tion in the external world. This manifestation is perpetual and univer- sal. It is from the creation of the world. These words may indeed be rendered hy the creation, &c., but not consistently with the latter part of the verse ; nor do they, when thus rendered, give so pertinent a sense. These invisible things are seen, being understood ; that is, it is a mental vision of which Paul speaks. The eye of sense sees nothing but the external object, the mind sees mind ; and mind possessed not of human power and perfections, but of eternal power and divinity. The word rendered divinity mezns the divine majesty and excellence, and therefore includes all the perfections of God. These perfections are manifested by the things which are made ; so the word here used properly means, see Eph. 2 : 10 ; but it may also mean luorhs generally. ' Being under- stood by his luork^,^ would then include the dispensations of his provi- dence, as well as the products of his hands. The common version, however, is more natural and appropriate. So that they are without ex- cuse. These words are by many considered as depending on the last clause of V. 19, ' God hath showed it unto them, so that they are without excuse.' The former part of this verse is thus thrown into a parenthesis. The sense remains the same. God has so manifested himself in his works as to render the impiety, and especially the idolatry, of men inex- cusable. It is not necessary to maintain that this revelation is compe- tent to supply all the knowledge which a sinner needs. It is enough that it renders men inexcusable; and as it is that by which they are to be judged, ch. 2 : 14, 15 ; if it be disregarded, it renders their condemna- tion as just, although not so severe, as the condemnation of those who disregard the clearer light of the gospel. The sentiment of this verse occurs in Acts 14: 17, "Nevertheless, he left not himself without a witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, filling our hearts with food and gladness."
(21) Because that, when they hnew God, they glorified him not as God^ neither were thankful, &c. That men are justly chargeable with impiety, Paul proves, because they had a competent knowledge of God, but did not act agreeably to it. When they knew means either having the op- portunity of knowing, or actually possessing this knowledge. The latter is probably the apostle's meaning. God has revealed himself in the constitution of human nature, and in his works, to all men. This revelation is indeed greatly and generally neglected ; and other and de- lusive guides followed, so that the heathen are commonly ignorant of what it teaches. In like manner the Bible is neglected, and those to whom it is sent, disregarding it§ directions, follow those who teach for doctrines the commandments of men. In both cases, however, there is knowledge presented, and a revelation made ; and in both ignorance is without excuse. As there is no apology for the impiety of the heathen to be found in any unavoidable ignorance of God, their idolatry is the fruit of depravity. The apostle, therefore, says when they knew God they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful. These two ex-