48
He said to me, "Even so have I given the womb of the earth to those who from time to time are sown in it.
49
For as an infant does not bring forth, and a woman who has become old does not bring forth any longer, so have I organized the world which I created."
50
Then I inquired and said, "Since thou hast now given me the opportunity, let me speak before thee. Is our mother, of whom thou hast told me, still young? Or is she now approaching old age?"
51
He replied to me, "Ask a woman who bears children, and she will tell you.
52
Say to her, "Why are those whom you have borne recently not like those whom you bore before, but smaller in stature?'
53
And she herself will answer you, `Those born in the strength of youth are different from those born during the time of old age, when the womb is failing.'
54
Therefore you also should consider that you and your contemporaries are smaller in stature than those who were before you,
55
and those who come after you will be smaller than you, as born of a creation which already is aging and passing the strength of youth."
56
And I said, "O Lord, I beseech thee, if I have found favor in thy sight, show thy servant through whom thou dost visit thy creation."