God is merciful in this world, yet few are saved. 6. God's works, and disposition of his creatures are marvellous. 15 Esdras prayeth for the people of Israel: 37. and salvation is promised to the just, and punishment threatened to the wicked.God is merciful in this world, yet fewe are saued. 6. Gods workes, and disposition of his creatures are meruelous. 15 Esdras prayeth for the people of Israel: 37. and saluation is promised to the iust, and punishment threatned to the wicked.
And he answered me, and said: This world the Highest made for many, but that to come for few.AND he answered me, & sayd: This world the Highest made for manie, but that to come for few.Et respondit ad me, et dixit : Hoc sæculum fecit Altissimus propter multos, futurum autem propter paucos.
2And I will speak a similitude Esdras before thee. For as thou shalt ask the earth, and it will tell thee, that it will give much more earth whereof earthen work may be made, but a little dust whereof gold is made: so also is the act of this present world.And I wil speake a similitude Esdras before thee. For as thou shalt aske the earth, and it wil tel thee, that it wil geue much more earth wherof earthen worke may be made, but a litle dust wherof gold is made: so also is the act of this present world.Dicam autem coram te similitudinem Esdra. Quomodo autem interrogabis terram, et dicet tibi, quoniam dabit terram multam magis unde fiat fictile, parvum autem pulverem unde aurum fit : sic et actus præsentis sæculi.
3Many indeed are created, but few shall be saved.Manie in deede are created, but few shal be saued.Multi quidem creati sunt, pauci autem salvabuntur.
4And I answered, and said: Then O soul swallow up the sense, and devour that which is wise.And I answered, and sayd: Then ô soul swallow vp the sense, and deuoure that which is wise.Et respondi, et dixi : Absorbe ergo anima sensum, et devora quod sapit.
5For thou art agreed to obey, and willing to prophesy. For there is no space given thee but only to live.For thou art agred to obey, and willing to prophecie. For there is no space geuen thee but only to liue.Convenisti enim obaudire, et prophetare volens. Nec enim tibi datum est spatium, nisi solummodo vivere.
6O Lord if thou wilt not permit thy servant, that we pray before thee, and thou give us seed to the heart, and tillage to the understanding, whereof may the fruit be made, whereby every corrupt person may live, that shall bear the place of a man?O Lord if thou wilt not permitte thy seruant, that we pray before thee, and thou geue vs seede to the hart, and tillage to the vnderstanding, wherof may the fruite be made, wherby euerie corrupt person may liue, that shal beare the place of a man?O Domine, si non permittes servo tuo, ut oremus coram te, et des nobis semen cordi, et sensui culturam, unde fructus fiat, unde vivere possit omnis corruptus, qui portabit locum hominis ?
7For thou art alone, and we are one workmanship of thy hands, as thou hast spoken:For thou art alone, and we are one workmanshippe of thy handes, as thou hast spoken:Solus enim es, et una plasmatio nos sumus manuum tuarum, sicut locutus es :
8and as now the body made in the matrice: womb, and thou dost give the members, thy creature is preserved in fire and water: and nine months thy workmanship doth suffer thy creature that is created in it:and as now the bodie made in the matrice, and thou doest geue the mēbers, thy creature is preserued in fire & water: and nine monethes thy workemanship doth suffer thy creature that is created in it:et quomodo nunc in matrice plasmatum est corpus, et præstas membra : conservatur in igne et aqua tua creatio : et novem mensibus patitur tua plasmatio tuam creaturam quæ in ea creata est :
9and it self that keepeth, and that which is kept, both shall be preserved: and the matrice being preserved rendereth again at some time the things that are grown in it.and it self that keepeth, and that which is kept, both shal be preserued: and the matrice being preserued rendreth agayne at some time the thinges that are growen in it.ipsum autem quod servat, et quod servatur, utraque servabuntur : servataque quandoque iterum reddit matrix, quæ in ea creverunt.
