Raison de la raison

SECT.  LX.  The Superior Reason that resides in Man is God Himself; and whatever has been above discovered to be in Man, are evident Footsteps of the Deity.

It cannot be said that man gives himself the thoughts he had not before; much less can it be said that he receives them from other men, since it is certain he neither does nor can admit anything from without, unless he finds it in his own bottom, by consulting within him the principles of reason, in order to examine whether what he is told is agreeable or repugnant to them.  Therefore there is an inward school wherein man receives what he neither can give himself, nor expect from other men who live upon trust as well as himself.  Here then, are two reasons I find within me; one of which, is myself, the other is above me.  That which is myself is very imperfect, prejudiced, liable to error, changeable, headstrong, ignorant, and limited; in short it possesses nothing but what is borrowed.  The other is common to all men, and superior to them.  It is perfect, eternal, immutable, ever ready to communicate itself in all places, and to rectify all minds that err and mistake; in short, incapable of ever being either exhausted or divided, although it communicates itself to all who desire it.  Where is that perfect reason which is so near me, and yet so different from me?  Where is it?  Sure it must be something real; for nothing or nought cannot either be perfect or make perfect imperfect natures.  Where is that supreme reason?  Is it not the very God I look for?

Fénelon, Existence de Dieu.