GetPassageurn:cts:pbc:bible.parallel.eng.kingjames:82urn:cts:pbc:bible.parallel.eng.kingjames:82The second book of the prophet Esdras , the son of Saraias , the son of Azarias , the son of Helchias , the son of Sadamias , the sou of Sadoc , the son of Achitob , The son of Achias , the son of Phinees , the son of Heli , the son of Amarias , the son of Aziei , the son of Marimoth , the son of And he spake unto the of Borith , the son of Abisei , the son of Phinees , the son of Eleazar , The son of Aaron , of the tribe of Levi ; which was captive in the land of the Medes , in the reign of Artexerxes king of the Persians . And the word of the Lord came unto me , saying , Go thy way , and shew my people their sinful deeds , and their children their wickedness which they have done against me ; that they may tell their children's children : Because the sins of their fathers are increased in them : for they have forgotten me , and have offered unto strange gods . Am not I even he that brought them out of the land of Egypt , from the house of bondage ? but they have provoked me unto wrath , and despised my counsels . Pull thou off then the hair of thy head , and cast all evil upon them , for they have not been obedient unto my law , but it is a rebellious people . How long shall I forbear them , into whom I have done so much good ? Many kings have I destroyed for their sakes ; Pharaoh with his servants and all his power have I smitten down . All the nations have I destroyed before them , and in the east I have scattered the people of two provinces , even of Tyrus and Sidon , and have slain all their enemies . Speak thou therefore unto them , saying , Thus saith the Lord , I led you through the sea and in the beginning gave you a large and safe passage ; I gave you Moses for a leader , and Aaron for a priest . I gave you light in a pillar of fire , and great wonders have I done among you ; yet have ye forgotten me , saith the Lord . Thus saith the Almighty Lord , The quails were as a token to you ; I gave you tents for your safeguard : nevertheless ye murmured there , And triumphed not in my name for the destruction of your enemies , but ever to this day do ye yet murmur . Where are the benefits that I have done for you ? when ye were hungry and thirsty in the wilderness , did ye not cry unto me , Saying , Why hast thou brought us into this wilderness to kill us ? it had been better for us to have served the Egyptians , than to die in this wilderness . Then had I pity upon your mournings , and gave you manna to eat ; so ye did eat angels' bread . When ye were thirsty , did I not cleave the rock , and waters flowed out to your fill ? for the heat I covered you with the leaves of the trees . I divided among you a fruitful land , I cast out the Canaanites , the Pherezites , and the Philistines , before you : what shall I yet do more for you ? saith the Lord . Thus saith the Almighty Lord , When ye were in the wilderness , in the river of the Amorites , being athirst , and blaspheming my name , I gave you not fire for your blasphemies , but cast a tree in the water , and made the river sweet . What shall I do unto thee , O Jacob ? thou , Juda , wouldest not obey me : I will turn me to other nations , and unto those will I give my name , that they may keep my statutes . Seeing ye have forsaken me , I will forsake you also ; when ye desire me to be gracious unto you , I shall have no mercy upon you . Whensoever ye shall call upon me , I will not hear you : for ye have defiled your hands with blood , and your feet are swift to commit manslaughter . Ye have not as it were forsaken me , but your own selves , saith the Lord . Thus saith the Almighty Lord , Have I not prayed you as a father his sons , as a mother her daughters , and a nurse her young babes , That ye would be my people , and I should be your God ; that ye would be my children , and I should be your father ? I gathered you together , as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings : but now , what shall I do unto you ? I will cast you out from my face . When ye offer unto me , I will turn my face from you : for your solemn feastdays , your new moons , and your circumcisions , have I forsaken . I sent unto you my servants the prophets , whom ye have taken and slain , and torn their bodies in pieces , whose blood I will require of your hands , saith the Lord . Thus saith the Almighty Lord , Your house is desolate , I will cast you out as the wind doth stubble . And your children shall not be fruitful ; for they have despised my commandment , and done the thing that is an evil before me . Your houses will I give to a people that shall come ; which not having heard of me yet shall believe me ; to whom I have shewed no signs , yet they shall do that I have commanded them . They have seen no prophets , yet they shall call their sins to remembrance , and acknowledge them . I take to witness the grace of the people to come , whose little ones rejoice in gladness : and though they have not seen me with bodily eyes , yet in spirit they believe the thing that I say . And now , brother , behold what glory ; and see the people that come from the east : Unto whom I will give for leaders , Abraham , Isaac , and Jacob , Oseas , Amos , and Micheas , Joel , Abdias , and Jonas , Nahum , and Abacuc , Sophonias , Aggeus , Zachary , and Malachy , which is called also an angel of the Lord . Thus saith the Lord , I brought this people out of bondage , and I gave them my commandments by menservants the prophets ; whom they would not hear , but despised my counsels . The mother that bare them saith unto them , Go your way , ye children ; for I am a widow and forsaken . I brought you up with gladness ; but with sorrow and heaviness have I lost you : for ye have sinned before the Lord your God , and done that thing that is evil before him . But what shall I now do unto you ? I am a widow and forsaken : go your way , O my children , and ask mercy of the Lord . As for me , O father , I call upon thee for a witness over the mother of these children , which would not keep my covenant , That thou bring them to confusion , and their mother to a spoil , that there may be no offspring of them . Let them be scattered abroad among the heathen , let their names be put out of the earth : for they have despised my covenant . Woe be unto thee , Assur , thou that hidest the unrighteous in thee ! O thou wicked people , remember what I did unto Sodom and Gomorrha ; Whose land lieth in clods of pitch and heaps of ashes : even so also will I do unto them that hear me not , saith the Almighty Lord . Thus saith the Lord unto Esdras , Tell my people that I will give them the kingdom of Jerusalem , which I would have given unto Israel . Their glory also will I take unto me , and give these the everlasting tabernacles , which I had prepared for them . They shall have the tree of life for an ointment of sweet savour ; they shall neither labour , nor be weary . Go , and ye shall receive : pray for few days unto you , that they may be shortened : the kingdom is already prepared for you : watch . Take heaven and earth to witness ; for I have broken the evil in pieces , and created the good : for I live , saith the Lord . Mother , embrace thy children , and bring them up with gladness , make their feet as fast as a pillar : for I have chosen thee , saith the Lord . And those that be dead will I raise up again from their places , and bring them out of the graves : for I have known my name in Israel . Fear not , thou mother of the children : for I have chosen thee , saith the Lord . For thy help will I send my servants Esau and Jeremy , after whose counsel I have sanctified and prepared for thee twelve trees laden with divers fruits , And as many fountains flowing with milk and honey , and seven mighty mountains , whereupon there grow roses and lilies , whereby I will fill thy children with joy . Do right to the widow , judge for the fatherless , give to the poor , defend the orphan , clothe the naked , Heal the broken and the weak , laugh not a lame man to scorn , defend the maimed , and let the blind man come into the sight of my clearness . Keep the old and young within thy walls . Wheresoever thou findest the dead , take them and bury them , and I will give thee the first place in my resurrection . Abide still , O my people , and take thy rest , for thy quietness still come . Nourish thy children , O thou good nurse ; stablish their feet . As for the servants whom I have given thee , there shall not one of them perish ; for I will require them from among thy number . Be not weary : for when the day of trouble and heaviness cometh , others shall weep and be sorrowful , but thou shalt be merry and have abundance . The heathen shall envy thee , but they shall be able to do nothing against thee , saith the Lord . My hands shall cover thee , so that thy children shall not see hell . Be joyful , O thou mother , with thy children ; for I will deliver thee , saith the Lord . Remember thy children that sleep , for I shall bring them out of the sides of the earth , and shew mercy unto them : for I am merciful , saith the Lord Almighty . Embrace thy children until I come and shew mercy unto them : for my wells run over , and my grace shall not fail . I Esdras received a charge of the Lord upon the mount Oreb , that I should go unto Israel ; but when I came unto them , they set me at nought , and despised the commandment of the Lord . And therefore I say unto you , O ye heathen , that hear and understand , look for your Shepherd , he shall give you everlasting rest ; for he is nigh at hand , that shall come in the end of the world . Be ready to the reward of the kingdom , for the everlasting light shall shine upon you for evermore . Flee the shadow of this world , receive the joyfulness of your glory : I testify my Saviour openly . O receive the gift that is given you , and be glad , giving thanks unto him that hath led you to the heavenly kingdom . Arise up and stand , behold the number of those that be sealed in the feast of the Lord ; Which are departed from the shadow of the world , and have received glorious garments of the Lord . Take thy number , O Sion , and shut up those of thine that are clothed in white , which have fulfilled the law of the Lord . The number of thy children , whom thou longedst for , is fulfilled : beseech the power of the Lord , that thy people , which have been called from the beginning , may be hallowed . I Esdras saw upon the mount Sion a great people , whom I could not number , and they all praised the Lord with songs . And in the midst of them there was a young man of a high stature , taller than all the rest , and upon every one of their heads he set crowns , and was more exalted ; which I marvelled at greatly . So I asked the angel , and said , Sir , what are these ? He answered and said unto me , These be they that have put off the mortal clothing , and put on the immortal , and have confessed the name of God : now are they crowned , and receive palms . Then said I unto the angel , What young person is it that crowneth them , and giveth them palms in their hands ? So he answered and said unto me , It is the Son of God , whom they have confessed in the world . Then began I greatly to commend them that stood so stiffly for the name of the Lord . Then the angel said unto me , Go thy way , and tell my people what manner of things , and how great wonders of the Lord thy God , thou hast seen . In the thirtieth year after the ruin of the city I was in Babylon , and lay troubled upon my bed , and my thoughts came up over my heart : For I saw the desolation of Sion , and the wealth of them that dwelt at Babylon . And my spirit was sore moved , so that I began to speak words full of fear to the most High , and said , O Lord , who bearest rule , thou spakest at the beginning , when thou didst plant the earth , and that thyself alone , and commandedst the people , And gavest a body unto Adam without soul , which was the workmanship of thine hands , and didst breathe into him the breath of life , and he was made living before thee . And thou leadest him into paradise , which thy right hand had planted , before ever the earth came forward . And unto him thou gavest commandment to love thy way : which he transgressed , and immediately thou appointedst death in him and in his generations , of whom came nations , tribes , people , and kindreds , out of number . And every people walked after their own will , and did wonderful things before thee , and despised thy commandments . And again in process of time thou broughtest the flood upon those that dwelt in the world , and destroyedst them . And it came to pass in every of them , that as death was to Adam , so was the flood to these . Nevertheless one of them thou leftest , namely , Noah with his household , of whom came all righteous men . And it happened , that when they that dwelt upon the earth began to multiply , and had gotten them many children , and were a great people , they began again to be more ungodly than the first . Now when they lived so wickedly before thee , thou didst choose thee a man from among them , whose name was Abraham . Him thou lovedst , and unto him only thou shewedst thy will : And madest an everlasting covenant with him , promising him that thou wouldest never forsake his seed . And unto him thou gavest Isaac , and unto Isaac also thou gavest Jacob and Esau . As for Jacob , thou didst choose him to thee , and put by Esau : and so Jacob became a great multitude . And it came to pass , that when thou leadest his seed out of Egypt , thou broughtest them up to the mount Sinai . And bowing the heavens , thou didst set fast the earth , movedst the whole world , and madest the depths to tremble , and troubledst the men of that age . And thy glory went through four gates , of fire , and of earthquake , and of wind , and of cold ; that thou mightest give the law unto the seed of Jacob , and diligence unto the generation of Israel . And yet tookest thou not away from them a wicked heart , that thy law might bring forth fruit in them . For the first Adam bearing a wicked heart transgressed , and was overcome ; and so be all they that are born of him . Thus infirmity was made permanent ; and the law ( also ) in the heart of the people with the malignity of the root ; so that the good departed away , and the evil abode still . So the times passed away , and the years were brought to an end : then didst thou raise thee up a servant , called David : Whom thou commandedst to build a city unto thy name , and to offer incense and oblations unto thee therein . When this was done many years , then they that inhabited the city forsook thee , And in all things did even as Adam and all his generations had done : for they also had a wicked heart : And so thou gavest thy city over into the hands of thine enemies . Are their deeds then any better that inhabit Babylon , that they should therefore have the dominion over Sion ? For when I came thither , and had seen impieties without number , then my soul saw many evildoers in this thirtieth year , so that my heart failed me . For I have seen how thou sufferest them sinning , and hast spared wicked doers : and hast destroyed thy people , and hast preserved thine enemies , and hast not signified it . I do not remember how this way may be left : Are they then of Babylon better than they of Sion ? Or is there any other people that knoweth thee beside Israel ? or what generation hath so believed thy covenants as Jacob ? And yet their reward appeareth not , and their labour hath no fruit : for I have gone here and there through the heathen , and I see that they flow in wealth , and think not upon thy commandments . Weigh thou therefore our wickedness now in the balance , and their's also that dwell the world ; and so shall thy name no where be found but in Israel . Or when was it that they which dwell upon the earth have not sinned in thy sight ? or what people have so kept thy commandments ? Thou shalt find that Israel by name hath kept thy precepts ; but not the heathen . And the angel that was sent unto me , whose name was Uriel , gave me an answer , And said , Thy heart hath gone to far in this world , and thinkest thou to comprehend the way of the most High ? Then said I , Yea , my lord . And he answered me , and said , I am sent to shew thee three ways , and to set forth three similitudes before thee : Whereof if thou canst declare me one , I will shew thee also the way that thou desirest to see , and I shall shew thee from whence the wicked heart cometh . And I said , Tell on , my lord . Then said he unto me , Go thy way , weigh me the weight of the fire , or measure me the blast of the wind , or call me again the day that is past . Then answered I and said , What man is able to do that , that thou shouldest ask such things of me ? And he said unto me , If I should ask thee how great dwellings are in the midst of the sea , or how many springs are in the beginning of the deep , or how many springs are above the firmament , or which are the outgoings of paradise : Peradventure thou wouldest say unto me , I never went down into the deep , nor as yet into hell , neither did I ever climb up into heaven . Nevertheless now have I asked thee but only of the fire and wind , and of the day wherethrough thou hast passed , and of things from which thou canst not be separated , and yet canst thou give me no answer of them . He said moreover unto me , Thine own things , and such as are grown up with thee , canst thou not know ; How should thy vessel then be able to comprehend the way of the Highest , and , the world being now outwardly corrupted to understand the corruption that is evident in my sight ? Then said I unto him , It were better that we were not at all , than that we should live still in wickedness , and to suffer , and not to know wherefore . He answered me , and said , I went into a forest into a plain , and the trees took counsel , And said , Come , let us go and make war against the sea that it may depart away before us , and that we may make us more woods . The floods of the sea also in like manner took counsel , and said , Come , let us go up and subdue the woods of the plain , that there also we may make us another country . The thought of the wood was in vain , for the fire came and consumed it . The thought of the floods of the sea came likewise to nought , for the sand stood up and stopped them . If thou wert judge now betwixt these two , whom wouldest thou begin to justify ? or whom wouldest thou condemn ? I answered and said , Verily it is a foolish thought that they both have devised , for the ground is given unto the wood , and the sea also hath his place to bear his floods . Then answered he me , and said , Thou hast given a right judgment , but why judgest thou not thyself also ? For like as the ground is given unto the wood , and the sea to his floods : even so they that dwell upon the earth may understand nothing but that which is upon the earth : and he that dwelleth above the heavens may only understand the things that are above the height of the heavens . Then answered I and said , I beseech thee , O Lord , let me have understanding : For it was not my mind to be curious of the high things , but of such as pass by us daily , namely , wherefore Israel is given up as a reproach to the heathen , and for what cause the people whom thou hast loved is given over unto ungodly nations , and why the law of our forefathers is brought to nought , and the written covenants come to none effect , And we pass away out of the world as grasshoppers , and our life is astonishment and fear , and we are not worthy to obtain mercy . What will he then do unto his name whereby we are called ? of these things have I asked . Then answered he me , and said , The more thou searchest , the more thou shalt marvel ; for the world hasteth fast to pass away , And cannot comprehend the things that are promised to the righteous in time to come : for this world is full of unrighteousness and infirmities . But as concerning the things whereof thou askest me , I will tell thee ; for the evil is sown , but the destruction thereof is not yet come . If therefore that which is sown be not turned upside down , and if the place where the evil is sown pass not away , then cannot it come that is sown with good . For the grain of evil seed hath been sown in the heart of Adam from the beginning , and how much ungodliness hath it brought up unto this time ? and how much shall it yet bring forth until the time of threshing come ? Ponder now by thyself , how great fruit of wickedness the grain of evil seed hath brought forth . And when the ears shall be cut down , which are without number , how great a floor shall they fill ? Then I answered and said , How , and when shall these things come to pass ? wherefore are our years few and evil ? And he answered me , saying , Do not thou hasten above the most Highest : for thy haste is in vain to be above him , for thou hast much exceeded . Did not the souls also of the righteous ask question of these things in their chambers , saying , How long shall I hope on this fashion ? when cometh the fruit of the floor of our reward ? And unto these things Uriel the archangel gave them answer , and said , Even when the number of seeds is filled in you : for he hath weighed the world in the balance . By measure hath he measured the times ; and by number hath he numbered the times ; and he doth not move nor stir them , until the said measure be fulfilled . Then answered I and said , O Lord that bearest rule , even we all are full of impiety . And for our sakes peradventure it is that the floors of the righteous are not filled , because of the sins of them that dwell upon the earth . So he answered me , and said , Go thy way to a woman with child , and ask of her when she hath fulfilled her nine months , if her womb may keep the birth any longer within her . Then said I , No , Lord , that can she not . And he said unto me , In the grave the chambers of souls are like the womb of a woman : For like as a woman that travaileth maketh haste to escape the necessity of the travail : even so do these places haste to deliver those things that are committed unto them . From the beginning , look , what thou desirest to see , it shall be shewed thee . Then answered I and said , If I have found favour in thy sight , and if it be possible , and if I be meet therefore , Shew me then whether there be more to come than is past , or more past than is to come . What is past I know , but what is for to come I know not . And he said unto me , Stand up upon the right side , and I shall expound the similitude unto thee . So I stood , and saw , and , behold , an hot burning oven passed by before me : and it happened that when the flame was gone by I looked , and , behold , the smoke remained still . After this there passed by before me a watery cloud , and sent down much rain with a storm ; and when the stormy rain was past , the drops remained still . Then said he unto me , Consider with thyself ; as the rain is more than the drops , and as the fire is greater than the smoke ; but the drops and the smoke remain behind : so the quantity which is past did more exceed . Then I prayed , and said , May I live , thinkest thou , until that time ? or what shall happen in those days ? He answered me , and said , As for the tokens whereof thou askest me , I may tell thee of them in part : but as touching thy life , I am not sent to shew thee ; for I do not know it . Nevertheless as coming the tokens , behold , the days shall come , that they which dwell upon earth shall be taken in a great number , and the way of truth shall be hidden , and the land shall be barren of faith . But iniquity shall be increased above that which now thou seest , or that thou hast heard long ago . And the land , that thou seest now to have root , shalt thou see wasted suddenly . But if the most High grant thee to live , thou shalt see after the third trumpet that the sun shall suddenly shine again in the night , and the moon thrice in the day : And blood shall drop out of wood , and the stone shall give his voice , and the people shall be troubled : And even he shall rule , whom they look not for that dwell upon the earth , and the fowls shall take their flight away together : And the Sodomitish sea shall cast out fish , and make a noise in the night , which many have not known : but they shall all hear the voice thereof . There shall be a confusion also in many places , and the fire shall be oft sent out again , and the wild beasts shall change their places , and menstruous women shall bring forth monsters : And salt waters shall be found in the sweet , and all friends shall destroy one another ; then shall wit hide itself , and understanding withdraw itself into his secret chamber , And shall be sought of many , and yet not be found : then shall unrighteousness and incontinency be multiplied upon earth . One land also shall ask another , and say , Is righteousness that maketh a man righteous gone through thee ? And it shall say , No . At the same time shall men hope , but nothing obtain : they shall labour , but their ways shall not prosper . To shew thee such tokens I have leave ; and if thou wilt pray again , and weep as now , and fast even days , thou shalt hear yet greater things . Then I awaked , and an extreme fearfulness went through all my body , and my mind was troubled , so that it fainted . So the angel that was come to talk with me held me , comforted me , and set me up upon my feet . And in the second night it came to pass , that Salathiel the captain of the people came unto me , saying , Where hast thou been ? and why is thy countenance so heavy ? Knowest thou not that Israel is committed unto thee in the land of their captivity ? Up then , and eat bread , and forsake us not , as the shepherd that leaveth his flock in the hands of cruel wolves . Then said I unto him , Go thy ways from me , and come not nigh me . And he heard what I said , and went from me . And so I fasted seven days , mourning and weeping , like as Uriel the angel commanded me . And after seven days so it was , that the thoughts of my heart were very grievous unto me again , And my soul recovered the spirit of understanding , and I began to talk with the most High again , And said , O Lord that bearest rule , of every wood of the earth , and of all the trees thereof , thou hast chosen thee one only vine : And of all lands of the whole world thou hast chosen thee one pit : and of all the flowers thereof one lily : And of all the depths of the sea thou hast filled thee one river : and of all builded cities thou hast hallowed Sion unto thyself : And of all the fowls that are created thou hast named thee one dove : and of all the cattle that are made thou hast provided thee one sheep : And among all the multitudes of people thou hast gotten thee one people : and unto this people , whom thou lovedst , thou gavest a law that is approved of all . And now , O Lord , why hast thou given this one people over unto many ? and upon the one root hast thou prepared others , and why hast thou scattered thy only one people among many ? And they which did gainsay thy promises , and believed not