10For thou hast commanded of the members, that is the breasts to give milk unto the fruit of the breasts,For thou hast commanded of the members, that is the brestes to geue milke vnto the fruite of the brestes,Imperasti enim ex ipsis membris, hoc est mamillis præbere lac fructui mamillarum,
11that the thing which is made, may be nourished till a certain time, and afterward thou mayst dispose him to thy mercy.that the thing which is made, may be nourished til a certayne time, and afterward thou mayst dispose him to thy mercie.ut nutriatur id quod plasmatum est usque in tempus aliquod, et postea disponas eum tuæ misericordiæ.
12For thou hast, brought him up in thy justice, and hast instructed him in thy law, and hast corrected him in thy understanding:For thou hast, brought him vp in thy iustice, and hast instructed him in thy law, and hast corrected him in thy vnderstanding:Enutristi eum tua justitia, et erudisti eum in lege tua, et corripuisti eum tuo intellectu :
13and thou shalt mortify him, as thy creature: and shalt give him life, as thy work.and thou shalt mortifie him, as thy creature: and shalt geue him life, as thy worke.et mortificabis eum, ut tuam creaturam : et vivificabis eum, ut opus tuum.
14If then thou wilt destroy him that is made with so great labours: it is easy by thy commandment to be ordained, that also which was made, might be preserved.If then thou wilt destroy him that is made with so great labours: it is easie by thy commandment to be ordayned, that also which was made, might be preserued.Si ergo perdideris eum qui tantis laboribus plasmatus est : tuo jussu facile est ordinari, ut et id quod fiebat servaretur.
15And now Lord I will speak, of every man thou rather knowest: but concerning thy people, for which I am sorrowful:And now Lord I wil speake, of euerie man thou rather knowest: but concerning thy people, for which I am sorowful:Et nunc Domine dicam, de omni homine tu magis scis : de populo autem tuo, ob quem doleo :
16and concerning thine inheritance, for which I mourn, and for Israel for whom I am pensive, and concerning Jacob, for whom I am sorrowful.and concerning thine inheritance, for which I mourne, and for Israel for whom I am pensiue, and concerning Iacob, for whom I am sorowful.Et de hereditate tua, propter quam lugeo : et propter Israël, propter quem tristis sum : et de Jacob, propter quem doleo :
17Therefore will I begin to pray before thee for me, and for them: because I see our defaults that inhabit the earth.Therfore wil I begin to pray before thee for me, & for them: because I see our defaultes that inhabite the earth.ideo incipiam orare coram te pro me, et pro eis : quoniam video lapsus nostros qui inhabitamus terram.
18But I have heard of the celeritatem: swiftness of the judge that shall be.But I haue heard of the celeritie of the iudge that shal be.Sed audivi celeritatem judicis qui futurus est.
19Therefore hear my voice, and understand my word, and I will speak before thee.Therfore heare my voyce, and vnderstand my word, and I wil speake before thee.Ideo audi vocem meam et intellige sermonem meum, et loquar coram te.
20The beginning of the words of Esdras before he was assumeretur: taken up before death: and I said: Lord which inhabitest the world, whose eyes are elevated unto things on high and in the air:The beginning of the wordes of Esdras before he was assumpted: and I sayd: Lord which inhabitest the world, whose eyes are eleuated vnto thinges on high and in the ayre:Initium verborum Esdræ priusquam assumeretur : et dixi, Domine, qui inhabitas sæculum, cujus oculi elevati in superna et aëre :
21and whose throne is inestimable, and glory incomprehensible: by whom standeth an host of Angels with trembling,and whose throne is inestimable, and glorie incomprehensible: by whom standeth an host of Angels with trembling,et cujus thronus inæstimabilis, et gloria incomprehensibilis : cui astat exercitus angelorum cum tremore,
22whose keeping is turned in wind and fire, thou whose word is true, and sayings permanent:whose keping is turned in wynde and fire, thou whose word is true, and sayings permanent:quorum servatio in vento et igni convertitur : cujus verbum verum, et dicta perseverantia :
23whose commandment is strong, and disposition terrible: whose look drieth up the depths, and indignation maketh the mountains to melt, and truth doth testify.whose commandment is strong, and disposition terrible: whose looke dryeth vp the depthes, and indignation maketh the mountaynes to melt, and truth doth testifie.cujus jussio fortis, et dispositio terribilis : cujus aspectus arefacit abyssos, et indignatio tabescere facit montes, et veritas testificatur :
24Hear the prayer of thy servant, and with thine ears receive the petition of thy creature.Heare the prayer of thy seruant, & with thine eares receiue the petition of thy creature.exaudi orationem servi tui, et auribus percipe precationem figmenti tui.
