67
For what does it profit us that we shall be preserved alive but cruelly tormented? for if he did not make them abound, the world with those who inhabit it would not have life;
68
For all who have been born are involved in iniquities, and are full of sins and burdened with transgressions. and he is called giver, because if he did not give out of his goodness so that those who have committed iniquities might be relieved of them, not one ten-thousandth of mankind could have life;
69
And if we were not to come into judgment after death, perhaps it would have been better for us." and judge, because if he did not pardon those who were created by his word and blot out the multitude of their sins,
70
He answered me and said, "When the Most High made the world and Adam and all who have come from him, he first prepared the judgment and the things that pertain to the judgment. there would probably be left only very few of the innumerable multitude."
71
And now understand from your own words, for you have said that the mind grows with us.
72
For this reason, therefore, those who dwell on earth shall be tormented, because though they had understanding they committed iniquity, and though they received the commandments they did not keep them, and though they obtained the law they dealt unfaithfully with what they received.
73
What, then, will they have to say in the judgment, or how will they answer in the last times?
74
For how long the time is that the Most High has been patient with those who inhabit the world, and not for their sake, but because of the times which he has foreordained!"
75
I answered and said, "If I have found favor in thy sight, O Lord, show this also to thy servant: whether after death, as soon as every one of us yields up his soul, we shall be kept in rest until those times come when thou wilt renew the creation, or whether we shall be tormented at once?"
76
He answered me and said, "I will show you that also, but do not be associated with those who have shown scorn, nor number yourself among those who are tormented.
77
For you have a treasure of works laid up with the Most High; but it will not be shown to you until the last times.