1Know ye, moreover, that in former times and in the generations of old our fathers had helpers, Righteous men and holy prophets.
2Nay more, we were in our own land and they helped us when we sinned, And they prayed for us with Him who made us, because they trusted in their works, and the Mighty One heard their prayer and was gracious us.
3But now the righteous have been gathered and the prophets have fallen asleep, and we also have gone forth from the land, and Zion has been taken from us, and we have nothing now save the Mighty One and His law.
4If therefore we direct and dispose our hearts, we shall receive everything that we lost, and much better things than we lost (yea, better) by many times.
5For what we have lost was subject to corruption, and what we shall receive shall not be corruptible. [
6Moreover, also, I have written thus to our brethren to Babylon, that to them also I may attest these very things.]
7And let all those things aforesaid be always before your eyes, because we are still in the spirit and the power of our liberty.
8Again, moreover, the Most High also is long-suffering towards us here, and He hath shown to us that which is to be, and hath not concealed from us what will befall in the end.
9Before therefore judgement exact its own, and truth that which is its due, let us prepare our soul that we may enter into possessin of, and not be taken possession of, and that we may hope and not be put to shame, and that we may rest with our fathers, and not be tormented with our enemies.
10For the youth of the world is past, and the strength of the creation already exhausted, and the advent of the times is very short, yea, they have passed by; and the pitcher is near to the cistern, and the ship to the port, and the course of the journey to the city, and life to consummation.
11And again prepare your souls, so that when ye sail and ascend from the ship ye may have rest and not be condemned when ye depart.
12For lo! when the Most High will bring to pass all these things, there will not there be again an opportunity for returning, nor a limit to the times, or adjurmement to the hours, nor a change of ways, nor place for prayer, nor sending of petitions, nor receiving of knowledge, nor giving of love, nor place of repentance, nor supplication for offences, nor intercession of the fathers, nor prayer of the prophets, nor help of the righteous.
13There there is the sentence of corruption, the way of fire, and the path which bringeth to Gehenna.
14On this account there is one law by one, one age and an end for all who are in it.
15Then He will preserve those whom He finds he may be gracious, and at the same time destroy those who are polluted with sins.]