again_o to_o make_v all_o thing_n of_o nothing_o and_o to_o reduce_v all_o thing_n to_o nothing_o again_o to_o know_v all_o thing_n past_a present_a and_o to_o come_v especial_o the_o most_o contingent_a futurity_n the_o free_a thought_n and_o counsel_n of_o man_n before_o they_o think_v they_o or_o some_o age_n before_o they_o themselves_o be_v in_o be_v without_o impose_v a_o fatal_a necessity_n on_o humane_a action_n i_o say_v the_o notion_n of_o such_o a_o be_v be_v very_o much_o above_o our_o conception_n and_o to_o a_o atheist_n who_o be_v for_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o can_v full_o comprehend_v seem_v very_o absurd_a and_o contradictious_a this_o show_v that_o man_n may_v easy_o mistake_v in_o charge_v the_o nature_n and_o notion_n of_o thing_n with_o contradiction_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v inquire_v how_o we_o may_v discover_v when_o such_o a_o appear_a contradiction_n be_v not_o real_a but_o be_v whole_o owe_v to_o our_o imperfect_a conception_n of_o thing_n i._o now_o in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o suspect_v this_o when_o it_o relate_v to_o such_o thing_n as_o all_o mankind_n agree_v we_o do_v not_o and_o can_v full_o understand_v or_o comprehend_v for_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a and_o arrogant_a presumption_n to_o say_v what_o be_v or_o what_o be_v not_o a_o contradiction_n when_o we_o confess_v we_o do_v not_o understand_v or_o comprehend_v the_o thing_n we_o speak_v of_o a_o contradiction_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n be_v what_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o be_v of_o which_o we_o speak_v now_o so_o far_o as_o we_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o any_o be_v we_o can_v certain_o tell_v what_o be_v contrary_a and_o contradiction_n to_o its_o nature_n as_o that_o accident_n shall_v subsist_v without_o their_o subject_n that_o a_o body_n shall_v be_v without_o extension_n or_o a_o organise_v body_n without_o any_o distinction_n of_o part_n that_o the_o same_o individual_a body_n shall_v be_v in_o heaven_n and_o on_o earth_n and_o in_o a_o thousand_o distant_a place_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o flesh_n and_o blood_n shall_v lie_v invisible_a under_o the_o species_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n that_o a_o body_n suppose_v of_o five_o or_o six_o foot_n long_o shall_v be_v conceal_v under_o the_o least_o crumb_n of_o bread_n these_o and_o such_o like_a be_v the_o manifest_a absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o we_o know_v that_o they_o be_v so_o because_o we_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o body_n and_o know_v that_o such_o thing_n be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o essential_a property_n of_o a_o body_n but_o now_o all_o man_n must_v confess_v that_o they_o have_v not_o a_o clear_a and_o comprehensive_a notion_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o essential_a property_n of_o a_o spirit_n especial_o of_o a_o infinite_a spirit_n as_o god_n be_v and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o know_v what_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o spirit_n if_o we_o know_v not_o what_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o spirit_n be_v and_o that_o man_n who_o shall_v pretend_v to_o comprehend_v all_o that_o be_v possible_a in_o a_o infinite_a nature_n be_v as_o contemptible_o ridiculous_a as_o if_o he_o shall_v challenge_v to_o himself_o infinite_a knowledge_n for_o without_o that_o no_o man_n can_v comprehend_v what_o be_v infinite_a ii_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a proof_n that_o such_o seem_a contradiction_n be_v not_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n but_o in_o our_o imperfect_a manner_n of_o conceive_v they_o when_o we_o have_v other_o evident_a proof_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v though_o we_o can_v comprehend_v it_o for_o nothing_o can_v be_v which_o involve_v a_o contradiction_n in_o its_o