2 Esdras 5:54-56

New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised

⁵⁴ Therefore you also should consider that you and your contemporaries are smaller in stature than those who were before you, ⁵⁵ and those who come after you will be smaller than you, as born of a creation that already is ageing and passing the strength of youth.’

⁵⁶ I said, ‘I implore you, O Lord, if I have found favour in your sight, show your servant through whom you will visit your creation.’