30
For the grain of evil seed hath been sown in the heart of Adam from the beginning, and how much ungodliness hath it brought up unto this time? And how much shall it yet bring forth until the time of threshing come!
31
Ponder now by thyself how great the fruit of wickedness the grain of evil seed hath brought forth.
32
And when the ears shall be cut down, which are without number, how great a floor shall they fill?"
33
Then I answered and said, "How and when shall these things come to pass? Why are our years few and evil?"
34
And he answered me, saying, "Do not thou hasten above the Most Highest; for thy haste is in vain to be above Him, for thou hast much exceeded.
35
Did not the souls also of the righteous ask questions about these things in their chambers, saying, `How long shall I hope in this fashion? When cometh the fruit of the floor of our reward?'
36
And unto these things Jeremiel the archangel gave them answer and said, `Even when the number of seeds is filled in you, for He hath weighed the world in the balance.
37
By measure hath He measured the times, and by number hath He numbered the times; and He doth not move nor stir them until the said measure be fulfilled.'"
38
Then answered I and said, "O Lord who bearest rule, even we all are full of impiety.
39
And for our sakes perhaps it is that the floors of the righteous are not filled, because of the sins of those who dwell upon the earth."
40
So he answered me and said, "Go thy way to a woman with child, and ask of her if, when she hath fulfilled her nine months, her womb may keep the birth any longer within her."