receive_v this_o doctrine_n from_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o those_o church_n which_o be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n receive_v their_o faith_n from_o they_o and_o always_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o they_o 2._o this_o make_v it_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o this_o very_a faith_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o i_o suppose_v no_o man_n question_n but_o that_o the_o apostle_n teach_v the_o same_o faith_n by_o write_v which_o they_o do_v by_o preach_v and_o then_o this_o be_v a_o demonstration_n against_o all_o such_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n as_o contradict_v the_o catholic_n faith_n whatever_o fine_a colour_n wit_n and_o criticism_n may_v give_v they_o nay_o 3._o it_o be_v a_o certain_a proof_n that_o these_o primitive_a christian_n who_o receive_v these_o inspire_a write_n from_o the_o apostle_n which_o now_o make_v up_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v believe_v that_o the_o same_o faith_n 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believe_v that_o be_v strict_o necessary_a which_o every_o man_n must_v believe_v but_o let_v he_o take_v his_o own_o way_n he_o quit_v the_o term_n sufficient_a and_o inquire_v what_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v whereas_o in_o many_o case_n that_o which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o all_o may_v not_o be_v sufficient_a for_o some_o i_o shall_v much_o rather_o have_v inquire_v how_o much_o may_v be_v know_v concern_v this_o glorious_a mystery_n than_o how_o little_o will_v serve_v the_o turn_n which_o argue_v no_o great_a zeal_n for_o it_o well_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v concern_v the_o trinity_n he_o answer_v nothing_o but_o 1._o what_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o 2._o what_o be_v plain_o reveal_v here_o we_o begin_v to_o see_v what_o the_o effect_n be_v of_o consult_v nothing_o but_o scripture_n and_o natural_a sentiment_n i_o hope_v he_o mean_v honest_o in_o this_o but_o if_o he_o do_v he_o express_v himself_o very_o incautious_o for_o 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that_o we_o know_v the_o term_n of_o what_o we_o be_v to_o assent_v to_o 2._o that_o it_o imply_v no_o contradiction_n to_o our_o former_a knowledge_n such_o knowledge_n i_o mean_v as_o be_v accompany_v with_o certainty_n and_o evidence_n this_o in_o some_o sense_n may_v be_v true_a but_o as_o it_o be_v thus_o loose_o and_o general_o express_v it_o be_v very_o like_o the_o socinian_n cant_n and_o sophistry_n by_o know_v the_o term_n he_o mean_v have_v distinct_a natural_a idea_n of_o what_o be_v signify_v by_o such_o term_n as_o he_o himself_o explain_v it_o 14._o i_o can_v believe_v it_o no_o far_o than_o the_o term_n of_o which_o it_o be_v make_v up_o be_v know_v and_o understand_v and_o the_o idea_n signify_v by_o they_o consistent_a so_o that_o all_o divine_a mystery_n must_v be_v examine_v by_o our_o natural_a idea_n and_o what_o we_o have_v no_o natural_a idea_n of_o we_o can_v we_o must_v not_o believe_v and_o this_o once_o for_o all_o condemn_v all_o supernatural_a faith_n or_o the_o belief_n of_o supernatural_a object_n though_o never_o so_o plain_o reveal_v for_o we_o have_v no_o natural_a idea_n of_o supernatural_a object_n and_o though_o revelation_n may_v furnish_v we_o from_o the_o resemblance_n and_o analogy_n in_o nature_n with_o some_o artificial_a idea_n this_o will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n for_o though_o they_o know_v what_o such_o term_n signify_v when_o apply_v to_o natural_a they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o signify_v when_o apply_v to_o supernatural_a object_n nor_o have_v they_o any_o idea_n to_o answer_v they_o as_o for_o instance_n we_o know_v what_o father_n and_o son_n signify_v when_o apply_v to_o man_n but_o when_o we_o say_v god_n be_v not_o only_o eternal_a himself_o but_o a_o eternal_a father_n who_o beget_v a_o eternal_a son_n these_o term_n of_o father_n and_o son_n beget_v and_o be_v beget_v must_v signify_v quite_o otherwise_o than_o they_o do_v among_o man_n something_o which_o we_o have_v no_o idea_n of_o and_o therefore_o say_v the_o socinian_o all_o this_o be_v unintelligible_a and_o impossible_a to_o be_v believe_v unless_o we_o can_v believe_v without_o understand_v the_o term_n this_o considerer_n assert_v the_o premise_n he_o have_v best_o consider_v again_o how_o he_o will_v avoid_v the_o conclusion_n another_o socinian_n topick_n be_v contradiction_n and_o this_o our_o considerer_n make_v another_o requisite_a to_o the_o possibility_n of_o believe_v that_o the_o thing_n do_v not_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n to_o our_o former_a knowledge_n that_o be_v to_o any_o natural_a idea_n and_o here_o he_o learned_o dispute_v against_o believe_a contradiction_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o require_v we_o to_o believe_v contradiction_n 13._o but_o if_o instead_o of_o all_o this_o he_o have_v only_o say_v that_o god_n can_v reveal_v such_o plain_a and_o evident_a
socinian_o and_o i_o be_v glad_a to_o find_v they_o censure_v and_o reject_v but_o wonder_v how_o they_o come_v to_o be_v number_v among_o those_o man_n who_o have_v labour_v in_o this_o good_a design_n of_o explain_v the_o trinity_n 2._o and_o reconcile_a the_o dispute_n about_o it_o well_o all_o these_o method_n have_v prove_v ineffectual_a let_v we_o then_o to_o omit_v other_o matter_n inquire_v what_o course_n our_o considerer_n take_v to_o make_v himself_o a_o fit_a and_o competent_a judge_n of_o this_o controversy_n take_v the_o account_n of_o it_o in_o his_o own_o word_n i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o deliver_v myself_o from_o prejudice_n and_o confusion_n of_o term_n and_o to_o speak_v just_o and_o intelligible_o 9_o and_o not_o be_v yet_o prepossess_v in_o favour_n of_o any_o particular_a explication_n the_o better_a to_o preserve_v my_o freedom_n of_o examine_v the_o subject_a in_o hand_n i_o have_v purposely_o forbear_v to_o search_v the_o father_n schoolman_n or_o fratres_n 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instruct_v in_o the_o meaning_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o can_v persuade_v themselves_o to_o be_v thus_o perfect_o indifferent_a whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a but_o this_o indifference_n be_v owe_v to_o a_o secret_a bias_n and_o inclination_n to_o infidelity_n or_o heresy_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o pretend_v such_o a_o absolute_a freedom_n of_o judgement_n without_o be_v perfect_o indifferent_a which_o side_n be_v true_a or_o false_a for_o if_o we_o wish_v and_o desire_v to_o find_v one_o side_n of_o the_o question_n true_a and_o the_o other_o false_a this_o be_v a_o bias_n and_o our_o judgement_n be_v not_o equal_o poise_v and_o certain_o in_o matter_n of_o such_o vast_a consequence_n as_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o especial_o that_o great_a fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n such_o a_o indifferency_n as_o this_o be_v can_v never_o recommend_v either_o a_o author_n or_o his_o write_n to_o sober_a christian_n will_v this_o considerer_n than_o own_o that_o it_o be_v indifferent_a to_o he_o when_o he_o undertake_v this_o design_n whether_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n shall_v upon_o examination_n appear_v true_a or_o false_a if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o socinian_o will_v tell_v he_o that_o he_o have_v not_o preserve_v a_o freedom_n of_o judgement_n and_o then_o he_o do_v well_o in_o not_o consult_v the_o fratres_n poloni_n for_o he_o have_v condemn_v they_o without_o hear_v or_o if_o he_o be_v persuade_v concern_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v it_o indifferent_a to_o he_o whether_o the_o sabellian_n or_o arian_n or_o true_a catholic_n notion_n of_o a_o trinity_n contain_v in_o the_o nicene_n and_o athanasian_n creed_n be_v the_o true_a faith_n that_o be_v be_v it_o indifferent_a to_o he_o whether_o the_o ancient_a heresy_n condemn_v by_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o that_o faith_n which_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v always_o own_a and_o profess_a be_v the_o true_a faith_n for_o my_o part_n i_o confess_v i_o be_o not_o thus_o indifferent_a i_o will_v never_o shut_v my_o eye_n against_o plain_a conviction_n which_o be_v all_o the_o freedom_n of_o judge_v which_o be_v allowable_a but_o my_o prejudices_fw-la be_v and_o i_o hope_v always_o will_v be_v on_o the_o side_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n no_o wise_a man_n can_v be_v thus_o indifferent_a and_o we_o shall_v find_v this_o considerer_n be_v not_o so_o very_o indifferent_a for_o the_o main_a principle_n he_o reason_n on_o be_v some_o popular_a mistake_v and_o prejudices_fw-la which_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v espouse_v without_o due_a consideration_n but_o let_v we_o allow_v he_o to_o be_v as_o free_a and_o unprejudiced_a as_o he_o please_v i_o can_v think_v that_o he_o take_v a_o good_a method_n to_o understand_v this_o sacred_a mystery_n he_o lay_v aside_o father_n schoolman_n and_o other_o late_a treatise_n concern_v this_o controversy_n and_o consult_v nothing_o but_o scripture_n and_o his_o own_o natural_a sentiment_n to_o consult_v scripture_n be_v indeed_o a_o very_a good_a way_n and_o absolute_o necessary_a in_o matter_n of_o pure_a revelation_n which_o can_v be_v certain_o know_v no_o other_o way_n but_o the_o father_n at_o least_o be_v very_o good_a guide_n