The ninth Aphorism.The nynth Aphorisme.

The ninth Aphorism.

The nynth Aphorisme.

AND because all these things should be done in vain, if God did set forth these secrets unto men, only ⟨image 38⟩by the outward preaching¹ of his word written and openly published in the Church of God (1) (which notwithstanding is the ordinary and necessary instrument by supposition, whereby Jesus Christ is communicated or imparted with us) (2) therefore when as he hath to do with his elect and chosen, together with the outward preaching of the word, he joineth the inward power of the holy spirit,² which doeth not, as Sophisters do suppose, repair or renew the remnants of their free will, (for whatsoever freewill is left unto us, it doeth consist or lye in this, (3) that we sin willingly,³ (4) shunnishe God, (5) hate him, (6) yea, and moreover can neither hear him, (7) nor believe him, (8) nor acknowledge the gift of God, (9) no nor once so much as think any good thing: (10) and to be short that we be wholly subject unto wrath, and the curse.) (11) But contrariwise, rather turneth their stony hearts into fleshy, (12) draweth, (13) teacheth, (14) lighteneth their eyes, (15) openeth ⟨image 39⟩their sense, heart, ears, and understanding.

AND because all these thinges should bee done in vaine, if God dyd sette foorth these secreetes vnto men, onely ⟨image 38⟩by the outwarde preaching¹ of his worde vvrytten and openlie published in the Churche of God (1) (vvhiche notvvithstanding is the ordinarie and necessarie instrument by supposition, vvhereby Iesus Christ is communicated or imparted vvith vs) (2) therefore vvhen as hee hath to doo vvith his electe and chosen, togeather vvith the outwarde preaching of the vvorde, hee ioyneth the inwarde power of the holie spyrite,