2 Esdras 8:32-40
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32 For if thou hast a desire to have mercy upon us, thou shalt be called merciful, to us namely, that have no works of righteousness.
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33 For the just, which have many good works laid up with thee, shall out of their own deeds receive reward.
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34 For what is man, that thou shouldest take displeasure at him? or what is a corruptible generation, that thou shouldest be so bitter toward it?
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35 For in truth them is no man among them that be born, but he hath dealt wickedly; and among the faithful there is none which hath not done amiss.
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36 For in this, O Lord, thy righteousness and thy goodness shall be declared, if thou be merciful unto them which have not the confidence of good works.
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37 Then answered he me, and said, Some things hast thou spoken aright, and according unto thy words it shall be.
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38 For indeed I will not think on the disposition of them which have sinned before death, before judgment, before destruction:
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39 But I will rejoice over the disposition of the righteous, and I will remember also their pilgrimage, and the salvation, and the reward, that they shall have.
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40 Like as I have spoken now, so shall it come to pass.