelleth above the heavens may only understand the things that
> are above the height of the heavens.
> 
> 22
> Then answered I and said, I beseech thee, O Lord, let me have
> understanding:
> 
> 23
> For it was not my mind to be curious of the high things, but
> of such as pass by us daily, namely, wherefore Israel is given
> up as a reproach to the heathen, and for what cause the people
> whom thou hast loved is given over unto ungodly nations, and why
> the law of our forefathers is brought to nought, and the written
> covenants come to none effect,
> 
> 24
> And we pass away out of the world as grasshoppers, and our
> life is astonishment and fear, and we are not worthy to obtain
> mercy.
> 
> 25
> What will he then do unto his name whereby we are called? of
> these things have I asked.
> 
> 26
> Then answered he me, and said, The more thou searchest, the
> more thou shalt marvel; for the world hasteth fast to pass away,
> 
> 27
> And cannot comprehend the things that are promised to the
> righteous in time to come: for this world is full of
> unrighteousness and infirmities.
> 
> 28
> But as concerning the things whereof thou askest me, I will
> tell thee; for the evil is sown, but the destruction thereof is
> not yet come.
> 
> 29
> If therefore that which is sown be not turned upside down,
> and if the place where the evil is sown pass not away, then
> cannot it come that is sown with good.
> 
> 30
> For the grain of evil seed hath been sown in the heart of
> Adam from the beginning, and how much ungodliness hath it
> brought up unto this time? and how much shall it yet bring forth
> until the time of threshing come?
> 
> 31
> Ponder now by thyself, how great fruit of wickedness the
> grain of evil seed hath brought forth.
> 
> 32
> And when the ears shall be cut down, which are without
> number, how great a floor shall they fill?
> 
> 33
> Then I answered and said, How, and when shall these things
> come to pass? wherefore are our years few and evil?
> 
> 34
> And he answered me, saying, Do not thou hasten above the most
> Highest: for thy haste is in vain to be above him, for thou hast
> much exceeded.
> 
> 35
> Did not the souls also of the righteous ask question of these
> things in their chambers, saying, How long shall I hope on this
> fashion? when cometh the fruit of the floor of our reward?
> 
> 36
> And unto these things Uriel the archangel gave them answer,
> and said, Even when the number of seeds is filled in you: for he
> hath weighed the world in the balance.
> 
> 37
> By measure hath he measured the times; and by number hath he
> numbered the times; and he doth not move nor stir them, until
> the said measure be fulfilled.
> 
> 38
> Then answered I and said, O Lord that bearest rule, even we
> all are full of impiety.
> 
> 39
> And for our sakes peradventure it is that the floors of the
> righteous are not filled, because of the sins of them that dwell
> upon the earth.
> 
> 40
> So he answered me, and said, Go thy way to a woman with
> child, and ask of her when she hath fulfilled her nine months,
> if her womb may keep the birth any longer within her.
> 
> 41
> Then said I, No, Lord, that can she not. And he said unto me,
> In the grave the chambers of souls are like the womb of a woman:
> 
> 42
> For like as a woman that travaileth maketh haste to escape
> the necessity of the travail: even so do these places haste to
> deliver those things that are committed unto them.
> 
> 43
> From the beginning, look, what thou desirest to see, it shall
> be shewed thee.
> 
> 44
> Then answered I and said, If I have found favour in thy
> sight, and if it be possible, and if I be meet therefore,
> 
> 45
> Shew me then whether there be more to come than is past, or
> more past than is to come.
> 
> 46
> What is past I know, but what is for to come I know not.
> 
> 47
> And he said unto me, Stand up upon the right side, and I
> shall expound the similitude unto thee.
> 
> 48
> So I stood, and saw, and, behold, an hot burning oven passed
> by before me: and it happened that when the flame was gone by I
> looked, and, behold, the smoke remained still.
> 
> 49
> After this there passed by before me a watery cloud, and sent
> down much rain with a storm; and when the stormy rain was past,
> the drops remained still.
> 
> 50
> Then said he unto me, Consider with thyself; as the rain is
> more than the drops, and as the fire is greater than the smoke;
> but the drops and the smoke remain behind: so the quantity which
> is past did more exceed.
> 
> 51
> Then I prayed, and said, May I live, thinkest thou, until
> that time? or what shall happen in those days?
> 
> 52
> He answered me, and said, As for the tokens whereof thou
> askest me, I may tell thee of them in part: but as touching thy
> life, I am not sent to shew thee; for I do not know it.
> 
> 2Esdr 5
> Nevertheless as coming the tokens, behold, the days shall
> come, that they which dwell upon earth shall be taken in a great
> number, and the way of truth shall be hidden, and the land shall
> be barren of faith.
> 
> 2
> But iniquity shall be increased above that which now thou
> seest, or that thou hast heard long ago.
> 
> 3
> And the land, that thou seest now to have root, shalt thou
> see wasted suddenly.
> 
> 4
> But if the most High grant thee to live, thou shalt see after
> the third trumpet that the sun shall suddenly shine again in the
> night, and the moon thrice in the day:
> 
> 5
> And blood shall drop out of wood, and the stone shall give
> his voice, and the people shall be troubled:
> 
> 6
> And even he shall rule, whom they look not for that dwell
> upon the earth, and the fowls shall take their flight away
> together:
> 
> 7
> And the Sodomitish sea shall cast out fish, and make a noise
> in the night, which many have not known: but they shall all hear
> the voice thereof.
> 
> 8
> There shall be a confusion also in many places, and the fire
> shall be oft sent out again, and the wild beasts shall change
> their places, and menstruous women shall bring forth monsters:
> 
> 9
> And salt waters shall be found in the sweet, and all friends
> shall destroy one another; then shall wit hide itself, and
> understanding withdraw itself into his secret chamber,
> 
> 10
> And shall be sought of many, and yet not be found: then shall
> unrighteousness and incontinency be multiplied upon earth.
> 
> 11
> One land also shall ask another, and say, Is righteousness
> that maketh a man righteous gone through thee? And it shall say,
> No.
> 
> 12
> At the same time shall men hope, but nothing obtain: they
> shall labour, but their ways shall not prosper.
> 
> 13
> To shew thee such tokens I have leave; and if thou wilt pray
> again, and weep as now, and fast even days, thou shalt hear yet
> greater things.
> 
> 14
> Then I awaked, and an extreme fearfulness went through all my
> body, and my mind was troubled, so that it fainted.
> 
> 15
> So the angel that was come to talk with me held me, comforted
> me, and set me up upon my feet.
> 
> 16
> And in the second night it came to pass, that Salathiel the
> captain of the people came unto me, saying, Where hast thou
> been? and why is thy countenance so heavy?
> 
> 17
> Knowest thou not that Israel is committed unto thee in the
> land of their captivity?
> 
> 18
> Up then, and eat bread, and forsake us not, as the shepherd
> that leaveth his flock in the hands of cruel wolves.
> 
> 19
> Then said I unto him, Go thy ways from me, and come not nigh
> me. And he heard what I said, and went from me.
> 
> 20
> And so I fasted seven days, mourning and weeping, like as
> Uriel the angel commanded me.
> 
> 21
> And after seven days so it was, that the thoughts of my heart
> were very grievous unto me again,
> 
> 22
> And my soul recovered the spirit of understanding, and I
> began to talk with the most High again,
> 
> 23
> And said, O Lord that bearest rule, of every wood of the
> earth, and of all the trees thereof, thou hast chosen thee one
> only vine:
> 
> 24
> And of all lands of the whole world thou hast chosen thee one
> pit: and of all the flowers thereof one lily:
> 
> 25
> And of all the depths of the sea thou hast filled thee one
> river: and of all builded cities thou hast hallowed Sion unto
> thyself:
> 
> 26
> And of all the fowls that are created thou hast named thee
> one dove: and of all the cattle that are made thou hast provided
> thee one sheep:
> 
> 27
> And among all the multitudes of people thou hast gotten thee
> one people: and unto this people, whom thou lovedst, thou gavest
> a law that is approved of all.
> 
> 28
> And now, O Lord, why hast thou given this one people over
> unto many? and upon the one root hast thou prepared others, and
> why hast thou scattered thy only one people among many?
> 
> 29
> And they which did gainsay thy promises, and believed not thy
> covenants, have trodden them down.
> 
> 30
> If thou didst so much hate thy people, yet shouldest thou
> punish them with thine own hands.
> 
> 31
> Now when I had spoken these words, the angel that came to me
> the night afore was sent unto me,
> 
> 32
> And said unto me, Hear me, and I will instruct thee; hearken
> to the thing that I say, and I shall tell thee more.
> 
> 33
> And I said, Speak on, my Lord. Then said he unto me, Thou art
> sore troubled in mind for Israel's sake: lovest thou that people
> better than he that made them?
> 
> 34
> And I said, No, Lord: but of very grief have I spoken: for my
> reins pain me every hour, while I labour to comprehend the way
> of the most High, and to seek out part of his judgment.
> 
> 35
> And he said unto me, Thou canst not. And I said, Wherefore,
> Lord? whereunto was I born then? or why was not my mother's womb
> then my grave, that I might not have seen the travail of Jacob,
> and the wearisome toil of the stock of Israel?
> 
> 36
> And he said unto me, Number me the things that are not yet
> come, gather me together the dross that are scattered abroad,
> make me the flowers green again that are withered,
> 
> 37
> Open me the places that are closed, and bring me forth the
> winds that in them are shut up, shew me the image of a voice:
> and then I will declare to thee the thing that thou labourest to
> know.
> 
> 38
> And I said, O Lord that bearest rule, who may know these
> things, but he that hath not his dwelling with men?
> 
> 39
> As for me, I am unwise: how may I then speak of these things
> whereof thou askest me?
> 
> 40
> Then said he unto me, Like as thou canst do none of these
> things that I have spoken of, even so canst thou not find out my
> judgment, or in the end the love that I have promised unto my
> people.
> 
> 41
> And I said, Behold, O Lord, yet art thou nigh unto them that
> be reserved till the end: and what shall they do that have been
> before me, or we that be now, or they that shall come after us?
> 
> 42
> And he said unto me, I will liken my judgment unto a ring:
> like as there is no slackness of the last, even so there is no
> swiftness of the first.
> 
> 43
> So I answered and said, Couldest thou not make those that
> have been made, and be now, and that are for to come, at once;
> that thou mightest shew thy judgment the sooner?
> 
> 44
> Then answered he me, and said, The creature may not haste
> above the maker; neither may the world hold them at once that
> shall be created therein.
> 
> 45
> And I said, As thou hast said unto thy servant, that thou,
> which givest life to all, hast given life at once to the
> creature that thou hast created, and the creature bare it: even
> so it might now also bear them that now be present at once.
> 
> 46
> And he said unto me, Ask the womb of a woman, and say unto
> her, If thou bringest forth children, why dost thou it not
> together, but one after another? pray her therefore to bring
> forth ten children at once.
> 
> 47
> And I said, She cannot: but must do it by distance of time.
> 
> 48
> Then said he unto me, Even so have I given the womb of the
> earth to those that be sown in it in their times.
> 
> 49
> For like as a young child may not bring forth the things that
> belong to the aged, even so have I disposed the world which I
> created.
> 
> 50
> And I asked, and said, Seeing thou hast now given me the way,
> I will proceed to speak before thee: for our mother, of whom
> thou hast told me that she is young, draweth now nigh unto age.
