For verily all men by nature were but vain who had no perception of God,

2 But either fire, or wind, or swift air,

3 And if it was through delight in their beauty that they took them to be gods,

4 But if it was through astonishment at their power and influence,

5 For from the greatness of the beauty even of created things

6 But yet for these men there is but small blame,

7 For living among his works they make diligent search,

8 But again even they are not to be excused.

9 For if they had power to know so much,

10 But miserable were they, and in dead things were their hopes,

11 Yea and if some woodcutter, having sawn down a tree that is easily moved,

12 And burning the refuse of his handiwork to dress his food, eateth his fill;

13 And taking the very refuse thereof which served to no use,

14 Or maketh it like some paltry animal,

15 And having made for it a chamber worthy of it,

16 While then he taketh thought for it that it may not fall down,

17 When he maketh his prayer concerning goods and his marriage and children,

18 Yea for health he calleth upon that which is weak,

19 And for gaining and getting and good success of his hands