12. And indeed I might also say to any one
who thought that this passage spoke of repentance, that things which
are impossible with men are possible with God; and God is able
whensoever He wills to forgive us our sins, even those which we think
cannot be forgiven. And so it is possible for God to give us that
which it seems to us impossible to obtain. For it seemed
impossible that water should wash away sin, and Naaman the
Syrian 2 [4] Kings
v. 11. thought that
his leprosy could not be cleansed by water. But that which was
impossible God made to be possible, Who gave us so great grace.
In like manner it seemed impossible that sins should be forgiven
through repentance, but Christ gave this power to His apostles, which
has been transmitted to the priestly office. That, then, has
become possible which was impossible. But, by a true reasoning,
he convinces us that the reiteration by any one of the Sacrament of
Baptism is not permitted.