> 
> 51
> He answered me, and said, Ask a woman that beareth children,
> and she shall tell thee.
> 
> 52
> Say unto her, Wherefore are unto they whom thou hast now
> brought forth like those that were before, but less of stature?
> 
> 53
> And she shall answer thee, They that be born in the the
> strength of youth are of one fashion, and they that are born in
> the time of age, when the womb faileth, are otherwise.
> 
> 54
> Consider thou therefore also, how that ye are less of stature
> than those that were before you.
> 
> 55
> And so are they that come after you less than ye, as the
> creatures which now begin to be old, and have passed over the
> strength of youth.
> 
> 56
> Then said I, Lord, I beseech thee, if I have found favour in
> thy sight, shew thy servant by whom thou visitest thy creature.
> 
> 2Esdr 6
> And he said unto me, In the beginning, when the earth was
> made, before the borders of the world stood, or ever the winds
> blew,
> 
> 2
> Before it thundered and lightened, or ever the foundations of
> paradise were laid,
> 
> 3
> Before the fair flowers were seen, or ever the moveable
> powers were established, before the innumerable multitude of
> angels were gathered together,
> 
> 4
> Or ever the heights of the air were lifted up, before the
> measures of the firmament were named, or ever the chimneys in
> Sion were hot,
> 
> 5
> And ere the present years were sought out, and or ever the
> inventions of them that now sin were turned, before they were
> sealed that have gathered faith for a treasure:
> 
> 6
> Then did I consider these things, and they all were made
> through me alone, and through none other: by me also they shall
> be ended, and by none other.
> 
> 7
> Then answered I and said, What shall be the parting asunder
> of the times? or when shall be the end of the first, and the
> beginning of it that followeth?
> 
> 8
> And he said unto me, From Abraham unto Isaac, when Jacob and
> Esau were born of him, Jacob's hand held first the heel of Esau.
> 
> 9
> For Esau is the end of the world, and Jacob is the beginning
> of it that followeth.
> 
> 10
> The hand of man is betwixt the heel and the hand: other
> question, Esdras, ask thou not.
> 
> 11
> I answered then and said, O Lord that bearest rule, if I have
> found favour in thy sight,
> 
> 12
> I beseech thee, shew thy servant the end of thy tokens,
> whereof thou shewedst me part the last night.
> 
> 13
> So he answered and said unto me, Stand up upon thy feet, and
> hear a mighty sounding voice.
> 
> 14
> And it shall be as it were a great motion; but the place
> where thou standest shall not be moved.
> 
> 15
> And therefore when it speaketh be not afraid: for the word is
> of the end, and the foundation of the earth is understood.
> 
> 16
> And why? because the speech of these things trembleth and is
> moved: for it knoweth that the end of these things must be
> changed.
> 
> 17
> And it happened, that when I had heard it I stood up upon my
> feet, and hearkened, and, behold, there was a voice that spake,
> and the sound of it was like the sound of many waters.
> 
> 18
> And it said, Behold, the days come, that I will begin to draw
> nigh, and to visit them that dwell upon the earth,
> 
> 19
> And will begin to make inquisition of them, what they be that
> have hurt unjustly with their unrighteousness, and when the
> affliction of Sion shall be fulfilled;
> 
> 20
> And when the world, that shall begin to vanish away, shall be
> finished, then will I shew these tokens: the books shall be
> opened before the firmament, and they shall see all together:
> 
> 21
> And the children of a year old shall speak with their voices,
> the women with child shall bring forth untimely children of
> three or four months old, and they shall live, and be raised up.
> 
> 22
> And suddenly shall the sown places appear unsown, the full
> storehouses shall suddenly be found empty:
> 
> 23
> And tha trumpet shall give a sound, which when every man
> heareth, they shall be suddenly afraid.
> 
> 24
> At that time shall friends fight one against another like
> enemies, and the earth shall stand in fear with those that dwell
> therein, the springs of the fountains shall stand still, and in
> three hours they shall not run.
> 
> 25
> Whosoever remaineth from all these that I have told thee
> shall escape, and see my salvation, and the end of your world.
> 
> 26
> And the men that are received shall see it, who have not
> tasted death from their birth: and the heart of the inhabitants
> shall be changed, and turned into another meaning.
> 
> 27
> For evil shall be put out, and deceit shall be quenched.
> 
> 28
> As for faith, it shall flourish, corruption shall be
> overcome, and the truth, which hath been so long without fruit,
> shall be declared.
> 
> 29
> And when he talked with me, behold, I looked by little and
> little upon him before whom I stood.
> 
> 30
> And these words said he unto me; I am come to shew thee the
> time of the night to come.
> 
> 31
> If thou wilt pray yet more, and fast seven days again, I
> shall tell thee greater things by day than I have heard.
> 
> 32
> For thy voice is heard before the most High: for the Mighty
> hath seen thy righteous dealing, he hath seen also thy chastity,
> which thou hast had ever since thy youth.
> 
> 33
> And therefore hath he sent me to shew thee all these things,
> and to say unto thee, Be of good comfort and fear not
> 
> 34
> And hasten not with the times that are past, to think vain
> things, that thou mayest not hasten from the latter times.
> 
> 35
> And it came to pass after this, that I wept again, and fasted
> seven days in like manner, that I might fulfil the three weeks
> which he told me.
> 
> 36
> And in the eighth night was my heart vexed within me again,
> and I began to speak before the most High.
> 
> 37
> For my spirit was greatly set on fire, and my soul was in
> distress.
> 
> 38
> And I said, O Lord, thou spakest from the beginning of the
> creation, even the first day, and saidst thus; Let heaven and
> earth be made; and thy word was a perfect work.
> 
> 39
> And then was the spirit, and darkness and silence were on
> every side; the sound of man's voice was not yet formed.
> 
> 40
> Then commandedst thou a fair light to come forth of thy
> treasures, that thy work might appear.
> 
> 41
> Upon the second day thou madest the spirit of the firmament,
> and commandedst it to part asunder, and to make a division
> betwixt the waters, that the one part might go up, and the other
> remain beneath.
> 
> 42
> Upon the third day thou didst command that the waters should
> be gathered in the seventh part of the earth: six pats hast thou
> dried up, and kept them, to the intent that of these some being
> planted of God and tilled might serve thee.
> 
> 43
> For as soon as thy word went forth the work was made.
> 
> 44
> For immediately there was great and innumerable fruit, and
> many and divers pleasures for the taste, and flowers of
> unchangeable colour, and odours of wonderful smell: and this was
> done the third day.
> 
> 45
> Upon the fourth day thou commandedst that the sun should
> shine, and the moon give her light, and the stars should be in
> order:
> 
> 46
> And gavest them a charge to do service unto man, that was to
> be made.
> 
> 47
> Upon the fifth day thou saidst unto the seventh part, where
> the waters were gathered that it should bring forth living
> creatures, fowls and fishes: and so it came to pass.
> 
> 48
> For the dumb water and without life brought forth living
> things at the commandment of God, that all people might praise
> thy wondrous works.
> 
> 49
> Then didst thou ordain two living creatures, the one thou
> calledst Enoch, and the other Leviathan;
> 
> 50
> And didst separate the one from the other: for the seventh
> part, namely, where the water was gathered together, might not
> hold them both.
> 
> 51
> Unto Enoch thou gavest one part, which was dried up the third
> day, that he should dwell in the same part, wherein are a
> thousand hills:
> 
> 52
> But unto Leviathan thou gavest the seventh part, namely, the
> moist; and hast kept him to be devoured of whom thou wilt, and
> when.
> 
> 53
> Upon the sixth day thou gavest commandment unto the earth,
> that before thee it should bring forth beasts, cattle, and
> creeping things:
> 
> 54
> And after these, Adam also, whom thou madest lord of all thy
> creatures: of him come we all, and the people also whom thou
> hast chosen.
> 
> 55
> All this have I spoken before thee, O Lord, because thou
> madest the world for our sakes
> 
> 56
> As for the other people, which also come of Adam, thou hast
> said that they are nothing, but be like unto spittle: and hast
> likened the abundance of them unto a drop that falleth from a
> vessel.
> 
> 57
> And now, O Lord, behold, these heathen, which have ever been
> reputed as nothing, have begun to be lords over us, and to
> devour us.
> 
> 58
> But we thy people, whom thou hast called thy firstborn, thy
> only begotten, and thy fervent lover, are given into their
> hands.
> 
> 59
> If the world now be made for our sakes, why do we not possess
> an inheritance with the world? how long shall this endure?
> 
> 2Esdr 7
> And when I had made an end of speaking these words, there was
> sent unto me the angel which had been sent unto me the nights
> afore:
> 
> 2
> And he said unto me, Up, Esdras, and hear the words that I am
> come to tell thee.
> 
> 3
> And I said, Speak on, my God. Then said he unto me, The sea
> is set in a wide place, that it might be deep and great.
> 
> 4
> But put the case the entrance were narrow, and like a river;
> 
> 5
> Who then could go into the sea to look upon it, and to rule
> it? if he went not through the narrow, how could he come into
> the broad?
> 
> 6
> There is also another thing; A city is builded, and set upon
> a broad field, and is full of all good things:
> 
> 7
> The entrance thereof is narrow, and is set in a dangerous
> place to fall, like as if there were a fire on the right hand,
> and on the left a deep water:
> 
> 8
> And one only path between them both, even between the fire
> and the water, so small that there could but one man go there at
> once.
> 
> 9
> If this city now were given unto a man for an inheritance, if
> he never shall pass the danger set before it, how shall he
> receive this inheritance?
> 
> 10
> And I said, It is so, Lord. Then said he unto me, Even so
> also is Israel's portion.
> 
> 11
> Because for their sakes I made the world: and when Adam
> transgressed my statutes, then was decreed that now is done.
> 
> 12
> Then were the entrances of this world made narrow, full of
> sorrow and travail: they are but few and evil, full of perils,:
> and very painful.
> 
> 13
> For the entrances of the elder world were wide and sure, and
> brought immortal fruit.
> 
> 14
> If then they that live labour not to enter these strait and
> vain things, they can never receive those that are laid up for
> them.
> 
> 15
> Now therefore why disquietest thou thyself, seeing thou art
> but a corruptible man? and why art thou moved, whereas thou art
> but mortal?
> 
> 16
> Why hast thou not considered in thy mind this thing that is
> to come, rather than that which is present?
> 
> 17
> Then answered I and said, O Lord that bearest rule, thou hast
> ordained in thy law, that the righteous should inherit these
> things, but that the ungodly should perish.
> 
> 18
> Nevertheless the righteous shall suffer strait things, and
> hope for wide: for they that have done wickedly have suffered
> the strait things, and yet shall not see the wide.
> 
> 19
> And he said unto me. There is no judge above God, and none
> that hath understanding above the Highest.
> 
> 20
> For there be many that perish in this life, because they
> despise the law of God that is set before them.
> 
> 21
> For God hath given strait commandment to such as came, what
> they should do to live, even as they came, and what they should
> observe to avoid punishment.
> 
> 22
> Nevertheless they were not obedient unto him; but spake
> against him, and imagined vain things;
> 
> 23
> And deceived themselves by their wicked deeds; and said of
> the most High, that he is not; and knew not his ways:
> 
> 24
> But his law have they despised, and denied his covenants; in
> his statutes have they not been faithful, and have not performed
> his works.
> 
> 25
> And therefore, Esdras, for the empty are empty things, and
> for the full are the full things.
