Christian Theology - Media Sabda Org

e more present in one place than in another, because he fills the heavens
and the earth, though the manifestations of his presence may be more in
particular places and especial times. His working shows that he is here
and present; though he would be no less present, were there no apparent
working. He is not like man, though, in condescension to our weakness,
he represents himself often as possessing human members and human
affections. When a thing is said to be done by the finger, the hand, or the
arm of God,—this only points out degrees of power manifested in
performing certain works of mercy, providence, deliverance, &c. And
these degrees of power are always in proportion to the work that is to be
effected. The finger may indicate a comparatively slight interference,
where a miracle is wrought; but not one that is stupendous: the hand, one
where great power is necessary, accompanied by evident skill and design:
and the arm, one in which the mighty power of God comes forward with
sovereign, overwhelming, irresistible effect. When the shoulder is
attributed to him, it points out his almighty sustaining
power,—maintaining his government of the world, and of his church;
supporting whatever he has made;—so his heart represents his concern
for his own honour, for the welfare of his followers, and for the afflicted
and distressed.
This one infinite and eternal Being is a Spirit: that is, he is not
compounded, nor made up of parts; for then he would be nothing
different from matter, which is totally void of intelligence and power.
And hence he must be invisible; for a spirit cannot be seen by the eye of
man: nor is there any thing in this principle contradictory to reason or
experience. We all know there is such a thing as the air we breathe, as the
wind that whistles through the trees, fans and cools our bodies, and
sometimes tears up mighty trees from their roots, overturns the strongest
buildings, and agitates the vast ocean: but no man has ever seen this air
or wind; though every one is sensible of its effects, and knows that it
exists. Now, it would be as absurd to deny the existence of God because
we cannot see him, as it would be to deny the existence of the air or wind
because we cannot see it.