nature_n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v the_o contradiction_n be_v not_o real_a but_o imaginary_a as_o for_o instance_n as_o unconceivable_a as_o the_o notion_n of_o eternity_n be_v yet_o all_o mankind_n even_o atheist_n themselves_o must_v confess_v that_o something_o be_v from_o eternity_n for_o if_o ever_o there_o be_v nothing_o it_o be_v impossible_a there_o ever_o shall_v have_v be_v any_o thing_n for_o that_o which_o once_o be_v not_o can_v never_o be_v without_o a_o cause_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o difficulty_n there_o may_v be_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o eternal_a be_v we_o must_v acknowledge_v something_o eternal_a and_o that_o be_v proof_n enough_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o absurd_a or_o contradictious_a in_o the_o notion_n though_o we_o can_v comprehend_v it_o and_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o notion_n of_o a_o first_o eternal_a cause_n be_v much_o more_o easy_a and_o natural_a than_o to_o make_v either_o matter_n or_o the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o creature_n in_o it_o eternal_a whatever_o we_o can_v certain_o prove_v to_o be_v either_o by_o sense_n reason_n or_o revelation_n if_o there_o be_v any_o difficulty_n in_o conceive_v it_o we_o must_v attribute_v that_o to_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o own_o knowledge_n not_o to_o any_o absurdity_n or_o contradiction_n in_o the_o thing_n itself_o this_o show_v how_o unreasonable_a that_o method_n be_v which_o be_v take_v by_o atheist_n infidel_n and_o heretic_n to_o dispute_v against_o the_o be_v of_o any_o thing_n from_o the_o difficulty_n of_o conceive_v it_o and_o some_o pretend_a absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n in_o it_o when_o there_o be_v very_o plain_a proof_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v and_o such_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o fair_o to_o answer_v this_o be_v the_o fundamental_a miscarriage_n which_o be_v not_o owe_v to_o a_o prudent_a caution_n as_o be_v pretend_v but_o to_o wilfulness_n and_o obstinacy_n and_o pride_n of_o understanding_n or_o to_o a_o fix_a prejudice_n and_o aversion_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o such_o matter_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o only_o observe_v but_o particular_o prove_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o it_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o come_v to_o this_o one_o point_n that_o we_o may_v have_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o thing_n who_o nature_n we_o can_v conceive_v and_o comprehend_v he_o who_o will_v not_o own_o this_o contradict_v the_o sense_n and_o experience_n of_o mankind_n and_o he_o who_o confess_v this_o and_o yet_o reject_v the_o belief_n of_o that_o which_o he_o have_v good_a evidence_n for_o mere_o because_o he_o can_v conceive_v it_o be_v a_o very_a absurd_a and_o senseless_a infidel_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v very_o plain_a because_o all_o the_o way_n whereby_o the_o be_v of_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v prove_v be_v obvious_a and_o intelligible_a to_o all_o mankind_n but_o the_o nature_n of_o most_o thing_n be_v very_o dark_a and_o obscure_a and_o such_o as_o the_o wise_a man_n know_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v certain_o know_v that_o a_o great_a many_o thing_n be_v who_o nature_n and_o essential_a property_n we_o can_v conceive_v as_o to_o show_v this_o particular_o 1._o the_o proof_n that_o any_o thing_n be_v be_v either_o from_o sense_n from_o reason_n or_o from_o revelation_n what_o be_v evident_a to_o sense_n be_v evident_a to_o all_o man_n who_o have_v their_o sense_n what_o be_v plain_o prove_v by_o reason_n and_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a proof_n if_o it_o be_v not_o plain_a be_v plain_a to_o all_o man_n who_o can_v use_v their_o reason_n and_o what_o be_v plain_o reveal_v every_o man_n may_v know_v who_o can_v read_v and_o understand_v the_o scripture_n the_o