8
and only one path between them both, even between the fire and the water, so small that there could but one man go there at once.
9
If this city now were given unto a man for an inherit-ance, if he never shall pass the danger set before it, how shall he receive this inheritance?"
10
And I said, "It is so, Lord." Then said He unto me, "Even so also is Israel's portion.
11
Because for their sakes I made the world; and when Adam transgressed My statutes, then was decreed what now is done.
12
Then were the entrances of this world made narrow, full of sorrow and travail; they are but few and evil, full of perils and very painful.
13
For the entrances of the elder world were wide and sure, and brought immortal fruit.
14
If then they that live labor not to enter these straitened and vain things, they can never receive those that are laid up for them.
15
Now therefore why disquietest thou thyself, seeing thou art but a corruptible man? And why art thou moved, whereas thou art but mortal?
16
Why hast thou not considered in thy mind this thing that is to come, rather than that which is present?"
17
Then answered I and said, "O Lord who bearest rule, Thou hast ordained in Thy law that the righteous should inherit these things, but that the ungodly should perish.
18
Nevertheless the righteous shall suffer straitened things and hope for wide; for those who have done wickedly have suffered the straitened things, and yet shall not see the wide."