Second Baruch

And my son and the elders of the people answered and said to me:

“Has the Mighty One brought us so low

that he will take you away from us so quickly?

And truly we will be in darkness,

and there will be no light for the people who are left behind.

For where again shall we seek the Law,

or who will distinguish for us between death and life?”

And I said to them: “Against the throne of the Mighty One I am not able

to stand.

Nevertheless, Israel will not lack a wise man,

nor the race of Jacob a son of the Law.

Only you, prepare your hearts to obey

the Law,

and be subject to those who in fear are wise and understanding.

And prepare your souls, that you may not depart from them.

For if you do these things,

the good tidings will come to you,

those which I previously told you,

and you will not fall into the torments of which I previously testified to you.”

Now concerning the word that I am being taken away, I did not

make it known to them, nor even to my son.