The Institution of Christian Religion

But this image or shadow of faith, as it is of no value, so is it §10not worthy of the name of faith. From the sound truth where of how far it differeth, although it shall be hereafter more largely entreated, yet there is no cause to the contrary, why it should not now be touched by the way. It is said that Simon Magus believed,¹ which yet within a little after bewrayed his own unbelief. And whereas it is said that he believed, we do not understand it as some do, that he feigned a belief when he had none in his heart: butte we rather think that being overcome with the majesty of the Gospel, he had a certain faith such as it was, and so acknowledged Christ to be the author of life and salvation, that he willingly professed himself to be one of his. After the same manner it is said in the Gospel of Luke, that they believe for a time,² in whom the seed of the word ⟨image 192⟩is choked up before it bring forth fruit, or before it take any rote at all, it by and by withereth away and perisheth: we doubt not that such delighted with a certain taste of the word do greedily receive it, and begin to feel the divine force of it: so far that with deceitful counterfeiting of faith, they be guile not only other mens eyes, but also their own minds. For they persuade them selves, that that reverence which they show to the word of God, is most true godliness, because they think that there is no ungodliness but manifest and confessed reproach or contempt of his word. But what manner of assent soever that be, it pierceth not to the very heart to remain there stablished: and though sometime it seemeth to have taken roots, yet those are lively roots. The heart of man hath so many secrete corners of vanity, is full of so many hiding holes of lying, is covered with so guileful hypocrisy, that it oft deceiveth himself. But let them that glory in such shadows of faith understand,³ that therein they are no better than the Devil. But that first sort of men are far worse then the Devil, which do senselessly hear and understand those things for knowledge whereof the Devils do tremble. And the other are in this point equal with the Devil, that the feeling such as it is wherewith they are touched, turneth only to terror and discouragement.