[1496] Bhikkhus, there might be alteration in the four great elements (mahābhūta) — in the earth element (dhātu), the water element, the fire element, the air element — but there can be no alteration in a noble disciple (ariyasāvaka) who possesses the virtues (sīla) dear to the noble ones. Therein, this would be alteration: that a noble disciple possessing the virtues dear to the noble ones should be reborn in hell, in the animal realm, or in the domain of ghosts — this is impossible.
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.