The end of works and the labour of the soul
Stephen Emmel / Helmut Koester (composite) · Public domain / scholarly composite. Reproduced for educational and religious commentary.
1Yehuda said, Lord, when do the labours of the soul end?
2The Saviour said, When the works of femaleness pass away. The bride shall return to the bridegroom; the soul shall return to the spirit; the world shall return to the Father.
3Mariamme said, Lord, will the works pass away in our time?
4The Saviour said, Whenever you speak the right words. Whenever you act in truth. Whenever the spirit is at rest within you. Then the works pass away.
5Mathew said, Lord, every man should pray.
6The Saviour said, Truly I say to you, every prayer is a yearning, but yearning is the prayer. He who prays is the soul who longs. The end of every prayer is the place of life — the Father.
7They said to the Saviour, Lord, who is greater — he who toils, or he who is at rest?
8The Saviour said, He who is at rest. For he has stood. The labourer toils, but he who has finished is at peace. Be the latter.