ved not him, nor yet the prophets
after him, no nor me which have spoken unto them,

2 Esdr 7:61
That there should not be such heaviness in their destruction,
as shall be joy over them that are persuaded to salvation.

2 Esdr 7:62
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,

2 Esdr 7:63
And upon those also that turn to his law;

2 Esdr 7:64
And that he is patient, and long suffereth those that have
sinned, as his creatures;

2 Esdr 7:65
And that he is bountiful, for he is ready to give where it
needeth;

2 Esdr 7:66
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.

2 Esdr 7:67
For if he shall not multiply his mercies, the world would not
continue with them that inherit therein.

2 Esdr 7:68
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.

2 Esdr 7:69
And being judge, if he should not forgive them that are cured
with his word, and put out the multitude of contentions,

2 Esdr 7:70
There should be very few left peradventure in an innumerable
multitude.

2 Esdr 8:1
And he answered me, saying, The most High hath made this
world for many, but the world to come for few.

2 Esdr 8:2
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.

2 Esdr 8:3
There be many created, but few shall be saved.

2 Esdr 8:4
So answered I and said, Swallow then down, O my soul,
understanding, and devour wisdom.

2 Esdr 8:5
For thou hast agreed to give ear, and art willing to
prophesy: for thou hast no longer space than only to live.

2 Esdr 8:6
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?

2 Esdr 8:7
For thou art alone, and we all one workmanship of thine
hands, like as thou hast said.

2 Esdr 8:8
For when the body is fashioned now in the mother's womb, and
thou givest it members, thy creature