> 
> 26
> Behold, the time shall come, that these tokens which I have
> told thee shall come to pass, and the bride shall appear, and
> she coming forth shall be seen, that now is withdrawn from the
> earth.
> 
> 27
> And whosoever is delivered from the foresaid evils shall see
> my wonders.
> 
> 28
> For my son Jesus shall be revealed with those that be with
> him, and they that remain shall rejoice within four hundred
> years.
> 
> 29
> After these years shall my son Christ die, and all men that
> have life.
> 
> 30
> And the world shall be turned into the old silence seven
> days, like as in the former judgments: so that no man shall
> remain.
> 
> 31
> And after seven days the world, that yet awaketh not, shall
> be raised up, and that shall die that is corrupt
> 
> 32
> And the earth shall restore those that are asleep in her, and
> so shall the dust those that dwell in silence, and the secret
> places shall deliver those souls that were committed unto them.
> 
> 33
> And the most High shall appear upon the seat of judgment, and
> misery shall pass away, and the long suffering shall have an
> end:
> 
> 34
> But judgment only shall remain, truth shall stand, and faith
> shall wax strong:
> 
> 35
> And the work shall follow, and the reward shall be shewed,
> and the good deeds shall be of force, and wicked deeds shall
> bear no rule.
> 
> 36
> Then said I, Abraham prayed first for the Sodomites, and
> Moses for the fathers that sinned in the wilderness:
> 
> 37
> And Jesus after him for Israel in the time of Achan:
> 
> 38
> And Samuel and David for the destruction: and Solomon for
> them that should come to the sanctuary:
> 
> 39
> And Helias for those that received rain; and for the dead,
> that he might live:
> 
> 40
> And Ezechias for the people in the time of Sennacherib: and
> many for many.
> 
> 41
> Even so now, seeing corruption is grown up, and wickedness
> increased, and the righteous have prayed for the ungodly:
> wherefore shall it not be so now also?
> 
> 42
> He answered me, and said, This present life is not the end
> where much glory doth abide; therefore have they prayed for the
> weak.
> 
> 43
> But the day of doom shall be the end of this time, and the
> beginning of the immortality for to come, wherein corruption is
> past,
> 
> 44
> Intemperance is at an end, infidelity is cut off,
> righteousness is grown, and truth is sprung up.
> 
> 45
> Then shall no man be able to save him that is destroyed, nor
> to oppress him that hath gotten the victory.
> 
> 46
> I answered then and said, This is my first and last saying,
> that it had been better not to have given the earth unto Adam:
> or else, when it was given him, to have restrained him from
> sinning.
> 
> 47
> For what profit is it for men now in this present time to
> live in heaviness, and after death to look for punishment?
> 
> 48
> O thou Adam, what hast thou done? for though it was thou that
> sinned, thou art not fallen alone, but we all that come of thee.
> 
> 49
> For what profit is it unto us, if there be promised us an
> immortal time, whereas we have done the works that bring death?
> 
> 50
> And that there is promised us an everlasting hope, whereas
> ourselves being most wicked are made vain?
> 
> 51
> And that there are laid up for us dwellings of health and
> safety, whereas we have lived wickedly?
> 
> 52
> And that the glory of the most High is kept to defend them
> which have led a wary life, whereas we have walked in the most
> wicked ways of all?
> 
> 53
> And that there should be shewed a paradise, whose fruit
> endureth for ever, wherein is security and medicine, since we
> shall not enter into it?
> 
> 54
> (For we have walked in unpleasant places.)
> 
> 55
> And that the faces of them which have used abstinence shall
> shine above the stars, whereas our faces shall be blacker than
> darkness?
> 
> 56
> For while we lived and committed iniquity, we considered not
> that we should begin to suffer for it after death.
> 
> 57
> Then answered he me, and said, This is the condition of the
> battle, which man that is born upon the earth shall fight;
> 
> 58
> That, if he be overcome, he shall suffer as thou hast said:
> but if he get the victory, he shall receive the thing that I
> say.
> 
> 59
> For this is the life whereof Moses spake unto the people
> while he lived, saying, Choose thee life, that thou mayest live.
> 
> 60
> Nevertheless they believed not him, nor yet the prophets
> after him, no nor me which have spoken unto them,
> 
> 61
> That there should not be such heaviness in their destruction,
> as shall be joy over them that are persuaded to salvation.
> 
> 62
> I answered then, and said, I know, Lord, that the most High
> is called merciful, in that he hath mercy upon them which are
> not yet come into the world,
> 
> 63
> And upon those also that turn to his law;
> 
> 64
> And that he is patient, and long suffereth those that have
> sinned, as his creatures;
> 
> 65
> And that he is bountiful, for he is ready to give where it
> needeth;
> 
> 66
> And that he is of great mercy, for he multiplieth more and
> more mercies to them that are present, and that are past, and
> also to them which are to come.
> 
> 67
> For if he shall not multiply his mercies, the world would not
> continue with them that inherit therein.
> 
> 68
> And he pardoneth; for if he did not so of his goodness, that
> they which have committed iniquities might be eased of them, the
> ten thousandth part of men should not remain living.
> 
> 69
> And being judge, if he should not forgive them that are cured
> with his word, and put out the multitude of contentions,
> 
> 70
> There should be very few left peradventure in an innumerable
> multitude.
> 
> 2Esdr 8
> And he answered me, saying, The most High hath made this
> world for many, but the world to come for few.
> 
> 2
> I will tell thee a similitude, Esdras; As when thou askest
> the earth, it shall say unto thee, that it giveth much mould
> whereof earthen vessels are made, but little dust that gold
> cometh of: even so is the course of this present world.
> 
> 3
> There be many created, but few shall be saved.
> 
> 4
> So answered I and said, Swallow then down, O my soul,
> understanding, and devour wisdom.
> 
> 5
> For thou hast agreed to give ear, and art willing to
> prophesy: for thou hast no longer space than only to live.
> 
> 6
> O Lord, if thou suffer not thy servant, that we may pray
> before thee, and thou give us seed unto our heart, and culture
> to our understanding, that there may come fruit of it; how shall
> each man live that is corrupt, who beareth the place of a man?
> 
> 7
> For thou art alone, and we all one workmanship of thine
> hands, like as thou hast said.
> 
> 8
> For when the body is fashioned now in the mother's womb, and
> thou givest it members, thy creature is preserved in fire and
> water, and nine months doth thy workmanship endure thy creature
> which is created in her.
> 
> 9
> But that which keepeth and is kept shall both be preserved:
> and when the time cometh, the womb preserved delivereth up the
> things that grew in it.
> 
> 10
> For thou hast commanded out of the parts of the body, that is
> to say, out of the breasts, milk to be given, which is the fruit
> of the breasts,
> 
> 11
> That the thing which is fashioned may be nourished for a
> time, till thou disposest it to thy mercy.
> 
> 12
> Thou broughtest it up with thy righteousness, and nurturedst
> it in thy law, and reformedst it with thy judgment.
> 
> 13
> And thou shalt mortify it as thy creature, and quicken it as
> thy work.
> 
> 14
> If therefore thou shalt destroy him which with so great
> labour was fashioned, it is an easy thing to be ordained by thy
> commandment, that the thing which was made might be preserved.
> 
> 15
> Now therefore, Lord, I will speak; touching man in general,
> thou knowest best; but touching thy people, for whose sake I am
> sorry;
> 
> 16
> And for thine inheritance, for whose cause I mourn; and for
> Israel, for whom I am heavy; and for Jacob, for whose sake I am
> troubled;
> 
> 17
> Therefore will I begin to pray before thee for myself and for
> them: for I see the falls of us that dwell in the land.
> 
> 18
> But I have heard the swiftness of the judge which is to come.
> 
> 19
> Therefore hear my voice, and understand my words, and I shall
> speak before thee. This is the beginning of the words of Esdras,
> before he was taken up: and I said,
> 
> 20
> O Lord, thou that dwellest in everlastingness which beholdest
> from above things in the heaven and in the air;
> 
> 21
> Whose throne is inestimable; whose glory may not be
> comprehended; before whom the hosts of angels stand with
> trembling,
> 
> 22
> Whose service is conversant in wind and fire; whose word is
> true, and sayings constant; whose commandment is strong, and
> ordinance fearful;
> 
> 23
> Whose look drieth up the depths, and indignation maketh the
> mountains to melt away; which the truth witnesseth:
> 
> 24
> O hear the prayer of thy servant, and give ear to the
> petition of thy creature.
> 
> 25
> For while I live I will speak, and so long as I have
> understanding I will answer.
> 
> 26
> O look not upon the sins of thy people; but on them which
> serve thee in truth.
> 
> 27
> Regard not the wicked inventions of the heathen, but the
> desire of those that keep thy testimonies in afflictions.
> 
> 28
> Think not upon those that have walked feignedly before thee:
> but remember them, which according to thy will have known thy
> fear.
> 
> 29
> Let it not be thy will to destroy them which have lived like
> beasts; but to look upon them that have clearly taught thy law.
> 
> 30
> Take thou no indignation at them which are deemed worse than
> beasts; but love them that always put their trust in thy
> righteousness and glory.
> 
> 31
> For we and our fathers do languish of such diseases: but
> because of us sinners thou shalt be called merciful.
> 
> 32
> For if thou hast a desire to have mercy upon us, thou shalt
> be called merciful, to us namely, that have no works of
> righteousness.
> 
> 33
> For the just, which have many good works laid up with thee,
> shall out of their own deeds receive reward.
> 
> 34
> For what is man, that thou shouldest take displeasure at him?
> or what is a corruptible generation, that thou shouldest be so
> bitter toward it?
> 
> 35
> For in truth them is no man among them that be born, but he
> hath dealt wickedly; and among the faithful there is none which
> hath not done amiss.
> 
> 36
> For in this, O Lord, thy righteousness and thy goodness shall
> be declared, if thou be merciful unto them which have not the
> confidence of good works.
> 
> 37
> Then answered he me, and said, Some things hast thou spoken
> aright, and according unto thy words it shall be.
> 
> 38
> For indeed I will not think on the disposition of them which
> have sinned before death, before judgment, before destruction:
> 
> 39
> But I will rejoice over the disposition of the righteous, and
> I will remember also their pilgrimage, and the salvation, and
> the reward, that they shall have.
> 
> 40
> Like as I have spoken now, so shall it come to pass.
> 
> 41
> For as the husbandman soweth much seed upon the ground, and
> planteth many trees, and yet the thing that is sown good in his
> season cometh not up, neither doth all that is planted take
> root: even so is it of them that are sown in the world; they
> shall not all be saved.
> 
> 42
> I answered then and said, If I have found grace, let me
> speak.
> 
> 43
> Like as the husbandman's seed perisheth, if it come not up,
> and receive not thy rain in due season; or if there come too
> much rain, and corrupt it:
> 
> 44
> Even so perisheth man also, which is formed with thy hands,
> and is called thine own image, because thou art like unto him,
> for whose sake thou hast made all things, and likened him unto
> the husbandman's seed.
> 
> 45
> Be not wroth with us but spare thy people, and have mercy
> upon thine own inheritance: for thou art merciful unto thy
> creature.
> 
> 46
> Then answered he me, and said, Things present are for the
> present, and things to cometh for such as be to come.
> 
> 47
> For thou comest far short that thou shouldest be able to love
> my creature more than I: but I have ofttimes drawn nigh unto
> thee, and unto it, but never to the unrighteous.
