Chapter 4 _{26 Then answered he me, and said, The more thou searchest, the more thou shalt marvel; for the world hasteth fast to pass away,27 And cannot comprehend the things that are promised to the righteous in time to come: for this world is full of unrighteousness and infirmities.28 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.29 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.30 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?31 Ponder now by thyself, how great fruit of wickedness the grain of evil seed hath brought forth.32 And when the ears shall be cut down, which are without number, how great a floor shall they fill?33 Then I answered and said, How, and when shall these things come to pass? wherefore are our years few and evil?34 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.35 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?36 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.37 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.38 Then answered I and said, O Lord that bearest rule, even we all are full of impiety.39 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.40 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.41 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:42 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.43 From the beginning, look, what thou desirest to see, it shall be shewed thee.44 Then answered I and said, If I have found favour in thy sight, and if it be possible, and if I be meet therefore,45 Shew me then whether there be more to come than is past, or more past than is to come.46 What is past I know, but what is for to come I know not.47 And he said unto me, Stand up upon the right side, and I shall expound the similitude unto thee.48 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.}