thy covenants , have trodden them down . If thou didst so much hate thy people , yet shouldest thou punish them with thine own hands . Now when I had spoken these words , the angel that came to me the night afore was sent unto me , And said unto me , Hear me , and I will instruct thee ; hearken to the thing that I say , and I shall tell thee more . And I said , Speak on , my Lord . Then said he unto me , Thou art sore troubled in mind for Israel's sake : lovest thou that people better than he that made them ? And I said , No , Lord : but of very grief have I spoken : for my reins pain me every hour , while I labour to comprehend the way of the most High , and to seek out part of his judgment . And he said unto me , Thou canst not . And I said , Wherefore , Lord ? whereunto was I born then ? or why was not my mother's womb then my grave , that I might not have seen the travail of Jacob , and the wearisome toil of the stock of Israel ? And he said unto me , Number me the things that are not yet come , gather me together the dross that are scattered abroad , make me the flowers green again that are withered , Open me the places that are closed , and bring me forth the winds that in them are shut up , shew me the image of a voice : and then I will declare to thee the thing that thou labourest to know . And I said , O Lord that bearest rule , who may know these things , but he that hath not his dwelling with men ? As for me , I am unwise : how may I then speak of these things whereof thou askest me ? Then said he unto me , Like as thou canst do none of these things that I have spoken of , even so canst thou not find out my judgment , or in the end the love that I have promised unto my people . And I said , Behold , O Lord , yet art thou nigh unto them that be reserved till the end : and what shall they do that have been before me , or we that be now , or they that shall come after us ? And he said unto me , I will liken my judgment unto a ring : like as there is no slackness of the last , even so there is no swiftness of the first . So I answered and said , Couldest thou not make those that have been made , and be now , and that are for to come , at once ; that thou mightest shew thy judgment the sooner ? Then answered he me , and said , The creature may not haste above the maker ; neither may the world hold them at once that shall be created therein . And I said , As thou hast said unto thy servant , that thou , which givest life to all , hast given life at once to the creature that thou hast created , and the creature bare it : even so it might now also bear them that now be present at once . And he said unto me , Ask the womb of a woman , and say unto her , If thou bringest forth children , why dost thou it not together , but one after another ? pray her therefore to bring forth ten children at once . And I said , She cannot : but must do it by distance of time . Then said he unto me , Even so have I given the womb of the earth to those that be sown in it in their times . For like as a young child may not bring forth the things that belong to the aged , even so have I disposed the world which I created . And I asked , and said , Seeing thou hast now given me the way , I will proceed to speak before thee : for our mother , of whom thou hast told me that she is young , draweth now nigh unto age . He answered me , and said , Ask a woman that beareth children , and she shall tell thee . Say unto her , Wherefore are unto they whom thou hast now brought forth like those that were before , but less of stature ? And she shall answer thee , They that be born in the the strength of youth are of one fashion , and they that are born in the time of age , when the womb faileth , are otherwise . Consider thou therefore also , how that ye are less of stature than those that were before you . And so are they that come after you less than ye , as the creatures which now begin to be old , and have passed over the strength of youth . Then said I , Lord , I beseech thee , if I have found favour in thy sight , shew thy servant by whom thou visitest thy creature . And he said unto me , In the beginning , when the earth was made , before the borders of the world stood , or ever the winds blew , Before it thundered and lightened , or ever the foundations of paradise were laid , Before the fair flowers were seen , or ever the moveable powers were established , before the innumerable multitude of angels were gathered together , Or ever the heights of the air were lifted up , before the measures of the firmament were named , or ever the chimneys in Sion were hot , And ere the present years were sought out , and or ever the inventions of them that now sin were turned , before they were sealed that have gathered faith for a treasure : Then did I consider these things , and they all were made through me alone , and through none other : by me also they shall be ended , and by none other . Then answered I and said , What shall be the parting asunder of the times ? or when shall be the end of the first , and the beginning of it that followeth ? And he said unto me , From Abraham unto Isaac , when Jacob and Esau were born of him , Jacob's hand held first the heel of Esau . For Esau is the end of the world , and Jacob is the beginning of it that followeth . The hand of man is betwixt the heel and the hand : other question , Esdras , ask thou not . I answered then and said , O Lord that bearest rule , if I have found favour in thy sight , I beseech thee , shew thy servant the end of thy tokens , whereof thou shewedst me part the last night . So he answered and said unto me , Stand up upon thy feet , and hear a mighty sounding voice . And it shall be as it were a great motion ; but the place where thou standest shall not be moved . And therefore when it speaketh be not afraid : for the word is of the end , and the foundation of the earth is understood . And why ? because the speech of these things trembleth and is moved : for it knoweth that the end of these things must be changed . And it happened , that when I had heard it I stood up upon my feet , and hearkened , and , behold , there was a voice that spake , and the sound of it was like the sound of many waters . And it said , Behold , the days come , that I will begin to draw nigh , and to visit them that dwell upon the earth , And will begin to make inquisition of them , what they be that have hurt unjustly with their unrighteousness , and when the affliction of Sion shall be fulfilled ; And when the world , that shall begin to vanish away , shall be finished , then will I shew these tokens : the books shall be opened before the firmament , and they shall see all together : And the children of a year old shall speak with their voices , the women with child shall bring forth untimely children of three or four months old , and they shall live , and be raised up . And suddenly shall the sown places appear unsown , the full storehouses shall suddenly be found empty : And tha trumpet shall give a sound , which when every man heareth , they shall be suddenly afraid . At that time shall friends fight one against another like enemies , and the earth shall stand in fear with those that dwell therein , the springs of the fountains shall stand still , and in three hours they shall not run . Whosoever remaineth from all these that I have told thee shall escape , and see my salvation , and the end of your world . And the men that are received shall see it , who have not tasted death from their birth : and the heart of the inhabitants shall be changed , and turned into another meaning . For evil shall be put out , and deceit shall be quenched . As for faith , it shall flourish , corruption shall be overcome , and the truth , which hath been so long without fruit , shall be declared . And when he talked with me , behold , I looked by little and little upon him before whom I stood . And these words said he unto me ; I am come to shew thee the time of the night to come . If thou wilt pray yet more , and fast seven days again , I shall tell thee greater things by day than I have heard . For thy voice is heard before the most High : for the Mighty hath seen thy righteous dealing , he hath seen also thy chastity , which thou hast had ever since thy youth . And therefore hath he sent me to shew thee all these things , and to say unto thee , Be of good comfort and fear not And hasten not with the times that are past , to think vain things , that thou mayest not hasten from the latter times . And it came to pass after this , that I wept again , and fasted seven days in like manner , that I might fulfil the three weeks which he told me . And in the eighth night was my heart vexed within me again , and I began to speak before the most High . For my spirit was greatly set on fire , and my soul was in distress . And I said , O Lord , thou spakest from the beginning of the creation , even the first day , and saidst thus ; Let heaven and earth be made ; and thy word was a perfect work . And then was the spirit , and darkness and silence were on every side ; the sound of man's voice was not yet formed . Then commandedst thou a fair light to come forth of thy treasures , that thy work might appear . Upon the second day thou madest the spirit of the firmament , and commandedst it to part asunder , and to make a division betwixt the waters , that the one part might go up , and the other remain beneath . Upon the third day thou didst command that the waters should be gathered in the seventh part of the earth : six pats hast thou dried up , and kept them , to the intent that of these some being planted of God and tilled might serve thee . For as soon as thy word went forth the work was made . For immediately there was great and innumerable fruit , and many and divers pleasures for the taste , and flowers of unchangeable colour , and odours of wonderful smell : and this was done the third day . Upon the fourth day thou commandedst that the sun should shine , and the moon give her light , and the stars should be in order : And gavest them a charge to do service unto man , that was to be made . Upon the fifth day thou saidst unto the seventh part , where the waters were gathered that it should bring forth living creatures , fowls and fishes : and so it came to pass . For the dumb water and without life brought forth living things at the commandment of God , that all people might praise thy wondrous works . Then didst thou ordain two living creatures , the one thou calledst Enoch , and the other Leviathan ; And didst separate the one from the other : for the seventh part , namely , where the water was gathered together , might not hold them both . Unto Enoch thou gavest one part , which was dried up the third day , that he should dwell in the same part , wherein are a thousand hills : But unto Leviathan thou gavest the seventh part , namely , the moist ; and hast kept him to be devoured of whom thou wilt , and when . Upon the sixth day thou gavest commandment unto the earth , that before thee it should bring forth beasts , cattle , and creeping things : And after these , Adam also , whom thou madest lord of all thy creatures : of him come we all , and the people also whom thou hast chosen . All this have I spoken before thee , O Lord , because thou madest the world for our sakes As for the other people , which also come of Adam , thou hast said that they are nothing , but be like unto spittle : and hast likened the abundance of them unto a drop that falleth from a vessel . And now , O Lord , behold , these heathen , which have ever been reputed as nothing , have begun to be lords over us , and to devour us . But we thy people , whom thou hast called thy firstborn , thy only begotten , and thy fervent lover , are given into their hands . If the world now be made for our sakes , why do we not possess an inheritance with the world ? how long shall this endure ? And when I had made an end of speaking these words , there was sent unto me the angel which had been sent unto me the nights afore : And he said unto me , Up , Esdras , and hear the words that I am come to tell thee . And I said , Speak on , my God . Then said he unto me , The sea is set in a wide place , that it might be deep and great . But put the case the entrance were narrow , and like a river ; Who then could go into the sea to look upon it , and to rule it ? if he went not through the narrow , how could he come into the broad ? There is also another thing ; A city is builded , and set upon a broad field , and is full of all good things : The entrance thereof is narrow , and is set in a dangerous place to fall , like as if there were a fire on the right hand , and on the left a deep water : And one only path between them both , even between the fire and the water , so small that there could but one man go there at once . If this city now were given unto a man for an inheritance , if he never shall pass the danger set before it , how shall he receive this inheritance ? And I said , It is so , Lord . Then said he unto me , Even so also is Israel's portion . Because for their sakes I made the world : and when Adam transgressed my statutes , then was decreed that now is done . 