2 Esdras 7:4-22
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4 But put the case the entrance were narrow, and like a river;
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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?
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6 There is also another thing; A city is builded, and set upon a broad field, and is full of all good things:
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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:
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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.
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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?
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10 And I said, It is so, Lord. Then said he unto me, Even so also is Israel's portion.
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11 Because for their sakes I made the world: and when Adam transgressed my statutes, then was decreed that now is done.
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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.
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13 For the entrances of the elder world were wide and sure, and brought immortal fruit.
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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.
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15 Now therefore why disquietest thou thyself, seeing thou art but a corruptible man? and why art thou moved, whereas thou art but mortal?
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16 Why hast thou not considered in thy mind this thing that is to come, rather than that which is present?
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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.
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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.
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19 And he said unto me. There is no judge above God, and none that hath understanding above the Highest.
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20 For there be many that perish in this life, because they despise the law of God that is set before them.
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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.
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22 Nevertheless they were not obedient unto him; but spake against him, and imagined vain things;