“REASON: And who are you to dare to tell me that God contradicts himself? And which shall I choose to believe. God who teaches me, through my reason, the eternal truth, or you who, in his name, proclaim an absurdity?
“INSPIRATION: Believe me, for my teaching is more positive; and I will prove to you beyond all manner of doubt that he has sent me.
“REASON: What! you will convince me that God has sent you to bear witness against himself? What sort of proofs will you adduce to convince me that God speaks more surely by your mouth than through the understanding he has given me?
“INSPIRATION: The understanding he has given you! Petty, conceited creature! As if you were the first impious person who had been led astray through his reason corrupted by sin.
“REASON: Man of God, you would not be the first scoundrel who asserts his arrogance as a proof of his mission.
“INSPIRATION: What! do even philosophers call names?
“REASON: Sometimes, when the saints set them the example.
“INSPIRATION: Oh, but I have a right to do it, for I am speaking on God’s behalf.
“REASON: You would do well to show your credentials before you make use of your privileges.
“INSPIRATION: My credentials are authentic, earth and heaven will bear witness on my behalf. Follow my arguments carefully, if you please.