> 
> 48
> In this also thou art marvellous before the most High:
> 
> 49
> In that thou hast humbled thyself, as it becometh thee, and
> hast not judged thyself worthy to be much glorified among the
> righteous.
> 
> 50
> For many great miseries shall be done to them that in the
> latter time shall dwell in the world, because they have walked
> in great pride.
> 
> 51
> But understand thou for thyself, and seek out the glory for
> such as be like thee.
> 
> 52
> For unto you is paradise opened, the tree of life is planted,
> the time to come is prepared, plenteousness is made ready, a
> city is builded, and rest is allowed, yea, perfect goodness and
> wisdom.
> 
> 53
> The root of evil is sealed up from you, weakness and the moth
> is hid from you, and corruption is fled into hell to be
> forgotten:
> 
> 54
> Sorrows are passed, and in the end is shewed the treasure of
> immortality.
> 
> 55
> And therefore ask thou no more questions concerning the
> multitude of them that perish.
> 
> 56
> For when they had taken 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; yea, and that
> knowing they must die.
> 
> 59
> For as the things aforesaid shalt receive you, so thirst and
> pain are prepared for them: for it was not his will that men
> should come to nought:
> 
> 60
> But they which be created have defiled the name of him that
> made them, and were unthankful unto him which prepared life for
> them.
> 
> 61
> And therefore is my judgment now at hand.
> 
> 62
> These things have I not shewed unto all men, but unto thee,
> and a few like thee. Then answered I and said,
> 
> 63
> Behold, O Lord, now hast thou shewed me the multitude of the
> wonders, which thou wilt begin to do in the last times: but at
> what time, thou hast not shewed me.
> 
> 2Esdr 9
> He answered me then, and said, Measure thou the time
> diligently in itself: and when thou seest part of the signs
> past, which I have told thee before,
> 
> 2
> Then shalt thou understand, that it is the very same time,
> wherein the Highest will begin to visit the world which he made.
> 
> 3
> Therefore when there shall be seen earthquakes and uproars of
> the people in the world:
> 
> 4
> Then shalt thou well understand, that the most High spake of
> those things from the days that were before thee, even from the
> beginning.
> 
> 5
> For like as all that is made in the world hath a beginning
> and an end, and the end is manifest:
> 
> 6
> Even so the times also of the Highest have plain beginnings
> in wonder and powerful works, and endings in effects and signs.
> 
> 7
> And every one that shall be saved, and shall be able to
> escape by his works, and by faith, whereby ye have believed,
> 
> 8
> Shall be preserved from the said perils, and shall see my
> salvation in my land, and within my borders: for I have
> sanctified them for me from the beginning.
> 
> 9
> Then shall they be in pitiful case, which now have abused my
> ways: and they that have cast them away despitefully shall dwell
> in torments.
> 
> 10
> For such as in their life have received benefits, and have
> not known me;
> 
> 11
> And they that have loathed my law, while they had yet liberty,
> and, when as yet place of repentance was open unto them,
> understood not, but despised it;
> 
> 12
> The same must know it after death by pain.
> 
> 13
> And therefore be thou not curious how the ungodly shall be
> punished, and when: but enquire how the righteous shall be
> saved, whose the world is, and for whom the world is created.
> 
> 14
> Then answered I and said,
> 
> 15
> I have said before, and now do speak, and will speak it also
> hereafter, that there be many more of them which perish, than of
> them which shall be saved:
> 
> 16
> Like as a wave is greater than a drop.
> 
> 17
> And he answered me, saying, Like as the field is, so is also
> the seed; as the flowers be, such are the colours also; such as
> the workman is, such also is the work; and as the husbandman ls
> himself, so is his husbandry also: for it was the time of the
> world.
> 
> 18
> And now when I prepared the world, which was not yet made,
> even for them to dwell in that now live, no man spake against
> me.
> 
> 19
> For then every one obeyed: but now the manners of them which
> are created in this world that is made are corrupted by a
> perpetual seed, and by a law which is unsearchable rid
> themselves.
> 
> 20
> So I considered the world, and, behold, there was peril
> because of the devices that were come into it.
> 
> 21
> And I saw, and spared it greatly, and have kept me a grape of
> the cluster, and a plant of a great people.
> 
> 22
> Let the multitude perish then, which was born in vain; and
> let my grape be kept, and my plant; for with great labour have I
> made it perfect.
> 
> 23
> Nevertheless, if thou wilt cease yet seven days more, (but
> thou shalt not fast in them,
> 
> 24
> But go into a field of flowers, where no house is builded,
> and eat only the flowers of the field; taste no flesh, drink no
> wine, but eat flowers only;)
> 
> 25
> And pray unto the Highest continually, then will I come and
> talk with thee.
> 
> 26
> So I went my way into the field which is called Ardath, like
> as he commanded me; and there I sat among the flowers, and did
> eat of the herbs of the field, and the meat of the same
> satisfied me.
> 
> 27
> After seven days I sat upon the grass, and my heart was vexed
> within me, like as before:
> 
> 28
> And I opened my mouth, and began to talk before the most
> High, and said,
> 
> 29
> O Lord, thou that shewest thyself unto us, thou wast shewed
> unto our fathers in the wilderness, in a place where no man
> treadeth, in a barren place, when they came out of Egypt.
> 
> 30
> And thou spakest saying, Hear me, O Israel; and mark my
> words, thou seed of Jacob.
> 
> 31
> For, behold, I sow my law in you, and it shall bring fruit in
> you, and ye shall be honoured in it for ever.
> 
> 32
> But our fathers, which received the law, kept it not, and
> observed not thy ordinances: and though the fruit of thy law did
> not perish, neither could it, for it was thine;
> 
> 33
> Yet they that received it perished, because they kept not the
> thing that was sown in them.
> 
> 34
> And, lo, it ls a custom, when the ground hath received seed,
> or the sea a ship, or any vessel meat or drink, that, that being
> perished wherein it was sown or cast into,
> 
> 35
> That thing also which was sown, or cast therein, or received,
> doth perish, and remaineth not with us: but with us it hath not
> happened so.
> 
> 36
> For we that have received the law perish by sin, and our
> heart also which received it
> 
> 37
> Notwithstanding the law perisheth not, but remaineth in his
> force.
> 
> 38
> And when I spake these things in my heart, I looked back with
> mine eyes, and upon the right side I saw a woman, and, behold,
> she mourned and wept with a loud voice, and was much grieved in
> heart, and her clothes were rent, and she had ashes upon her
> head.
> 
> 39
> Then let I my thoughts go that I was in, and turned me unto
> her,
> 
> 40
> And said unto her, Wherefore weepest thou? why art thou so
> grieved in thy mind?
> 
> 41
> And she said unto me, Sir, let me alone, that I may bewail
> myself, and add unto my sorrow, for I am sore vexed in my mind,
> and brought very low.
> 
> 42
> And I said unto her, What aileth thee? tell me.
> 
> 43
> She said unto me, I thy servant have been barren, and had no
> child, though I had an husband thirty years,
> 
> 44
> And those thirty years I did nothing else day and night, and
> every hour, but make my, prayer to the Highest.
> 
> 45
> After thirty years God heard me thine handmaid, looked upon
> my misery, considered my trouble, and gave me a son: and I was
> very glad of him, so was my husband also, and all my neighbours:
> and we gave great honour unto the Almighty.
> 
> 46
> And I nourished him with great travail.
> 
> 47
> So when he grew up, and came to the time that he should have
> a wife, I made a feast.
> 
> 2Esdr 10
> And it so came to pass, that when my son was entered into his
> wedding chamber, he fell down, and died.
> 
> 2
> Then we all overthrew the lights, and all my neighbours rose
> up to comfort me: so I took my rest unto the second day at
> night.
> 
> 3
> And it came to pass, when they had all left off to comfort
> me, to the end I might be quiet; then rose I up by night and
> fled, and came hither into this field, as thou seest.
> 
> 4
> And I do now purpose not to return into the city, but here to
> stay, and neither to eat nor drink, but continually to mourn and
> to fast until I die.
> 
> 5
> Then left I the meditations wherein I was, and spake to her
> in anger, saying,
> 
> 6
> Thou foolish woman above all other, seest thou not our
> mourning, and what happeneth unto us?
> 
> 7
> How that Sion our mother is full of all heaviness, and much
> humbled, mourning very sore?
> 
> 8
> And now, seeing we all mourn and are sad, for we are all in
> heaviness, art thou grieved for one son?
> 
> 9
> For ask the earth, and she shall tell thee, that it is she
> which ought to mourn for the fall of so many that grow upon her.
> 
> 10
> For out of her came all at the first, and out of her shall
> all others come, and, behold, they walk almost all into
> destruction, and a multitude of them is utterly rooted out.
> 
> 11
> Who then should make more mourning than she, that hath lost
> so great a multitude; and not thou, which art sorry but for one?
> 
> 12
> But if thou sayest unto me, My lamentation is not like the
> earth's, because I have lost the fruit of my womb, which I
> brought forth with pains, and bare with sorrows;
> 
> 13
> But the earth not so: for the multitude present in it
> according to the course of the earth is gone, as it came:
> 
> 14
> Then say I unto thee, Like as thou hast brought forth with
> labour; even so the earth also hath given her fruit, namely,
> man, ever since the beginning unto him that made her.
> 
> 15
> Now therefore keep thy sorrow to thyself, and bear with a
> good courage that which hath befallen thee.
> 
> 16
> For if thou shalt acknowledge the determination of God to be
> just, thou shalt both receive thy son in time, and shalt be
> commended among women.
> 
> 17
> Go thy way then into the city to thine husband.
> 
> 18
> And she said unto me, That will I not do: I will not go into
> the city, but here will I die.
> 
> 19
> So I proceeded to speak further unto her, and said,
> 
> 20
> Do not so, but be counselled. by me: for how many are the
> adversities of Sion? be comforted in regard of the sorrow of
> Jerusalem.
> 
> 21
> For thou seest that our sanctuary is laid waste, our altar
> broken down, our temple destroyed;
> 
> 22
> Our psaltery is laid on the ground, our song is put to
> silence, our rejoicing is at an end, the light of our
> candlestick is put out, the ark of our covenant is spoiled, our
> holy things are defiled, and the name that is called upon us is
> almost profaned: our children are put to shame, our priests are
> burnt, our Levites are gone into captivity, our virgins are
> defiled, and our wives ravished; our righteous men carried away,
> our little ones destroyed, our young men are brought in bondage,
> and our strong men are become weak;
> 
> 23
> And, which is the greatest of all, the seal of Sion hath now
> lost her honour; for she is delivered into the hands of them
> that hate us.
> 
> 24
> And therefore shake off thy great heaviness, and put away the
> multitude of sorrows, that the Mighty may be merciful unto thee
> again, and the Highest shall give thee rest and ease from thy
> labour.
> 
> 25
> And it came to pass while I was talking with her, behold, her
> face upon a sudden shined exceedingly, and her countenance
> glistered, so that I was afraid of her, and mused what it might
> be.
> 
> 26
> And, behold, suddenly she made a great cry very fearful: so
> that the earth shook at the noise of the woman.
> 
> 27
> And I looked, and, behold, the woman appeared unto me no
> more, but there was a city builded, and a large place shewed
> itself from the foundations: then was I afraid, and cried with a
> loud voice, and said,
> 
> 28
> Where is Uriel the angel, who came unto me at the first? for
> he hath caused me to fall into many trances, and mine end is
> turned into corruption, and my prayer to rebuke.
