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WE find an infinite number of per∣sons among the common people, who never doubt of any point of faith, nor of any other matter approved by the or∣thodoxall Church, whereas that ordinari∣ly the most knowing men are full of doubts. Now its true, that believing and
doubting are acts formally contrary: for distrust (although many teach it) is not of the essence of faith, no more then vice is not essentiall to vertue, and every sort of doubt is a testimony of our weaknesse, and a mark of ignorance. But it is easie to judge from whence it comes that popular spirits are not subject to so many doubts as the great Theologians: For as thier sight extends not it self so farre, so they see not all the difficulties which the other disco∣ver in the study of Religion; as for those who have never doubted of any point, it is of necessity that this great security of spi∣rit proceeds from one of those two causes either of a perfect and transcendent faith, incompatible with all species of doubt, or from an extreame stupidity, which never comprehended the importance of a do∣ctrine, nor ever sounded the depth thereof. A man who hath alwayes had an absolute and unvariable perswasion of all points of Religion without any contradicting thought, must necessarily be either An an∣ges or a beast. This stupid, confidence de∣ceives
an infinity of souls, especially in the personall application of their beliefe. Many hold themselves so assured of their salvation, that their spirit is incapable of doubting; but not through the excellency of faith, which requires a more exact triall but through an excesse of self love; from hence it comes to passe they willingly be∣lieve whatsoever makes for their advantage. But if they have no pertinent reasons, it is a most grosse presumption.