and_o have_v very_o great_a authority_n in_o expound_v scripture_n and_o our_o natural_a sentiment_n otherwise_o call_v natural_a reason_n be_v a_o very_a bad_a a_o very_a dangerous_a expositor_n of_o scripture_n in_o such_o supernatural_a mystery_n and_o have_v no_o authority_n in_o these_o mattter_n and_o how_o our_o considerer_n have_v be_v mislead_v by_o his_o natural_a sentiment_n will_v soon_o appear_v a_o few_o word_n may_v serve_v for_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o considerer_n but_o since_o this_o be_v the_o great_a pretence_n of_o socinian_o and_o other_o heretic_n to_o set_v up_o scripture_n and_o natural_a reason_n against_o scripture_n and_o the_o traditionary_a faith_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o our_o considerer_n and_o some_o other_o unwary_a writer_n chime_v in_o with_o they_o it_o will_v be_v very_o necessary_a to_o show_v how_o this_o betray_v the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o make_v reason_n and_o criticism_n the_o supreme_a judge_n of_o controversy_n and_o then_o man_n may_v dispute_v on_o without_o end_n and_o believe_v at_o last_o as_o they_o please_v 10._o the_o considerer_n tell_v we_o i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v in_o a_o protestant_a country_n that_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a standard_n of_o all_o necessary_a reveal_v truth_n neither_o in_o the_o present_a case_n be_v there_o any_o room_n for_o a_o traditionary_a faith_n for_o beside_o that_o all_o the_o father_n and_o ancient_a writer_n ground_n their_o exposition_n of_o the_o trinity_n whole_o upon_o scripture_n i_o can_v conceive_v that_o the_o subject_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o plain_a revelation_n as_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v more_o full_o in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n what_o this_o last_o clause_n mean_n we_o shall_v understand_v better_o hereafter_o but_o his_o deny_v a_o traditionary_a faith_n be_v very_o extraordinary_a for_o if_o we_o can_v prove_v from_o the_o most_o authentic_a record_n what_o the_o constant_a belief_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v be_v especial_o in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n of_o it_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o traditionary_a faith_n nor_o be_v it_o the_o less_o traditionary_a because_o the_o father_n and_o ancient_a writer_n sound_v their_o exposition_n of_o the_o trinity_n whole_o upon_o scripture_n for_o if_o this_o be_v true_a than_o we_o have_v a_o traditionary_a faith_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o a_o traditionary_a exposition_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o reason_n and_o proof_n of_o that_o faith_n both_o in_o one_o which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o great_a authority_n and_o safe_a guide_n than_o mere_a scripture_n and_o our_o natural_a sentiment_n and_o though_o protestant_n allow_v scripture_n to_o be_v the_o only_a standard_n of_o faith_n yet_o he_o may_v have_v remember_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n require_v we_o to_o expound_v scripture_n as_o the_o ancient_a father_n expound_v it_o but_o this_o whole_o be_v a_o mistake_n for_o the_o primitive_a father_n plead_v tradition_n as_o well_o as_o scripture_n against_o the_o ancient_a heretic_n as_o two_o distinct_a but_o agree_v testimony_n as_o this_o author_n may_v have_v know_v will_v he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o have_v consult_v irenaeus_n and_o tertullian_n de_fw-fr praescriptionibus_fw-la with_o divers_a other_o what_o he_o mean_v by_o a_o plain_a revelation_n i_o can_v tell_v it_o make_v it_o somewhat_o plain_o to_o know_v what_o the_o catholic_n faith_n have_v always_o be_v and_o what_o the_o catholic_n interpretation_n of_o scripture_n have_v always_o be_v which_o be_v the_o plain_a and_o strong_a answer_n to_o wit_n and_o criticism_n and_o natural_a sentiment_n when_o they_o contradict_v this_o traditionary_a faith_n but_o to_o discourse_v this_o matter_n more_o particular_o i_o shall_v
the_o son_n to_o be_v a_o distinct_a substantial_a person_n this_o dispute_v we_o hear_v nothing_o of_o but_o the_o only_a dispute_n be_v concern_v the_o consubstantiality_n of_o the_o son_n with_o the_o father_n and_o that_o prove_v that_o they_o do_v own_o the_o son_n to_o be_v a_o substantial_a person_n for_o be_v he_o not_o in_o a_o true_a proper_a sense_n a_o person_n and_o a_o substantial_a person_n he_o can_v not_o be_v consubstantial_a with_o the_o father_n nay_o sy_n austin_n express_o tell_v we_o that_o arius_n agree_v with_o the_o catholic_n against_o the_o sabellian_o 5._o in_o make_v the_o son_n a_o distinct_a person_n from_o the_o father_n and_o if_o so_o the_o catholic_n teach_v that_o the_o son_n be_v as_o distinct_a a_o person_n as_o arius_n do_v though_o not_o a_o separate_a and_o create_a person_n as_o he_o do_v now_o when_o arius_n will_v have_v reduce_v christ_n into_o the_o number_n of_o creature_n though_o he_o make_v he_o the_o first_o and_o most_o excellent_a creature_n create_v before_o the_o world_n and_o god_n minister_n in_o make_v the_o world_n as_o like_v to_o god_n as_o a_o creature_n can_v possible_o be_v but_o not_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o god_n the_o catholic_n church_n will_v not_o bear_v this_o but_o in_o a_o most_o venerable_a synod_n collect_v from_o most_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n condemn_v this_o as_o contrary_a to_o the_o faith_n always_o receive_v and_o own_a in_o their_o several_a church_n thus_o far_o at_o least_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n be_v sacred_a and_o venerable_a and_o the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o all_o these_o several_a church_n be_v a_o more_o certain_a proof_n of_o the_o apostolic_a faith_n than_o all_o the_o wit_n and_o subtlety_n of_o arius_n for_o wit_n may_v patronize_v new_a error_n but_o can_v prove_v that_o to_o be_v the_o ancient_a apostolic_a faith_n which_o the_o church_n have_v never_o receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n nor_o ever_o hear_v of_o before_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o very_a sensible_a proof_n what_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n till_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a and_o consequent_o what_o that_o faith_n be_v which_o the_o church_n receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o this_o abundant_o satisfy_v i_o that_o whatever_o loose_a expression_n we_o may_v meet_v with_o in_o some_o of_o the_o father_n before_o the_o arian_n controversy_n be_v start_v and_o manage_v with_o great_a art_n and_o subtilty_n though_o i_o know_v of_o none_o but_o what_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o very_a orthodox_n sense_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v not_o arian_n nor_o intend_v any_o such_o thing_n in_o what_o they_o say_v for_o have_v arianism_n be_v the_o traditionary_a faith_n of_o the_o church_n it_o must_v have_v be_v know_v to_o be_v so_o and_o then_o how_o come_v the_o church_n to_o be_v so_o strange_o alarm_v at_o the_o first_o news_n of_o it_o or_o what_o shall_v we_o think_v 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upon_o revelation_n not_o invention_n and_o we_o can_v no_o more_o make_v a_o new_a catholic_n faith_n by_o the_o power_n of_o wit_n and_o reason_n than_o we_o can_v write_v a_o true_a history_n of_o what_o the_o apostle_n do_v and_o teach_v out_o of_o our_o own_o invention_n without_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o ancient_a record_n man_n may_v do_v such_o thing_n if_o they_o please_v but_o one_o will_v be_v heresy_n and_o the_o other_o a_o romance_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o bold_a and_o brave_a attempt_n of_o secinus_fw-la and_o his_o disciple_n they_o be_v so_o modest_a indeed_o as_o not_o to_o pretend_v antiquity_n to_o be_v on_o their_o side_n they_o can_v find_v no_o other_o antiquity_n for_o themselves_o but_o in_o cerinthus_n and_o ebion_n who_o separate_v from_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o be_v reject_v by_o they_o and_o it_o do_v not_o seem_v very_o modest_a to_o set_v up_o such_o man_n as_o these_o against_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n the_o socinian_o who_o know_v very_o well_o what_o the_o charge_n of_o novelty_n signify_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n that_o a_o new_a faith_n be_v but_o another_o name_n for_o new_a heresy_n though_o they_o reject_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o catholic_n tradition_n of_o the_o faith_n from_o the_o apostolic_a age_n yet_o they_o appeal_v to_o scripture_n and_o natural_a sentiment_n as_o the_o great_a and_o best_a antiquity_n in_o opposition_n to_o apostolic_a tradition_n this_o be_v our_o considerer_n way_n which_o he_o prefer_v before_o a_o traditionary_a faith_n and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o socinian_o may_v oppose_v it_o to_o a_o traditionary_a faith_n and_o if_o we_o must_v always_o expound_v scripture_n by_o our_o natural_a sentiment_n this_o author_n have_v best_a consider_v whether_o he_o can_v prove_v a_o trinity_n by_o natural_a reason_n or_o fair_o reconcile_v the_o natural_a notion_n of_o one_o god_n with_o the_o catholic_n faith_n of_o the_o trinity_n or_o of_o three_o each_o of_o who_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n from_o the_o mere_a principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n for_o if_o he_o can_v he_o must_v not_o in_o his_o way_n find_v a_o trinity_n in_o