20. For the invisible things of him from--or "since"
the creation of the world are clearly seen--the mind brightly beholding
what the eye cannot discern.
being understood by the things that are made--Thus, the outward
creation is not the parent but the interpreter of our faith in
God. That faith has its primary sources within our own breast
(Ro 1:19);
but it becomes an intelligible and articulate conviction only
through what we observe around us ("by the things which are made,"
Ro 1:20).
And thus are the inner and the outer revelation of God the complement
of each other, making up between them one universal and immovable
conviction that God is. (With this striking apostolic statement
agree the latest conclusions of the most profound speculative students
of Theism).
even his eternal power and Godhead--both that there is an
Eternal Power, and that this is not a mere blind force, or pantheistic
"spirit of nature," but the power of a living Godhead.
so that they are without excuse--all their degeneracy being a
voluntary departure from truth thus brightly revealed to the
unsophisticated spirit.
JFB.
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