The Scripture directory for church-officers and people, or, A practical commentary upon the whole…

I shall first begin with that active foolishness, demonstrating by several particulars, That all worldly wisdom is mere folly. And

I shall first begin with that active foolishnesse, demonstrating by several particulars, That all worldly wisdome is meer folly. And

First, This is abundantly seen in all that Idolatry and superstition which the wisest of men are prone unto, and wherein they do greatly applaud themselves. What more foolish, ridiculous and absurd instances have we of folly, then of the Idolatry and superstitious worship, that the Oracles of their days have decreed? The Apostle Rom. 1.21. speaketh excellently to this purpose, Professing themselves wise, they became fools; for their foolish heart was darkened: And wherein was this seen? In turning the glory of the invisible God, into an image of an Ox that eateth hay. This doth especially relate to the Egyptians, who boasted of their great wisdom; and indeed they were the seminary of learning, it's said to all the world; yet who more foolish in their Idolatry than they, worshipping an Ox, yea Mice, and Cats, and Crocodiles? This also might be demonstrated of the Grecians and Romans, while applauded for the wise men of the world. How absurd and foolish were they in their worship? Insomuch that Socrates was called an Atheist, merely because he derided their many gods; and Austin relateth a great deal of excellent discourse, which Seneca hath against the Idolatry and Superstition than in use, though that Tractate be not now among his Works. But these are Heathens; and so no wonder if we shall find even in the Church of God, when men have followed their humane wisdom in prescribing the worship of God by that, they become vain and ridiculous: witness all that heap of foolish and superstitious Ceremonies, which Popery brought into the Church by degrees. That as the ridiculous deformity of an Ape lieth in imitating, or being like a man, and yet not a man: So the absurd folly of all that superstitious worship did appear in the affectation of Religion and Devotion, when indeed it was not so. Now this great folly of Idolatry, the Scripture doth often aggravate, They have eyes, and see not, &c. And they that make them are like unto them. They are even such stupid Idols, as their Idols are. And what holy derision doth the Prophet Elijah put upon Baals Priests, lancing and cutting themselves, crying, O Baal hear us,