The King James Version Bible

2 Esdras 7:9-15

  1. 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?

  2. And I said, It is so, Lord. Then said he unto me, Even so also is Israel's portion.

  3. Because for their sakes I made the world: and when Adam transgressed my statutes, then was decreed that now is done.

  4. 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.

  5. For the entrances of the elder world were wide and sure, and brought immortal fruit.

  6. 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.

  7. Now therefore why disquietest thou thyself, seeing thou art but a corruptible man? and why art thou moved, whereas thou art but mortal?