The Institution of Christian Religion

Wherefore, as Plato was worthily found fault withal before, for that he imputed all sins to ignorance, so is their opinion to be rejected, which teach that purposed maliced and frowardness is used in all sins. For we find it to much by experience, how oft we fall with our good intent. Our reason is overwhelmed with so many sorts of being deceived, is subject to so many errors, stumbleth at so many stays, is entangled with so many straits, that it is far from sure directing. But how little it is esteemed before the Lord in all parts of our life,¹ Paul showeth when he sayeth, that we are not sufficient to think any thing of our selves, as of our selves. He speaketh not of will or affection, but he taketh also this away from us, that we should not think that it can come in our minds how any thing is to be done well. Is our diligence, insight, understanding, and head so corrupted, that it can devise or think upon nothing that is right before the Lord? That seemeth to hard to us, that do unwillingly suffer our selves to be spoiled of the sharpness of reason, which we account a most precious gift. But to the holy ghost it seemeth most full of equity, which knoweth that all the thoughts of wise men are vain: and which pronounceth plainly, that all the invention of mans heart,² is only evil. If all that our wit conceived, deviseth upon, purposeth and goeth about, is alway evil,³ how can it come in our mind to purpose, that which pleaseth God, to whom only holiness and righteousness is acceptable? So is it to be seen, that the reason of our mind, which way so ever it turn it self, is miserably subject to vanity. David knew this weakness in him self,⁴ when he prayed to have understanding given him, to learn the Lords commandments a right. For he secretly sayeth therein, that his own wit sufficeth him not, which desireth to have a new given him. And that he doeth not only ones, but almost ten times, in one Psalm, he repeateth the same prayer. By which repeating he privily declareth, with how great need he is driven to pray it. And that which he prayeth for himself alone,⁵