25For whiles I live, I will speak: and whiles I understand, I will answer:For whiles I liue, I wil speake: and whiles I vnderstand, I wil answere:Dum enim vivo, loquar : et dum sapio, respondebo :
26Neither do thou respect the sins of thy people, but them that serve thee in truth.Neither doe thou respect the sinnes of thy people, but them that serue thee in truth.nec respicias populi tui delicta, sed qui tibi in veritate serviunt.
27Neither do thou attend the impious endeavours of the nations, but them that with sorrows have kept thy testimonies.Neither doe thou attend the impious endeuours of the nations, but them that with sorowes haue kept thy testimonies.Nec intendas impia gentium studia, sed qui tua testimonia cum doloribus custodierunt.
28Neither think thou of them that in thy sight have conversati: talked with; dealt, kept company falsely, but remember them that according to thy will have known thy fear.Neither thinke thou of them that in thy sight haue conuerst falsly, but remember them that according to thy wil haue knowen thy feare.Nec cogites qui in conspectu tuo false conversati sunt, sed memorare qui ex voluntate tua timorem cognoverunt.
29Neither be thou willing to destroy them that have had the manners of beasts: but respect them that have taught thy law gloriously.Neither be thou willing to destroy thē that haue had the maners of beastes: but respect them that haue taught thy law gloriously.Neque volueris perdere, qui pecudum mores habuerunt : sed respicias eos qui legem tuam splendide docuerunt.
30Neither have indignation towards them, which are judged worse then beasts: but love them that always have confidence in thy justice, and glory.Neither haue indignation towards them, which are iudged worse then beastes: but loue them that alwayes haue confidence in thy iustice, and glorie.Nec indigneris eis qui bestiis pejores judicati sunt : sed diligas eos qui semper in tua justitia confidunt, et gloria.
31Because we and our fathers languish with such diseases: but thou for sinners shalt be called merciful.Because we and our fathers languish with such diseases: but thou for sinners shalt be called merciful.Quoniam nos et patres nostri talibus morbis languemus : tu autem propter nos peccatores misericors vocaberis.
32For if thou shalt be desirous to have mercy on us, then thou shalt be called merciful, to us having no works of justice.For if thou shalt be desirous to haue mercie on vs, then thou shalt be called merciful, to vs hauing no workes of iustice.Si enim desideraveris ut nostri miserearis, tunc misericors vocaberis, nobis autem non habentibus opera justitiæ.
33For the just which have many works laid up, of their own works shall receive reward.For the iust which haue manie workes layd vp, of their owne workes shal receiue reward.Justi enim, quibus sunt opera multa reposita, ex propriis operibus recipient mercedem.
34For what is man, that thou art angry with him: or the corruptible kind, that thou art so bitter touching it?For what is man, that thou art angrie with him: or the corruptible kinde, that thou art so bitter touching it?Quid est enim homo, ut ei indigneris : aut genus corruptibile, ut ita amarus sis de ipso ?
35For in truth there is no man of them that be born, which hath not done impiously, and of them that confess, which have not sinned.For in truth there is no man of them that be borne, which hath not done impiously, and of them that confesse, which haue not sinned.In veritate enim nemo de genitis est qui non impie gessit, et de confitentibus qui non deliquit.
36For in this shall thy justice be declared, and thy goodness, O Lord, when thou shalt have mercy on them, that have no substance of good works.For in this shal thy iustice be declared, and thy goodnes, ô Lord, when thou shalt haue mercie on them, that haue no substance of good workes.In hoc enim annuntiabitur justitia tua, et bonitas tua Domine, cum misertus fueris eis qui non habent substantiam bonorum operum.
