“The fall has resulted in man’s mind being enveloped in darkness. As physical blindness is one of the greatest natural calamities, spiritual blindness is much more so. It consists of a total incapacity to take in a real knowledge of divine things.
Men may become very learned in many things, and by exercising their minds upon the Scriptures, they may acquire a considerable letter-knowledge of its contents; but they are quite unable to obtain a vital and effectual knowledge thereof. “The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” (1Corinthians 2:14), and spiritual perception he has none.
This darkness which is upon the mind renders the natural man incapable of perceiving the excellence of God, the perfection of His Law, the real nature of sin, or his dire need of a Saviour. Should the Lord draw nigh and ask him, “What would you have me do for you?” his answer ought to be, “Lord, that I might receive my sight” (Mark 10:51).
This darkness is upon the noblest part of man’s being, his soul, and upon the highest faculty of it, the mind.”