QUES. 24.-Rom. 1 :18, the last part, "Who hold the truth in unrighteousness." What class of people are these?

ANS.-They are the people whose practical life is in opposition to the light which they possess. Such were the Gentiles under the light of creation, as seen in what follows the verse from which you quote. The works of God all about them proclaimed, in the heavens above, the glory of God, and in the earth beneath, His goodness and benevolence and marvelous wisdom. They turned their backs to all this, and betook themselves to the worship of creatures lower than themselves, and objects carved or cast by their own hands. They sinned against their light. Their philosophers could write finely on virtuous living while deep moral degradation marked their ways.

The Jews had more. They had a revelation added to the light of creation, and their practical ways were so bad that it is said of them (chap. 2 :24), "For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you." Their scribes and Pharisees and doctors could preach well to the people, but "they say, and do not," said the Saviour of them.

And yet worse of Christians who, to, the light of creation and of the revelation which God had given to the Jews, have the added light of the New Testament-a light that shines as the noonday sun ! So contrary to that light has the general practice of Christendom become, that its final character is described as "Mystery, Babylon the Great, the mother of harlots and abominations of the earth " (Rev. 17 :5), and its doom exhibited in Rev. 18.

It is a deadly thing to walk behind one's light, in whatever degree it may be done, and in whatever relations toward God.