> 
> 29
> And as I was speaking these words behold, he came unto me,
> and looked upon me.
> 
> 30
> And, lo, I lay as one that had been dead, and mine
> understanding was taken from me: and he took me by the right
> hand, and comforted me, and set me upon my feet, and said unto
> me,
> 
> 31
> What aileth thee? and why art thou so disquieted? and why is
> thine understanding troubled, and the thoughts of thine heart?
> 
> 32
> And I said, Because thou hast forsaken me, and yet I did
> according to thy words, and I went into the field, and, lo, I
> have seen, and yet see, that I am not able to express.
> 
> 33
> And he said unto me, Stand up manfully, and I will advise
> thee.
> 
> 34
> Then said I, Speak on, my lord, in me; only forsake me not,
> lest I die frustrate of my hope.
> 
> 35
> For I have seen that I knew not, and hear that I do not know.
> 
> 36
> Or is my sense deceived, or my soul in a dream?
> 
> 37
> Now therefore I beseech thee that thou wilt shew thy servant
> of this vision.
> 
> 38
> He answered me then, and said, Hear me, and I shall inform
> thee, and tell thee wherefore thou art afraid: for the Highest
> will reveal many secret things unto thee.
> 
> 39
> He hath seen that thy way is right: for that thou sorrowest
> continually for thy people, and makest great lamentation for
> Sion.
> 
> 40
> This therefore is the meaning of the vision which thou lately
> sawest:
> 
> 41
> Thou sawest a woman mourning, and thou begannest to comfort
> her:
> 
> 42
> But now seest thou the likeness of the woman no more, but
> there appeared unto thee a city builded.
> 
> 43
> And whereas she told thee of the death of her son, this is
> the solution:
> 
> 44
> This woman, whom thou sawest is Sion: and whereas she said
> unto thee, even she whom thou seest as a city builded,
> 
> 45
> Whereas, I say, she said unto thee, that she hath been thirty
> years barren: those are the thirty years wherein there was no
> offering made in her.
> 
> 46
> But after thirty years Solomon builded the city and offered
> offerings: and then bare the barren a son.
> 
> 47
> And whereas she told thee that she nourished him with labour:
> that was the dwelling in Jerusalem.
> 
> 48
> But whereas she said unto thee, That my son coming into his
> marriage chamber happened to have a fail, and died: this was the
> destruction that came to Jerusalem.
> 
> 49
> And, behold, thou sawest her likeness, and because she
> mourned for her son, thou begannest to comfort her: and of these
> things which have chanced, these are to be opened unto thee.
> 
> 50
> For now the most High seeth that thou art grieved
> unfeignedly, and sufferest from thy whole heart for her, so hath
> he shewed thee the brightness of her glory, and the comeliness
> of her beauty:
> 
> 51
> And therefore I bade thee remain in the field where no house
> was builded:
> 
> 52
> For I knew that the Highest would shew this unto thee.
> 
> 53
> Therefore I commanded thee to go into the field, where no
> foundation of any building was.
> 
> 54
> For in the place wherein the Highest beginneth to shew his
> city, there can no man's building be able to stand.
> 
> 55
> And therefore fear not, let not thine heart be affrighted,
> but go thy way in, and see the beauty and greatness of the
> building, as much as thine eyes be able to see:
> 
> 56
> And then shalt thou hear as much as thine ears may
> comprehend.
> 
> 57
> For thou art blessed above many other, and art called with
> the Highest; and so are but few.
> 
> 58
> But to morrow at night thou shalt remain here;
> 
> 59
> And so shall the Highest shew thee visions of the high
> things, which the most High will do unto them that dwell upon
> the earth in the last days. So I slept that night and another,
> like as he commanded me.
> 
> 2Esdr 11
> Then saw I a dream, and, behold, there came up from the sea
> an eagle, which had twelve feathered wings, and three heads.
> 
> 2
> And I saw, and, behold, she spread her wings over all the
> earth, and all the winds of the air blew on her, and were
> gathered together.
> 
> 3
> And I beheld, and out of her feathers there grew other
> contrary feathers; and they became little feathers and small.
> 
> 4
> But her heads were at rest: the head in the midst was greater
> than the other, yet rested it with the residue.
> 
> 5
> Moreover I beheld, and, lo, the eagle flew with her feathers,
> and reigned upon earth, and over them that dwelt therein.
> 
> 6
> And I saw that all things under heaven were subject unto her,
> and no man spake against her, no, not one creature upon earth.
> 
> 7
> And I beheld, and, lo, the eagle rose upon her talons, and
> spake to her feathers, saying,
> 
> 8
> Watch not all at once: sleep every one in his own place, and
> watch by course:
> 
> 9
> But let the heads be preserved for the last.
> 
> 10
> And I beheld, and, lo, the voice went not out of her heads,
> but from the midst of her body.
> 
> 11
> And I numbered her contrary feathers, and, behold, there were
> eight of them.
> 
> 12
> And I looked, and, behold, on the right side there arose one
> feather, and reigned over all the earth;
> 
> 13
> And so it was, that when it reigned, the end of it came, and
> the place thereof appeared no more: so the next following stood
> up. and reigned, and had a great time;
> 
> 14
> And it happened, that when it reigned, the end of it came
> also, like as the first, so that it appeared no more.
> 
> 15
> Then came there a voice unto it, and said,
> 
> 16
> Hear thou that hast borne rule over the earth so long: this I
> say unto thee, before thou beginnest to appear no more,
> 
> 17
> There shall none after thee attain unto thy time, neither
> unto the half thereof.
> 
> 18
> Then arose the third, and reigned as the other before, and
> appeared no more also.
> 
> 19
> So went it with all the residue one after another, as that
> every one reigned, and then appeared no more.
> 
> 20
> Then I beheld, and, lo, in process of time the feathers that
> followed stood up upon the right side, that they might rule
> also; and some of them ruled, but within a while they appeared
> no more:
> 
> 21
> For some of them were set up, but ruled not.
> 
> 22
> After this I looked, and, behold, the twelve feathers
> appeared no more, nor the two little feathers:
> 
> 23
> And there was no more upon the eagle's body, but three heads
> that rested, and six little wings.
> 
> 24
> Then saw I also that two little feathers divided themselves
> from the six, and remained under the head that was upon the
> right side: for the four continued in their place.
> 
> 25
> And I beheld, and, lo, the feathers that were under the wing
> thought to set up themselves and to have the rule.
> 
> 26
> And I beheld, and, lo, there was one set up, but shortly it
> appeared no more.
> 
> 27
> And the second was sooner away than the first.
> 
> 28
> And I beheld, and, lo, the two that remained thought also in
> themselves to reign:
> 
> 29
> And when they so thought, behold, there awaked one of the
> heads that were at rest, namely, it that was in the midst; for
> that was greater than the two other heads.
> 
> 30
> And then I saw that the two other heads were joined with it.
> 
> 31
> And, behold, the head was turned with them that were with it,
> and did eat up the two feathers under the wing that would have
> reigned.
> 
> 32
> But this head put the whole earth in fear, and bare rule in
> it over all those that dwelt upon the earth with much
> oppression; and it had the governance of the world more than all
> the wings that had been.
> 
> 33
> And after this I beheld, and, lo, the head that was in the
> midst suddenly appeared no more, like as the wings.
> 
> 34
> But there remained the two heads, which also in like sort
> ruled upon the earth, and over those that dwelt therein.
> 
> 35
> And I beheld, and, lo, the head upon the right side devoured
> it that was upon the left side.
> 
> 36
> Then I head a voice, which said unto me, Look before thee,
> and consider the thing that thou seest.
> 
> 37
> And I beheld, and lo, as it were a roaring lion chased out of
> the wood: and I saw that he sent out a man's voice unto the
> eagle, and said,
> 
> 38
> Hear thou, I will talk with thee, and the Highest shall say
> unto thee,
> 
> 39
> Art not thou it that remainest of the four beasts, whom I
> made to reign in my world, that the end of their times might
> come through them?
> 
> 40
> And the fourth came, and overcame all the beasts that were
> past, and had power over the world with great fearfulness, and
> over the whole compass of the earth with much wicked oppression;
> and so long time dwelt he upon the earth with deceit.
> 
> 41
> For the earth hast thou not judged with truth.
> 
> 42
> For thou hast afflicted the meek, thou hast hurt the
> peaceable, thou hast loved liars, and destroyed the dwellings of
> them that brought forth fruit, and hast cast down the walls of
> such as did thee no harm.
> 
> 43
> Therefore is thy wrongful dealing come up unto the Highest,
> and thy pride unto the Mighty.
> 
> 44
> The Highest also hath looked upon the proud times, and,
> behold, they are ended, and his abominations are fulfilled.
> 
> 45
> And therefore appear no more, thou eagle, nor thy horrible
> wings, nor thy wicked feathers nor thy malicious heads, nor thy
> hurtful claws, nor all thy vain body:
> 
> 46
> That all the earth may be refreshed, and may return, being
> delivered from thy violence, and that she may hope for the
> judgment and mercy of him that made her.
> 
> 2Esdr 12
> And it came to pass, whiles the lion spake these words unto
> the eagle, I saw,
> 
> 2
> And, behold, the head that remained and the four wings
> appeared no more, and the two went unto it and set themselves up
> to reign, and their kingdom was small, and fill of uproar.
> 
> 3
> And I saw, and, behold, they appeared no more, and the whole
> body of the eagle was burnt so that the earth was in great fear:
> then awaked I out of the trouble and trance of my mind, and from
> great fear, and said unto my spirit,
> 
> 4
> Lo, this hast thou done unto me, in that thou searchest out
> the ways of the Highest.
> 
> 5
> Lo, yet am I weary in my mind, and very weak in my spirit;
> and little strength is there in me, for the great fear wherewith
> I was afflicted this night.
> 
> 6
> Therefore will I now beseech the Highest, that he will
> comfort me unto the end.
> 
> 7
> And I said, Lord that bearest rule, if I have found grace
> before thy sight, and if I am justified with thee before many
> others, and if my prayer indeed be come up before thy face;
> 
> 8
> Comfort me then, and shew me thy servant the interpretation
> and plain difference of this fearful vision, that thou mayest
> perfectly comfort my soul.
> 
> 9
> For thou hast judged me worthy to shew me the last times.
> 
> 10
> And he said unto me, This is the interpretation of the
> vision:
> 
> 11
> The eagle, whom thou sawest come up from the sea, is the
> kingdom which was seen in the vision of thy brother Daniel.
> 
> 12
> But it was not expounded unto him, therefore now I declare it
> unto thee.
> 
> 13
> Behold, the days will come, that there shall rise up a
> kingdom upon earth, and it shall be feared above all the
> kingdoms that were before it.
> 
> 14
> In the same shall twelve kings reign, one after another:
> 
> 15
> Whereof the second shall begin to reign, and shall have more
> time than any of the twelve.
> 
> 16
> And this do the twelve wings signify, which thou sawest.
> 
> 17
> As for the voice which thou heardest speak, and that thou
> sawest not to go out from the heads but from the midst of the
> body thereof, this is the interpretation:
> 
> 18
> That after the time of that kingdom there shall arise great
> strivings, and it shall stand in peril of failing: nevertheless
> it shall not then fall, but shall be restored again to his
> beginning.
