737. Moreover, even the doctrine of faith accomplishes nothing at all with people, unless the Lord enables them to reflect. That is the very reason why people learn what is true and good from the Word of the Lord, namely, so that from what they learn, they may reflect upon themselves, as to whether they are as they ought to be. This reflection is given them at certain times, especially times of distress. It is of the utmost importance, therefore, to learn truths. Without spiritual knowledge, there can be no reflection, thus no reformation.
737. In addition, also, the doctrine of faith effects nothing with men unless the Lord gives them to reflect. For this reason men learn what is true and good from the Word of the Lord, in order that from it they may reflect upon themselves, whether they are such, which reflection is given them at certain times, especially in times of distress. Therefore it is of the greatest importance to know truths, for without cognitions, there can be no reflection, thus no reformation.
737. Praeterea etiam doctrina fidei, nihil usque efficit, penes hominem, nisi Dominus dat iis, ut reflectant, ideo etiam discunt homines quid verum et bonum, ex Verbo Domini, ut nempe inde reflectant super se, num tales sint, quae 1
iis datur, certis temporibus, cumprimis temporibus angustiae, quare scire veritates, maximi est: absque cognitionibus non dari potest reflexio, sic nulla reformatio.
Footnotes:
1. hoc est quae [reflexio]