scripture_n but_o of_o this_o more_o hereafter_o 3._o let_v we_o now_o in_o opposition_n to_o this_o pretence_n consider_v of_o what_o authority_n the_o traditionary_a faith_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n ought_v to_o be_v in_o expound_v scripture_n the_o holy_a scripture_n at_o least_o in_o pretence_n be_v allow_v on_o all_o hand_n to_o be_v a_o complete_a and_o authentic_a rule_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o question_n be_v since_o man_n differ_v so_o much_o in_o expound_v scripture_n what_o be_v the_o safe_a rule_n to_o expound_v scripture_n by_o whether_o the_o traditionary_a faith_n of_o the_o church_n or_o our_o natural_a sentiment_n or_o natural_a reason_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o we_o must_v learn_v the_o critical_a sense_n of_o every_o text_n from_o catholic_n tradition_n for_o we_o have_v not_o in_o all_o point_v such_o a_o traditionary_a exposition_n of_o scripture_n though_o even_o in_o this_o respect_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o catholic_n father_n have_v unanimous_o agree_v in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o most_o material_a text_n relate_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n and_o the_o divinity_n and_o incarnation_n of_o christ._n they_o sometime_o indeed_o allege_v such_o text_n especial_o out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o our_o modern_a critic_n will_v not_o allow_v to_o be_v proper_a and_o apposite_a but_o even_o this_o show_n what_o their_o faith_n be_v and_o yet_o these_o very_a exposition_n which_o have_v be_v so_o ancient_o and_o unanimous_o receive_v though_o they_o may_v appear_v at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n too_o force_v and_o mystical_a have_v too_o sacred_a and_o venerable_a a_o authority_n to_o be_v wanton_o reject_v we_o may_v learn_v from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n what_o mysterious_a and_o hide_a sense_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n such_o as_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a we_o shall_v never_o have_v find_v in_o they_o have_v not_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n explain_v their_o meaning_n and_o the_o near_a any_o writer_n be_v to_o the_o apostolic_a age_n the_o more_o they_o be_v addict_v to_o these_o mystical_a interpretation_n which_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o learn_v it_o from_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o but_o this_o be_v not_o what_o i_o now_o intend_v my_o present_a argument_n reach_v no_o far_a than_o this_o that_o if_o we_o can_v learn_v what_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n concern_v the_o holy_a trinity_n and_o the_o divinity_n and_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n have_v always_o be_v then_o 1._o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a to_o conclude_v that_o they_o
and_o son_n to_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n and_o all_o three_o be_v infinite_a in_o wisdom_n power_n and_o goodness_n and_o all_o other_o divine_a perfection_n this_o be_v but_o one_o divinity_n one_o godhead_n for_o there_o be_v not_o a_o second_o and_o three_o divinity_n in_o the_o son_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o the_o one_o divinity_n of_o the_o father_n but_o yet_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o here_o be_v number_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v three_o and_o how_o can_v that_o divinity_n which_o be_v perfect_o and_o distinct_o in_o three_o be_v one_o individual_a nature_n one_o numerical_o one_o as_o human_a nature_n in_o every_o particular_a man_n be_v one_o now_o this_o must_v be_v resolve_v into_o the_o second_o notion_n of_o essential_a for_o essential_a production_n for_o all_o essential_a production_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o nature_n though_o they_o may_v be_v distinguish_v and_o number_v among_o themselves_o be_v but_o one_o individual_a nature_n it_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a to_o seek_v for_o a_o example_n of_o this_o in_o create_v nature_n and_o i_o believe_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o will_v be_v evident_a without_o it_o a_o eternal_a self-originated_n mind_n be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n the_o first_o supreme_a cause_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o have_v all_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divinity_n whole_o in_o itself_o be_v the_o one_o and_o only_a true_a god_n but_o if_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o a_o eternal_a mind_n to_o have_v a_o eternal_a living_n subsist_v word_n and_o spirit_n by_o a_o eternal_a generation_n and_o procession_n than_o this_o eternal_a word_n and_o spirit_n be_v essential_a to_o a_o eternal_a mind_n not_o as_o essential_a perfection_n or_o essential_a part_n but_o as_o essential_a production_n or_o procession_n in_o the_o unity_n and_o identity_n of_o nature_n thus_o the_o scripture_n represent_v this_o mystery_n that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n who_o have_v a_o eternal_a word_n and_o a_o eternal_a spirit_n 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the_o son_n or_o holy_a ghost_n yet_o if_o we_o consider_v this_o absolute_o perfect_a be_v as_o eternal_a self-originated_n mind_n with_o its_o eternal_a word_n and_o spirit_n as_o essential_a production_n or_o procession_n we_o can_v consider_v they_o no_o otherwise_o but_o as_o one_o individual_a divinity_n this_o eternal_a word_n and_o spirit_n be_v essential_a procession_n of_o the_o eternal_a mind_n which_o can_v never_o be_v separate_v from_o it_o for_o such_o essential_a procession_n be_v not_o only_a coeval_fw-fr and_o consubstantial_a with_o the_o nature_n from_o whence_o they_o proceed_v as_o the_o sun_n its_o light_n and_o heat_n by_o which_o argument_n the_o catholic_n father_n prove_v the_o coeternity_n and_o consubstantiality_n of_o the_o son_n and_o holy_a spirit_n with_o the_o eternal_a father_n but_o whatever_o distinction_n there_o be_v between_o they_o they_o be_v one_o individual_a nature_n if_o all_o that_o be_v one_o individual_a nature_n which_o be_v essential_a 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these_o divine_a perfection_n we_o can_v form_v no_o other_o idea_n of_o it_o but_o a_o eternal_a infinite_a self_n originated_a mind_n this_o the_o wise_a philosopher_n as_o well_o as_o christian_n be_v agree_v in_o that_o god_n be_v a_o infinite_a mind_n and_o this_o right_o explain_v may_v teach_v we_o some_o distinction_n in_o the_o divinity_n for_o all_o man_n must_v grant_v what_o they_o feel_v in_o themselves_o that_o every_o mind_n have_v its_o word_n and_o spirit_n and_o can_v be_v conceive_v without_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o eternal_a mind_n must_v have_v its_o eternal_a word_n and_o spirit_n too_o and_o the_o reason_n why_o this_o do_v not_o lead_v all_o mankind_n into_o the_o natural_a belief_n of_o a_o trinity_n of_o person_n mind_n word_n and_o spirit_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n be_v plain_o this_o because_o they_o find_v that_o their_o own_o word_n and_o spirit_n be_v not_o permanent_a subsist_v person_n but_o be_v the_o perish_a creature_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v no_o soon_o produce_v but_o die_v and_o vanish_v as_o our_o thought_n do_v and_o thus_o they_o conceive_v it_o be_v with_o the_o divine_a mind_n which_o be_v one_o kind_n of_o sabellianism_n as_o i_o observe_v above_o but_o yet_o the_o catholic_n father_n think_v this_o natural_a belief_n that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o the_o divinity_n or_o divine_a mind_n be_v not_o without_o its_o word_n a_o very_a proper_a medium_fw-la to_o prove_v a_o real_a subsist_v word_n in_o the_o divinity_n for_o a_o infinite_a perfect_a mind_n which_o be_v all_o life_n be_v substance_n if_o it_o beget_v its_o own_o word_n as_o every_o mind_n do_v must_v beget_v a_o live_n substantial_a subsist_v word_n the_o perfect_a image_n and_o character_n of_o its_o own_o life_n and_o infinite_a be_v however_o thus_o much_o i_o think_v we_o must_v own_v that_o since_o every_o mind_n must_v have_v its_o word_n and_o spirit_n in_o the_o individual_a unity_n of_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n assure_v we_o that_o god_n who_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a mind_n have_v his_o word_n and_o spirit_n and_o that_o this_o divine_a word_n and_o spirit_n be_v a_o eternal_a living_n subsist_v word_n and_o spirit_n this_o be_v a_o very_a good_a foundation_n for_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o real_a trinity_n both_o from_o reason_n and_o scripture_n the_o natural_a notion_n and_o idea_n of_o a_o mind_n teach_v we_o this_o distinction_n in_o the_o divinity_n and_o natural_a reason_n strong_o infer_v from_o the_o perfect_a production_n of_o a_o infinite_o perfect_a mind_n that_o the_o divine_a word_n and_o spirit_n must_v be_v a_o eternal_a living_n infinite_a word_n and_o spirit_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n confirm_v all_o this_o and_o therefore_o scripture_n and_o reason_n be_v so_o far_o from_o contradict_v each_o other_o in_o this_o article_n that_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o trinity_n though_o it_o be_v ultimate_o resolve_v into_o the_o authority_n of_o revelation_n yet_o have_v reason_n on_o its_o side_n as_o far_o as_o it_o can_v judge_v of_o such_o matter_n which_o prove_v a_o considerable_a authority_n when_o the_o obscure_a and_o imperfect_a conjecture_n of_o reason_n be_v explain_v and_o confirm_v by_o revelation_n for_o though_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o absolute_o perfect_a be_v which_o be_v the_o natural_a idea_n of_o the_o divinity_n teach_v no_o such_o distinction_n yet_o the_o idea_n of_o a_o infinite_o perfect_a and_o self-originated_n mind_n which_o be_v as_o natural_a a_o notion_n of_o god_n do_v 11._o thus_o damascen_n teach_v we_o to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o divinity_n and_o in_o what_o the_o divinity_n be_v or_o to_o speak_v more_o accurate_o what_o be_v the_o divinity_n and_o that_o which_o proceed_v eternal_o from_o this_o first_o cause_n that_o be_v the_o hypostasis_n of_o the_o son_n and_o holy_a spirit_n the_o first_o teach_v we_o
