The first Aphorism.The first Aphorisme.

The first Aphorism.

The first Aphorisme.

Now when as God had determined those former things with him self,¹ as we have said, afterwards in the next, and yet eternal or everlasting rule of causes, as all things are present unto him, he severally ordained all those degrees or steppes, by the which he would life up into his kingdom, those of his which were to be chosen. Therefore because he is in such wise merciful, that in the mean while, he neither ought, nor can ⟨image 27⟩forget his justice, first of all there must •eedes have been some one ordained to •e a mediator,² by whom man might •ee wholly restored into his former estate, and that of free mercy which should appear in the salvation of his, But man besides that he is more weak then that he can sustain or bear the force of God his wrath, (1) doeth also so please himself in that his most miserable blindness, that he seeth it not, (2) as being wholly brought into slavery and bondage unto the kingdom of sin, (3) insomuch that the law of God turneth unto him unto death: so far of is it that he should be able there to set him self at liberty, or else to satisfy or make answer unto the law of God, even in the very least point.³

NOwe vvhen as God had determined those former thinges vvith him self,¹ as vve haue sayd, afterwards in the next, and yet eternall or euerlasting rule of causes, as all things are present vnto him, he seuerallie ordained all those degrees or steppes, by the vvhich he vvould lyfe vp into his kingdome, those of his which vvere to be chosen. Therfore because he is in such vvyse mercifull, that in the meane vvhyle, he neither ought, nor can