2 Esdras 7:52-60
-
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,