Surely vain are all men by nature who are ignorant of God, and could not, out of the good things that are seen, know Him that is; neither by considering the works did they acknowledge the Workmaster;

But deemed either fire, or wind, or the swift air, or the circle of the stars, or the violent water, or the lights of heaven, to be gods which govern the world.

If they were delighted with their beauty, and took them to be gods, let them know how much better the Lord of them is; for the first Author of beauty hath created them.

But if they were astonished at their power and virtue, let them understand by them how much mightier He is that formed them.

For by the greatness and beauty of the creatures proportionably the maker of them is seen.

Yet these are excusable, and seek God, and are desirous to find him.

For being conversant in His works, they search diligently, and believe their sight, because the things are beautiful that are seen; yet they are not to be pardoned.

For if they were able to know so much as to conjecture the world, how did they not sooner find out the Lord thereof?

But miserable are they, and in dead things is their hope, who call them gods, which are the works of men’s hands, gold and silver, the invention of art, and the resemblances of beasts, or a stone good for nothing, the work of an ancient hand.

Now a carpenter that felleth timber, after he hath sawn down some tree great and able to do good service, taketh it, and with art fashioneth it, and maketh it fit for the service of man.

And the chips of his work he burneth, so that he may prepare his food.

And a piece thereof that is no longer needful for any thing, a crooked piece of wood full of knots, having taken it, he carves it in his spare time, and fashions it with the skill of his craftsmanship into the image of a man,

Or maketh it like some vile beast, painting it with vermilion, and with a red colour covering every spot therein.

And when he hath made a convenient room for it, he setteth it in a wall, and maketh it fast with iron.

For he provideth for it that it should not fall, knowing that it is unable to help itself; for it is an image, and needeth help.

Then maketh he his prayer to it for his goods, for his wife, and children, and is not ashamed to speak to that which hath no soul.

For health he calleth upon that which is weak, for life prayeth to that which is dead, for aid humbly beseecheth that which hath least means to succour him.

For a good journey he asketh of that which cannot move: and for getting and getting and for good success of his works, asketh of that which is most unable to do any thing.