16
Thus in the process of time an ungodly custom grown strong was kept as a law, and graven images were worshiped by the commandments of kings
17
whom men could not honor in presence, because they dwelt far off. They took the counterfeit of his visage from far, and made an express image of a king whom they honored, to the end that by this their forwardness they might flatter him that was absent as if he were present.
18
Also, the singular diligence of the artificer helped to set forward the ignorant to more superstition.
19
For he, perhaps willing to please one in authority, forced all his skill to make the resemblance of the best fashion.
20
And so the multitude, allured by the grace of the work, took him now for a god, who a little before was but honored as a man.
Third Millennium Bible (TMB), New Authorized Version, Copyright 1998 by Deuel Enterprises, Inc., Gary, SD 57237. All rights reserved.