37And he answered me, and said: Thou hast spoken some things rightly: and according to thy words, so also shall it be done,And he answered me, and sayd: Thou hast spoken somethinges rightly: and according to thy wordes, so also shal it be done,Et respondit ad me, et dixit : Recte locutus es aliqua : et juxta sermones tuos, sic et fiet,
38because I will not indeed think upon the work of them that have sinned before death, before the judgment, before perdition:because I wil not in dede thinke vpon the worke of them that haue sinned before death, before the iudgement, before perdition:quoniam non vere cogitabo super plasma eorum qui peccaverunt ante mortem, ante judicium, ante perditionem :
39but I will rejoice upon the creature of the just, and I will remember their pilgrimage also, and salvation, and receiving of reward.but I wil reioyce vpon the creature of the iust, and I wil remember their pilgrimage also, and saluation, and receiuing of reward.sed jucundabor super justorum figmentum, et memorabor peregrinationis quoque, et salvationis et mercedis receptionis.
40Therefore as I have spoken, so also it is.Therfore as I haue spoken, so also it is.Quomodo ergo locutus sum, sic et est.
41For as the husbandman soweth upon the ground many seeds, and planteth many plants, but not all which were sown in time, are preserved, nor yet all that were planted, shall take root: so they also that are sown in the world, shall not all be saved.For as the husbandman soweth vpon the ground manie seedes, and planteth manie plantes, but not al which were sowen in time, are preserued, nor yet al that were planted, shal take roote: so they also that are sowen in the world, shal not al be saued.Sicut enim agricola serit super terram semina multa, et plantationes multitudinis plantat, sed non in tempore omnia quæ seminata sunt, salvantur, sed nec omnia quæ plantata sunt, radicabunt : sic et qui in sæculo seminati sunt, non omnes salvabuntur.
42And I answered, and said: If I have found grace, let me speak.And I answered, and sayd: If I haue found grace, let me speake.Et respondi, et dixi : Si inveni gratiam, loquar.
43As the seed of the husbandman, if it come not up, or receive not the rain in time, if it be corrupted with much rain, perisheth:As the seede of the husbandman, if it come not vp, or receiue not the rayne in time, if it be corupted with much rayne, perisheth:Quomodo semen agricolæ si non ascenderit, aut non acceperit pluviam tuam in tempore, aut si corruptum fuerit multitudine pluviæ,
44so likewise also man who made with thy hands, and thou named his image: because thou art likened to him, for whom thou hast made all things, and hast likened him to the seed of the husbandman.so likewise also man who made with thy handes, and thou named his image: because thou art likened to him, for whom thou hast made al thinges, and hast likened him to the seede of the husbandman.sic periit : et similiter homo qui manibus tuis plasmatus est, et tu ei imago nominatus : quoniam similatus es ei, propter quem omnia plasmasti, et similasti semini agricolæ.
45Be not angry upon us, but spare thy people, and have mercy on thy inheritance. And thou hast mercy on thy creature.Be not angrie vpon vs, but spare thy people, and haue mercie on thy inheritance. And thou hast mercie on thy creature.Non irascaris super nos, sed parce populo tuo, et miserere hereditati tuæ. Tu autem creaturæ tuæ misereris.
46And he answered me, and said: The things that are present to them that are present, and that shall be, to them that shall be.And he answered me, and sayd: The thinges that are present to them that are present, and that shal be, to them that shal be.Et respondit ad me, et dixit : Quæ sunt præsentia præsentibus, et quæ futura futuris ?
47For thou lackest much to be able to love my creature above me: and to thee often times, even to thyself I have approached, but to the unjust never.For thou lackest much to be able to loue my creature aboue me: and to thee often times, euen to thyselfe I haue approched, but to the vniust neuer.Multum enim tibi restat, ut possis diligere meam creaturam super me : tibi autem frequenter et ipsi proximavi, iniustis autem numquam.
48But in this also thou art marvellous before the Highest,But in this also thou art meruelous before the Highest,Sed et in hoc mirabilis es coram Altissimo,
49because thou hast humbled thyself as becometh thee: and hast not judged thyself, that among the just thou mayst be very much glorified.because thou hast humbled thyself as becometh thee: & hast not iudged thyself, that among the iust thou maist be very much glorified.quoniam humiliasti te sicut decet te. Et non judicasti te, ut inter justos plurimum glorificeris.
50For which cause many miseries, and miserable things shall be done to them that inhabit the world in the later days: because they have walked in much pride.For which cause manie miseries, and miserable thinges shal be done to them that inhabite the world in the later dayes: because they haue walked in much pride.Propter quod miseriæ multæ, et miserabiles efficientur eis qui habitant sæculum in novissimis : quia in multa superbia ambulaverunt.
51But thou for thyself understand, and for them that are like unto thee seek glory.But thou for thyselfe vnderstand, & for them that are like vnto thee seeke glorie.Tu autem pro te intellige, et de similibus tuis inquire gloriam.
52For to you paradise is open, the tree of life is planted, time to come is prepared, abundance is prepared, a city is builded, rest is approved, goodness is perfecta: perfected, and perfect wisdom.For to you paradise is open, the tree of life is planted, time to come is prepared, abundance is prepared, a citie is builded, rest is approued, goodnes is perfited, & perfit wisdome.Vobis enim apertus est paradisus, plantata est arbor vitæ, præparatum est futurum tempus, præparata est abundantia, ædificata est civitas, probata est requies, perfecta est bonitas et perfecta sapientia.
53The root of evil is signed from you: infirmity, and moth is hid from you: and corruption is fled into hell in oblivion.The roote of euil is signed from you: infirmitie, and mothe is hid from you: & corruption is fled into hel in obliuión.Radix mali signata est a vobis : infirmitas, et tinea a vobis absconsa est : et in infernum fugit corruptio in oblivione.
54Sorrows are past, and the treasure of immortality is shewed in the end.Sorowes are past, & the treasure of immortalitie is shewed in the end.Transierunt dolores, et ostensus est in fine thesaurus immortalitatis.
55Add not therefore inquiring of the multitude of them that perish.Adde not therfore inquiring of the multitude of them that perish.Noli ergo adjicere inquirendo de multitudine eorum qui pereunt.
56For they also receiving liberty, have despised the Highest, and contemned his law, and forsaken his ways.For they also receiuing libertie, haue despised the Highest, and contemned his lawe, and forsaken his wayes.Nam et ipsi accipientes libertatem, spreverunt Altissimum, et legem ejus contempserunt, et vias ejus dereliquerunt.
57Yea and moreover they have trodden down his just ones,Yea and moreouer they haue troden downe his iust ones,Adhuc autem justos ejus conculcaverunt,
58and have said in their heart, that there is no God: and that, knowing that they die.and haue sayd in their hart, that there is no God: and that, knowing that they dye.et dixerunt in corde suo non esse Deum : et quidem scientes quoniam moriuntur.
59For as the things aforesaid shall receive you: so thirst and torment, which are prepared shall take them: for he would not man to be destroyed.For as the thinges aforesayd shal receiue you: so thirst and torment, which are prepared shal take them: for he would not man to be destroyed.Sicut enim vos suscipient quæ prædicta sunt : sic eos sitis, et cruciatus, quæ præparata sunt : non enim voluit hominem disperdi.
60But they themselves also which are created, have defiled his name which made them: and have been unkind to him that prepared life.But they them selues also which are created, haue defyled his name which made them: & haue bene vnkinde to him that prepared life.Sed et ipsi qui creati sunt, coinquinaverunt nomen ejus qui fecit eos : et ingrati fuerunt ei qui præparavit eis vitam.
61Wherefore my judgment now approcheth.Wherfore my iudgement now approcheth.Quapropter judicium meum modo appropinquat.
62Which things I have not shewed to all, but to thee, and to few like unto thee. And I answered, and said:Which thinges I haue not shewed to al, but to thee, & to few like vnto thee. And I answered, and sayd:Quæ non omnibus demonstravi, nisi tibi, et tibi similibus paucis. Et respondi, et dixi :
63Behold now Lord thou hast shewed me a multitude of signs, which thou wilt begin to do in the latter times, but thou hast not shewed me at what time.Behold now Lord thou hast shewed me a multitude of signes, which thou wilt beginne to doe in the latter times, but thou hast not shewed me at what time.Ecce nunc Domine demonstrasti mihi multitudinem signorum, quæ incipies facere in novissimis : sed non demonstrasti mihi quo tempore.
The reading text follows the 1582 first edition.