> 
> 19
> And whereas thou sawest the eight small under feathers
> sticking to her wings, this is the interpretation:
> 
> 20
> That in him there shall arise eight kings, whose times shall
> be but small, and their years swift.
> 
> 21
> And two of them shall perish, the middle time approaching:
> four shall be kept until their end begin to approach: but two
> shall be kept unto the end.
> 
> 22
> And whereas thou sawest three heads resting, this is the
> interpretation:
> 
> 23
> In his last days shall the most High raise up three kingdoms,
> and renew many things therein, and they shall have the dominion
> of the earth,
> 
> 24
> And of those that dwell therein, with much oppression, above
> all those that were before them: therefore are they called the
> heads of the eagle.
> 
> 25
> For these are they that shall accomplish his wickedness, and
> that shall finish his last end.
> 
> 26
> And whereas thou sawest that the great head appeared no more,
> it signifieth that one of them shall die upon his bed, and yet
> with pain.
> 
> 27
> For the two that remain shall be slain with the sword.
> 
> 28
> For the sword of the one shall devour the other: but at the
> last shall he fall through the sword himself.
> 
> 29
> And whereas thou sawest two feathers under the wings passing
> over the head that is on the right side;
> 
> 30
> It signifieth that these are they, whom the Highest hath kept
> unto their end: this is the small kingdom and full of trouble,
> as thou sawest.
> 
> 31
> And the lion, whom thou sawest rising up out of the wood, and
> roaring, and speaking to the eagle, and rebuking her for her
> unrighteousness with all the words which thou hast heard;
> 
> 32
> This is the anointed, which the Highest hath kept for them
> and for their wickedness unto the end: he shall reprove them,
> and shall upbraid them with their cruelty.
> 
> 33
> For he shall set them before him alive in judgment, and shall
> rebuke them, and correct them.
> 
> 34
> For the rest of my people shall he deliver with mercy, those
> that have been pressed upon my borders, and he shall make them
> joyful until the coming of the day of judgment, whereof I have
> spoken unto thee from the the beginning.
> 
> 35
> This is the dream that thou sawest, and these are the
> interpretations.
> 
> 36
> Thou only hast been meet to know this secret of the Highest.
> 
> 37
> Therefore write all these things that thou hast seen in a
> book, and hide them:
> 
> 38
> And teach them to the wise of the people, whose hearts thou
> knowest may comprehend and keep these secrets.
> 
> 39
> But wait thou here thyself yet seven days more, that it may
> be shewed thee, whatsoever it pleaseth the Highest to declare
> unto thee. And with that he went his way.
> 
> 40
> And it came to pass, when all the people saw that the seven
> days were past, and I not come again into the city, they
> gathered them all together, from the least unto the greatest,
> and came unto me, and said,
> 
> 41
> What have we offended thee? and what evil have we done
> against thee, that thou forsakest us, and sittest here in this
> place?
> 
> 42
> For of all the prophets thou only art left us, as a cluster
> of the vintage, and as a candle in a dark place, and as a haven
> or ship preserved from the tempest.
> 
> 43
> Are not the evils which are come to us sufficient?
> 
> 44
> If thou shalt forsake us, how much better had it been for us,
> if we also had been burned in the midst of Sion?
> 
> 45
> For we are not better than they that died there. And they
> wept with a loud voice. Then answered I them, and said,
> 
> 46
> Be of good comfort, O Israel; and be not heavy, thou house of
> Jacob:
> 
> 47
> For the Highest hath you in remembrance, and the Mighty hath
> not forgotten you in temptation.
> 
> 48
> As for me, I have not forsaken you, neither am I departed
> from you: but am come into this place, to pray for the
> desolation of Sion, and that I might seek mercy for the low
> estate of your sanctuary.
> 
> 49
> And now go your way home every man, and after these days will
> I come unto you.
> 
> 50
> So the people went their way into the city, like as I
> commanded them:
> 
> 51
> But I remained still in the field seven days, as the angel
> commanded me; and did eat only in those days of the flowers of
> the field, and had my meat of the herbs
> 
> 2Esdr 13
> And it came to pass after seven days, I dreamed a dream by
> night:
> 
> 2
> And, lo, there arose a wind from the sea, that it moved all
> the waves thereof.
> 
> 3
> And I beheld, and, lo, that man waxed strong with the
> thousands of heaven: and when he turned his countenance to look,
> all the things trembled that were seen under him.
> 
> 4
> And whensoever the voice went out of his mouth, all they
> burned that heard his voice, like as the earth faileth when it
> feeleth the fire.
> 
> 5
> And after this I beheld, and, lo, there was gathered together
> a multitude of men, out of number, from the four winds of the
> heaven, to subdue the man that came out of the sea
> 
> 6
> But I beheld, and, lo, he had graved himself a great
> mountain, and flew up upon it.
> 
> 7
> But I would have seen the region or place whereout the hill
> was graven, and I could not.
> 
> 8
> And after this I beheld, and, lo, all they which were
> gathered together to subdue him were sore afraid, and yet durst
> fight.
> 
> 9
> And, lo, as he saw the violence of the multitude that came,
> he neither lifted up his hand, nor held sword, nor any
> instrument of war:
> 
> 10
> But only I saw that he sent out of his mouth as it had been a
> blast of fire, and out of his lips a flaming breath, and out of
> his tongue he cast out sparks and tempests.
> 
> 11
> And they were all mixed together; the blast of fire, the
> flaming breath, and the great tempest; and fell with violence
> upon the multitude which was prepared to fight, and burned them
> up every one, so that upon a sudden of an innumerable multitude
> nothing was to be perceived, but only dust and smell of smoke:
> when I saw this I was afraid.
> 
> 12
> Afterward saw I the same man come down from the mountain, and
> call unto him another peaceable Multitude.
> 
> 13
> And there came much people unto him, whereof some were glad,
> some were sorry, and some of them were bound, and other some
> brought of them that were offered: then was I sick through great
> fear, and I awaked, and said,
> 
> 14
> Thou hast shewed thy servant these wonders from the
> beginning, and hast counted me worthy that thou shouldest
> receive my prayer:
> 
> 15
> Shew me now yet the interpretation of this dream.
> 
> 16
> For as I conceive in mine understanding, woe unto them that
> shall be left in those days and much more woe unto them that are
> not left behind!
> 
> 17
> For they that were not left were in heaviness.
> 
> 18
> Now understand I the things that are laid up in the latter
> days, which shall happen unto them, and to those that are left
> behind.
> 
> 19
> Therefore are they come into great perils and many
> necessities, like as these dreams declare.
> 
> 20
> Yet is it easier for him that is in danger to come into these
> things, than to pass away as a cloud out of the world, and not
> to see the things that happen in the last days. And he answered
> unto me, and said,
> 
> 21
> The interpretation of the vision shall I shew thee, and I
> will open unto thee the thing that thou hast required.
> 
> 22
> Whereas thou hast spoken of them that are left behind, this
> is the interpretation:
> 
> 23
> He that shall endure the peril in that time hath kept
> himself: they that be fallen into danger are such as have works,
> and faith toward the Almighty.
> 
> 24
> Know this therefore, that they which be left behind are more
> blessed than they that be dead.
> 
> 25
> This is the meaning of the vision: Whereas thou sawest a man
> coming up from the midst of the sea:
> 
> 26
> The same is he whom God the Highest hath kept a great season,
> which by his own self shall deliver his creature: and he shall
> order them that are left behind.
> 
> 27
> And whereas thou sawest, that out of his mouth there came as
> a blast of wind, and fire, and storm;
> 
> 28
> And that he held neither sword, nor any instrument of war,
> but that the rushing in of him destroyed the whole multitude
> that came to subdue him; this is the interpretation:
> 
> 29
> Behold, the days come, when the most High will begin to
> deliver them that are upon the earth.
> 
> 30
> And he shall come to the astonishment of them that dwell on
> the earth.
> 
> 31
> And one shall undertake to fight against another, one city
> against another, one place against another, one people against
> another, and one realm against another.
> 
> 32
> And the time shall be when these things shall come to pass,
> and the signs shall happen which I shewed thee before, and then
> shall my Son be declared, whom thou sawest as a man ascending.
> 
> 33
> And when all the people hear his voice, every man shall in
> their own land leave the battle they have one against another.
> 
> 34
> And an innumerable multitude shall be gathered together, as
> thou sawest them, willing to come, and to overcome him by
> fighting.
> 
> 35
> But he shall stand upon the top of the mount Sion.
> 
> 36
> And Sion shall come, and shall be shewed to all men, being
> prepared and builded, like as thou sawest the hill graven
> without hands.
> 
> 37
> And this my Son shall rebuke the wicked inventions of those
> nations, which for their wicked life are fallen into the
> tempest;
> 
> 38
> And shall lay before them their evil thoughts, and the
> torments wherewith they shall begin to be tormented, which are
> like unto a flame: and he shall destroy them without labour by
> the law which is like unto me.
> 
> 39
> And whereas thou sawest that he gathered another peaceable
> multitude unto him;
> 
> 40
> Those are the ten tribes, which were carried away prisoners
> out of their own land in the time of Osea the king, whom
> Salmanasar the king of Assyria led away captive, and he carried
> them over the waters, and so came they into another land.
> 
> 41
> But they took this counsel among themselves, that they would
> leave the multitude of the heathen, and go forth into a further
> country, where never mankind dwelt,
> 
> 42
> That they might there keep their statutes, which they never
> kept in their own land.
> 
> 43
> And they entered into Euphrates by the narrow places of the
> river.
> 
> 44
> For the most High then shewed signs for them, and held still
> the flood, till they were passed over.
> 
> 45
> For through that country there was a great way to go, namely,
> of a year and a half: and the same region is called Arsareth.
> 
> 46
> Then dwelt they there until the latter time; and now when
> they shall begin to come,
> 
> 47
> The Highest shall stay the springs of the stream again, that
> they may go through: therefore sawest thou the multitude with
> peace.
> 
> 48
> But those that be left behind of thy people are they that are
> found within my borders.
> 
> 49
> Now when he destroyeth the multitude of the nations that are
> gathered together, he shall defend his people that remain.
> 
> 50
> And then shall he shew them great wonders.
> 
> 51
> Then said I, O Lord that bearest rule, shew me this:
> Wherefore have I seen the man coming up from the midst of the
> sea?
> 
> 52
> And he said unto me, Like as thou canst neither seek out nor
> know the things that are in the deep of the sea: even so can no
> man upon earth see my Son, or those that be with him, but in the
> day time.
> 
> 53
> This is the interpretation of the dream which thou sawest,
> and whereby thou only art here lightened.
> 
> 54
> For thou hast forsaken thine own way, and applied thy
> diligence unto my law, and sought it.
> 
> 55
> Thy life hast thou ordered in wisdom, and hast called
> understanding thy mother.
> 
> 56
> And therefore have I shewed thee the treasures of the
> Highest: after other three days I will speak other things unto
> thee, and declare unto thee mighty and wondrous things.
> 
> 57
> Then went I forth into the field, giving praise and thanks
> greatly unto the most High because of his wonders which he did
> in time;
> 
> 58
> And because he governeth the same, and such things as fall in
> their seasons: and there I sat three days.
> 
> 2Esdr 14
> And it came to pass upon the third day, I sat under an oak,
> and, behold, there came a voice out of a bush over against me,
> and said, Esdras, Esdras.
