7:46 I answered then and said, This is my first and last saying, that it had been better not to have given the earth unto Adam: or else, when it was given him, to have restrained him from sinning.

7:47 For what profit is it for men now in this present time to live in heaviness, and after death to look for punishment?

7:48 O thou Adam, what hast thou done? for though it was thou that sinned, thou art not fallen alone, but we all that come of thee.

7:49 For what profit is it unto us, if there be promised us an immortal time, whereas we have done the works that bring death?

7:50 And that there is promised us an everlasting hope, whereas ourselves being most wicked are made vain?

7:51 And that there are laid up for us dwellings of health and safety, whereas we have lived wickedly?

7:52 And that the glory of the most High is kept to defend them which have led a wary life, whereas we have walked in the most wicked ways of all?

7:53 And that there should be shewed a paradise, whose fruit endureth for ever, wherein is security and medicine, since we shall not enter into it?

7:54 (For we have walked in unpleasant places.)

7:55 And that the faces of them which have used abstinence shall shine above the stars, whereas our faces shall be blacker than darkness?