2
For if we sin, we are thine, knowing thy power: but we will not sin, knowing that we are counted thine.
3
For to know thee is perfect righteousness: yea, to know thy power is the root of immortality.
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.
10
His heart is ashes, his hope is more vile than earth, and his life of less value than clay:
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.