37 Then he answered me, “Some things you have spoken rightly, and it will happen according to your words. 38 Because indeed I will not think about the fashioning of those who have sinned, or about their death, their judgement, or their destruction; 39 but I will rejoice over the creation of the righteous and their pilgrimage, their salvation, and the reward that they will have. 40 Therefore as I have spoken, so it will be. 41 Because as the farmer sows many seeds in the ground, and plants many trees, and yet not all that is sown will come[fn] up in due season, neither will all that is planted take root, even so those who are sown in the world will not all be saved.”

42 Then I answered, “If I have found favour, let me speak before you. 43 If the farmer’s seed doesn’t come up because it hasn’t received your rain in due season, or if it is ruined by too much rain and perishes, 44 likewise man, who is formed with your hands and is called your own image, because he is made like you, for whose sake you have formed all things, even him have you made like the farmer’s seed. 45 Don’t be angry with us, but spare your people and have mercy upon your inheritance, for you have mercy upon your own creation.”

46 Then he answered me, “Things present are for those who live now, and things to come for those who will live hereafter. 47 Because you come far short of being able to love my creature more than I. But you have compared yourself to the unrighteous. Don’t do that! 48 Yet in this will you be admirable to the Most High, 49 in that you have humbled yourself, as it becomes you, and have not judged yourself amongst the righteous, so as to be much glorified. 50 Because many grievous miseries will fall on those who dwell in the world in the last times, because they have walked in great pride. 51 But understand for yourself, and for those who enquire concerning the glory of those like you, 52 because paradise is opened to you. The tree of life is planted. The time to come is prepared. Plenteousness is made ready. A city is built. Rest is allowed.[fn] Goodness is perfected, and wisdom is perfected beforehand. 53 The root of evil is sealed up from you. Weakness is done away from you, and death[fn] is hidden. Hell and corruption have fled into forgetfulness. 54 Sorrows have passed away, and in the end, the treasure of immortality is shown. 55 Therefore ask no more questions concerning the multitude of those who perish. 56 Because when they had received liberty, they despised the Most High, scorned his law, and forsook his ways. 57 Moreover they have trodden down his righteous, 58 and said in their heart that there is no god—even knowing that they must die. 59 Because as the things I have said will welcome you, so thirst and pain which are prepared for them. Because the Most High didn’t intend that men should be destroyed, 60 but those who are created have themselves defiled the name of him who made them, and were unthankful to him who prepared life for them. 61 Therefore my judgement is now at hand, 62 which I have not shown to all men, but to you, and a few like you.”

Then I answered, 63 “Listen, Oh master, now you have shown me the multitude of the wonders which you will do in the last times, but you haven’t shown me when.”