> 
> 2
> And I said, Here am I, Lord And I stood up upon my feet.
> 
> 3
> Then said he unto me, In the bush I did manifestly reveal
> myself unto Moses, and talked with him, when my people served in
> Egypt:
> 
> 4
> And I sent him and led my people out of Egypt, and brought
> him up to the mount of where I held him by me a long season,
> 
> 5
> And told him many wondrous things, and shewed him the secrets
> of the times, and the end; and commanded him, saying,
> 
> 6
> These words shalt thou declare, and these shalt thou hide.
> 
> 7
> And now I say unto thee,
> 
> 8
> That thou lay up in thy heart the signs that I have shewed,
> and the dreams that thou hast seen, and the interpretations
> which thou hast heard:
> 
> 9
> For thou shalt be taken away from all, and from henceforth
> thou shalt remain with my Son, and with such as be like thee,
> until the times be ended.
> 
> 10
> For the world hath lost his youth, and the times begin to wax
> old.
> 
> 11
> For the world is divided into twelve parts, and the ten parts
> of it are gone already, and half of a tenth part:
> 
> 12
> And there remaineth that which is after the half of the tenth
> part.
> 
> 13
> Now therefore set thine house in order, and reprove thy
> people, comfort such of them as be in trouble, and now renounce
> corruption,
> 
> 14
> Let go from thee mortal thoughts, cast away the burdens of
> man, put off now the weak nature,
> 
> 15
> And set aside the thoughts that are most heavy unto thee, and
> haste thee to flee from these times.
> 
> 16
> For yet greater evils than those which thou hast seen happen
> shall be done hereafter.
> 
> 17
> For look how much the world shall be weaker through age, so
> much the more shall evils increase upon them that dwell therein.
> 
> 18
> For the time is fled far away, and leasing is hard at hand:
> for now hasteth the vision to come, which thou hast seen.
> 
> 19
> Then answered I before thee, and said,
> 
> 20
> Behold, Lord, I will go, as thou hast commanded me, and
> reprove the people which are present: but they that shall be
> born afterward, who shall admonish them? thus the world is set
> in darkness, and they that dwell therein are without light.
> 
> 21
> For thy law is burnt, therefore no man knoweth the things
> that are done of thee, or the work that shall begin.
> 
> 22
> But if I have found grace before thee, send the Holy Ghost
> into me, and I shall write all that hath been done in the world
> since the beginning, which were written in thy law, that men may
> find thy path, and that they which will live in the latter days
> may live.
> 
> 23
> And he answered me, saying, Go thy way, gather the people
> together, and say unto them, that they seek thee not for forty
> days.
> 
> 24
> But look thou prepare thee many box trees, and take with thee
> Sarea, Dabria, Selemia, Ecanus, and Asiel, these five which are
> ready to write swiftly;
> 
> 25
> And come hither, and I shall light a candle of understanding
> in thine heart, which shall not be put out, till the things be
> performed which thou shalt begin to write.
> 
> 26
> And when thou hast done, some things shalt thou publish, and
> some things shalt thou shew secretly to the wise: to morrow this
> hour shalt thou begin to write.
> 
> 27
> Then went I forth, as he commanded, and gathered all the
> people together, and said,
> 
> 28
> Hear these words, O Israel.
> 
> 29
> Our fathers at the beginning were strangers in Egypt, from
> whence they were delivered:
> 
> 30
> And received the law of life, which they kept not, which ye
> also have transgressed after them.
> 
> 31
> Then was the land, even the land of Sion, parted among you by
> lot: but your fathers, and ye yourselves, have done
> unrighteousness, and have not kept the ways which the Highest
> commanded you.
> 
> 32
> And forasmuch as he is a righteous judge, he took from you in
> time the thing that he had given you.
> 
> 33
> And now are ye here, and your brethren among you.
> 
> 34
> Therefore if so be that ye will subdue your own
> understanding, and reform your hearts, ye shall be kept alive
> and after death ye shall obtain mercy.
> 
> 35
> For after death shall the judgment come, when we shall live
> again: and then shall the names of the righteous be manifest,
> and the works of the ungodly shall be declared.
> 
> 36
> Let no man therefore come unto me now, nor seek after me
> these forty days.
> 
> 37
> So I took the five men, as he commanded me, and we went into
> the field, and remained there.
> 
> 38
> And the next day, behold, a voice called me, saying, Esdras,
> open thy mouth, and drink that I give thee to drink.
> 
> 39
> Then opened I my mouth, and, behold, he reached me a full
> cup, which was full as it were with water, but the colour of it
> was like fire.
> 
> 40
> And I took it, and drank: and when I had drunk of it, my
> heart uttered understanding, and wisdom grew in my breast, for
> my spirit strengthened my memory:
> 
> 41
> And my mouth was opened, and shut no more.
> 
> 42
> The Highest gave understanding unto the five men, and they
> wrote the wonderful visions of the night that were told, which
> they knew not: and they sat forty days, and they wrote in the
> day, and at night they ate bread.
> 
> 43
> As for me. I spake in the day, and I held not my tongue by
> night.
> 
> 44
> In forty days they wrote two hundred and four books.
> 
> 45
> And it came to pass, when the forty days were filled, that
> the Highest spake, saying, The first that thou hast written
> publish openly, that the worthy and unworthy may read it:
> 
> 46
> But keep the seventy last, that thou mayest deliver them only
> to such as be wise among the people:
> 
> 47
> For in them is the spring of understanding, the fountain of
> wisdom, and the stream of knowledge.
> 
> 48
> And I did so.
> 
> 2Esdr 15
> Behold, speak thou in the ears of my people the words of
> prophecy, which I will put in thy mouth, saith the Lord:
> 
> 2
> And cause them to be written in paper: for they are faithful
> and true.
> 
> 3
> Fear not the imaginations against thee, let not the
> incredulity of them trouble thee, that speak against thee.
> 
> 4
> For all the unfaithful shall die in their unfaithfulness.
> 
> 5
> Behold, saith the Lord, I will bring plagues upon the world;
> the sword, famine, death, and destruction.
> 
> 6
> For wickedness hath exceedingly polluted the whole earth, and
> their hurtful works are fulfilled.
> 
> 7
> Therefore saith the Lord,
> 
> 8
> I will hold my tongue no more as touching their wickedness,
> which they profanely commit, neither will I suffer them in those
> things, in which they wickedly exercise themselves: behold, the
> innocent and righteous blood crieth unto me, and the souls of
> the just complain continually.
> 
> 9
> And therefore, saith the Lord, I will surely avenge them, and
> receive unto me all the innocent blood from among them.
> 
> 10
> Behold, my people is led as a flock to the slaughter: I will
> not suffer them now to dwell in the land of Egypt:
> 
> 11
> But I will bring them with a mighty hand and a stretched out
> arm, and smite Egypt with plagues, as before, and will destroy
> all the land thereof.
> 
> 12
> Egypt shall mourn, and the foundation of it shall be smitten
> with the plague and punishment that God shall bring upon it.
> 
> 13
> They that till the ground shall mourn: for their seeds shall
> fail through the blasting and hail, and with a fearful
> constellation.
> 
> 14
> Woe to the world and them that dwell therein!
> 
> 15
> For the sword and their destruction draweth nigh, and one
> people shall stand up and fight against another, and swords in
> their hands.
> 
> 16
> For there shall be sedition among men, and invading one
> another; they shall not regard their kings nor princes, and the
> course of their actions shall stand in their power.
> 
> 17
> A man shall desire to go into a city, and shall not be able.
> 
> 18
> For because of their pride the cities shall be troubled, the
> houses shall be destroyed, and men shall be afraid.
> 
> 19
> A man shall have no pity upon his neighbour, but shall
> destroy their houses with the sword, and spoil their goods,
> because of the lack of bread, and for great tribulation.
> 
> 20
> Behold, saith God, I will call together all the kings of the
> earth to reverence me, which are from the rising of the sun,
> from the south, from the east, and Libanus; to turn themselves
> one against another, and repay the things that they have done to
> them.
> 
> 21
> Like as they do yet this day unto my chosen, so will I do
> also, and recompense in their bosom. Thus saith the Lord God;
> 
> 22
> My right hand shall not spare the sinners, and my sword shall
> not cease over them that shed innocent blood upon the earth.
> 
> 23
> The fire is gone forth from his wrath, and hath consumed the
> foundations of the earth, and the sinners, like the straw that
> is kindled.
> 
> 24
> Woe to them that sin, and keep not my commandments! saith
> the Lord.
> 
> 25
> I will not spare them: go your way, ye children, from the
> power, defile not my sanctuary.
> 
> 26
> For the Lord knoweth all them that sin against him, and
> therefore delivereth he them unto death and destruction.
> 
> 27
> For now are the plagues come upon the whole earth and ye
> shall remain in them: for God shall not deliver you, because ye
> have sinned against him.
> 
> 28
> Behold an horrible vision, and the appearance thereof from
> the east:
> 
> 29
> Where the nations of the dragons of Arabia shall come out
> with many chariots, and the multitude of them shall be carried
> as the wind upon earth, that all they which hear them may fear
> and tremble.
> 
> 30
> Also the Carmanians raging in wrath shall go forth as the
> wild boars of the wood, and with great power shall they come,
> and join battle with them, and shall waste a portion of the land
> of the Assyrians.
> 
> 31
> And then shall the dragons have the upper hand, remembering
> their nature; and if they shall turn themselves, conspiring
> together in great power to persecute them,
> 
> 32
> Then these shall be troubled bled, and keep silence through
> their power, and shall flee.
> 
> 33
> And from the land of the Assyrians shall the enemy besiege
> them, and consume some of them, and in their host shall be fear
> and dread, and strife among their kings.
> 
> 34
> Behold clouds from the east and from the north unto the
> south, and they are very horrible to look upon, full of wrath
> and storm.
> 
> 35
> They shall smite one upon another, and they shall smite down
> a great multitude of stars upon the earth, even their own star;
> and blood shall be from the sword unto the belly,
> 
> 36
> And dung of men unto the camel's hough.
> 
> 37
> And there shall be great fearfulness and trembling upon
> earth: and they that see the wrath shall be afraid, and
> trembling shall come upon them.
> 
> 38
> And then shall there come great storms from the south, and
> from the north, and another part from the west.
> 
> 39
> And strong winds shall arise from the east, and shall open
> it; and the cloud which he raised up in wrath, and the star
> stirred to cause fear toward the east and west wind, shall be
> destroyed.
> 
> 40
> The great and mighty clouds shall be puffed up full of wrath,
> and the star, that they may make all the earth afraid, and them
> that dwell therein; and they shall pour out over every high and
> eminent place an horrible star,
> 
> 41
> Fire, and hail, and flying swords, and many waters, that all
> fields may be full, and all rivers, with the abundance of great
> waters.
> 
> 42
> And they shall break down the cities and walls, mountains and
> hills, trees of the wood, and grass of the meadows, and their
> corn.
> 
> 43
> And they shall go stedfastly unto Babylon, and make her
> afraid.
> 
> 44
> They shall come to her, and besiege her, the star and all
> wrath shall they pour out upon her: then shall the dust and
> smoke go up unto the heaven, and all they that be about her
> shall bewail her.
> 
> 45
> And they that remain under her shall do service unto them
> that have put her in fear.