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 . For the entrances of the elder world were wide and sure , and brought immortal fruit . If then they that live labour not to enter these strait and vain things , they can never receive those that are laid up for them . Now therefore why disquietest thou thyself , seeing thou art but a corruptible man ? and why art thou moved , whereas thou art but mortal ? Why hast thou not considered in thy mind this thing that is to come , rather than that which is present ? Then answered I and said , O Lord that bearest rule , thou hast ordained in thy law , that the righteous should inherit these things , but that the ungodly should perish . Nevertheless the righteous shall suffer strait things , and hope for wide : for they that have done wickedly have suffered the strait things , and yet shall not see the wide . And he said unto me . There is no judge above God , and none that hath understanding above the Highest . For there be many that perish in this life , because they despise the law of God that is set before them . For God hath given strait commandment to such as came , what they should do to live , even as they came , and what they should observe to avoid punishment . Nevertheless they were not obedient unto him ; but spake against him , and imagined vain things ; And deceived themselves by their wicked deeds ; and said of the most High , that he is not ; and knew not his ways : But his law have they despised , and denied his covenants ; in his statutes have they not been faithful , and have not performed his works . And therefore , Esdras , for the empty are empty things , and for the full are the full things . Behold , the time shall come , that these tokens which I have told thee shall come to pass , and the bride shall appear , and she coming forth shall be seen , that now is withdrawn from the earth . And whosoever is delivered from the foresaid evils shall see my wonders . For my son Jesus shall be revealed with those that be with him , and they that remain shall rejoice within four hundred years . After these years shall my son Christ die , and all men that have life . And the world shall be turned into the old silence seven days , like as in the former judgments : so that no man shall remain . And after seven days the world , that yet awaketh not , shall be raised up , and that shall die that is corrupt And the earth shall restore those that are asleep in her , and so shall the dust those that dwell in silence , and the secret places shall deliver those souls that were committed unto them . And the most High shall appear upon the seat of judgment , and misery shall pass away , and the long suffering shall have an end : But judgment only shall remain , truth shall stand , and faith shall wax strong : And the work shall follow , and the reward shall be shewed , and the good deeds shall be of force , and wicked deeds shall bear no rule . Then said I , Abraham prayed first for the Sodomites , and Moses for the fathers that sinned in the wilderness : And Jesus after him for Israel in the time of Achan : And Samuel and David for the destruction : and Solomon for them that should come to the sanctuary : And Helias for those that received rain ; and for the dead , that he might live : And Ezechias for the people in the time of Sennacherib : and many for many . Even so now , seeing corruption is grown up , and wickedness increased , and the righteous have prayed for the ungodly : wherefore shall it not be so now also ? He answered me , and said , This present life is not the end where much glory doth abide ; therefore have they prayed for the weak . But the day of doom shall be the end of this time , and the beginning of the immortality for to come , wherein corruption is past , Intemperance is at an end , infidelity is cut off , righteousness is grown , and truth is sprung up . Then shall no man be able to save him that is destroyed , nor to oppress him that hath gotten the victory . I answered then and said , This is my first and last saying , that it had been better not to have given the earth unto Adam : or else , when it was given him , to have restrained him from sinning . For what profit is it for men now in this present time to live in heaviness , and after death to look for punishment ? O thou Adam , what hast thou done ? for though it was thou that sinned , thou art not fallen alone , but we all that come of thee . For what profit is it unto us , if there be promised us an immortal time , whereas we have done the works that bring death ? And that there is promised us an everlasting hope , whereas ourselves being most wicked are made vain ? And that there are laid up for us dwellings of health and safety , whereas we have lived wickedly ? And that the glory of the most High is kept to defend them which have led a wary life , whereas we have walked in the most wicked ways of all ? And that there should be shewed a paradise , whose fruit endureth for ever , wherein is security and medicine , since we shall not enter into it ? ( For we have walked in unpleasant places . ) And that the faces of them which have used abstinence shall shine above the stars , whereas our faces shall be blacker than darkness ? For while we lived and committed iniquity , we considered not that we should begin to suffer for it after death . Then answered he me , and said , This is the condition of the battle , which man that is born upon the earth shall fight ; That , if he be overcome , he shall suffer as thou hast said : but if he get the victory , he shall receive the thing that I say . For this is the life whereof Moses spake unto the people while he lived , saying , Choose thee life , that thou mayest live . Nevertheless they believed not him , nor yet the prophets after him , no nor me which have spoken unto them , That there should not be such heaviness in their destruction , as shall be joy over them that are persuaded to salvation . I answered then , and said , I know , Lord , that the most High is called merciful , in that he hath mercy upon them which are not yet come into the world , And upon those also that turn to his law ; And that he is patient , and long suffereth those that have sinned , as his creatures ; And that he is bountiful , for he is ready to give where it needeth ; And that he is of great mercy , for he multiplieth more and more mercies to them that are present , and that are past , and also to them which are to come . For if he shall not multiply his mercies , the world would not continue with them that inherit therein . And he pardoneth ; for if he did not so of his goodness , that they which have committed iniquities might be eased of them , the ten thousandth part of men should not remain living . And being judge , if he should not forgive them that are cured with his word , and put out the multitude of contentions , There should be very few left peradventure in an innumerable multitude . And he answered me , saying , The most High hath made this world for many , but the world to come for few . 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 . There be many created , but few shall be saved . So answered I and said , Swallow then down , O my soul , understanding , and devour wisdom . For thou hast agreed to give ear , and art willing to prophesy : for thou hast no longer space than only to live . 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 ? For thou art alone , and we all one workmanship of thine hands , like as thou hast said . For when the body is fashioned now in the mother's womb , and thou givest it members , thy creature is preserved in fire and water , and nine months doth thy workmanship endure thy creature which is created in her . But that which keepeth and is kept shall both be preserved : and when the time cometh , the womb preserved delivereth up the things that grew in it . For thou hast commanded out of the parts of the body , that is to say , out of the breasts , milk to be given , which is the fruit of the breasts , That the thing which is fashioned may be nourished for a time , till thou disposest it to thy mercy . Thou broughtest it up with thy righteousness , and nurturedst it in thy law , and reformedst it with thy judgment . And thou shalt mortify it as thy creature , and quicken it as thy work . If therefore thou shalt destroy him which with so great labour was fashioned , it is an easy thing to be ordained by thy commandment , that the thing which was made might be preserved . Now therefore , Lord , I will speak ; touching man in general , thou knowest best ; but touching thy people , for whose sake I am sorry ; And for thine inheritance , for whose cause I mourn ; and for Israel , for whom I am heavy ; and for Jacob , for whose sake I am troubled ; Therefore will I begin to pray before thee for myself and for them : for I see the falls of us that dwell in the land . But I have heard the swiftness of the judge which is to come . Therefore hear my voice , and understand my words , and I shall speak before thee . This is the beginning of the words of Esdras , before he was taken up : and I said , O Lord , thou that dwellest in everlastingness which beholdest from above things in the heaven and in the air ; Whose throne is inestimable ; whose glory may not be comprehended ; before whom the hosts of angels stand with trembling , Whose service is conversant in wind and fire ; whose word is true , and sayings constant ; whose commandment is strong , and ordinance fearful ; Whose look drieth up the depths , and indignation maketh the mountains to melt away ; which the truth witnesseth : O hear the prayer of thy servant , and give ear to the petition of thy creature . For while I live I will speak , and so long as I have understanding I will answer . O look not upon the sins of thy people ; but on them which serve thee in truth . Regard not the wicked inventions of the heathen , but the desire of those that keep thy testimonies in afflictions . Think not upon those that have walked feignedly before thee : but remember them , which according to thy will have known thy fear . Let it not be thy will to destroy them which have lived like beasts ; but to look upon them that have clearly taught thy law . Take thou no indignation at them which are deemed worse than beasts ; but love them that always put their trust in thy righteousness and glory . For we and our fathers do languish of such diseases : but because of us sinners thou shalt be called merciful . For if thou hast a desire to have mercy upon us , thou shalt be called merciful , to us namely , that have no works of righteousness . For the just , which have many good works laid up with thee , shall out of their own deeds receive reward . For what is man , that thou shouldest take displeasure at him ? or what is a corruptible generation , that thou shouldest be so bitter toward it ? For in truth them is no man among them that be born , but he hath dealt wickedly ; and among the faithful there is none which hath not done amiss . For in this , O Lord , thy righteousness and thy goodness shall be declared , if thou be merciful unto them which have not the confidence of good works . Then answered he me , and said , Some things hast thou spoken aright , and according unto thy words it shall be . For indeed I will not think on the disposition of them which have sinned before death , before judgment , before destruction : But I will rejoice over the disposition of the righteous , and I will remember also their pilgrimage , and the salvation , and the reward , that they shall have . Like as I have spoken now , so shall it come to pass . For as the husbandman soweth much seed upon the ground , and planteth many trees , and yet the thing that is sown good in his season cometh not up , neither doth all that is planted take root : even so is it of them that are sown in the world ; they shall not all be saved . I answered then and said , If I have found grace , let me speak . Like 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 : Even so perisheth man also , which 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 . Be not wroth with us but spare thy people , and have mercy upon thine own inheritance : for thou art merciful unto thy creature . Then answered he me , and said , Things present are for the present , and things to cometh for such as be to come . 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 . In this also thou art marvellous before the most High : In that thou hast humbled thyself , as it becometh thee , and hast not judged thyself worthy to be much glorified among the righteous . 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 . But understand thou for thyself , and seek out the glory for such as be like thee . 