d sacrifices.

Wis 14:16
Thus in process of time an ungodly custom grown strong was
kept as a law, and graven images were worshipped by the
commandments of kings.

Wis 14:17
Whom men could not honour 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 honoured, to the end that
by this their forwardness they might flatter him that was
absent, as if he were present.

Wis 14:18
Also the singular diligence of the artificer did help to set
forward the ignorant to more superstition.

Wis 14:19
For he, peradventure willing to please one in authority,
forced all his skill to make the resemblance of the best
fashion.

Wis 14:20
And so the multitude, allured by the grace of the work, took
him now for a god, which a little before was but honoured.

Wis 14:21
And this was an occasion to deceive the world: for men,
serving either calamity or tyranny, did ascribe unto stones and
stocks the incommunicable name.

Wis 14:22
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.

Wis 14:23
For whilst they slew their children in sacrifices, or used
secret ceremonies, or made revellings of strange rites;

Wis 14:24
They kept neither lives nor marriages any longer undefiled:
but either one slew another traiterously, or grieved him by
adultery.

Wis 14:25
So that there reigned in all men without exception blood,
manslaughter, theft, and dissimulation, corruption,
unfaithfulness, tumults, perjury,

Wis 14:26
Disquieting of good men, forgetfulness of good turns,
defiling of souls, changing of kind, disorder in marriages,
adultery, and shameless uncleanness.

Wis 14:27
For the worshipping of idols not to be named is the
beginning, the cause, and the end, of all evil.

Wis 14:28
For either they are mad when they be merry, or prophesy lies,
or live unjustly, or else lightly forswear themselves.

Wis 14:29
For insomuch as their trust is in idols, which have no life;
though they swear falsely, yet they look not to be hurt.

Wis 14:30
Howbeit 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.

Wis 14:31
For it is not the power of them by whom they swear: but it is
the just vengeance of sinners,