be_v and_o nature_n of_o thing_n be_v know_v very_o different_a way_n and_o the_o be_v of_o thing_n not_o only_o may_v but_o most_o common_o be_v know_v without_o know_v their_o nature_n any_o man_n may_v know_v the_o first_o but_o few_o man_n in_o any_o measure_n can_v know_v the_o second_o whoever_o have_v his_o sense_n about_o he_o know_v that_o there_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o he_o see_v hear_v or_o feel_v but_o the_o philosophy_n of_o nature_n be_v not_o learn_v by_o sense_n reason_n will_v convince_v we_o by_o some_o visible_a and_o sensible_a effect_n that_o there_o be_v some_o invisible_a cause_n without_o inform_v we_o distinct_o what_o the_o nature_n and_o power_n of_o such_o cause_n be_v and_o god_n may_v and_o do_v reveal_v many_o thing_n to_o we_o which_o we_o either_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o full_o comprehend_v or_o the_o nature_n of_o which_o he_o do_v not_o think_v fit_a particular_o to_o explain_v to_o we_o and_o in_o all_o these_o case_n we_o may_v certain_o know_v that_o thing_n be_v without_o understand_v the_o nature_n and_o philosophy_n of_o they_o 2._o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o wonder_n to_o meet_v with_o any_o thing_n who_o nature_n we_o do_v not_o perfect_o understand_v that_o i_o know_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n which_o we_o do_v perfect_o understand_v it_o be_v agree_v by_o all_o man_n whoever_o consider_v this_o matter_n that_o
the_o essence_n of_o thing_n can_v be_v know_v but_o only_o their_o property_n and_o quality_n the_o world_n be_v divide_v into_o matter_n and_o spirit_n and_o we_o know_v no_o more_o what_o the_o substance_n of_o matter_n than_o what_o the_o substance_n of_o a_o spirit_n be_v though_o we_o think_v we_o know_v one_o much_o better_a than_o the_o other_o we_o know_v thus_o much_o of_o matter_n that_o it_o be_v a_o extend_a substance_n which_o fill_v a_o space_n and_o have_v distinct_a part_n which_o may_v be_v separate_v from_o each_o other_o that_o it_o be_v susceptible_a of_o very_o different_a quality_n that_o it_o be_v hot_a or_o cold_a hard_a or_o soft_a etc._n etc._n but_o what_o the_o substance_n of_o matter_n be_v we_o know_v not_o and_o thus_o we_o know_v the_o essential_a property_n of_o a_o spirit_n that_o it_o be_v a_o think_v substance_n with_o the_o faculty_n of_o understanding_n and_o will_n and_o be_v capable_a of_o different_a virtue_n or_o vice_n as_o matter_n be_v of_o sensible_a quality_n but_o what_o the_o substance_n of_o a_o spirit_n be_v we_o know_v no_o more_o than_o what_o the_o substance_n of_o matter_n be_v thus_o as_o for_o the_o essential_a property_n operation_n and_o power_n of_o matter_n sense_n experience_n and_o observation_n will_v tell_v we_o what_o they_o be_v and_o what_o cause_v constant_o produce_v such_o effect_n and_o this_o be_v all_o we_o do_v or_o can_v know_v of_o it_o and_o he_o who_o will_v not_o believe_v that_o matter_n be_v extend_v that_o the_o fire_n burn_v that_o water_n may_v be_v condense_v by_o frost_n into_o a_o firm_a and_o solid_a pavement_n that_o seed_n sow_v in_o the_o earth_n will_v produce_v its_o own_o kind_a again_o that_o a_o body_n can_v move_v from_o one_o place_n to_o another_o that_o a_o stone_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o vapour_n ascend_v and_o thicken_v into_o cloud_n and_o fall_v down_o again_o to_o the_o earth_n in_o gentle_a shower_n etc._n etc._n i_o say_v he_o who_o will_v not_o believe_v these_o thing_n till_o he_o can_v give_v a_o philosophical_a account_n of_o they_o must_v deny_v his_o sense_n in_o compliment_n to_o his_o understanding_n and_o he_o who_o think_v that_o he_o do_v understand_v these_o matter_n will_v make_v a_o man_n question_n whether_o he_o have_v any_o sense_n thus_o it_o be_v also_o with_o reference_n to_o a_o spirit_n we_o feel_v within_o ourselves_o that_o we_o can_v think_v and_o reason_n that_o we_o can_v choose_v and_o refuse_v that_o we_o can_v love_v and_o hate_n and_o desire_n and_o fear_n but_o what_o these_o natural_a power_n and_o