2 Esdras 7:49-57
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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?
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50 And that there is promised us an everlasting hope, whereas ourselves being most wicked are made vain?
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51 And that there are laid up for us dwellings of health and safety, whereas we have lived wickedly?
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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?
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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?
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54 (For we have walked in unpleasant places.)
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55 And that the faces of them which have used abstinence shall shine above the stars, whereas our faces shall be blacker than darkness?
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56 For while we lived and committed iniquity, we considered not that we should begin to suffer for it after death.
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57 Then answered he me, and said, This is the condition of the battle, which man that is born upon the earth shall fight;