2 Esdras 8:46-62
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46 Then answered he me, and said, Things present are for the present, and things to cometh for such as be to come.
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47 For thou comest far short that thou shouldest be able to love my creature more than I: but I have ofttimes drawn nigh unto thee, and unto it, but never to the unrighteous.
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48 In this also thou art marvellous before the most High:
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49 In that thou hast humbled thyself, as it becometh thee, and hast not judged thyself worthy to be much glorified among the righteous.
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50 For many great miseries shall be done to them that in the latter time shall dwell in the world, because they have walked in great pride.
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51 But understand thou for thyself, and seek out the glory for such as be like thee.
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52 For unto you is paradise opened, the tree of life is planted, the time to come is prepared, plenteousness is made ready, a city is builded, and rest is allowed, yea, perfect goodness and wisdom.
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53 The root of evil is sealed up from you, weakness and the moth is hid from you, and corruption is fled into hell to be forgotten:
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54 Sorrows are passed, and in the end is shewed the treasure of immortality.
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55 And therefore ask thou no more questions concerning the multitude of them that perish.
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56 For when they had taken liberty, they despised the most High, thought scorn of his law, and forsook his ways.
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57 Moreover they have trodden down his righteous,
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58 And said in their heart, that there is no God; yea, and that knowing they must die.
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59 For as the things aforesaid shalt receive you, so thirst and pain are prepared for them: for it was not his will that men should come to nought:
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60 But they which be created have defiled the name of him that made them, and were unthankful unto him which prepared life for them.
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61 And therefore is my judgment now at hand.
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62 These things have I not shewed unto all men, but unto thee, and a few like thee. Then answered I and said,