17
And he answered me, saying, Like as the field is, so is also the seed; as the flowers be, such are the colours also; such as the workman is, such also is the work; and as the husbandman is himself, so is his husbandry also: for it was the time of the world.
18
And now when I prepared the world, which was not yet made, even for them to dwell in that now live, no man spake against me.
19
For then every one obeyed: but now the manners of them which are created in this world that is made are corrupted by a perpetual seed, and by a law which is unsearchable rid themselves.
20
So I considered the world, and, behold, there was peril because of the devices that were come into it.
21
And I saw, and spared it greatly, and have kept me a grape of the cluster, and a plant of a great people.
22
Let the multitude perish then, which was born in vain; and let my grape be kept, and my plant; for with great labour have I made it perfect.
23
Nevertheless, if thou wilt cease yet seven days more, (but thou shalt not fast in them,
24
But go into a field of flowers, where no house is builded, and eat only the flowers of the field; taste no flesh, drink no wine, but eat flowers only;)
25
And pray unto the Highest continually, then will I come and talk with thee.
26
So I went my way into the field which is called Ardath, like as he commanded me; and there I sat among the flowers, and did eat of the herbs of the field, and the meat of the same satisfied me.
27
After seven days I sat upon the grass, and my heart was vexed within me, like as before: