The fourth Aphorism.The fowrth Aphorisme.

The fourth Aphorism.

The fowrth Aphorisme.

This mean if we keep, we also shall receive much fruit by this doctrine.¹ For (1) first by the knowledge thereof we shall learn willingly to yield our neck under the Majesty of God, that the more we shall fear and reverence him, the more we may labour to make sure in us the witness of our election in Christ.² (2) Secondly, when as we shall ••ygentlie consider the difference of •od his mercy made between men otherwise subject unto the like curse, it can not be chosen, but that we must much more willingly acknowledge and embrace that singular goodness of God, than if we should make this grace of his common unto all men, or should seek the cause of this inequality of grace in men only.³ Furthermore, when as we know this gift of faith to be special ⟨image 84⟩(That is such as is not given generally unto all, but particularly to some) sha• we not take it more cheerfully whe• it is offered, and be much more careful for the increase of it, than if wit• many we should surmise it, to be i• all mens power, as oft as they wy• repent, because God, as they say, will have all men saved, and will not the death of a sinner?⁴ Finally when as we see the doctrine of the gospel, not only to be despised almost of the whole world, but also to be most cruelly persecuted, when as we behold the notable treachery and falling away of somany men, what shall better strengthen us, then if we make our sure reckoning that nothing cometh to pass at all adventures, that God knoweth those that are his, and that those that do these things, unless it be given to them to repent, are they which are ordained, not by chance, but by the assured and everlasting counsel of God, in whom as in looking glasses, the just wrath and power of God should appear.