foundation_n of_o this_o sameness_n and_o consubstantiality_n of_o nature_n in_o the_o eternal_a generation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o father_n 184_o to_o which_o they_o add_v that_o the_o son_n receive_v his_o whole_a substance_n from_o the_o whole_a substance_n of_o the_o father_n totus_fw-la ex_fw-la toto_fw-la 186_o concern_v this_o mysterious_a and_o ineffable_a generation_n whole_a of_o whole_a 187_o st._n austin_n teach_v that_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o essence_n must_v not_o be_v consider_v either_o as_o a_o genus_fw-la or_o species_n nor_o the_o divine_a person_n as_o individual_n 194_o what_o medium_fw-la there_o be_v between_o the_o unity_n of_o singularity_n and_o a_o specific_a unity_n of_o nature_n 195_o the_o difference_n between_o three_o divine_a person_n and_o three_o individual_a human_a person_n 199_o sect_n vi_o a_o more_o particular_a inquiry_n what_o the_o catholic_n father_n mean_v by_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o sameness_n and_o identity_n of_o substance_n in_o the_o holy_a trinity_n 207_o petavius_n attempt_n to_o prove_v that_o both_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a father_n teach_v the_o singularity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n ibid._n his_o notion_n of_o singularity_n consider_v 208_o his_o apology_n for_o the_o father_n who_o as_o he_o say_v teach_v a_o specific_a unity_n reject_v 211_o his_o authority_n for_o the_o singularity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n examine_v 213_o by_o the_o sameness_n and_o identity_n of_o nature_n the_o father_n do_v not_o mean_a singularity_n but_o such_o a_o sameness_n as_o be_v between_o three_o real_a subsist_v person_n without_o the_o least_o change_n and_o variation_n 217_o that_o the_o father_n resolve_v the_o unity_n of_o god_n into_o this_o sameness_n and_o identity_n of_o nature_n 221_o some_o example_n in_o nature_n of_o the_o distinction_n betweeen_n alius_fw-la and_o aliud_fw-la 227_o how_o the_o father_n prove_v the_o unity_n of_o god_n in_o opposition_n to_o polytheism_n from_o the_o sameness_n and_o identity_n of_o nature_n 230_o that_o these_o argument_n do_v not_o conclude_v against_o a_o trinity_n of_o divine_a person_n 232_o gregory_n nyssen_n vindicate_v from_o tritheism_n and_o his_o answer_n to_o ablabius_n explain_v 236_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o ancient_n about_o number_n 243_o the_o distinction_n between_o the_o unity_n of_o number_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o nature_n oppose_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o tritheism_n and_o a_o confutation_n of_o a_o sabellian_n singularity_n 246_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o school_n assert_v the_o singularity_n of_o the_o divine_a substance_n 248_o sect_n vii_o concern_v the_o distinction_n of_o person_n in_o the_o unity_n and_o identity_n of_o the_o diuâ—ne_a essence_n the_o general_a account_n of_o this_o 254_o that_o both_o the_o father_n and_o school_n by_o a_o divine_a person_n understand_v the_o divine_a essence_n and_o substance_n and_o nothing_o else_o 260_o this_o prove_v from_o that_o ambiguity_n with_o which_o the_o father_n be_v charge_v in_o the_o use_n of_o these_o term_n essence_n nature_n substance_n hypostasis_fw-la etc._n etc._n 261_o that_o these_o term_n essence_n etc._n etc._n be_v distinct_o apply_v to_o each_o person_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n 264_o and_o all_o those_o term_n which_o be_v more_o peculiar_o appropriate_v to_o signify_v the_o divine_a person_n be_v always_o use_v by_o catholic_n writer_n in_o the_o notion_n of_o substance_n and_o never_o think_v catholic_n in_o any_o other_o sense_n as_o person_n hypostasis_fw-la suppositum_fw-la etc._n etc._n 265_o that_o a_o divine_a person_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o divine_a nature_n prove_v from_o the_o absolute_a simplicity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o admit_v of_o no_o composition_n as_o both_o father_n and_o schoolman_n own_o 272_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n both_o of_o father_n and_o school_n the_o divine_a essence_n and_o substance_n as_o subsist_v distinct_o in_o three_o be_v proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o each_o and_o incommunicable_a to_o one_o another_o 273_o whether_o the_o divine_a essence_n either_o beget_v or_o be_v beget_v and_o how_o the_o father_n and_o school_n may_v be_v reconcile_v 274_o sect_n viii_o concern_v the_o divine_a relation_n 281_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o relative_n substance_n or_o subsist_v relation_n explain_v from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o school_n ibid._n these_o divine_a relation_n secure_v the_o perfect_a unity_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n 287_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o a_o absolute_a substance_n and_o what_o by_o relative_n substance_n ibid._n this_o apply_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n 288_o three_o absolute_a substance_n be_v always_o distinct_o and_o separately_z three_z three_o relative_n substance_n may_v be_v essential_o one_o in_o the_o same_o one_o individual_a nature_n 289_o this_o account_n the_o father_n give_v of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n 290_o concern_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o they_o do_v not_o signify_v personal_a relative_n substance_n but_o singular_a absolute_a substance_n 293_o the_o divine_a relation_n prove_v the_o sameness_n and_o identity_n of_o nature_n in_o three_o 298_o these_o divine_a relation_n give_v we_o a_o intelligible_a notion_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o inseparable_a union_n of_o the_o divine_a person_n and_o their_o mutual_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d inexistence_n in_o each_o other_o 300_o this_o mutual_a inbeing_n can_v be_v understand_v only_o between_o the_o relative_n of_o the_o same_o individual_a essence_n and_o substance_n 305_o and_o this_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o operation_n 308_o concern_v the_o mutual_a consciousness_n of_o the_o divine_a person_n 313_o the_o doctrine_n of_o relation_n necessary_a to_o give_v we_o a_o sensible_a notion_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n 326_o sect_n ix_o a_o more_o particular_a inquiry_n into_o the_o difference_n between_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o nature_n and_o person_n with_o a_o account_n of_o some_o catholic_n form_n of_o speech_n relate_v to_o the_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n 334_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o ancient_n of_o a_o different_a consideration_n ibid._n all_o the_o heresy_n relate_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n attribute_v to_o this_o one_o mistake_n that_o essence_n and_o hypostasis_fw-la be_v the_o same_o 336_o this_o by_o some_o charge_v upon_o aristotle_n notion_n of_o a_o first_o substance_n ibid._n the_o distinction_n of_o nature_n and_o person_n in_o creature_n consider_v 338_o aristotle_n first_o substance_n and_o what_o the_o father_n call_v hypostasis_fw-la be_v in_o creature_n the_o same_o thing_n 339_o what_o the_o father_n mean_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o every_o hypostasis_fw-la 340_o no_o real_a difference_n between_o aristotle_n and_o the_o father_n in_o this_o matter_n ibid._n the_o father_n by_o a_o common_a nature_n do_v not_o mean_a one_o numerical_a subsist_v nature_n common_a to_o all_o the_o individual_n 341_o for_o what_o reason_n they_o reject_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o particular_a singular_a nature_n 343_o hypostasis_fw-la be_v nature_n with_o its_o peculiar_a accident_n subsist_v by_o itself_o that_o these_o accident_n and_o personal_a property_n do_v not_o make_v but_o only_o distinguish_v person_n 345_o the_o hypostasis_fw-la or_o person_n be_v the_o common_a nature_n subsist_v by_o itself_o this_o prove_v from_o the_o humanity_n of_o our_o saviour_n 346_o how_o improper_a all_o these_o term_n be_v to_o explain_v the_o trinity_n in_o unity_n 350_o how_o the_o catholic_n father_n accommodate_v these_o name_n of_o essence_n and_o person_n to_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o mystery_n 352_o the_o common_a nature_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d one_o divinity_n be_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o father_n common_a to_o the_o son_n and_o spirit_n by_o a_o perfect_a communication_n whole_a of_o whole_a 354_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o one_o individual_a nature_n ibid._n essential_a internal_a production_n be_v in_o the_o individual_a unity_n of_o nature_n 356_o the_o distinction_n between_o nature_n and_o person_n for_o that_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o question_n not_o how_o nature_n and_o person_n be_v distinguish_v in_o each_o single_a divine_a person_n but_o how_o one_o individual_a nature_n be_v distinguish_v from_o three_o person_n in_o the_o individual_a unity_n of_o nature_n 360_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d explain_v 362_o this_o apply_v at_o large_a for_o the_o explication_n and_o vindication_n of_o several_a catholic_n form_n of_o speech_n concern_v the_o trinity_n in_o unity_n 365_o etc._n etc._n the_o conclusion_n with_o a_o short_a application_n to_o the_o socinian_o 385_o errata_fw-la page_n 6._o l._n 31._o d._n all_o p._n 9_o marg_n r._n quae_fw-la p._n 15._o l._n 3._o r._n enough_o p_o 86._o l._n 8_o 9_o r_o expression_n p._n 180._o l._n
