SECT.  LV.  What Man’s Reason is.

It is certain my reason is within me, for I must continually recollect myself to find it; but the superior reason that corrects me upon occasion, and which I consult, is none of mine, nor is it part of myself.  That rule is perfect and immutable; whereas I am changeable and imperfect.  When I err, it preserves its rectitude.  When I am undeceived, it is not set right, for it never was otherwise; and still keeping to truth has the authority to call, and bring me back to it.  It is an inward master that makes me either be silent or speak; believe, or doubt; acknowledge my errors, or confirm my judgment.  I am instructed by hearkening to it; whereas I err and go astray when I hearken to myself.  That Master is everywhere, and His voice is heard, from one end of the universe to the other, by all men as well as me.  Whilst He corrects and rectifies me in France, He corrects and sets right other men in China, Japan, Mexico, and in Peru, by the same principles.