passion_n be_v we_o know_v not_o how_o thought_n rise_v in_o our_o mind_n and_o how_o one_o thought_n beget_v another_o how_o a_o thought_n can_v move_v our_o body_n or_o fix_v they_o in_o their_o seat_n how_o the_o body_n can_v raise_v thought_n and_o passion_n in_o the_o soul_n or_o the_o thought_n and_o passion_n of_o the_o soul_n can_v affect_v the_o body_n the_o property_n and_o operation_n both_o of_o body_n and_o spirit_n be_v great_a secret_n and_o mystery_n in_o nature_n which_o we_o understand_v nothing_o of_o nor_o be_v concern_v to_o understand_v they_o no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v our_o business_n to_o understand_v how_o to_o make_v either_o a_o body_n or_o a_o spirit_n which_o we_o have_v no_o power_n to_o do_v if_o we_o do_v understand_v it_o and_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v a_o useless_a piece_n of_o knowledge_n which_o will_v serve_v no_o end_n but_o curiosity_n and_o that_o be_v reason_n enough_o why_o our_o wise_a maker_n shall_v not_o communicate_v this_o knowledge_n to_o we_o be_v we_o capable_a of_o it_o because_o it_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o our_o nature_n as_o no_o knowledge_n do_v which_o we_o can_v make_v no_o use_n of_o the_o perfect_a notion_n and_o idea_n of_o thing_n be_v proper_a only_o to_o that_o almighty_a mind_n which_o can_v give_v be_v to_o they_o now_o this_o plain_o show_v what_o the_o natural_a boundary_n of_o humane_a knowledge_n be_v how_o far_o we_o may_v attain_v to_o a_o certain_a knowledge_n and_o where_o we_o must_v give_v off_o our_o inquiry_n unless_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o impose_v upon_o our_o understanding_n with_o some_o uncertain_a and_o fanciful_a conjecture_n or_o to_o perplex_v ourselves_o with_o inexplicable_a difficulty_n 1._o as_o first_o we_o have_v certain_a way_n of_o discover_v the_o be_v of_o thing_n which_o fall_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o knowledge_n this_o our_o sense_n reason_n or_o revelation_n will_v acquaint_v we_o with_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v know_v what_o thing_n there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n as_o far_o as_o they_o fall_v under_o the_o notice_n of_o sense_n or_o be_v discover_v by_o reason_n or_o revelation_n 2._o we_o may_v know_v what_o thing_n be_v or_o what_o their_o essential_a property_n quality_n operation_n and_o power_n be_v whereby_o we_o can_v distinguish_v one_o sort_n of_o being_n from_o another_o as_o suppose_v a_o body_n from_o a_o spirit_n bread_n from_o flesh_n and_o wine_n from_o blood_n and_o can_v reason_n from_o effect_n to_o cause_n and_o from_o cause_n to_o effect_n with_o as_o great_a certainty_n as_o we_o understand_v what_o the_o cause_n or_o effect_n be_v 3._o but_o the_o essence_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o philosophy_n of_o their_o nature_n the_o reason_n of_o their_o essential_a property_n and_o power_n which_o immediate_o result_v from_o their_o nature_n the_o manner_n of_o their_o production_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o operation_n be_v mystery_n to_o we_o and_o will_v be_v so_o do_v what_o we_o can_v and_o therefore_o here_o our_o inquiry_n must_v cease_v if_o we_o inquire_v wise_o for_o it_o be_v vain_a and_o absurd_a to_o perplex_v ourselves_o with_o such_o question_n which_o we_o can_v no_o more_o answer_n than_o we_o can_v make_v a_o world_n the_o sum_n be_v this_o when_o we_o charge_v any_o doctrine_n with_o absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n we_o must_v be_v sure_a that_o we_o understand_v the_o thing_n for_o if_o it_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o we_o do_v not_o and_o can_v understand_v the_o nature_n of_o we_o may_v imagine_v a_o thousand_o absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n which_o be_v owe_v whole_o to_o our_o ignorance_n of_o thing_n sect_n ii_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n contain_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o true_a belief_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n