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 builded , and rest is allowed , yea , perfect goodness and wisdom . The root of evil is sealed up from you , weakness and the moth is hid from you , and corruption is fled into hell to be forgotten : Sorrows are passed , and in the end is shewed the treasure of immortality . And therefore ask thou no more questions concerning the multitude of them that perish . For when they had taken liberty , they despised the most High , thought scorn of his law , and forsook his ways . Moreover they have trodden down his righteous , And said in their heart , that there is no God ; yea , and that knowing they must die . For as the things aforesaid shalt receive you , so thirst and pain are prepared for them : for it was not his will that men should come to nought : But they which be created have defiled the name of him that made them , and were unthankful unto him which prepared life for them . And therefore is my judgment now at hand . These things have I not shewed unto all men , but unto thee , and a few like thee . Then answered I and said , Behold , O Lord , now hast thou shewed me the multitude of the wonders , which thou wilt begin to do in the last times : but at what time , thou hast not shewed me . He answered me then , and said , Measure thou the time diligently in itself : and when thou seest part of the signs past , which I have told thee before , Then shalt thou understand , that it is the very same time , wherein the Highest will begin to visit the world which he made . Therefore when there shall be seen earthquakes and uproars of the people in the world : Then shalt thou well understand , that the most High spake of those things from the days that were before thee , even from the beginning . For like as all that is made in the world hath a beginning and an end , and the end is manifest : Even so the times also of the Highest have plain beginnings in wonder and powerful works , and endings in effects and signs . And every one that shall be saved , and shall be able to escape by his works , and by faith , whereby ye have believed , Shall be preserved from the said perils , and shall see my salvation in my land , and within my borders : for I have sanctified them for me from the beginning . Then shall they be in pitiful case , which now have abused my ways : and they that have cast them away despitefully shall dwell in torments . For such as in their life have received benefits , and have not known me ; And they that have loathed my law , while they had yet liberty , and , when as yet place of repentance was open unto them , understood not , but despised it ; The same must know it after death by pain . And therefore be thou not curious how the ungodly shall be punished , and when : but enquire how the righteous shall be saved , whose the world is , and for whom the world is created . Then answered I and said , I have said before , and now do speak , and will speak it also hereafter , that there be many more of them which perish , than of them which shall be saved : Like as a wave is greater than a drop . And he answered me , saying , Like as the field is , so is also the seed ; as the flowers be , such are the colours also ; such as the workman is , such also is the work ; and as the husbandman ls himself , so is his husbandry also : for it was the time of the world . And now when I prepared the world , which was not yet made , even for them to dwell in that now live , no man spake against me . For then every one obeyed : but now the manners of them which are created in this world that is made are corrupted by a perpetual seed , and by a law which is unsearchable rid themselves . So I considered the world , and , behold , there was peril because of the devices that were come into it . And I saw , and spared it greatly , and have kept me a grape of the cluster , and a plant of a great people . Let the multitude perish then , which was born in vain ; and let my grape be kept , and my plant ; for with great labour have I made it perfect . Nevertheless , if thou wilt cease yet seven days more , ( but thou shalt not fast in them , But go into a field of flowers , where no house is builded , and eat only the flowers of the field ; taste no flesh , drink no wine , but eat flowers only ; ) And pray unto the Highest continually , then will I come and talk with thee . So I went my way into the field which is called Ardath , like as he commanded me ; and there I sat among the flowers , and did eat of the herbs of the field , and the meat of the same satisfied me . After seven days I sat upon the grass , and my heart was vexed within me , like as before : And I opened my mouth , and began to talk before the most High , and said , O Lord , thou that shewest thyself unto us , thou wast shewed unto our fathers in the wilderness , in a place where no man treadeth , in a barren place , when they came out of Egypt . And thou spakest saying , Hear me , O Israel ; and mark my words , thou seed of Jacob . For , behold , I sow my law in you , and it shall bring fruit in you , and ye shall be honoured in it for ever . But our fathers , which received the law , kept it not , and observed not thy ordinances : and though the fruit of thy law did not perish , neither could it , for it was thine ; Yet they that received it perished , because they kept not the thing that was sown in them . And , lo , it ls a custom , when the ground hath received seed , or the sea a ship , or any vessel meat or drink , that , that being perished wherein it was sown or cast into , That thing also which was sown , or cast therein , or received , doth perish , and remaineth not with us : but with us it hath not happened so . For we that have received the law perish by sin , and our heart also which received it Notwithstanding the law perisheth not , but remaineth in his force . And when I spake these things in my heart , I looked back with mine eyes , and upon the right side I saw a woman , and , behold , she mourned and wept with a loud voice , and was much grieved in heart , and her clothes were rent , and she had ashes upon her head . Then let I my thoughts go that I was in , and turned me unto her , And said unto her , Wherefore weepest thou ? why art thou so grieved in thy mind ? And she said unto me , Sir , let me alone , that I may bewail myself , and add unto my sorrow , for I am sore vexed in my mind , and brought very low . And I said unto her , What aileth thee ? tell me . She said unto me , I thy servant have been barren , and had no child , though I had an husband thirty years , And those thirty years I did nothing else day and night , and every hour , but make my , prayer to the Highest . After thirty years God heard me thine handmaid , looked upon my misery , considered my trouble , and gave me a son : and I was very glad of him , so was my husband also , and all my neighbours : and we gave great honour unto the Almighty . And I nourished him with great travail . So when he grew up , and came to the time that he should have a wife , I made a feast . And it so came to pass , that when my son was entered into his wedding chamber , he fell down , and died . Then we all overthrew the lights , and all my neighbours rose up to comfort me : so I took my rest unto the second day at night . And it came to pass , when they had all left off to comfort me , to the end I might be quiet ; then rose I up by night and fled , and came hither into this field , as thou seest . And I do now purpose not to return into the city , but here to stay , and neither to eat nor drink , but continually to mourn and to fast until I die . Then left I the meditations wherein I was , and spake to her in anger , saying , Thou foolish woman above all other , seest thou not our mourning , and what happeneth unto us ? How that Sion our mother is full of all heaviness , and much humbled , mourning very sore ? And now , seeing we all mourn and are sad , for we are all in heaviness , art thou grieved for one son ? For ask the earth , and she shall tell thee , that it is she which ought to mourn for the fall of so many that grow upon her . For out of her came all at the first , and out of her shall all others come , and , behold , they walk almost all into destruction , and a multitude of them is utterly rooted out . Who then should make more mourning than she , that hath lost so great a multitude ; and not thou , which art sorry but for one ? But if thou sayest unto me , My lamentation is not like the earth's , because I have lost the fruit of my womb , which I brought forth with pains , and bare with sorrows ; But the earth not so : for the multitude present in it according to the course of the earth is gone , as it came : Then say I unto thee , Like as thou hast brought forth with labour ; even so the earth also hath given her fruit , namely , man , ever since the beginning unto him that made her . Now therefore keep thy sorrow to thyself , and bear with a good courage that which hath befallen thee . For if thou shalt acknowledge the determination of God to be just , thou shalt both receive thy son in time , and shalt be commended among women . Go thy way then into the city to thine husband . And she said unto me , That will I not do : I will not go into the city , but here will I die . So I proceeded to speak further unto her , and said , Do not so , but be counselled . by me : for how many are the adversities of Sion ? be comforted in regard of the sorrow of Jerusalem . For thou seest that our sanctuary is laid waste , our altar broken down , our temple destroyed ; Our psaltery is laid on the ground , our song is put to silence , our rejoicing is at an end , the light of our candlestick is put out , the ark of our covenant is spoiled , our holy things are defiled , and the name that is called upon us is almost profaned : our children are put to shame , our priests are burnt , our Levites are gone into captivity , our virgins are defiled , and our wives ravished ; our righteous men carried away , our little ones destroyed , our young men are brought in bondage , and our strong men are become weak ; And , which is the greatest of all , the seal of Sion hath now lost her honour ; for she is delivered into the hands of them that hate us . And therefore shake off thy great heaviness , and put away the multitude of sorrows , that the Mighty may be merciful unto thee again , and the Highest shall give thee rest and ease from thy labour . And it came to pass while I was talking with her , behold , her face upon a sudden shined exceedingly , and her countenance glistered , so that I was afraid of her , and mused what it might be . And , behold , suddenly she made a great cry very fearful : so that the earth shook at the noise of the woman . And I looked , and , behold , the woman appeared unto me no more , but there was a city builded , and a large place shewed itself from the foundations : then was I afraid , and cried with a loud voice , and said , Where is Uriel the angel , who came unto me at the first ? for he hath caused me to fall into many trances , and mine end is turned into corruption , and my prayer to rebuke . And as I was speaking these words behold , he came unto me , and looked upon me . And , lo , I lay as one that had been dead , and mine understanding was taken from me : and he took me by the right hand , and comforted me , and set me upon my feet , and said unto me , What aileth thee ? and why art thou so disquieted ? and why is thine understanding troubled , and the thoughts of thine heart ? And I said , Because thou hast forsaken me , and yet I did according to thy words , and I went into the field , and , lo , I have seen , and yet see , that I am not able to express . And he said unto me , Stand up manfully , and I will advise thee . Then said I , Speak on , my lord , in me ; only forsake me not , lest I die frustrate of my hope . For I have seen that I knew not , and hear that I do not know . Or is my sense deceived , or my soul in a dream ? Now therefore I beseech thee that thou wilt shew thy servant of this vision . He answered me then , and said , Hear me , and I shall inform thee , and tell thee wherefore thou art afraid : for the Highest will reveal many secret things unto thee . He hath seen that thy way is right : for that thou sorrowest continually for thy people , and makest great lamentation for Sion . This therefore is the meaning of the vision which thou lately sawest : Thou sawest a woman mourning , and thou begannest to comfort her : But now seest thou the likeness of the woman no more , but there appeared unto thee a city builded . And whereas she told thee of the death of her son , this is the solution : This woman , whom thou sawest is Sion : and whereas she said unto thee , even she whom thou seest as a city builded , Whereas , I say , she said unto thee , that she hath been thirty years barren : those are the thirty years wherein there was no offering made in her . But after thirty years Solomon builded the city and offered offerings : and then bare the barren a son . And whereas she told thee that she nourished him with labour : that was the dwelling in Jerusalem . But whereas she said unto thee , That my son coming into his marriage chamber happened to have a fail , and died : this was the destruction that came to Jerusalem . And , behold , thou sawest her likeness , and because she mourned for her son , thou begannest to comfort her : and of these things which have chanced , these are to be opened unto thee . For now the most High seeth that thou art grieved unfeignedly , and sufferest from thy whole heart for her , so hath he shewed thee the brightness of her glory , and the comeliness of her beauty : And therefore I bade thee remain in the field where no house was builded : For I knew that the Highest would shew this unto thee . Therefore I commanded thee to go into the field , where no foundation of any building was . For in the place wherein the Highest beginneth to shew his city , there can no man's building be able to stand . And therefore fear not , let not thine heart be affrighted , but go thy way in , and see the beauty and greatness of the building , as much as thine eyes be able to see : And then shalt thou hear as much as thine ears may comprehend . For thou art blessed above many other , and art called with the Highest ; and so are but few . But to morrow at night thou shalt remain here ; And so shall the Highest shew thee visions of the high things , which the most High will do unto them that dwell upon the earth in the last days . So I slept that night and another , like as he commanded me . Then saw I a dream , and , behold , there came up from the sea an eagle , which had twelve feathered wings , and three heads . And I saw , and , behold , she spread her wings over all the earth , and all the winds of the air blew on her , and were gathered together . And I beheld , and out of her feathers there grew other contrary feathers ; and they became little feathers