2 Esdras 16:18-20

New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised

The Horror of the Last Days

¹⁸ The beginning of sorrows, when there shall be much lamentation; the beginning of famine, when many shall perish; the beginning of wars, when the powers shall be terrified; the beginning of calamities, when all shall tremble. What shall they do, when the calamities come? ¹⁹ Famine and plague, tribulation and anguish are sent as scourges for the correction of humankind. ²⁰ Yet for all this they will not turn from their iniquities, or ever be mindful of the scourges.