31
For we and our ancestors have passed our lives in ways that bring death; but it is because of us sinners that you are called merciful.
32
For if you have desired to have pity on us, who have no works of righteousness, then you will be called merciful.
33
For the righteous, who have many works laid up with you, shall receive their reward in consequence of their own deeds.
34
But what are mortals, that you are angry with them; or what is a corruptible race, that you are so bitter against it?
35
For in truth there is no one among those who have been born who has not acted wickedly; among those who have existed there is no one who has not done wrong.
36
For in this, O Lord, your righteousness and goodness will be declared, when you are merciful to those who have no store of good works."
37
He answered me and said, "Some things you have spoken rightly, and it will turn out according to your words.
38
For indeed I will not concern myself about the fashioning of those who have sinned, or about their death, their judgment, or their destruction;
39
but I will rejoice over the creation of the righteous, over their pilgrimage also, and their salvation, and their receiving their reward.
40
As I have spoken, therefore, so it shall be.
41
"For just as the farmer sows many seeds in the ground and plants a multitude of seedlings, and yet not all that have been sown will come up in due season, and not all that were planted will take root; so also those who have been sown in the world will not all be saved."