True Occupations

...can deceive, yet sometimes appear to deceive. And if it happens, or if we merely believe it happens, what assurance or trust remains if something that once erred or deceived, might also not deceive or err again when we are sure of something or clear to see? Indeed, it is more than a thousand wonders that those philosophers who falsely claim that everything is taught to be doubted; are so blind not to see that, through the teachings of the Erring Conscience, they cast all certainty into doubt, and throw the way to all wisdom, arts, and sciences, as well as the reformation of humans from sins and errors, completely upside down. For how is it possible that an Erring Knowledge can ever reassure us that our growth and increase are not false? or ensure ourselves that we do our best according to the best and solid rules and ordained commandments to live by. For such could be false, no matter how firmly we believed it. Yes, how then could we know whether we are among the mad, or among the ignorant, or among the rationally living people at home? since we can no longer take conscience as a witness. Certainly, Paul was quite led astray when he still relied on that. Rom 9:1. Or would that great man not have known that one who lies, errs, or deceives once can play those parts more often? If one continues on that course, truly a Judge will no longer know, if someone is punishable or just, as if he still sees so much.

Translation Notes:

- "Werkelijke besigheden" translated to "True Occupations", refers to genuine actions or endeavors.

- "Consientie" meaning conscience, refers to moral awareness or integrity.