Same place. — They knew not his ways, nor returned by his paths. 71. The perverse are for this reason delivered over to a reprobate sense, because they were rebels against the divine light. — For those who first are rebels by knowing, afterward are blinded so that they may not know, just as it is said concerning certain persons: Because, when they had known God, they glorified him not as God, nor gave thanks (Romans 1:21). Concerning whom it is added a little after: God delivered them over to a reprobate sense, that they might do those things which are not fitting (Romans 1:28). For because they were unwilling to glorify him whom they had known, being delivered over to a reprobate sense, they were left to this, that they no longer knew how to weigh the evils which they were doing. Well, moreover, is it said:
They knew not his ways, nor returned by his paths. For the path is narrower than the way. And those who scorn to perform the more open goods can by no means arrive at understanding things more subtle. But almighty God waited that they might walk by his paths; yet would that they had been willing at least to return by them, so that the journeys of life which they refused to hold through innocence they might at least hold through penitence! In which matter it is shown how great is the tender mercy of almighty God, who seeks those whom he beholds departing from him, that they may return. Whence, after enumerating the faults of the offenders, he calls back the Synagogue through the voice of the prophet, saying: Therefore at least from now on call me: thou art my father, the guide of my virginity (Jeremiah).