Isaiah 46:5-7

Amidst all the folly of idolatry, there is one feature, in which the worshippers become a reproach to us: I mean, in that they spared no expense in their religious rites. This scripture saith they lavished gold out of the bag; and yet how many have I known, who not only profess the pure gospel of Jesus, but really and truly possess the power of it, who through the remains of indwelling corruption, cannot help being sparing in their bounties to their poor brethren! It is strange that it should be so: but the fact is undeniable. Lord! keep the heart of him that writes, and him that reads, from a covetous spirit! Oh for grace to delight in refreshing the bowels of the saints with the nether and the upper springs of Jesus's bounty; while Jesus gives us both liberally to enjoy. Reader! had not the Lord's word said so, could it ever have been supposed possible, that man's fall would have so far blinded his reason, as that he should first make an image, and then fall down to worship the image of his own making? Was there ever a folly so great and glaring? Precious Jesus! to what a state was our nature universally sunk, when thy mercy prompted thee to come, and seek and save that which was lost!