Chapter 18
18:1 “I then surveyed the receptacles of all the winds, perceiving that they contributed to adorn the whole creation, and to preserve the foundation of the earth.”
18:2 “I surveyed the stone which supports the corners of the earth.”
18:3 “I also beheld the four winds, which bear up the earth, and the firmament of heaven.”
18:4 “And I beheld the winds occupying the exalted sky.”
18:5 “Arising in the midst of heaven and earth and constituting the pillars of heaven.”
18:6 “I saw the winds which turn the sky, which cause the orb of the sun and of all the stars to set; and over the earth I saw the winds which support the clouds.”
18:7 “I saw the path of the angels.”
18:8 “I perceived at the extremity of the earth the firmament of heaven above it. Then I passed on towards the south;”
18:9 “Where burnt, both by day and night, six mountains formed of glorious stones; three towards the east, and three towards the south.”
18:10 “Those which were towards the east were of a variegated stone; one of which was of margarite, and another of antimony. Those towards the south were of a red stone. The middle one reached to heaven like the throne of God; a throne composed of alabaster, the top of which was of sapphire. I saw, too, a blazing fire hanging over all the mountains.”
18:11 “And there I saw a place on the other side of an extended territory, where waters were collected.”
18:12 “I likewise beheld terrestrial fountains, deep in the fiery columns of heaven.”
18:13 “And in the columns of heaven I beheld fires, which descended without number, but neither on high, nor into the deep. Over these fountains also I perceived a place which had neither the firmament of heaven above it, nor the solid ground underneath it; neither was there water above it, nor anything on wing; but the spot was desolate.”
18:14 “And there I beheld seven stars, like great blazing mountains, and like spirits entreating me.”
18:15 “Then the angel said, This place, until the consummation of heaven and earth, will be the prison of the stars, and the host of heaven.”
18:16 “The stars which roll over fire are those which transgressed the commandments of God before their time arrived; for they came not in their proper season. Therefore, was he offended in them, and bound them, until the period of the consummation of their crimes in the secret year.”