ii_o let_v we_o now_o take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n which_o this_o profane_a author_n make_v the_o subject_a of_o his_o drollery_n and_o ridicule_n and_o examine_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o it_o which_o a_o good_a catholic_n christian_n can_v reject_v without_o reject_v the_o catholic_n doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n and_o the_o mysterious_a incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o if_o this_o creed_n contain_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o this_o belief_n and_o what_o every_o christian_a who_o believe_v these_o doctrine_n must_v profess_v than_o all_o these_o scoff_v which_o be_v cast_v upon_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n do_v indeed_o belong_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n itself_o if_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n be_v christian_a doctrine_n as_o to_o begin_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n the_o athanasian_n creed_n tell_v we_o the_o catholic_n faith_n be_v this_o that_o we_o worship_v one_o god_n in_o trinity_n and_o trinity_n in_o unity_n that_o be_v that_o we_o worship_v one_o god_n and_o three_o person_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o this_o all_o christian_n grant_v to_o be_v the_o catholic_n faith_n except_o arian_n macedonian_n and_o socinian_o and_o such_o like_a heretic_n and_o how_o we_o must_v worship_v one_o god_n in_o trinity_n and_o trinity_n in_o unity_n be_v explain_v in_o the_o next_o paragraph_n neither_o confound_v the_o person_n nor_o divide_v the_o substance_n which_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v if_o there_o be_v three_o person_n and_o one_o god_n for_o if_o we_o confound_v the_o person_n by_o say_v that_o they_o be_v all_o but_o one_o person_n under_o three_o different_a name_n and_o title_n or_o denomination_n than_o we_o destroy_v the_o distinction_n of_o person_n if_o we_o divide_v the_o substance_n by_o say_v that_o every_o person_n have_v a_o separate_a divine_a nature_n of_o his_o own_o as_o every_o man_n have_v a_o separate_a humane_a nature_n than_o we_o make_v three_o god_n as_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n be_v three_o man_n which_o be_v to_o overthrow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o one_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o creed_n add_v for_o there_o be_v one_o person_n of_o the_o father_n another_o of_o the_o son_n and_o another_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o the_o godhead_n of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o one_o the_o
beget_v which_o be_v the_o proper_a term_n whereby_o we_o express_v generation_n and_o whereby_o the_o eternal_a generation_n of_o the_o son_n be_v express_v in_o scripture_n what_o it_o signify_v we_o know_v not_o any_o further_a than_o this_o that_o it_o be_v the_o eternal_a communication_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o image_n of_o the_o father_n to_o he_o as_o a_o earthly_a parent_n communicate_v his_o own_o nature_n and_o likeness_n to_o his_o son_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n not_o make_v nor_o create_v for_o no_o creature_n not_o beget_v for_o no_o son_n but_o proceed_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o manner_n of_o which_o we_o understand_v no_o more_o than_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o eternal_a generation_n but_o there_o be_v this_o plain_a difference_n between_o be_v beget_v and_o proceed_v that_o though_o the_o holy_a spirit_n have_v the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n yet_o he_o represent_v the_o person_n of_o neither_o as_o the_o son_n do_v the_o person_n of_o the_o father_n as_o be_v the_o brightness_n of_o his_o father_n glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n and_o therefore_o be_v say_v not_o to_o be_v beget_v but_o to_o proceed_v but_o the_o difficulty_n of_o this_o be_v with_o reference_n to_o the_o dispute_n between_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a