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."
42
I answered and said, "If I have found favor in your sight, let me speak.
43
If the farmer's seed does not come up, because it has not received your rain in due season, or if it has been ruined by too much rain, it perishes.
44
But people, who have been formed by your hands and are called your own image because they are made like you, and for whose sake you have formed all things—have you also made them like the farmer's seed?
45
Surely not, O Lord above! But spare your people and have mercy on your inheritance, for you have mercy on your own creation."