by_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n and_o we_o by_o he_o 1_o cor._n 8.6_o st._n hilary_n find_v this_o god_n of_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n doceas_fw-la and_o this_o lord_n by_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o moysaicall_a history_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o god_n say_v let_v there_o be_v a_o firmament_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o water_n 4._o and_o let_v it_o divide_v the_o water_n from_o the_o water_n and_o god_n make_v the_o firmament_n and_o divide_v the_o water_n etc._n etc._n 1._o gen._n 6_o 7._o where_o as_o he_o apply_v it_o the_o father_n command_v and_o the_o son_n his_o almighty_a word_n make_v all_o thing_n so_o the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o of_o the_o father_n he_o speak_v and_o it_o be_v do_v he_o command_v and_o it_o stand_v fast_o 33._o psal._n 9_o or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o 148_o the_o psal._n 5._o he_o command_v and_o they_o be_v create_v and_o by_o who_o they_o be_v create_v st._n john_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o beginning_n be_v the_o word_n and_o the_o word_n be_v with_o god_n and_o the_o word_n be_v god_n all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o and_o without_o he_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n make_v that_o be_v make_v 1_o joh._n 1_o 2._o this_o he_o think_v prove_v a_o plain_a distinction_n of_o jubentis_fw-la dei_fw-la &_o facientis_fw-la dei_fw-la god_n that_o command_v and_o god_n that_o do_v for_o common_a sense_n will_v not_o allow_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v one_o single_a solitary_a person_n much_o more_o reason_n have_v we_o to_o distinguish_v they_o when_o both_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n distinguish_v they_o 12._o but_o whatever_o dispute_n this_o may_v admit_v that_o account_n moses_n give_v of_o the_o creation_n of_o man_n he_o take_v to_o be_v a_o unexceptionable_a proof_n of_o a_o plurality_n of_o divine_a person_n and_o god_n say_v let_v we_o make_v man_n in_o our_o image_n after_o our_o likeness_n so_o god_n create_v man_n in_o his_o own_o image_n in_o the_o image_n of_o god_n create_v he_o he_o 1._o gen._n 26.27_o now_o if_o we_o understand_v these_o word_n as_o speak_v by_o god_n 13._o in_o the_o same_o sense_n as_o we_o shall_v and_o ought_v to_o understand_v they_o have_v they_o be_v speak_v by_o man_n which_o st._n hilary_n lay_v down_o as_o a_o principle_n that_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o as_o we_o speak_v to_o one_o another_o and_o expect_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o we_o according_a to_o the_o common_a use_n and_o acceptation_n of_o such_o form_n of_o speech_n then_o let_v we_o make_v man_n in_o our_o image_n ibid._n after_o our_o likeness_n can_v signify_v a_o singular_a and_o solitary_a person_n potest_fw-la for_o such_o a_o form_n of_o speech_n natural_o import_v a_o plurality_n of_o person_n and_o a_o common_a nature_n and_o likeness_n no_o single_a solitary_a person_n speak_v to_o himself_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n but_o only_a will_n and_o choose_v what_o to_o do_v fieret_fw-la and_o excuse_n his_o own_o purpose_n much_o less_o do_v he_o speak_v to_o himself_o in_o the_o plural_a number_n which_o in_o common_a use_n signify_v some_o companion_n and_o partner_n in_o the_o work_n significat_fw-la let_v we_o make_v can_v signify_v one_o single_a person_n nor_o can_v our_o image_n admit_v two_o person_n of_o a_o unlike_a and_o different_a nature_n when_o the_o image_n be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o ibid._n and_o therefore_o this_o must_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v more_o divine_a person_n than_o one_o and_o that_o they_o have_v all_o the_o same_o divine_a nature_n be_v god_n but_o one_o single_a and_o solitary_a person_n this_o will_v be_v a_o most_o unaccountable_a form_n of_o speech_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o pretence_n to_o put_v such_o a_o harsh_a sense_n on_o the_o word_n unless_o we_o certain_o know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o divine_a person_n but_o he_o who_o speak_v but_o then_o if_o instead_o of_o know_v this_o we_o certain_o know_v the_o contrary_a that_o when_o god_n make_v the_o world_n he_o be_v not_o alone_o but_o have_v his_o eternal_a substantial_a wisdom_n the_o person_n of_o the_o eternal_a word_n with_o he_o by_o who_o he_o make_v the_o world_n this_o put_v the_o matter_n out_o of_o doubt_n and_o this_o st._n hilary_n prove_v frâ—m_v that_o account_n which_o solomon_n give_v of_o wisdom_n 8_o prov._n 22_o etc._n etc._n the_o lord_n possess_v i_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o way_n before_o his_o work_n of_o old_a i_o be_v set_v up_o from_o everlasting_a from_o the_o beginning_n or_o ever_o the_o earth_n be_v then_o i_o be_v by_o he_o as_o one_o bring_v up_o with_o he_o rejoice_v always_o before_o he_o and_o therefore_o the_o father_n be_v not_o alone_o and_o do_v not_o speak_v to_o himself_o when_o he_o make_v the_o world_n ibid._n his_o own_o wisdom_n a_o divine_a eternal_a person_n cooperate_a with_o he_o and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o work_n but_o beside_o this_o he_o prove_v at_o large_a that_o the_o angel_n which_o so_o often_o appear_v to_o abraham_n hagar_n jacob_n to_o moses_n in_o a_o burn_a bush_n and_o be_v in_o express_a term_n call_v god_n the_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n the_o god_n of_o abraham_n and_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n be_v not_o a_o create_a angel_n nor_o god_n the_o father_n and_o yet_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n even_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n become_v man_n and_o add_v several_a passage_n in_o the_o psalm_n and_o prophet_n which_o plain_o own_o a_o divine_a person_n distinct_a from_o god_n the_o father_n to_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n i_o need_v not_o tell_v those_o who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n that_o they_o all_o insist_v on_o the_o same_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o there_o be_v not_o in_o any_o one_o point_n a_o more_o universal_a consent_n among_o they_o which_o be_v too_o venerable_a a_o authority_n to_o be_v overrule_v by_o criticism_n it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o traditionary_a exposition_n of_o scripture_n from_o the_o apostolic_a age._n but_o i_o be_o no_o further_o concern_v in_o this_o at_o present_a than_o to_o show_v what_o notion_n the_o catholic_n father_n have_v about_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n these_o father_n do_v not_o fence_v against_o the_o objection_n of_o tritheism_n by_o distinguish_v away_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o make_v the_o son_n god_n ex_fw-la accidenti_fw-la &_o secundum_fw-la quid_fw-la for_o they_o know_v nothing_o of_o a_o accidental_a or_o secundum_fw-la quid_fw-la god_n which_o i_o must_v own_o sound_n to_o i_o very_o like_a blasphemy_n and_o contradiction_n that_o when_o this_o name_n god_n signify_v the_o most_o necessary_a and_o absolute_o perfect_a be_v any_o person_n to_o who_o this_o name_n do_v natural_o and_o essential_o belong_v shall_v be_v god_n by_o accident_n or_o only_o in_o a_o limit_a and_o qualify_v sense_n but_o without_o fear_v the_o charge_n of_o tritheism_n they_o with_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n own_o another_o divine_a person_n distinct_a from_o the_o father_n but_o as_o real_a and_o substantial_a a_o person_n and_o as_o true_o and_o perfect_o god_n as_o the_o father_n be_v insomuch_o that_o tertullian_n when_o he_o have_v alledgâ—d_v that_o tâ—xt_n 45._o psal._n 6_o 7._o which_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n apply_v to_o christ_n 1._o heb._n thy_o throne_n o_o gâ—d_n be_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o the_o sceptre_n of_o thy_o kingdom_n be_v a_o right_a sceptre_n therefore_o god_n thy_o god_n have_v anoint_v thou_o with_o the_o oil_n of_o gladness_n above_o thy_o fellow_n be_v not_o aâ—raid_a to_o add_v praâ—â—aâ—â—_n ecce_fw-la duos_fw-la deos_fw-la behold_v two_o god_n that_o be_v two_o divine_a pâ—rsons_n each_o of_o who_o be_v by_o himself_o true_o and_o essential_o god_n for_o notwithstanding_o this_o he_o will_v not_o say_v there_o be_v two_o or_o three_o god_n and_o give_v his_o reason_n for_o it_o he_o own_v a_o plurality_n of_o god_n even_o tritheism_n itself_o in_o that_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n tritheism_n which_o the_o arian_n and_o sabellian_o object_v against_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o trinity_n as_o three_o god_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o three_o divine_a substantial_a person_n each_o of_o who_o be_v true_o and_o perfect_o god_n as_o have_v distinct_o in_o himself_o the_o whole_a and_o perfect_a divine_a nature_n but_o this_o he_o and_o the_o other_o father_n deny_v to_o be_v tritheism_n they_o be_v god_n and_o god_n and_o god_n but_o not_o three_o god_n and_o they_o think_v it_o a_o sufficient_a proof_n as_o any_o man_n will_v who_o believe_v the_o scripture_n that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o scripture-notion_n of_o tritheism_n because_o the_o same_o scripture_n which_o teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n attribute_n
