Chapter 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.13 For the entrances of the elder world were wide and sure, and brought immortal fruit.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.15 Now therefore why disquietest thou thyself, seeing thou art but a corruptible man? and why art thou moved, whereas thou art but mortal?16 Why hast thou not considered in thy mind this thing that is to come, rather than that which is present?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.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.19 And he said unto me. There is no judge above God, and none that hath understanding above the Highest.20 For there be many that perish in this life, because they despise the law of God that is set before them.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.22 Nevertheless they were not obedient unto him; but spake against him, and imagined vain things;23 And deceived themselves by their wicked deeds; and said of the most High, that he is not; and knew not his ways:24 But his law have they despised, and denied his covenants; in his statutes have they not been faithful, and have not performed his works.25 And therefore, Esdras, for the empty are empty things, and for the full are the full things.26 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which I have told thee shall come to pass, and the bride shall appear, and she coming forth shall be seen, that now is withdrawn from the earth.27 And whosoever is delivered from the foresaid evils shall see my wonders.28 For my son Jesus shall be revealed with those that be with him, and they that remain shall rejoice within four hundred years.29 After these years shall my son Christ die, and all men that have life.30 And the world shall be turned into the old silence seven days, like as in the former judgments: so that no man shall remain.31 And after seven days the world, that yet awaketh not, shall be raised up, and that shall die that is corrupt32 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.33 And the most High shall appear upon the seat of judgment, and misery shall pass away, and the long suffering shall have an end:34 But judgment only shall remain, truth shall stand, and faith shall wax strong:}