2734. This thing is as hidden from the natural man who is not led by the Lord, as is perception; whereof [I have treated] previously, only such induced belief [inductio], opinion and reflection, causes that the Lord does not operate, and man is not reformed, but that he is in a state of nonentity. Nor can man come into persuasion save by the Lord's operation through his [own] strength as it were. Hence the Lord persuades man, otherwise the word becomes mere knowledge, and produces no effect, just like miracles.