church_n about_o the_o filioque_fw-la or_o the_o spirit_n proceed_v from_o the_o father_n and_o from_o the_o son_n the_o reason_n why_o the_o latin_a church_n insist_o on_o this_o be_v to_o preserve_v the_o unity_n and_o subordination_n of_o the_o divine_a person_n to_o each_o other_o the_o son_n be_v unite_v and_o subordinate_a to_o the_o father_n as_o beget_v by_o he_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v unite_v and_o subordinate_a to_o father_n and_o son_n as_o proceed_v both_o from_o the_o father_n and_o from_o the_o son_n but_o if_o the_o holy_a spirit_n proceed_v only_o from_o the_o father_n not_o from_o the_o son_n there_o will_v be_v no_o union_n and_o subordination_n between_o the_o son_n and_o the_o spirit_n and_o yet_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o son_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o father_n and_o that_o these_o three_o person_n be_v one_o god_n it_o be_v necessary_a there_o shall_v be_v a_o union_n of_o person_n as_o well_o as_o one_o nature_n but_o then_o the_o greek_a church_n confess_v that_o the_o spirit_n proceed_v from_o the_o father_n by_o the_o son_n though_o not_o from_o the_o son_n and_o by_o and_o from_o be_v such_o nicety_n when_o we_o confess_v we_o understand_v not_o the_o manner_n of_o this_o procession_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o aught_o to_o have_v make_v no_o dispute_n much_o less_o a_o schism_n between_o the_o two_o church_n the_o greek_a church_n acknowledge_v the_o distinction_n of_o person_n and_o their_o unity_n and_o subordination_n that_o there_o be_v one_o father_n not_o three_o father_n one_o son_n not_o three_o son_n one_o holy_a ghost_n not_o three_o holy_a ghost_n that_o the_o unity_n in_o trinity_n and_o the_o trinity_n in_o unity_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v which_o be_v all_o this_o creed_n require_v as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n he_o therefore_o that_o will_v be_v save_v must_v thus_o think_v of_o the_o trinity_n that_o be_v must_v acknowledge_v and_o worship_v a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n and_o unity_n in_o trinity_n which_o the_o greek_a church_n do_v and_o therefore_o be_v not_o exclude_v from_o salvation_n in_o this_o creed_n upon_o the_o nice_a dispute_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v proceed_v from_o or_o by_o the_o son_n that_o which_o seem_v to_o sound_v harsh_a in_o this_o creed_n be_v what_o follow_v and_o in_o this_o trinity_n none_o be_v afore_o or_o after_o other_o none_o be_v great_a or_o less_o than_o another_o but_o the_o whole_a three_o person_n be_v coeternal_a and_o coequal_a and_o yet_o this_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v true_a if_o we_o acknowledge_v all_o three_o person_n to_o be_v eternal_a for_o in_o eternity_n there_o can_v be_v no_o afore_o or_o after_o other_o and_o that_o we_o can_v conceive_v a_o eternal_a generation_n or_o procession_n be_v no_o great_a wonder_n when_o we_o can_v conceive_v a_o eternal_a be_v without_o any_o beginning_n or_o any_o cause_n as_o for_o great_a or_o less_o and_o the_o equality_n of_o three_o person_n this_o we_o must_v confess_v also_o if_o we_o believe_v all_o three_o person_n to_o be_v one_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a god_n for_o in_o one_o supreme_a deity_n there_o can_v be_v great_a or_o less_o but_o then_o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o subordination_n and_o equality_n person_n who_o be_v equal_a may_v be_v subordinate_a to_o each_o other_o and_o though_o there_o be_v not_o a_o great_a or_o less_o yet_o there_o be_v order_n in_o the_o trinity_n equality_n be_v owe_v to_o nature_n subordination_n to_o relation_n and_o order_n which_o be_v indeed_o a_o great_a and_o less_o in_o relation_n and_o order_n without_o a_o inequality_n of_o nature_n and_o it_o be_v the_o equality_n of_o person_n with_o respect_n to_o their_o nature_n not_o to_o their_o order_n and_o subordination_n of_o which_o the_o creed_n speak_v