21
And this was an occasion to deceive the world; for men, serving either calamity or tyranny, ascribed unto stones and stocks the incommunicable Name.
22
Moreover this was not enough for them, that they erred in the knowledge of God; but whereas they lived in the great war of ignorance, those so great plagues called they peace.
23
For whilst they slew their children in sacrifices, or used secret ceremonies, or made revelings with strange rites,
24
they kept neither lives nor marriages any longer undefiled, but either one slew another traitorously, or grieved him by adultery,
25
so that there reigned in all men, without exception, blood, manslaughter, theft and dissimulation, corruption, unfaithfulness, tumults, perjury,
26
disquieting of good men, forgetfulness of good turns, defiling of souls, changing of sex, disorder in marriages, adultery, and shameless uncleanness.
27
For the worshiping of idols not to be named is the beginning, the cause, and the end of all evil.
28
For either they are mad when they be merry, or prophesy lies, or live unjustly, or else lightly forswear themselves.
29
For insomuch as their trust is in idols which have no life, though they swear falsely, yet they look not to be hurt.
30
Nonetheless, for both causes shall they be justly punished: both because they thought not well of God, giving heed unto idols, and also unjustly swore in deceit, despising holiness.
31
For it is not the power of them by whom they swear, but it is the just vengeance upon sinners that punisheth always the offense of the ungodly.