The Assumption of Moses 12

1And when Joshua had finished these words, he fell again at the feet of Moses.

2And Moses took his hand, and raised him into the seat before him. And he answered and said to him:

3"Joshua, despise not thyself, but show thyself unmoved, and attend to my words.

4God created all the nations, which are on the face of the earth, and us as well; He foresaw them and us from the beginning of the creation of the earth even to the end of the world, and nothing is by Him neglected, however small it be, but He foresaw all things and foreknew . . .

5All things which should be in this world, He foresaw and lo! it is brought forth. . . .

6And me He formed to pray for them and for their sins . . . and to intercede for them.

7For not because of any virtue or strength of mine, but of His good pleasure his mercy and patience have been mine.

8Yea I tell thee, Joshua; not because of the piety of this people wilt thou destroy the nations.

9All that is in heaven and the foundations of the earth were made and approved by God, and are beneath the signet of His right hand.

10They that perform and carry out the commandments of God flourish and tread a good path;

11But sinners and they who neglect His commandments lack the good things, which are foretold. And they shall be punished by the nations with many torments;

12Yet it is not possible that He should wholly destroy and forsake them.

13For God hath gone forth, Who foresaw all things from the beginning, and His covenant is established even by the oath, which . . .