53
And that there should be shown a Paradise, whose fruit endureth for ever, wherein is security and remedy, since we shall not enter into it?
54
(For we have walked in unpleasant places.)
55
And that the faces of those who have used abstinence shall shine above the stars, whereas our faces shall be blacker than darkness?
56
For while we lived and committed iniquity, we considered not that we should begin to suffer for it after death."
57
Then he answered me and said, "This is the condition of the battle which man who is born upon the earth shall fight:
58
that if he be overcome he shall suffer as thou hast said, but if he get the victory he shall receive the thing that I say.
59
For this is the life whereof Moses spoke unto the people while he lived, saying, `Choose thee life, that thou mayest live!'
60
Nevertheless they believed not him, nor yet the prophets after him, no, nor me, who have spoken unto them,
61
that there should not be such heaviness in their destruction as shall be joy over them that are persuaded to salvation."
62
I answered then and said, "I know, lord, that the Most High is called merciful, in that He hath mercy upon those who have not yet come into the world,
63
and upon those also who turn to His law;