31
For we and our fathers do languish from such diseases, but because of us sinners Thou shalt be called merciful.
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.
33
For the just, who have many good works laid up with Thee, shall out of their own deeds receive reward.
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?
35
For in truth there is no man among them that be born who hath not dealt wickedly, and among the faithful there is none who hath not done amiss.
36
For in this, O Lord, Thy righteousness and Thy goodness shall be declared, if Thou be merciful unto them that have not the confidence of good works."
37
Then answered He me and said, "Some things hast thou spoken aright, and according unto thy words it shall be.
38
For indeed I will not think on the disposition of them that have sinned before death, before judgment, before destruction;
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.
40
As I have spoken now, so shall it come to pass.Œ
41
For as the husbandman soweth much seed upon the ground and planteth many trees, and yet the thing that is sown well in his season cometh not up, neither doth all that is planted take root, even so it is of them that are sown in the world: they shall not all be saved."