Second Baruch

And I answered and said:

“Who can be compared to your goodness, O Lord?

For it is incomprehensible.

Or who can search out your mercies, which are limitless?

Or who can comprehend your understanding?

Or who is able to recount the thoughts of your mind?

Or who of those born can hope to attain to these things,

except him upon whom you have mercy and compassion?

For if you do not have mercy upon the children of men,

those who are under your right hand cannot attain to these things,

except those

who in renowned numbers

can be named.

But as for us who are alive, if we know why we have come

and submit to him who brought us out of Egypt,

we shall again come and remember the things

that have passed, and rejoice

over that which has been.

If, however, we know now why we have come,

and do not acknowledge the sovereignty of him who brought us up from Egypt,

we will again come and seek those things that have happened now,

and we will be distressed with sorrows over that which has occurred.”