The sermons of Master Henry Smith gathered into one volume. Printed according to his…The sermons of Maister Henrie Smith gathered into one volume. Printed according to his…

For this cause Paul in the fifth chapter of his Epistle to the Ephesians and fifth verse, calleth covetousness Idolatry, which is the most contrary sin to God; because as treason setteth up another King in the Kings place, so Idolatry setteth up another God in Gods place. This word doth signify that the covetous make so much of money, that they even worship it in their hearts, and would do as much for it as the Idolaters do for their Idols.

For this cause Paul in the fifth chapter of his Epistle to the Ephesians and fifth verse, calleth couetousnesse Idolatrie, which is the most contrarie sinne to God; because as treason setteth vp another King in the Kings place, so Idolatrie setteth vp another God in Gods place. This word doth signifie that the couetous make so much of money, that they euen worship it in their hearts, and would do as much for it as the Idolaters doe for their Idols.

Paul seeing such sins committed, and ⟨p. 214⟩such pains taken for gain, thought with himself; If they could be persuaded that Godliness is gain, it is like they would take as much pains for godliness, as they take for gain: therefore he taketh upon him to prove this strange Paradox, that Godliness is gain, against all them in the verse before, which hold that Gain is Godliness. These two opinions are very contrary, and here are many against one.

Paul seeing such sinnes committed, and ⟨p. 214⟩such paines taken for gaine, thought with himselfe; If they could bee perswaded that Godlinesse is gaine, it is like they would take as much pains for godlinesse, as they take for gaine: therefore hee taketh vpon him to prooue this strange Paradox, that Godlines is gaine, against all them in the verse before, which hold that Gaine is Godlinesse. These two opinions are verie contrarie, and here are many against one.