1
And he answered me, saying, The most High hath made this world for many, but the world to come for few.
2
I will tell thee a similitude, Esdras; As when thou askest the earth, it shall say unto thee, that it giveth much mould whereof earthen vessels are made, but little dust that gold cometh of: even so is the course of this present world.
3
There be many created, but few shall be saved.
4
So answered I and said, Swallow then down, O my soul, understanding, and devour wisdom.
5
For thou hast agreed to give ear, and art willing to prophesy: for thou hast no longer space than only to live.
6
O Lord, if thou suffer not thy servant, that we may pray before thee, and thou give us seed unto our heart, and culture to our understanding, that there may come fruit of it; how shall each man live that is corrupt, who beareth the place of a man?
7
For thou art alone, and we all one workmanship of thine hands, like as thou hast said.