The eleventh Aphorism.The eleuenth Aphorisme.

The eleventh Aphorism.

The eleuenth Aphorisme.

These are therefore the degrees or steppes, by which it pleaseth the Lord freely to create in his elect or chosen that precious and peculiar gift of faith, whereby they may lay hold on their salvation in Christ. But because faith is only begun in us, to the end we may be able, not only to persevere or continue in it, but also to profit, which thing is altogether necessary, (1) for this cause first of all, we are initiated or entered as it were into Religion, by the Sacrament of Baptism:¹ moreover, besides the hearing of the word, that faith is (2) again •ealed •n us by the sacrament of the Lord his Supper:² of the which Sacraments this verily is the chief end,³ that they are certain and effectual seals & also charters ⟨image 45⟩of the faithful communicating or partaking with Christ, (3) who is made unto them wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption. (4) Wherefore it is very often rehearsed in Paul, that we being justified or made righteous by faith have peace.

THese are therefore the degrees or steppes, by vvhiche it pleaseth the Lorde freelie to create in his electe or chosen that precious and peculyar gifte of faith, vvhereby they maie laye hold on theyr saluation in Christe. But because faith is onelie begunne in vs, to the ende vvee maie bee able, not onelie to perseuere or continue in it, but also to profite, vvhich thing is altogeather necessarie, (1) for this cause fyrste of all, vvee are imitiated or entred as it vvere into Relygion, by the Sacramente of Baptisme:¹