be_v three_o god_n but_o when_o there_o be_v but_o one_o eternal_a father_n though_o he_o have_v a_o eternal_a son_n and_o a_o eternal_a spirit_n there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o god_n now_o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o be_v it_o because_o none_o be_v or_o can_v be_v god_n true_a and_o perfect_a god_n but_o he_o who_o be_v god_n of_o himself_o self-originated_n and_o unbegotten_a this_o will_v destroy_v the_o perfect_a godhead_n of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o answer_v the_o objection_n of_o tritheism_n by_o deny_v the_o trinity_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a this_o can_v not_o be_v their_o meaning_n because_o they_o own_v the_o sameness_n and_o equality_n of_o nature_n of_o majesty_n and_o glory_n of_o wisdom_n and_o power_n in_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n only_o allow_v the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o father_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o name_n and_o relation_n of_o father_n 2._o and_o when_o the_o arian_n woulâ—_n prove_v the_o diversity_n of_o nature_n between_o father_n and_o son_n by_o this_o argument_n that_o the_o father_n be_v unbegotten_a and_o the_o son_n beget_v they_o deny_v that_o this_o infer_v the_o least_o difference_n or_o inequality_n of_o nature_n now_o if_o the_o divine_a essence_n be_v god_n and_o there_o be_v a_o perfect_a equality_n of_o nature_n between_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n though_o the_o father_n be_v unbegotten_a the_o son_n beget_v and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n proceed_v from_o both_o i_o desire_v to_o know_v why_o three_o person_n each_o of_o which_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n though_o one_o be_v unbegotten_a another_o beget_v and_o a_o three_o proceed_v be_v not_o as_o much_o three_o god_n as_o three_o that_o be_v unbegotten_a be_v three_o go_n the_o natural_a notion_n of_o god_n be_v a_o eternal_a unmake_v uncreated_a essence_n which_o give_v be_v to_o all_o creature_n but_o neither_o beget_v nor_o unbegotten_a belong_v to_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o god_n but_o be_v matter_n of_o pure_a revelation_n and_o therefore_o three_o that_o be_v eternal_a as_o to_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o god_n be_v as_o much_o three_o god_n as_o three_o that_o be_v unbegotten_a the_o true_a account_n of_o it_o then_o be_v this_o that_o one_o father_n who_o be_v unbegotten_a himself_o but_o beget_v a_o son_n be_v but_o one_o eternal_a divine_a essence_n which_o he_o eternal_o communicate_v whole_a and_o undivided_a to_o the_o son_n and_o therefore_o be_v but_o one_o divine_a essence_n still_o and_o therefore_o but_o one_o god_n whereas_o three_o unbegotten_n who_o do_v not_o communicate_v in_o each_o other_o and_o neither_o give_v to_o nor_o receive_v from_o any_o other_o must_v be_v three_o absolute_a independent_a divine_a essence_n and_o therefore_o three_o go_n and_o therefore_o they_o do_v not_o call_v the_o father_n the_o one_o god_n mere_o because_o he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d unbegotten_a but_o as_o he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o fountain_n of_o the_o deity_n who_o communicate_v his_o own_o whole_a divine_a nature_n and_o essence_n to_o the_o son_n and_o holy_a spirit_n 651._o for_o this_o reason_n athanasius_n condemn_v sabellius_n for_o say_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a god_n in_o the_o jewish_a notion_n of_o one_o god_n not_o mean_v thereby_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a who_o be_v unbegotten_a and_o who_o only_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o the_o deity_n but_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n as_o have_v no_o son_n nor_o live_a word_n or_o true_a wisdom_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o enlarge_v here_o and_o to_o improve_v this_o observation_n for_o the_o explication_n of_o several_a difficult_a passage_n in_o the_o father_n but_o this_o may_v satisfy_v we_o that_o the_o catholic_n father_n by_o one_o substance_n do_v not_o mean_v a_o mere_a specific_a but_o a_o natural_a and_o essential_a unity_n sect_n vi_o a_o more_o particular_a inquiry_n what_o the_o catholic_n father_n mean_v by_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o sameness_n and_o identity_n of_o substance_n in_o the_o holy_a trinity_n what_o i_o have_v discourse_v in_o the_o last_o section_n concern_v the_o homoousion_n and_o one_o substance_n of_o the_o godhead_n will_v receive_v a_o new_a light_n if_o we_o consider_v what_o the_o catholic_n father_n mean_v by_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o sameness_n identity_n and_o inseparability_n of_o essence_n and_o substance_n whereby_o they_o explain_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a substance_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n the_o learned_a jesuit_n petavius_n have_v two_o large_a chapter_n to_o prove_v that_o both_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a father_n do_v assert_v the_o singularity_n and_o numerical_a unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o substance_n and_o i_o free_o grant_v that_o as_o singularity_n be_v oppose_v to_o a_o mere_a specific_a unity_n he_o have_v unanswerable_o prove_v it_o but_o why_o he_o or_o the_o school_n shall_v choose_v a_o word_n to_o represent_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o catholic_n father_n by_o concern_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a substance_n which_o they_o themselves_o reject_v as_o sabellianism_n i_o can_v account_v for_o for_o singularis_fw-la &_o solitarius_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v the_o singularity_n of_o nature_n and_o substance_n be_v reject_v as_o suspect_v term_n at_o least_o though_o they_o allow_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o sameness_n and_o identity_n of_o nature_n the_o vnitas_fw-la but_o not_o vnio_n the_o unity_n but_o not_o union_n which_o st._n hilary_n so_o often_o call_v impia_fw-la vnio_n a_o wicked_a union_n as_o destroy_v the_o real_a distinction_n of_o person_n and_o consequent_o the_o true_a faith_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n 443._o and_o to_o do_v petavius_n right_a he_o reject_v such_o a_o notion_n of_o singularity_n as_o deny_v the_o divinity_n to_o be_v a_o common_a nature_n as_o if_o it_o can_v subsist_v only_o in_o one_o person_n or_o hypostasis_fw-la which_o he_o own_v to_o be_v sabellianism_n and_o that_o for_o this_o reason_n some_o of_o the_o father_n he_o may_v have_v say_v most_o if_o not_o all_o the_o ancient_a father_n do_v reject_v the_o use_n of_o such_o word_n and_o teach_v that_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v one_o as_o any_o other_o nature_n be_v which_o be_v common_a to_o more_o than_o one_o and_o acknowledge_v that_o st._n hilary_n st._n ambrose_n st._n austin_n and_o other_o do_v express_o deny_v that_o god_n be_v a_o singular_a be_v and_o reject_v the_o notion_n of_o singularity_n from_o the_o divine_a essence_n now_o such_o a_o singularity_n as_o this_o as_o admits_z of_o a_o real_a and_o substantial_a communication_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n whole_a of_o whole_a to_o the_o son_n and_o holy_a spirit_n be_v certain_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o catholic_n father_n and_o what_o they_o mean_v by_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o sameness_n or_o identity_n of_o nature_n in_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n in_o which_o they_o place_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n that_o there_o must_v be_v this_o sameness_n and_o identy_n of_o nature_n in_o all_o three_o divine_a person_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o last_o section_n for_o a_o whole_a of_o a_o whole_a must_v be_v identical_o the_o same_o whole_a not_o so_o the_o same_o as_o one_o singular_a whole_a be_v the_o same_o with_o itself_o but_o as_o the_o same_o whole_a which_o thrice_o subsist_v without_o the_o least_o conceivable_a difference_n be_v the_o same_o with_o itself_o in_o three_o and_o that_o this_o be_v what_o the_o father_n mean_v by_o that_o sameness_n of_o nature_n wherein_o they_o place_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o prove_v by_o numerous_a authority_n but_o some_o few_o may_v serve_v in_o so_o plain_a a_o case_n one_o st._n hilary_n will_v furnish_v we_o with_o testimony_n enough_o of_o this_o nature_n he_o place_v the_o sameness_n of_o nature_n between_o father_n and_o son_n in_o this_o that_o the_o son_n have_v by_o his_o eternal_a nativity_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o father_n without_o the_o least_o dissimilitude_n or_o diversity_n syn._n indifferens_fw-la indissimilis_fw-la indiscreta_fw-la natura_fw-la and_o this_o make_v the_o father_n and_o son_n one_o god_n but_o then_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o careful_o and_o express_o reject_v the_o notion_n of_o singularity_n solitude_n and_o union_n petavius_n quote_v several_a passage_n out_o of_o st._n hilary_n to_o prove_v this_o singularity_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n ibid._n but_o all_o that_o they_o amount_v to_o and_o all_o that_o he_o pretend_v to_o prove_v by_o they_o be_v that_o the_o unity_n between_o father_n and_o son_n be_v great_a than_o a_o specific_a unity_n or_o a_o communion_n in_o the_o same_o specific_a nature_n