and small . But her heads were at rest : the head in the midst was greater than the other , yet rested it with the residue . Moreover I beheld , and , lo , the eagle flew with her feathers , and reigned upon earth , and over them that dwelt therein . And I saw that all things under heaven were subject unto her , and no man spake against her , no , not one creature upon earth . And I beheld , and , lo , the eagle rose upon her talons , and spake to her feathers , saying , Watch not all at once : sleep every one in his own place , and watch by course : But let the heads be preserved for the last . And I beheld , and , lo , the voice went not out of her heads , but from the midst of her body . And I numbered her contrary feathers , and , behold , there were eight of them . And I looked , and , behold , on the right side there arose one feather , and reigned over all the earth ; And so it was , that when it reigned , the end of it came , and the place thereof appeared no more : so the next following stood up . and reigned , and had a great time ; And it happened , that when it reigned , the end of it came also , like as the first , so that it appeared no more . Then came there a voice unto it , and said , Hear thou that hast borne rule over the earth so long : this I say unto thee , before thou beginnest to appear no more , There shall none after thee attain unto thy time , neither unto the half thereof . Then arose the third , and reigned as the other before , and appeared no more also . So went it with all the residue one after another , as that every one reigned , and then appeared no more . Then I beheld , and , lo , in process of time the feathers that followed stood up upon the right side , that they might rule also ; and some of them ruled , but within a while they appeared no more : For some of them were set up , but ruled not . After this I looked , and , behold , the twelve feathers appeared no more , nor the two little feathers : And there was no more upon the eagle's body , but three heads that rested , and six little wings . Then saw I also that two little feathers divided themselves from the six , and remained under the head that was upon the right side : for the four continued in their place . And I beheld , and , lo , the feathers that were under the wing thought to set up themselves and to have the rule . And I beheld , and , lo , there was one set up , but shortly it appeared no more . And the second was sooner away than the first . And I beheld , and , lo , the two that remained thought also in themselves to reign : And when they so thought , behold , there awaked one of the heads that were at rest , namely , it that was in the midst ; for that was greater than the two other heads . And then I saw that the two other heads were joined with it . And , behold , the head was turned with them that were with it , and did eat up the two feathers under the wing that would have reigned . But this head put the whole earth in fear , and bare rule in it over all those that dwelt upon the earth with much oppression ; and it had the governance of the world more than all the wings that had been . And after this I beheld , and , lo , the head that was in the midst suddenly appeared no more , like as the wings . But there remained the two heads , which also in like sort ruled upon the earth , and over those that dwelt therein . And I beheld , and , lo , the head upon the right side devoured it that was upon the left side . Then I head a voice , which said unto me , Look before thee , and consider the thing that thou seest . And I beheld , and lo , as it were a roaring lion chased out of the wood : and I saw that he sent out a man's voice unto the eagle , and said , Hear thou , I will talk with thee , and the Highest shall say unto thee , Art not thou it that remainest of the four beasts , whom I made to reign in my world , that the end of their times might come through them ? And the fourth came , and overcame all the beasts that were past , and had power over the world with great fearfulness , and over the whole compass of the earth with much wicked oppression ; and so long time dwelt he upon the earth with deceit . For the earth hast thou not judged with truth . For thou hast afflicted the meek , thou hast hurt the peaceable , thou hast loved liars , and destroyed the dwellings of them that brought forth fruit , and hast cast down the walls of such as did thee no harm . Therefore is thy wrongful dealing come up unto the Highest , and thy pride unto the Mighty . The Highest also hath looked upon the proud times , and , behold , they are ended , and his abominations are fulfilled . And therefore appear no more , thou eagle , nor thy horrible wings , nor thy wicked feathers nor thy malicious heads , nor thy hurtful claws , nor all thy vain body : That all the earth may be refreshed , and may return , being delivered from thy violence , and that she may hope for the judgment and mercy of him that made her . And it came to pass , whiles the lion spake these words unto the eagle , I saw , And , behold , the head that remained and the four wings appeared no more , and the two went unto it and set themselves up to reign , and their kingdom was small , and fill of uproar . And I saw , and , behold , they appeared no more , and the whole body of the eagle was burnt so that the earth was in great fear : then awaked I out of the trouble and trance of my mind , and from great fear , and said unto my spirit , Lo , this hast thou done unto me , in that thou searchest out the ways of the Highest . Lo , yet am I weary in my mind , and very weak in my spirit ; and little strength is there in me , for the great fear wherewith I was afflicted this night . Therefore will I now beseech the Highest , that he will comfort me unto the end . And I said , Lord that bearest rule , if I have found grace before thy sight , and if I am justified with thee before many others , and if my prayer indeed be come up before thy face ; Comfort me then , and shew me thy servant the interpretation and plain difference of this fearful vision , that thou mayest perfectly comfort my soul . For thou hast judged me worthy to shew me the last times . And he said unto me , This is the interpretation of the vision : The eagle , whom thou sawest come up from the sea , is the kingdom which was seen in the vision of thy brother Daniel . But it was not expounded unto him , therefore now I declare it unto thee . Behold , the days will come , that there shall rise up a kingdom upon earth , and it shall be feared above all the kingdoms that were before it . In the same shall twelve kings reign , one after another : Whereof the second shall begin to reign , and shall have more time than any of the twelve . And this do the twelve wings signify , which thou sawest . As for the voice which thou heardest speak , and that thou sawest not to go out from the heads but from the midst of the body thereof , this is the interpretation : That after the time of that kingdom there shall arise great strivings , and it shall stand in peril of failing : nevertheless it shall not then fall , but shall be restored again to his beginning . And whereas thou sawest the eight small under feathers sticking to her wings , this is the interpretation : That in him there shall arise eight kings , whose times shall be but small , and their years swift . And two of them shall perish , the middle time approaching : four shall be kept until their end begin to approach : but two shall be kept unto the end . And whereas thou sawest three heads resting , this is the interpretation : In his last days shall the most High raise up three kingdoms , and renew many things therein , and they shall have the dominion of the earth , And of those that dwell therein , with much oppression , above all those that were before them : therefore are they called the heads of the eagle . For these are they that shall accomplish his wickedness , and that shall finish his last end . And whereas thou sawest that the great head appeared no more , it signifieth that one of them shall die upon his bed , and yet with pain . For the two that remain shall be slain with the sword . For the sword of the one shall devour the other : but at the last shall he fall through the sword himself . And whereas thou sawest two feathers under the wings passing over the head that is on the right side ; It signifieth that these are they , whom the Highest hath kept unto their end : this is the small kingdom and full of trouble , as thou sawest . And the lion , whom thou sawest rising up out of the wood , and roaring , and speaking to the eagle , and rebuking her for her unrighteousness with all the words which thou hast heard ; This is the anointed , which the Highest hath kept for them and for their wickedness unto the end : he shall reprove them , and shall upbraid them with their cruelty . For he shall set them before him alive in judgment , and shall rebuke them , and correct them . For the rest of my people shall he deliver with mercy , those that have been pressed upon my borders , and he shall make them joyful until the coming of the day of judgment , whereof I have spoken unto thee from the the beginning . This is the dream that thou sawest , and these are the interpretations . Thou only hast been meet to know this secret of the Highest . Therefore write all these things that thou hast seen in a book , and hide them : And teach them to the wise of the people , whose hearts thou knowest may comprehend and keep these secrets . But wait thou here thyself yet seven days more , that it may be shewed thee , whatsoever it pleaseth the Highest to declare unto thee . And with that he went his way . And it came to pass , when all the people saw that the seven days were past , and I not come again into the city , they gathered them all together , from the least unto the greatest , and came unto me , and said , What have we offended thee ? and what evil have we done against thee , that thou forsakest us , and sittest here in this place ? For of all the prophets thou only art left us , as a cluster of the vintage , and as a candle in a dark place , and as a haven or ship preserved from the tempest . Are not the evils which are come to us sufficient ? If thou shalt forsake us , how much better had it been for us , if we also had been burned in the midst of Sion ? For we are not better than they that died there . And they wept with a loud voice . Then answered I them , and said , Be of good comfort , O Israel ; and be not heavy , thou house of Jacob : For the Highest hath you in remembrance , and the Mighty hath not forgotten you in temptation . As for me , I have not forsaken you , neither am I departed from you : but am come into this place , to pray for the desolation of Sion , and that I might seek mercy for the low estate of your sanctuary . And now go your way home every man , and after these days will I come unto you . So the people went their way into the city , like as I commanded them : But I remained still in the field seven days , as the angel commanded me ; and did eat only in those days of the flowers of the field , and had my meat of the herbs And it came to pass after seven days , I dreamed a dream by night : And , lo , there arose a wind from the sea , that it moved all the waves thereof . And I beheld , and , lo , that man waxed strong with the thousands of heaven : and when he turned his countenance to look , all the things trembled that were seen under him . And whensoever the voice went out of his mouth , all they burned that heard his voice , like as the earth faileth when it feeleth the fire . And after this I beheld , and , lo , there was gathered together a multitude of men , out of number , from the four winds of the heaven , to subdue the man that came out of the sea But I beheld , and , lo , he had graved himself a great mountain , and flew up upon it . But I would have seen the region or place whereout the hill was graven , and I could not . And after this I beheld , and , lo , all they which were gathered together to subdue him were sore afraid , and yet durst fight . And , lo , as he saw the violence of the multitude that came , he neither lifted up his hand , nor held sword , nor any instrument of war : But only I saw that he sent out of his mouth as it had been a blast of fire , and out of his lips a flaming breath , and out of his tongue he cast out sparks and tempests . And they were all mixed together ; the blast of fire , the flaming breath , and the great tempest ; and fell with violence upon the multitude which was prepared to fight , and burned them up every one , so that upon a sudden of an innumerable multitude nothing was to be perceived , but only dust and smell of smoke : when I saw this I was afraid . Afterward saw I the same man come down from the mountain , and call unto him another peaceable Multitude . And there came much people unto him , whereof some were glad , some were sorry , and some of them were bound , and other some brought of them that were offered : then was I sick through great fear , and I awaked , and said , Thou hast shewed thy servant these wonders from the beginning , and hast counted me worthy that thou shouldest receive my prayer : Shew me now yet the interpretation of this dream . For as I conceive in mine understanding , woe unto them that shall be left in those days and much more woe unto them that are not left behind ! For they that were not left were in heaviness . Now understand I the things that are laid up in the latter days , which shall happen unto them , and to those that are left behind . Therefore are they come into great