45
Then shall no man be able to save him that is destroyed, nor to oppress him that hath gotten the victory.
46
I answered then and said, This is my first and last saying, that it had been better not to have given the earth unto Adam: or else, when it was given him, to have restrained him from sinning.
47
For what profit is it for men now in this present time to live in heaviness, and after death to look for punishment?
48
O thou Adam, what hast thou done? for though it was thou that sinned, thou art not fallen alone, but we all that come of thee.
49
For what profit is it unto us, if there be promised us an immortal time, whereas we have done the works that bring death?
50
And that there is promised us an everlasting hope, whereas ourselves being most wicked are made vain?
51
And that there are laid up for us dwellings of health and safety, whereas we have lived wickedly?
52
And that the glory of the most High is kept to defend them which have led a wary life, whereas we have walked in the most wicked ways of all?
53
And that there should be shewed a paradise, whose fruit endureth for ever, wherein is security and medicine, since we shall not enter into it?
54
(For we have walked in unpleasant places.)
55
And that the faces of them which have used abstinence shall shine above the stars, whereas our faces shall be blacker than darkness?