The Institution of Christian Religion

But because we being drunk with a false persuasion of our own §19deep insight, do very hardly suffer our selves to be persuaded, that in matters of god it is utterly blind and dull: I think it shall be better to confirm it by testimonies of Scripture than by reasons. This doth John very well teach in that place which I even n•w alleged,¹ when he writeth, that life was in God from the beginning, and the same life which should be the light of men, and that the light did shine in darkness, & the darkness comprehended it not. He showeth in deed, that mans soul is lightened with the brightness of ⟨image 93⟩gods light, so that it is never altogether without some small flame, or at least some sparkle of it, but yet, that with such a light he comprehendeth not God. And why so? because mans quickness of wit, as toward the knowledge of God, is but mere darkness. For when the holy ghost calleth men darkness, he at ones spoileth them of all ability of spiritual understanding. Therefore he affirmeth, that the faithful which embrace Christ,² are borne not of blood, or of the will of the flesh, or of man, but of God. As if he should say: flesh is not capable of so high wisdom to conceive God and that which is Gods, unless it be lightened with the spirit of God.³ As Christ testified, that this was a special revelation of the father, that Peter did know him.

But bicause we being dronke with a false persuasion of oure owne §19deepe insight, do very hardely suffer oure selues to be persuaded, that in matters of god it is vtterly blynde and dull: I thynke it shall bee better to confyrme yt by testymonyes of Scripture than by reasons. Thys dothe Ihon very well teache in that place whiche I euen n•w alleged,¹