and_o this_o i_o ready_o grant_v and_o he_o may_v ibid._n if_o he_o have_v please_v have_v transcribe_v half_a st._n hilary_n de_fw-fr trinitate_fw-la &_o de_fw-la synodis_fw-la to_o the_o same_o purpose_n and_o this_o be_v so_o universal_o the_o doctrine_n of_o all_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a father_n that_o there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n in_o multiply_a authority_n to_o this_o purpose_n and_o i_o dare_v appeal_n to_o any_o man_n who_o be_v competent_o skill_a in_o these_o matter_n and_o will_v impartial_o examine_v the_o testimony_n petavius_n have_v produce_v for_o the_o singularity_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n whether_o the_o most_o pertinent_a of_o they_o all_o prove_v any_o more_o than_o this_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o father_n without_o the_o least_o alteration_n or_o diversity_n be_v communicate_v whole_a and_o perfect_a without_o any_o division_n or_o separation_n of_o substance_n to_o the_o son_n of_o which_o more_o present_o not_o that_o the_o same_o singular_a nature_n and_o substance_n which_o be_v the_o person_n of_o the_o father_n be_v also_o the_o person_n of_o the_o son_n which_o make_v the_o father_n and_o son_n to_o be_v but_o one_o person_n as_o well_o as_o one_o nature_n and_o substance_n but_o so_o one_o that_o the_o one_o nature_n substance_n and_o divinity_n which_o be_v the_o father_n be_v whole_o and_o perfect_o the_o same_o in_o the_o son_n except_v this_o that_o one_o be_v the_o father_n and_o the_o other_o the_o son_n which_o be_v not_o the_o unity_n of_o singularity_n which_o be_v proper_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o person_n but_o the_o unity_n of_o identity_n and_o sameness_n which_o be_v the_o unity_n of_o one_o individual_a nature_n which_o be_v common_a to_o more_o than_o one_o i_o do_v intend_v to_o transcribe_v all_o the_o quotation_n of_o petavius_n which_o he_o have_v allege_v to_o this_o purpose_n but_o yet_o i_o will_v give_v such_o a_o general_a view_n of_o they_o as_o may_v satisfy_v any_o impartial_a reader_n as_o to_o this_o point_n not_o to_o confute_v petavius_n who_o as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v reject_v the_o sabellian_n singularity_n but_o to_o undeceive_v those_o who_o mistake_v petavius_n and_o the_o school_n too_o as_o will_v appear_v more_o hereafter_o i_o shall_v only_o premise_v that_o it_o have_v become_v the_o learning_n and_o acuteness_n of_o petavius_n to_o have_v reconcile_v the_o father_n with_o themselves_o for_o they_o be_v wise_a man_n and_o true_a reasoner_n and_o know_v very_o well_o what_o a_o contradiction_n mean_v and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v not_o easy_o to_o believe_v that_o they_o perpetual_o contradict_v themselves_o he_o acknowledge_v and_o prove_v that_o the_o catholic_n father_n do_v teach_v a_o specific_a unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n 13._o that_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n have_v one_o divinity_n as_o peter_z james_n and_o john_n have_v one_o human_a nature_n and_o he_o allege_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o same_o father_n to_o prove_v the_o singularity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n that_o it_o be_v a_o exact_a perfect_a indivisible_a monad_n and_o this_o also_o they_o do_v plain_o teach_v but_o then_o he_o shall_v have_v consider_v how_o to_o have_v reconcile_v these_o two_o for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o if_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v a_o indivisible_a monad_n it_o can_v be_v a_o species_n in_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o a_o species_n and_o if_o it_o have_v any_o thing_n anolagous_n to_o a_o species_n it_o can_v be_v a_o singular_a monad_n because_o it_o must_v be_v a_o common_a nature_n which_o subsist_v in_o more_o than_o one_o and_o singularity_n be_v proper_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o person_n not_o of_o a_o common_a nature_n petavius_n be_v very_o sensible_a how_o inconsistent_a these_o two_o kind_n of_o unity_n be_v and_o yet_o that_o the_o father_n do_v most_o common_o explain_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n by_o a_o specific_a unity_n and_o do_v more_o cautious_o mention_v the_o unity_n of_o singularity_n he_o may_v have_v say_v do_v absolute_o reject_v it_o as_o st._n hilary_n do_v in_o a_o hundred_o place_n and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o much_o better_a reason_n so_o to_o qualify_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o specific_a unity_n and_o singularity_n of_o nature_n as_o to_o reconcile_v they_o to_o each_o other_o than_o to_o make_v the_o father_n contradict_v themselves_o which_o destroy_v three_o part_n of_o their_o reason_v about_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n and_o very_o much_o weaken_v the_o authoity_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n the_o apology_n which_o petavius_n make_v for_o the_o father_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n salve_v this_o matter_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o exact_a rule_n of_o philosophy_n 425._o the_o three_o divine_a person_n be_v not_o so_o of_o one_o substance_n or_o homoousion_n as_o peter_n paul_n and_o john_n and_o so_o far_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v but_o than_o what_o he_o add_v be_v a_o very_a heavy_a charge_n upon_o the_o catholic_n father_n that_o they_o teach_v this_o almost_o in_o every_o dispute_n they_o have_v with_o the_o arian_n now_o if_o this_o be_v true_a what_o apology_n can_v be_v make_v for_o they_o for_o it_o seem_v they_o confute_v the_o arian_n upon_o false_a and_o dangerous_a principle_n and_o be_v either_o ignorant_a themselves_o of_o the_o true_a catholic_n faith_n or_o do_v prevaricate_v in_o it_o but_o let_v we_o hear_v what_o excuse_v he_o make_v for_o they_o he_o say_v they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o this_o nor_o accuse_v of_o ignorance_n as_o if_o they_o understand_v nothing_o of_o the_o numerical_a unity_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n ibid._n and_o own_v no_o other_o unity_n but_o what_o be_v like_o the_o unity_n of_o human_a nature_n for_o they_o do_v know_v the_o first_o but_o very_o prudent_o use_v the_o specific_a unity_n as_o a_o example_n whereby_o to_o represent_v the_o divine_a unity_n but_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v analogous_a to_o this_o specific_a unity_n and_o may_v be_v true_o and_o proper_o represent_v by_o it_o as_o the_o best_a image_n we_o have_v in_o nature_n i_o can_v understand_v either_o the_o prudence_n or_o honesty_n of_o this_o yes_o he_o say_v they_o be_v to_o take_v care_n so_o to_o oppose_v arianism_n as_o to_o avoid_v sabellianism_n which_o otherwise_o they_o may_v easy_o slip_v into_o and_o therefore_o so_o temper_v their_o style_n as_o to_o speak_v more_o spare_o of_o that_o high_a unity_n and_o conjunction_n which_o gregory_n nyssen_n call_v a_o perfect_a monad_n lest_o they_o shall_v seem_v to_o favour_v a_o sabellian_n solitude_n and_o singularity_n but_o do_v more_o free_o use_v the_o example_n of_o a_o specific_a unity_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o confute_v the_o arian_n who_o assert_v the_o diversity_n and_o dissimilitude_n of_o nature_n between_o father_n and_o son_n which_o can_v be_v between_o those_o of_o the_o same_o kind_a and_o species_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n show_v how_o far_o they_o be_v from_o sabellianism_n that_o this_o be_v a_o very_a false_a account_n of_o the_o matter_n appear_v from_o the_o former_a section_n of_o this_o chapter_n and_o will_v appear_v more_o full_o from_o what_o be_v to_o follow_v but_o if_o it_o be_v true_a it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a scandalous_a account_n for_o the_o sum_n of_o it_o be_v this_o that_o to_o oppose_v sabellianism_n and_o arianism_n the_o ancient_a father_n advance_v a_o false_a notion_n of_o the_o divine_a unity_n and_o dissemble_v the_o true_a one_o which_o be_v no_o great_a commendation_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n that_o it_o need_v such_o art_n nor_o of_o the_o catholic_n father_n to_o use_v they_o when_o both_o these_o sort_n of_o heretic_n as_o i_o have_v often_o observe_v charge_v the_o catholic_n faith_n with_o tritheism_n and_o make_v that_o the_o very_a reason_n of_o their_o heresy_n can_v any_o man_n think_v it_o prudent_a in_o these_o father_n to_o conceal_v or_o very_o cautious_o mention_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o divine_a unity_n and_o to_o insist_v on_o a_o specific_a unity_n which_o if_o we_o believe_v petavius_n be_v no_o better_a than_o tritheism_n which_o will_v rather_o have_v confirm_v they_o in_o their_o heresy_n than_o have_v confute_v they_o these_o two_o heresy_n be_v in_o two_o extreme_n the_o catholic_n faith_n must_v be_v in_o the_o middle_n and_o the_o only_a true_a medium_fw-la between_o they_o be_v a_o real_a distinction_n of_o person_n without_o the_o least_o diversity_n of_o nature_n and_o this_o be_v what_o they_o mean_v both_o by_o their_o monad_n and_o specific_a unity_n the_o perfect_a sameness_n and_o identity_n of_o essence_n actual_o indivisible_o inseparable_o subsist_v in_o three_o a_o thrice_o subsist_v monad_n or_o individual_a essence_n or_o substance_n but_o not_o
