1
Know also that in former times and the generation before, our fathers had righteous helpers, prophets, and faithful ones.
2
While we were in our land they helped us when we sinned and petitioned the One who made us on our behalf. Because they trusted in their works, the Mighty One heard them and showed us compassion.
3
But now the Righteous are gathered, the prophets have fallen asleep, we have gone from our land, and Tziyon is taken from us. Nothing remains to us now except the Mighty One and His Torah.
4
Therefore, if we make our hearts upright and established, we shall receive many times everything we lost.
5
For what we lost was corruptible, but what we shall receive is incorruptible.
6
I wrote likewise to our brothers in Bavel, that I might testify these same things to them also.
7
Let all the things spoken beforehand remain continually before your eyes, for we are still in the ruach of the authority of our freedom.
8
Elyon is still long-suffering with us here, making known what is appointed and not concealing from us what shall occur at the end.
9
Before His Judgment requires its own and the Truth what is due it, let us prepare our beings to receive and not be taken, to hope and not be ashamed, to rest with our fathers and not be tormented with our enemies.
10
The youth of the world has passed, the vigor of creation is already completed, the coming of the times is exceedingly brief, and they have passed. The pitcher is near the cistern, the vessel to the harbor, the journey of the road to the city, and life to the completion.
11
Again, prepare your beings, so that when you have sailed and ascended from the vessel you may rest, and not be condemned when you have departed.
12
For when Elyon brings all these things, there is no place there for repentance, no boundary for time, no lengthening of the season, no change of Ways, no place for petition, no sending of requests, no receiving of knowledge, no giving of love, no place for remorse, no intercession for transgression, no petition of fathers, no prayer of prophets, and no help of the Righteous.
13
There is the decree of Judgment for corruption, the Way of fire, and the path drawing near to flame.
14
Therefore there is one Torah by One, one world, and an end for all who are in it.
15
Then He shall cause those He can to live and show them compassion, and shall together destroy those defiling themselves in sins.