perils and many necessities , like as these dreams declare . Yet is it easier for him that is in danger to come into these things , than to pass away as a cloud out of the world , and not to see the things that happen in the last days . And he answered unto me , and said , The interpretation of the vision shall I shew thee , and I will open unto thee the thing that thou hast required . Whereas thou hast spoken of them that are left behind , this is the interpretation : He that shall endure the peril in that time hath kept himself : they that be fallen into danger are such as have works , and faith toward the Almighty . Know this therefore , that they which be left behind are more blessed than they that be dead . This is the meaning of the vision : Whereas thou sawest a man coming up from the midst of the sea : The same is he whom God the Highest hath kept a great season , which by his own self shall deliver his creature : and he shall order them that are left behind . And whereas thou sawest , that out of his mouth there came as a blast of wind , and fire , and storm ; And that he held neither sword , nor any instrument of war , but that the rushing in of him destroyed the whole multitude that came to subdue him ; this is the interpretation : Behold , the days come , when the most High will begin to deliver them that are upon the earth . And he shall come to the astonishment of them that dwell on the earth . And one shall undertake to fight against another , one city against another , one place against another , one people against another , and one realm against another . And the time shall be when these things shall come to pass , and the signs shall happen which I shewed thee before , and then shall my Son be declared , whom thou sawest as a man ascending . And when all the people hear his voice , every man shall in their own land leave the battle they have one against another . And an innumerable multitude shall be gathered together , as thou sawest them , willing to come , and to overcome him by fighting . But he shall stand upon the top of the mount Sion . And Sion shall come , and shall be shewed to all men , being prepared and builded , like as thou sawest the hill graven without hands . And this my Son shall rebuke the wicked inventions of those nations , which for their wicked life are fallen into the tempest ; And shall lay before them their evil thoughts , and the torments wherewith they shall begin to be tormented , which are like unto a flame : and he shall destroy them without labour by the law which is like unto me . And whereas thou sawest that he gathered another peaceable multitude unto him ; Those are the ten tribes , which were carried away prisoners out of their own land in the time of Osea the king , whom Salmanasar the king of Assyria led away captive , and he carried them over the waters , and so came they into another land . But they took this counsel among themselves , that they would leave the multitude of the heathen , and go forth into a further country , where never mankind dwelt , That they might there keep their statutes , which they never kept in their own land . And they entered into Euphrates by the narrow places of the river . For the most High then shewed signs for them , and held still the flood , till they were passed over . For through that country there was a great way to go , namely , of a year and a half : and the same region is called Arsareth . Then dwelt they there until the latter time ; and now when they shall begin to come , The Highest shall stay the springs of the stream again , that they may go through : therefore sawest thou the multitude with peace . But those that be left behind of thy people are they that are found within my borders . Now when he destroyeth the multitude of the nations that are gathered together , he shall defend his people that remain . And then shall he shew them great wonders . Then said I , O Lord that bearest rule , shew me this : Wherefore have I seen the man coming up from the midst of the sea ? And he said unto me , Like as thou canst neither seek out nor know the things that are in the deep of the sea : even so can no man upon earth see my Son , or those that be with him , but in the day time . This is the interpretation of the dream which thou sawest , and whereby thou only art here lightened . For thou hast forsaken thine own way , and applied thy diligence unto my law , and sought it . Thy life hast thou ordered in wisdom , and hast called understanding thy mother . And therefore have I shewed thee the treasures of the Highest : after other three days I will speak other things unto thee , and declare unto thee mighty and wondrous things . Then went I forth into the field , giving praise and thanks greatly unto the most High because of his wonders which he did in time ; And because he governeth the same , and such things as fall in their seasons : and there I sat three days . And it came to pass upon the third day , I sat under an oak , and , behold , there came a voice out of a bush over against me , and said , Esdras , Esdras . And I said , Here am I , Lord And I stood up upon my feet . Then said he unto me , In the bush I did manifestly reveal myself unto Moses , and talked with him , when my people served in Egypt : And I sent him and led my people out of Egypt , and brought him up to the mount of where I held him by me a long season , And told him many wondrous things , and shewed him the secrets of the times , and the end ; and commanded him , saying , These words shalt thou declare , and these shalt thou hide . And now I say unto thee , That thou lay up in thy heart the signs that I have shewed , and the dreams that thou hast seen , and the interpretations which thou hast heard : For thou shalt be taken away from all , and from henceforth thou shalt remain with my Son , and with such as be like thee , until the times be ended . For the world hath lost his youth , and the times begin to wax old . For the world is divided into twelve parts , and the ten parts of it are gone already , and half of a tenth part : And there remaineth that which is after the half of the tenth part . Now therefore set thine house in order , and reprove thy people , comfort such of them as be in trouble , and now renounce corruption , Let go from thee mortal thoughts , cast away the burdens of man , put off now the weak nature , And set aside the thoughts that are most heavy unto thee , and haste thee to flee from these times . For yet greater evils than those which thou hast seen happen shall be done hereafter . For look how much the world shall be weaker through age , so much the more shall evils increase upon them that dwell therein . For the time is fled far away , and leasing is hard at hand : for now hasteth the vision to come , which thou hast seen . Then answered I before thee , and said , Behold , Lord , I will go , as thou hast commanded me , and reprove the people which are present : but they that shall be born afterward , who shall admonish them ? thus the world is set in darkness , and they that dwell therein are without light . For thy law is burnt , therefore no man knoweth the things that are done of thee , or the work that shall begin . But if I have found grace before thee , send the Holy Ghost into me , and I shall write all that hath been done in the world since the beginning , which were written in thy law , that men may find thy path , and that they which will live in the latter days may live . And he answered me , saying , Go thy way , gather the people together , and say unto them , that they seek thee not for forty days . But look thou prepare thee many box trees , and take with thee Sarea , Dabria , Selemia , Ecanus , and Asiel , these five which are ready to write swiftly ; And come hither , and I shall light a candle of understanding in thine heart , which shall not be put out , till the things be performed which thou shalt begin to write . And when thou hast done , some things shalt thou publish , and some things shalt thou shew secretly to the wise : to morrow this hour shalt thou begin to write . Then went I forth , as he commanded , and gathered all the people together , and said , Hear these words , O Israel . Our fathers at the beginning were strangers in Egypt , from whence they were delivered : And received the law of life , which they kept not , which ye also have transgressed after them . Then was the land , even the land of Sion , parted among you by lot : but your fathers , and ye yourselves , have done unrighteousness , and have not kept the ways which the Highest commanded you . And forasmuch as he is a righteous judge , he took from you in time the thing that he had given you . And now are ye here , and your brethren among you . Therefore if so be that ye will subdue your own understanding , and reform your hearts , ye shall be kept alive and after death ye shall obtain mercy . For after death shall the judgment come , when we shall live again : and then shall the names of the righteous be manifest , and the works of the ungodly shall be declared . Let no man therefore come unto me now , nor seek after me these forty days . So I took the five men , as he commanded me , and we went into the field , and remained there . And the next day , behold , a voice called me , saying , Esdras , open thy mouth , and drink that I give thee to drink . Then opened I my mouth , and , behold , he reached me a full cup , which was full as it were with water , but the colour of it was like fire . And I took it , and drank : and when I had drunk of it , my heart uttered understanding , and wisdom grew in my breast , for my spirit strengthened my memory : And my mouth was opened , and shut no more . The Highest gave understanding unto the five men , and they wrote the wonderful visions of the night that were told , which they knew not : and they sat forty days , and they wrote in the day , and at night they ate bread . As for me . I spake in the day , and I held not my tongue by night . In forty days they wrote two hundred and four books . And it came to pass , when the forty days were filled , that the Highest spake , saying , The first that thou hast written publish openly , that the worthy and unworthy may read it : But keep the seventy last , that thou mayest deliver them only to such as be wise among the people : For in them is the spring of understanding , the fountain of wisdom , and the stream of knowledge . And I did so . Behold , speak thou in the ears of my people the words of prophecy , which I will put in thy mouth , saith the Lord : And cause them to be written in paper : for they are faithful and true . Fear not the imaginations against thee , let not the incredulity of them trouble thee , that speak against thee . For all the unfaithful shall die in their unfaithfulness . Behold , saith the Lord , I will bring plagues upon the world ; the sword , famine , death , and destruction . For wickedness hath exceedingly polluted the whole earth , and their hurtful works are fulfilled . Therefore saith the Lord , I will hold my tongue no more as touching their wickedness , which they profanely commit , neither will I suffer them in those things , in which they wickedly exercise themselves : behold , the innocent and righteous blood crieth unto me , and the souls of the just complain continually . And therefore , saith the Lord , I will surely avenge them , and receive unto me all the innocent blood from among them . Behold , my people is led as a flock to the slaughter : I will not suffer them now to dwell in the land of Egypt : But I will bring them with a mighty hand and a stretched out arm , and smite Egypt with plagues , as before , and will destroy all the land thereof . Egypt shall mourn , and the foundation of it shall be smitten with the plague and punishment that God shall bring upon it . They that till the ground shall mourn : for their seeds shall fail through the blasting and hail , and with a fearful constellation . Woe to the world and them that dwell therein ! For the sword and their destruction draweth nigh , and one people shall stand up and fight against another , and swords in their hands . For there shall be sedition among men , and invading one another ; they shall not regard their kings nor princes , and the course of their actions shall stand in their power . A man shall desire to go into a city , and shall not be able . For because of their pride the cities shall be troubled , the houses shall be destroyed , and men shall be afraid . A man shall have no pity upon his neighbour , but shall destroy their houses with the sword , and spoil their goods , because of the lack of bread , and for great tribulation . Behold , saith God , I will call together all the kings of the earth to reverence me , which are from the rising of the sun , from the south , from the east , and Libanus ; to turn themselves one against another , and repay the things that they have done to them . Like as they do yet this day unto my chosen , so will I do also , and recompense in their bosom . Thus saith the Lord God ; My right hand shall not spare the sinners , and my sword shall not cease over them that shed innocent blood upon the earth . The fire is gone forth from his wrath , and hath consumed the foundations of the earth , and the sinners , like the straw that is kindled . Woe to them that sin , and keep not my commandments ! saith the Lord . I will not spare them : go your way , ye children , from the power , defile not my sanctuary . For the Lord knoweth all them that sin against him , and therefore delivereth he them unto death and destruction . For now are the plagues