The third Aphorism.The thirde Aphorisme.

The third Aphorism.

The thirde Aphorisme.

But in them that are grown to full age, he observeth or useth two other ways,¹ altogether diverse and contrary one to the other: for he vouchsafeth not some once this much favour, as to hear any thing at all of Christ, (1) in whom alone is salvation:² (2) But letteth them go in their own ways, and to make haste unto assured destruction. (3) For such testimonies or witnesses of his Godhead, as he hath left unto them, are of force only thus far, that they have nothing to pretend or allege for their excuse, (4) yet ⟨image 53⟩through their own fault, for asmuc•• as this their self same ignorance an•• sluggishness, in which they are, is a pu• nishment of that same corruption wher• in they were borne. And truly whatsoever they can see in matters touching• God, by this light or rather darkness of• nature, albeit they did not faint in the• middle of their race, yet it is such, as it can by no means be sufficient unto salvation. (5) For it is necessary unto salvation that we know God not only as God, but also as a father in Christ, (6) the which secret flesh and blood doeth not reveal or open, but the Son him self, to those only whom he hath received of his Father.

BVt in them that are growen to full age, he obserueth or vseth two other vvayes,¹ altogether diuerse and contrarye one to the other: for hee vouchsaueth not some once this much fauour, as to heare any thing at all of Christe, (1) in vvhome alone is saluation: