But it is none the less true that men do not come to God by way of their own reason; neither do they in this way get near to him, because all their intelligence is but vanity. Whence

natural reason can never guide men to Christ. Even

All those who storm heaven like giants, without Christ's help, are deprived of any right knowledge of God.

Not to dwell on this, let us here remember that on the whole subject of religion one rule of modesty and soberness is to be observed, and it is this, in obscure matters not to speak or think, or even long to know, more than the Word of God has delivered.

But we must so cherish moderation that we do not try to make God render account to us, but so reverence his secret judgments as to consider his will the truly just cause of all things.

Convinced, however, we are not, if we look to ourselves only, and not to the Lord also.

The fear he speaks of is that which renders us more cautious, not that which produces despondency, the fear which is felt when the mind confounded in itself resumes its equanimity in God, downcast in itself, takes courage in God, distrusting itself, breathes confidence in God.

There is no worse screen to block out the Spirit than confidence in our own intelligence.

It would be the height of absurdity to label ignorance tempered by humility "faith"! (Institutio III.2.3)

Reason is our soul's left hand, Faith her right.

And new Philosophy calls all in doubt, the element of fire is quite put out; the Sun is lost, and the earth, and no mans wit can well direct him where to look for it.

Reason is our soul's left hand, Faith her right.