42
I answered then and said, "If I have found grace, let me speak.
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As the husbandman's seed perisheth if it come not up, and receive not Thy rain in due season, or if there come too much rain and corrupt it,
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even so perisheth man also, who is formed with Thy hands and is called Thine own image, because Thou art like unto him, for whose sake Thou hast made all things, and likened him unto the husbandman's seed.
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Be not wroth with us, but spare Thy people and have mercy upon Thine own inheritance; for Thou art merciful unto Thy creature."
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answered He me and said" "Things present are for the present, and things to come for such as are to come.
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For thou comest far short that thou shouldest be able to love My creature more than I; but I have ofttimes drawn nigh unto thee and unto it, but never to the unrighteous.
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In this also thou art marvelous before the Most High:
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in that thou hast humbled thyself, as it becometh thee, and hast not judged thyself worthy to be much glorified among the righteous.
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For many great miseries shall be done to them that in the latter time shall dwell in the world, because they have walked in great pride.
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But understand thou for thyself, and seek out the glory for such as be like thee.
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For unto you is Paradise opened, the Tree of Life is planted, the time to come is prepared, plenteousness is made ready, a city is built, and rest is allowed, yea, perfect goodness and wisdom.