Such is the nature of the human mind and intelligence, that, although by the application of great labor and diligence, it has of itself investigated and ascertained many other matters which appertain to the knowledge of divine things; yet, illumined by the light of nature, it never could know or discern the greatest part of those things, by which is attained eternal salvation, the principal end for which man was created and formed to the image and likeness of God. "For," as the Apostle teaches, "the invisible things of God, from the creation of the world, are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made: his eternal power also and divinity" (Rom. 1:20); but so far does "the mystery which hath been hidden from ages and generations" transcend the reach of man's understanding, that had it not been "manifested to his saints, to whom God," by the gift of faith, "would make known the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ" (Col. 1:26, sq.), by no research would it have been given to man to aspire to such wisdom. (Catechism of the Council of Trent - Preface)