come upon the whole earth and ye shall remain in them : for God shall not deliver you , because ye have sinned against him . Behold an horrible vision , and the appearance thereof from the east : Where the nations of the dragons of Arabia shall come out with many chariots , and the multitude of them shall be carried as the wind upon earth , that all they which hear them may fear and tremble . Also the Carmanians raging in wrath shall go forth as the wild boars of the wood , and with great power shall they come , and join battle with them , and shall waste a portion of the land of the Assyrians . And then shall the dragons have the upper hand , remembering their nature ; and if they shall turn themselves , conspiring together in great power to persecute them , Then these shall be troubled bled , and keep silence through their power , and shall flee . And from the land of the Assyrians shall the enemy besiege them , and consume some of them , and in their host shall be fear and dread , and strife among their kings . Behold clouds from the east and from the north unto the south , and they are very horrible to look upon , full of wrath and storm . They shall smite one upon another , and they shall smite down a great multitude of stars upon the earth , even their own star ; and blood shall be from the sword unto the belly , And dung of men unto the camel's hough . And there shall be great fearfulness and trembling upon earth : and they that see the wrath shall be afraid , and trembling shall come upon them . And then shall there come great storms from the south , and from the north , and another part from the west . And strong winds shall arise from the east , and shall open it ; and the cloud which he raised up in wrath , and the star stirred to cause fear toward the east and west wind , shall be destroyed . The great and mighty clouds shall be puffed up full of wrath , and the star , that they may make all the earth afraid , and them that dwell therein ; and they shall pour out over every high and eminent place an horrible star , Fire , and hail , and flying swords , and many waters , that all fields may be full , and all rivers , with the abundance of great waters . And they shall break down the cities and walls , mountains and hills , trees of the wood , and grass of the meadows , and their corn . And they shall go stedfastly unto Babylon , and make her afraid . They shall come to her , and besiege her , the star and all wrath shall they pour out upon her : then shall the dust and smoke go up unto the heaven , and all they that be about her shall bewail her . And they that remain under her shall do service unto them that have put her in fear . And thou , Asia , that art partaker of the hope of Babylon , and art the glory of her person : Woe be unto thee , thou wretch , because thou hast made thyself like unto her ; and hast decked thy daughters in whoredom , that they might please and glory in thy lovers , which have always desired to commit whoredom with thee . Thou hast followed her that is hated in all her works and inventions : therefore saith God , I will send plagues upon thee ; widowhood , poverty , famine , sword , and pestilence , to waste thy houses with destruction and death . And the glory of thy Power shall be dried up as a flower , the heat shall arise that is sent over thee . Thou shalt be weakened as a poor woman with stripes , and as one chastised with wounds , so that the mighty and lovers shall not be able to receive thee . Would I with jealousy have so proceeded against thee , saith the Lord , If thou hadst not always slain my chosen , exalting the stroke of thine hands , and saying over their dead , when thou wast drunken , Set forth the beauty of thy countenance ? The reward of thy whoredom shall be in thy bosom , therefore shalt thou receive recompence . Like as thou hast done unto my chosen , saith the Lord , even so shall God do unto thee , and shall deliver thee into mischief Thy children shall die of hunger , and thou shalt fall through the sword : thy cities shall be broken down , and all thine shall perish with the sword in the field . They that be in the mountains shall die of hunger , and eat their own flesh , and drink their own blood , for very hunger of bread , and thirst of water . Thou as unhappy shalt come through the sea , and receive plagues again . And in the passage they shall rush on the idle city , and shall destroy some portion of thy land , and consume part of thy glory , and shall return to Babylon that was destroyed . And thou shalt be cast down by them as stubble , and they shall be unto thee as fire ; And shall consume thee , and thy cities , thy land , and thy mountains ; all thy woods and thy fruitful trees shall they burn up with fire . Thy children shall they carry away captive , and , look , what thou hast , they shall spoil it , and mar the beauty of thy face . Woe be unto thee , Babylon , and Asia ! woe be unto thee , Egypt and Syria ! Gird up yourselves with cloths of sack and hair , bewail your children , and be sorry ; for your destruction is at hand . A sword is sent upon you , and who may turn it back ? A fire is sent among you , and who may quench it ? Plagues are sent unto you , and what is he that may drive them away ? May any man drive away an hungry lion in the wood ? or may any one quench the fire in stubble , when it hath begun to burn ? May one turn again the arrow that is shot of a strong archer ? The mighty Lord sendeth the plagues and who is he that can drive them away ? A fire shall go forth from his wrath , and who is he that may quench it ? He shall cast lightnings , and who shall not fear ? he shall thunder , and who shall not be afraid ? The Lord shall threaten , and who shall not be utterly beaten to powder at his presence ? The earth quaketh , and the foundations thereof ; the sea ariseth up with waves from the deep , and the waves of it are troubled , and the fishes thereof also , before the Lord , and before the glory of his power : For strong is his right hand that bendeth the bow , his arrows that he shooteth are sharp , and shall not miss , when they begin to be shot into the ends of the world . Behold , the plagues are sent , and shall not return again , until they come upon the earth . The fire is kindled , and shall not be put out , till it consume the foundation of the earth . Like as an arrow which is shot of a mighty archer returneth not backward : even so the plagues that shall be sent upon earth shall not return again . Woe is me ! woe is me ! who will deliver me in those days ? The beginning of sorrows and great mournings ; the beginning of famine and great death ; the beginning of wars , and the powers shall stand in fear ; the beginning of evils ! what shall I do when these evils shall come ? Behold , famine and plague , tribulation and anguish , are sent as scourges for amendment . But for all these things they shall not turn from their wickedness , nor be always mindful of the scourges . Behold , victuals shall be so good cheap upon earth , that they shall think themselves to be in good case , and even then shall evils grow upon earth , sword , famine , and great confusion . For many of them that dwell upon earth shall perish of famine ; and the other , that escape the hunger , shall the sword destroy . And the dead shall be cast out as dung , and there shall be no man to comfort them : for the earth shall be wasted , and the cities shall be cast down . There shall be no man left to till the earth , and to sow it The trees shall give fruit , and who shall gather them ? The grapes shall ripen , and who shall tread them ? for all places shall be desolate of men : So that one man shall desire to see another , and to hear his voice . For of a city there shall be ten left , and two of the field , which shall hide themselves in the thick groves , and in the clefts of the rocks . As in an orchard of Olives upon every tree there are left three or four olives ; Or as when a vineyard is gathered , there are left some clusters of them that diligently seek through the vineyard : Even so in those days there shall be three or four left by them that search their houses with the sword . And the earth shall be laid waste , and the fields thereof shall wax old , and her ways and all her paths shall grow full of thorns , because no man shall travel therethrough . The virgins shall mourn , having no bridegrooms ; the women shall mourn , having no husbands ; their daughters shall mourn , having no helpers . In the wars shall their bridegrooms be destroyed , and their husbands shall perish of famine . Hear now these things and understand them , ye servants of the Lord . Behold , the word of the Lord , receive it : believe not the gods of whom the Lord spake . Behold , the plagues draw nigh , and are not slack . As when a woman with child in the ninth month bringeth forth her son , with two or three hours of her birth great pains compass her womb , which pains , when the child cometh forth , they slack not a moment : Even so shall not the plagues be slack to come upon the earth , and the world shall mourn , and sorrows shall come upon it on every side . O my people , hear my word : make you ready to thy battle , and in those evils be even as pilgrims upon the earth . He that selleth , let him be as he that fleeth away : and he that buyeth , as one that will lose : He that occupieth merchandise , as he that hath no profit by it : and he that buildeth , as he that shall not dwell therein : He that soweth , as if he should not reap : so also he that planteth the vineyard , as he that shall not gather the grapes : They that marry , as they that shall get no children ; and they that marry not , as the widowers . And therefore they that labour labour in vain : For strangers shall reap their fruits , and spoil their goods , overthrow their houses , and take their children captives , for in captivity and famine shall they get children . And they that occupy their merchandise with robbery , the more they deck their cities , their houses , their possessions , and their own persons : The more will I be angry with them for their sin , saith the Lord . Like as a whore envieth a right honest and virtuous woman : So shall righteousness hate iniquity , when she decketh herself , and shall accuse her to her face , when he cometh that shall defend him that diligently searcheth out every sin upon earth . And therefore be ye not like thereunto , nor to the works thereof . For yet a little , and iniquity shall be taken away out of the earth , and righteousness shall reign among you . Let not the sinner say that he hath not sinned : for God shall burn coals of fire upon his head , which saith before the Lord God and his glory , I have not sinned . Behold , the Lord knoweth all the works of men , their imaginations , their thoughts , and their hearts : Which spake but the word , Let the earth be made ; and it was made : Let the heaven be made ; and it was created . In his word were the stars made , and he knoweth the number of them . He searcheth the deep , and the treasures thereof ; he hath measured the sea , and what it containeth . He hath shut the sea in the midst of the waters , and with his word hath he hanged the earth upon the waters . He spreadeth out the heavens like a vault ; upon the waters hath he founded it . In the desert hath he made springs of water , and pools upon the tops of the mountains , that the floods might pour down from the high rocks to water the earth . He made man , and put his heart in the midst of the body , and gave him breath , life , and understanding . Yea and the Spirit of Almighty God , which made all things , and searcheth out all hidden things in the secrets of the earth , Surely he knoweth your inventions , and what ye think in your hearts , even them that sin , and would hide their sin . Therefore hath the Lord exactly searched out all your works , and he will put you all to shame . And when your sins are brought forth , ye shall be ashamed before men , and your own sins shall be your accusers in that day . What will ye do ? or how will ye hide your sins before God and his angels ? Behold , God himself is the judge , fear him : leave off from your sins , and forget your iniquities , to meddle no more with them for ever : so shall God lead you forth , and deliver you from all trouble . For , behold , the burning wrath of a great multitude is kindled over you , and they shall take away certain of you , and feed you , being idle , with things offered unto idols . And they that consent unto them shall be had in derision and in reproach , and trodden under foot . For there shall be in every place , and in the next cities , a great insurrection upon those that fear the Lord . They shall be like mad men , sparing none , but still spoiling and destroying those that fear the Lord . For they shall waste and take away their goods , and cast them out of their houses . Then shall they be known , who are my chosen ; and they shall be tried as the gold in the fire . Hear , O ye my beloved , saith the Lord : behold , the days of trouble are at hand , but I will deliver you from the same . Be ye not afraid neither doubt ; for God is your guide , And the guide of them who keep my commandments and precepts , saith the Lord God : let not your sins weigh you down , and let not your iniquities lift up themselves . Woe be unto them that are bound with their sins , and covered with their iniquities like as a field is covered over with bushes , and the path thereof covered with thorns , that no man may travel through ! It is left undressed , and is cast into the fire to be consumed therewith . .