> 
> 46
> And thou, Asia, that art partaker of the hope of Babylon, and
> art the glory of her person:
> 
> 47
> Woe be unto thee, thou wretch, because thou hast made thyself
> like unto her; and hast decked thy daughters in whoredom, that
> they might please and glory in thy lovers, which have always
> desired to commit whoredom with thee.
> 
> 48
> Thou hast followed her that is hated in all her works and
> inventions: therefore saith God,
> 
> 49
> I will send plagues upon thee; widowhood, poverty, famine,
> sword, and pestilence, to waste thy houses with destruction and
> death.
> 
> 50
> And the glory of thy Power shall be dried up as a flower, the
> heat shall arise that is sent over thee.
> 
> 51
> Thou shalt be weakened as a poor woman with stripes, and as
> one chastised with wounds, so that the mighty and lovers shall
> not be able to receive thee.
> 
> 52
> Would I with jealousy have so proceeded against thee, saith
> the Lord,
> 
> 53
> If thou hadst not always slain my chosen, exalting the stroke
> of thine hands, and saying over their dead, when thou wast
> drunken,
> 
> 54
> Set forth the beauty of thy countenance?
> 
> 55
> The reward of thy whoredom shall be in thy bosom, therefore
> shalt thou receive recompence.
> 
> 56
> Like as thou hast done unto my chosen, saith the Lord, even
> so shall God do unto thee, and shall deliver thee into mischief
> 
> 57
> Thy children shall die of hunger, and thou shalt fall through
> the sword: thy cities shall be broken down, and all thine shall
> perish with the sword in the field.
> 
> 58
> They that be in the mountains shall die of hunger, and eat
> their own flesh, and drink their own blood, for very hunger of
> bread, and thirst of water.
> 
> 59
> Thou as unhappy shalt come through the sea, and receive
> plagues again.
> 
> 60
> And in the passage they shall rush on the idle city, and
> shall destroy some portion of thy land, and consume part of thy
> glory, and shall return to Babylon that was destroyed.
> 
> 61
> And thou shalt be cast down by them as stubble, and they
> shall be unto thee as fire;
> 
> 62
> And shall consume thee, and thy cities, thy land, and thy
> mountains; all thy woods and thy fruitful trees shall they burn
> up with fire.
> 
> 63
> Thy children shall they carry away captive, and, look, what
> thou hast, they shall spoil it, and mar the beauty of thy face.
> 
> 2Esdr 16
> Woe be unto thee, Babylon, and Asia! woe be unto thee, Egypt
> and Syria!
> 
> 2
> Gird up yourselves with cloths of sack and hair, bewail your
> children, and be sorry; for your destruction is at hand.
> 
> 3
> A sword is sent upon you, and who may turn it back?
> 
> 4
> A fire is sent among you, and who may quench it?
> 
> 5
> Plagues are sent unto you, and what is he that may drive them
> away?
> 
> 6
> May any man drive away an hungry lion in the wood? or may any
> one quench the fire in stubble, when it hath begun to burn?
> 
> 7
> May one turn again the arrow that is shot of a strong archer?
> 
> 8
> The mighty Lord sendeth the plagues and who is he that can
> drive them away?
> 
> 9
> A fire shall go forth from his wrath, and who is he that may
> quench it?
> 
> 10
> He shall cast lightnings, and who shall not fear? he shall
> thunder, and who shall not be afraid?
> 
> 11
> The Lord shall threaten, and who shall not be utterly beaten
> to powder at his presence?
> 
> 12
> The earth quaketh, and the foundations thereof; the sea
> ariseth up with waves from the deep, and the waves of it are
> troubled, and the fishes thereof also, before the Lord, and
> before the glory of his power:
> 
> 13
> For strong is his right hand that bendeth the bow, his arrows
> that he shooteth are sharp, and shall not miss, when they begin
> to be shot into the ends of the world.
> 
> 14
> Behold, the plagues are sent, and shall not return again,
> until they come upon the earth.
> 
> 15
> The fire is kindled, and shall not be put out, till it
> consume the foundation of the earth.
> 
> 16
> Like as an arrow which is shot of a mighty archer returneth
> not backward: even so the plagues that shall be sent upon earth
> shall not return again.
> 
> 17
> Woe is me! woe is me! who will deliver me in those days?
> 
> 18
> The beginning of sorrows and great mournings; the beginning
> of famine and great death; the beginning of wars, and the powers
> shall stand in fear; the beginning of evils! what shall I do
> when these evils shall come?
> 
> 19
> Behold, famine and plague, tribulation and anguish, are sent
> as scourges for amendment.
> 
> 20
> But for all these things they shall not turn from their
> wickedness, nor be always mindful of the scourges.
> 
> 21
> Behold, victuals shall be so good cheap upon earth, that they
> shall think themselves to be in good case, and even then shall
> evils grow upon earth, sword, famine, and great confusion.
> 
> 22
> For many of them that dwell upon earth shall perish of
> famine; and the other, that escape the hunger, shall the sword
> destroy.
> 
> 23
> And the dead shall be cast out as dung, and there shall be no
> man to comfort them: for the earth shall be wasted, and the
> cities shall be cast down.
> 
> 24
> There shall be no man left to till the earth, and to sow it
> 
> 25
> The trees shall give fruit, and who shall gather them?
> 
> 26
> The grapes shall ripen, and who shall tread them? for all
> places shall be desolate of men:
> 
> 27
> So that one man shall desire to see another, and to hear his
> voice.
> 
> 28
> For of a city there shall be ten left, and two of the field,
> which shall hide themselves in the thick groves, and in the
> clefts of the rocks.
> 
> 29
> As in an orchard of Olives upon every tree there are left
> three or four olives;
> 
> 30
> Or as when a vineyard is gathered, there are left some
> clusters of them that diligently seek through the vineyard:
> 
> 31
> Even so in those days there shall be three or four left by
> them that search their houses with the sword.
> 
> 32
> And the earth shall be laid waste, and the fields thereof
> shall wax old, and her ways and all her paths shall grow full of
> thorns, because no man shall travel therethrough.
> 
> 33
> The virgins shall mourn, having no bridegrooms; the women
> shall mourn, having no husbands; their daughters shall mourn,
> having no helpers.
> 
> 34
> In the wars shall their bridegrooms be destroyed, and their
> husbands shall perish of famine.
> 
> 35
> Hear now these things and understand them, ye servants of the
> Lord.
> 
> 36
> Behold, the word of the Lord, receive it: believe not the
> gods of whom the Lord spake.
> 
> 37
> Behold, the plagues draw nigh, and are not slack.
> 
> 38
> As when a woman with child in the ninth month bringeth forth
> her son, with two or three hours of her birth great pains
> compass her womb, which pains, when the child cometh forth, they
> slack not a moment:
> 
> 39
> Even so shall not the plagues be slack to come upon the
> earth, and the world shall mourn, and sorrows shall come upon it
> on every side.
> 
> 40
> O my people, hear my word: make you ready to thy battle, and
> in those evils be even as pilgrims upon the earth.
> 
> 41
> He that selleth, let him be as he that fleeth away: and he
> that buyeth, as one that will lose:
> 
> 42
> He that occupieth merchandise, as he that hath no profit by
> it: and he that buildeth, as he that shall not dwell therein:
> 
> 43
> He that soweth, as if he should not reap: so also he that
> planteth the vineyard, as he that shall not gather the grapes:
> 
> 44
> They that marry, as they that shall get no children; and they
> that marry not, as the widowers.
> 
> 45
> And therefore they that labour labour in vain:
> 
> 46
> For strangers shall reap their fruits, and spoil their goods,
> overthrow their houses, and take their children captives, for in
> captivity and famine shall they get children.
> 
> 47
> And they that occupy their merchandise with robbery, the more
> they deck their cities, their houses, their possessions, and
> their own persons:
> 
> 48
> The more will I be angry with them for their sin, saith the
> Lord.
> 
> 49
> Like as a whore envieth a right honest and virtuous woman:
> 
> 50
> So shall righteousness hate iniquity, when she decketh
> herself, and shall accuse her to her face, when he cometh that
> shall defend him that diligently searcheth out every sin upon
> earth.
> 
> 51
> And therefore be ye not like thereunto, nor to the works
> thereof.
> 
> 52
> For yet a little, and iniquity shall be taken away out of the
> earth, and righteousness shall reign among you.
> 
> 53
> Let not the sinner say that he hath not sinned: for God shall
> burn coals of fire upon his head, which saith before the Lord
> God and his glory, I have not sinned.
> 
> 54
> Behold, the Lord knoweth all the works of men, their
> imaginations, their thoughts, and their hearts:
> 
> 55
> Which spake but the word, Let the earth be made; and it was
> made: Let the heaven be made; and it was created.
> 
> 56
> In his word were the stars made, and he knoweth the number of
> them.
> 
> 57
> He searcheth the deep, and the treasures thereof; he hath
> measured the sea, and what it containeth.
> 
> 58
> He hath shut the sea in the midst of the waters, and with his
> word hath he hanged the earth upon the waters.
> 
> 59
> He spreadeth out the heavens like a vault; upon the waters
> hath he founded it.
> 
> 60
> In the desert hath he made springs of water, and pools upon
> the tops of the mountains, that the floods might pour down from
> the high rocks to water the earth.
> 
> 61
> He made man, and put his heart in the midst of the body, and
> gave him breath, life, and understanding.
> 
> 62
> Yea and the Spirit of Almighty God, which made all things,
> and searcheth out all hidden things in the secrets of the earth,
> 
> 63
> Surely he knoweth your inventions, and what ye think in your
> hearts, even them that sin, and would hide their sin.
> 
> 64
> Therefore hath the Lord exactly searched out all your works,
> and he will put you all to shame.
> 
> 65
> And when your sins are brought forth, ye shall be ashamed
> before men, and your own sins shall be your accusers in that
> day.
> 
> 66
> What will ye do? or how will ye hide your sins before God and
> his angels?
> 
> 67
> Behold, God himself is the judge, fear him: leave off from
> your sins, and forget your iniquities, to meddle no more with
> them for ever: so shall God lead you forth, and deliver you from
> all trouble.
> 
> 68
> For, behold, the burning wrath of a great multitude is
> kindled over you, and they shall take away certain of you, and
> feed you, being idle, with things offered unto idols.
> 
> 69
> And they that consent unto them shall be had in derision and
> in reproach, and trodden under foot.
> 
> 70
> For there shall be in every place, and in the next cities, a
> great insurrection upon those that fear the Lord.
> 
> 71
> They shall be like mad men, sparing none, but still spoiling
> and destroying those that fear the Lord.
> 
> 72
> For they shall waste and take away their goods, and cast them
> out of their houses.
> 
> 73
> Then shall they be known, who are my chosen; and they shall
> be tried as the gold in the fire.
> 
> 74
> Hear, O ye my beloved, saith the Lord: behold, the days of
> trouble are at hand, but I will deliver you from the same.
> 
> 75
> Be ye not afraid neither doubt; for God is your guide,
> 
> 76
> And the guide of them who keep my commandments and precepts,
> saith the Lord God: let not your sins weigh you down, and let
> not your iniquities lift up themselves.
> 
> 77
> Woe be unto them that are bound with their sins, and covered
> with their iniquities like as a field is covered over with
> bushes, and the path thereof covered with thorns, that no man
> may travel through!
> 
> 78
> It is left undressed, and is cast into the fire to be
> consumed therewith.
>
> — *Esdras 2 (Ezra 4)*