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2 For if we sin, we are thine, knowing thy power: but we will not sin, knowing that we are counted thine.
4 For neither did the mischievous invention of men deceive us, nor an image spotted with divers colours,
the painter’s fruitless labour;
5 The sight whereof enticeth fools to lust after it, and so they desire the form of a dead image, that
hath no breath.
6 Both they that make them, they that desire them, and they that worship them, are lovers of evil things,
and are worthy to have such things to trust upon.
7 For the potter, tempering soft earth, fashioneth every vessel with much labour for our service: yea,
of the same clay he maketh both the vessels that serve for clean uses, and likewise also all such as
serve to the contrary: but what is the use of either sort, the potter himself is the judge.
8 And employing his labours lewdly, he maketh a vain god of the same clay, even he which a little before
was made of earth himself, and within a little while after returneth to the same, out when his life which
was lent him shall be demanded.
9 Notwithstanding his care is, not that he shall have much labour, nor that his life is short: but striveth
to excel goldsmiths and silversmiths, and endeavoureth to do like the workers in brass, and counteth
it his glory to make counterfeit things.
11 Forasmuch as he knew not his Maker, and him that inspired into him an active soul, and breathed in a
living spirit.
12 But they counted our life a pastime, and our time here a market for gain: for, say they, we must be getting
every way, though it be by evil means.
13 For this man, that of earthly matter maketh brittle vessels and graven images, knoweth himself to offend
above all others.
14 And all the enemies of thy people, that hold them in subjection, are most foolish, and are more miserable
than very babes.
15 For they counted all the idols of the heathen to be gods: which neither have the use of eyes to see,
nor noses to draw breath, nor ears to hear, nor fingers of hands to handle; and as for their feet, they
are slow to go.
16 For man made them, and he that borrowed his own spirit fashioned them: but no man can make a god like
unto himself.
17 For being mortal, he worketh a dead thing with wicked hands: for he himself is better than the things
which he worshippeth: whereas he lived once, but they never.