it can only be lust or malice of
heart. And by this means there is sufficient evidence to condemn, and
insufficient to convince; so that it appears in those who follow it that
it
is grace, and not reason, which makes them follow it; and in those who
shun
it, that it is lust, not reason, which makes them shun it.
Vere discipuli, vere Israelita, vere liberi, vere cibus.100
565. Recognise, then, the truth of religion in the very obscurity of
religion, in the little light we have of it, and in the indifference which
we have to knowing it.
566. We understand nothing of the works of God, if we do not take as a
principle that He has willed to blind some and enlighten others.
567. The two contrary reasons. We must begin with that; without that we
understand nothing, and all is heretical; and we must even add at the end
of
each truth that the opposite truth is to be remembered.
568. Objection. The Scripture is plainly full of matters not dictated by
the
Holy Spirit. Answer. Then they do not harm faith. Objection. But the
Church
has decided that all is of the Holy Spirit. Answer. I answer two things:
first, the Church has not so decided; secondly, if she should so decide,
it
could be maintained.
Do you think that the prophecies cited in the Gospel are related to make
you
believe? No, it is to keep you from believing.
569. Canonical.--The heretical books in the beginning of the Church serve
to
prove the canonical.
570. To the chapter on the Fundamentals must be added that on Typology
touching the reason of types: why Jesus Christ was prophesied as to His
first coming; why prophesied obscurely as to the manner.
571. The reason why. Types.--They had to deal with a carnal people and to
render them the depositary of the spiritual covenant. To give faith to the
Messiah, it was necessary there should have been precedent prophesies, and
that these should be conveyed by persons above suspicion,
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