2 Esdras 7:8-19
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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.