distinguish_v nor_o separate_v but_o be_v perfect_o one_o same_n undivided_a essence_n and_o therefore_o una_fw-la substantia_fw-la though_o not_o vnus_fw-la subsistens_fw-la one_o substance_n though_o not_o one_o but_o three_o that_o subsist_v what_o i_o have_v thus_o brief_o represent_v i_o hope_v i_o have_v prove_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n and_o reason_n found_v on_o scripture_n and_o from_o what_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o father_n it_o may_v appear_v to_o careful_a and_o intelligent_a reader_n who_o use_v such_o application_n as_o this_o argument_n deserve_v and_o require_v that_o this_o be_v their_o unanimous_a sense_n also_o but_o yet_o as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o clear_v this_o matter_n more_o full_o and_o vindicate_v the_o father_n and_o school_n from_o those_o obscurity_n inconsistence_n and_o contradiction_n which_o be_v general_o charge_v on_o they_o in_o so_o concern_v a_o article_n i_o shall_v reassume_v this_o matter_n and_o particular_o show_v 1._o that_o what_o they_o call_v a_o divine_a person_n be_v the_o divine_a essence_n and_o substance_n and_o nothing_o else_o 2._o that_o this_o divine_a essence_n and_o substance_n as_o constitute_v these_o divine_a person_n be_v proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o each_o and_o incommunicable_a to_o one_o another_o and_o therefore_o that_o this_o divine_a essence_n and_o substance_n as_o subsist_v distinct_o in_o three_o be_v no_o more_o numerical_o one_o than_o their_o person_n be_v one._n 3._o what_o difference_n they_o make_v between_o nature_n and_o essence_n and_o hypostasis_fw-la and_o person_n 4._o whether_o the_o catholic_n faith_n of_o a_o real_a and_o substantial_a trinity_n can_v be_v as_o reasonable_o and_o intelligible_o explain_v by_o the_o notion_n of_o one_o singular_a substance_n in_o the_o divinity_n as_o by_o assert_v three_o personal_a substance_n or_o suppositum_n and_o whether_o the_o singularity_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n in_o this_o notion_n deliver_v the_o asserter_n of_o it_o from_o any_o inconvenience_n and_o objection_n which_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n be_v think_v liable_a to_o 1._o as_o for_o the_o first_o that_o a_o divine_a person_n be_v the_o divine_a essence_n it_o be_v and_o must_v be_v in_o some_o sense_n acknowledge_v by_o all_o who_o profess_v the_o faith_n of_o a_o real_a trinity_n for_o there_o can_v be_v a_o real_a trinity_n of_o divine_a person_n if_o each_o person_n be_v not_o true_a and_o perfect_a god_n that_o be_v the_o whole_a divinity_n or_o divine_a nature_n and_o essence_n and_o therefore_o those_o who_o assert_v in_o the_o strict_a sense_n the_o singularity_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n yet_o assert_v that_o this_o one_o singular_a essence_n subsist_v distinct_o in_o each_o divine_a person_n which_o whether_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v or_o not_o yet_o be_v a_o acknowledgement_n that_o there_o be_v no_o conceive_v a_o divine_a person_n without_o the_o divine_a essence_n but_o we_o need_v not_o be_v behold_v to_o any_o man_n for_o this_o concession_n for_o the_o thing_n be_v plain_a and_o evident_a in_o all_o catholic_n writer_n petavius_n have_v very_o critical_o observe_v the_o different_a use_n of_o word_n in_o catholic_n writer_n relate_v to_o this_o venerable_a mystery_n such_o as_o essence_n nature_n substance_n hypostasis_fw-la subsistence_n person_n etc._n etc._n which_o sometime_o occasion_v great_a misunderstanding_n between_o they_o and_o be_v to_o this_o day_n make_v a_o pretence_n of_o charge_v the_o father_n with_o great_a uncertainty_n and_o obscurity_n and_o with_o contradict_v each_o other_o and_o themselves_o this_o of_o late_o have_v be_v much_o insist_v on_o in_o order_n to_o disparage_v the_o authority_n of_o â—_o as_o zealous_a contentious_a bigot_n who_o neither_o understand_v one_o another_o nor_o themselves_o nor_o the_o catholic_n faith_n but_o so_o confound_v term_n that_o we_o can_v never_o certain_o know_v what_o they_o mean_v or_o use_v such_o dangerous_a term_n that_o if_o we_o rely_v too_o much_o upon_o they_o we_o mâ—y_v easy_o mistake_v heresy_n for_o the_o catholic_n faith_n be_v this_o true_a our_o case_n will_v be_v very_o bad_a but_o two_o or_o three_o observation_n will_v set_v this_o matter_n in_o a_o clear_a light_n 1._o that_o very_a ambiguity_n which_o the_o father_n be_v charge_v with_o in_o the_o use_n of_o word_n do_v certain_o prove_v that_o by_o a_o divine_a person_n they_o mean_v the_o divine_a essence_n nature_n and_o substance_n the_o plain_a case_n be_v this_o the_o catholic_n father_n do_v universal_o own_o and_o profess_v a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n three_o person_n and_o one_o god_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n in_o their_o faith_n how_o different_a soever_o their_o word_n be_v the_o most_o common_a term_n whereby_o they_o express_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d una_fw-la esseâ—â—â—â—_n una_fw-la natura_fw-la una_fw-la substantia_fw-la one_o essence_n one_o nature_n one_o substance_n and_o a_o trinity_n they_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d three_o hypostate_n and_o the_o latin_n three_o person_n but_o sometime_o we_o meet_v in_o undoubted_a catholic_n writer_n wiâ—â—_n the_o direct_a contrary_a expression_n such_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d tres_fw-la substantiae_fw-la &_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d three_o essence_n three_o nature_n three_o substance_n and_o one_o hypostasis_fw-la the_o usual_a way_n of_o reconcile_a this_o seem_a contradiction_n be_v by_o say_v that_o when_o these_o father_n use_n such_o expression_n as_o three_o essence_n three_o nature_n three_o substance_n they_o do_v not_o understand_v this_o of_o three_o divers_a or_o specifical_o different_a essence_n nature_n substance_n which_o be_v arianism_n but_o of_o three_o person_n and_o when_o they_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o hypostasis_fw-la they_o do_v not_o by_o one_o hypostasis_fw-la mean_v one_o person_n which_o be_v sabellianism_n but_o one_o nature_n essence_n or_o substance_n as_o we_o know_v this_o very_a controversy_n about_o one_o or_o three_o hypostasis_n be_v thus_o compose_v in_o the_o alexandrian_a synod_n where_o athanasius_n preside_v and_o no_o doubt_n but_o this_o be_v the_o true_a solution_n since_o those_o who_o be_v neither_o arian_n nor_o sabellian_n can_v not_o understand_v such_o expression_n in_o any_o other_o sense_n but_o then_o the_o question_n still_o remain_v how_o this_o ambiguity_n shall_v happen_v or_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o such_o contradictory_n term_n as_o one_o essence_n and_o three_o essence_n one_o substance_n and_o three_o substance_n one_o hypostasis_fw-la and_o three_o hypostasis_n shall_v both_o be_v orthodox_n and_o catholic_n now_o the_o only_a account_n i_o can_v give_v of_o this_o matter_n be_v this_o that_o these_o term_n essence_n nature_n substance_n hypostasis_fw-la which_o original_o signify_v substance_n of_o which_o more_o present_o may_v signify_v as_o the_o philosopher_n speak_v either_o the_o first_o or_o second_o substance_n either_o the_o common_a nature_n which_o have_v the_o same_o notion_n and_o definition_n common_a to_o the_o whole_a kind_a as_o humanity_n which_o be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o man_n or_o a_o singular_a subsist_v nature_n and_o substance_n which_o in_o creature_n we_o call_v individual_n and_o in_o reasonable_a creature_n person_n now_o in_o analogy_n to_o this_o common_a specific_a nature_n which_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o all_o its_o individual_n the_o catholic_n father_n teach_v but_o one_o essence_n nature_n substance_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n but_o one_o hypostasis_fw-la in_o the_o godhead_n that_o be_v a_o consubstantial_a trinity_n in_o analogy_n to_o the_o several_a individual_n of_o the_o same_o species_n in_o who_o only_o this_o common_a nature_n do_v real_o and_o actual_o subsist_v they_o ordinary_o assert_v three_o hypostasis_n sometime_o as_o we_o see_v three_o nature_n and_o essence_n and_o substance_n in_o the_o trinity_n that_o be_v three_o real_a substantial_a subsist_v person_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n three_o essence_n three_o nature_n three_o substance_n be_v account_v catholic_n doctrine_n st._n hilary_n allow_v tria_fw-la in_o substantia_fw-la or_o tres_fw-fr subsâ—antias_n three_o in_o substance_n or_o three_o substance_n for_o tres_fw-la subsistentium_fw-la personas_fw-la three_o subsist_v person_n and_o st._n greg._n nyssen_n in_o answer_n to_o eunomius_n who_o assert_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d three_o essence_n or_o substance_n say_v 12._o that_o if_o he_o understand_v this_o distinction_n of_o substance_n only_o in_o opposition_n to_o sabellius_n who_o give_v three_o name_n to_o one_o suppositum_fw-la or_o substance_n that_o not_o only_o he_o but_o all_o catholic_n christian_n assent_v to_o it_o his_o only_a fault_n be_v in_o this_o case_n that_o he_o use_v improper_a word_n three_o essence_n for_o three_o hypostasis_n now_o that_o which_o i_o observe_v from_o hence_o be_v this_o that_o have_v they_o not_o believe_v each_o divine_a person_n to_o