k upon it, and to rule
it? if he went not through the narrow, how could he come into
the broad?

2 Esdr 7:6
There is also another thing; A city is builded, and set upon
a broad field, and is full of all good things:

2 Esdr 7:7
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:

2 Esdr 7:8
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.

2 Esdr 7:9
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?

2 Esdr 7:10
And I said, It is so, Lord. Then said he unto me, Even so
also is Israel's portion.

2 Esdr 7:11
Because for their sakes I made the world: and when Adam
transgressed my statutes, then was decreed that now is done.

2 Esdr 7:12
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.

2 Esdr 7:13
For the entrances of the elder world were wide and sure, and
brought immortal fruit.

2 Esdr 7:14
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.

2 Esdr 7:15
Now therefore why disquietest thou thyself, seeing thou art
but a corruptible man? and why art thou moved, whereas thou art
but mortal?

2 Esdr 7:16
Why hast thou not considered in thy mind this thing that is
to come, rather than that which is present?

2 Esdr 7:17
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.

2 Esdr 7:18
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.

2 Esdr 7:19
And he said unto me. There is no judge above God, and none
that hath understanding above the Highest.

2 Esdr 7:20
For there be many that perish in this life, because they
despise the law of God that is set before them.

2 Esdr 7:21
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.

2 Esdr 7:22
Nevertheless they were not obedient unto him; but spake
against him, and imag