for_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o father_n be_v great_a than_o the_o son_n and_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n than_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o be_v first_o in_o order_n but_o their_o nature_n be_v the_o same_o and_o their_o person_n with_o respect_n to_o this_o same_o nature_n coequal_a and_o now_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n to_o make_v such_o exclamation_n as_o some_o man_n do_v against_o that_o damnatory_a sentence_n that_o except_o every_o one_o do_v keep_v this_o faith_n whole_a and_o undefiled_a without_o doubt_n he_o shall_v perish_v everlasting_o and_o that_o he_o that_o will_v be_v save_v must_v thus_o think_v of_o the_o trinity_n which_o refer_v to_o no_o more_o than_o the_o belief_n of_o three_o person_n and_o one_o god_n or_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n and_o unity_n in_o trinity_n which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n and_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n as_o any_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v but_o of_o this_o more_o anon_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n as_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o incarnation_n no_o man_n can_v reasonable_o except_v against_o that_o explication_n which_o be_v give_v of_o it_o in_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n without_o reject_v the_o doctrine_n itself_o and_o then_o we_o may_v as_o well_o part_n with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o incarnation_n as_o with_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n as_o to_o show_v this_o particular_o for_o the_o right_a faith_n be_v that_o we_o believe_v and_o confess_v that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v god_n and_o man_n for_o otherwise_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v not_o incarnate_a have_v not_o take_v humane_a nature_n upon_o he_o god_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o father_n beget_v before_o the_o world_n as_o he_o must_v be_v if_o he_o be_v god_n man_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o his_o mother_n bear_v in_o the_o world_n for_o he_o can_v not_o be_v true_a man_n if_o he_o do_v not_o partake_v of_o humane_a flesh_n and_o blood_n perfect_a god_n and_o perfect_a man_n for_o otherwise_o he_o be_v neither_o god_n nor_o man_n of_o a_o reasonable_a soul_n and_o humane_a flesh_n subsist_v for_o a_o perfect_a man_n consist_v of_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o unless_o he_o have_v both_o he_o be_v not_o a_o man_n in_o opposition_n to_o those_o heretic_n who_o think_v that_o the_o divine_a nature_n animate_v a_o humane_a body_n instead_o of_o a_o soul_n but_o that_o christ_n have_v no_o humane_a reasonable_a soul_n though_o he_o have_v a_o humane_a body_n and_o therefore_o be_v no_o more_o a_o man_n than_o a_o humane_a body_n without_o a_o soul_n be_v a_o man_n but_o a_o god_n clothe_v with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n equal_a to_o the_o father_n as_o touch_v his_o godhead_n for_o he_o be_v perfect_a god_n of_o the_o same_o substance_n with_o the_o father_n and_o inferior_a to_o his_o father_n as_o touch_v his_o manhood_n for_o a_o man_n be_v inferior_a to_o god_n and_o therefore_o inferior_a to_o the_o father_n though_o unite_v in_o one_o person_n to_o the_o son_n who_o although_o he_o be_v god_n and_o man_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o two_o but_o one_o christ._n one_o not_o by_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o godhead_n into_o flesh_n but_o by_o take_v the_o manhood_n into_o god_n one_o altogether_o not_o by_o confusion_n of_o substance_n but_o by_o unity_n of_o person_n for_o as_o the_o reasonable_a soul_n and_o flesh_n be_v one_o man_n so_o god_n and_o man_n be_v one_o christ._n all_o this_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o incarnation_n that_o the_o same_o jesus_n christ_n be_v both_o god_n and_o man_n for_o if_o
imagine_v how_o any_o substance_n shall_v be_v without_o a_o beginning_n how_o it_o shall_v be_v present_a in_o all_o place_n without_o part_n and_o without_o extension_n how_o substance_n essence_n existence_n and_o all_o divine_a attribute_n and_o power_n which_o be_v distinct_a thing_n in_o create_a spirit_n shall_v be_v all_o the_o same_o one_o simple_a act_n in_o god_n and_o yet_o reason_n tell_v we_o we_o must_v allow_v of_o no_o composition_n no_o quality_n or_o accident_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o a_o compound_v be_v must_v have_v part_n and_o must_v be_v make_v for_o that_o which_o have_v part_n must_v have_v some_o maker_n to_o join_v the_o part_n together_o and_o to_o endow_v it_o with_o such_o quality_n and_o power_n but_o now_o if_o we_o consider_v god_n as_o wisdom_n and_o truth_n which_o be_v his_o true_a nature_n and_o essence_n without_o confound_v our_o mind_n with_o some_o material_a conception_n of_o his_o substance_n these_o thing_n be_v plain_a and_o easy_a for_o it_o be_v demonstrable_a that_o truth_n be_v eternal_a have_v no_o beginning_n no_o maker_n for_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o original_n and_o essential_a truth_n and_o wisdom_n what_o be_v not_o always_o truth_n and_o wisdom_n can_v never_o begin_v to_o be_v so_o and_o if_o truth_n be_v the_o only_a real_a thing_n and_o necessary_o eternal_a there_o be_v a_o eternal_a mind_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o eternal_a truth_n for_o he_o who_o can_v imagine_v truth_n and_o wisdom_n to_o be_v eternal_a without_o a_o eternal_a mind_n ought_v not_o to_o pretend_v to_o either_o unless_o he_o can_v tell_v we_o how_o truth_n can_v subsist_v without_o a_o mind_n thus_o it_o be_v demonstrable_a that_o truth_n and_o wisdom_n have_v no_o part_n no_o extension_n no_o more_o than_o thought_n have_v truth_n and_o wisdom_n be_v confine_v to_o no_o place_n fill_v no_o space_n but_o be_v everywhere_o the_o same_o without_o extension_n and_o part_n and_o therefore_o have_v a_o necessary_a and_o essential_a omnipresence_n there_o be_v a_o faint_a resemblance_n of_o this_o in_o finite_a and_o create_v spirit_n even_o humane_a wisdom_n and_o reason_n thought_n and_o passion_n have_v no_o extension_n nor_o part_n which_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n that_o a_o create_a spirit_n have_v no_o extension_n nor_o part_n neither_o for_o nothing_o which_o have_v extension_n and_o part_n can_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o that_o which_o have_v none_o all_o the_o quality_n of_o body_n be_v extend_v as_o body_n be_v for_o the_o property_n and_o quality_n of_o all_o thing_n must_v conform_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o subject_a in_o which_o they_o be_v and_o therefore_o faculty_n power_n and_o operation_n which_o have_v no_o extension_n or_o part_n as_o the_o will_n the_o understanding_n the_o memory_n the_o thought_n and_o passion_n have_v none_o must_v be_v seat_v in_o a_o subject_a which_o have_v no_o part_n nor_o extension_n neither_o thus_o thought_n be_v confine_v to_o no_o place_n but_o in_o a_o minute_n surround_v the_o earth_n and_o ascend_v above_o the_o heaven_n and_o visit_v all_o the_o empty_a capacity_n of_o infinite_a space_n which_o be_v a_o imperfect_a imitation_n of_o the_o omnipresence_n of_o a_o infinite_a mind_n thus_o what_o can_v be_v a_o more_o pure_a and_o simple_a act_n than_o wisdom_n and_o truth_n now_o though_o we_o conceive_v the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o perfection_n under_o different_a notion_n and_o character_n such_o as_o wisdom_n love_n justice_n goodness_n power_n they_o be_v indeed_o nothing_o else_o but_o infinite_a truth_n and_o wisdom_n which_o receive_v several_a character_n and_o denomination_n from_o its_o different_a effect_n as_o the_o same_o sea_n or_o river_n do_v different_a name_n from_o the_o country_n by_o which_o it_o pass_v for_o what_o be_v intellectual_a love_n but_o the_o perfect_a idea_n of_o truth_n or_o the_o true_a knowledge_n and_o estimation_n of_o thing_n what_o be_v justice_n and_o goodness_n but_o a_o equal_a distribution_n of_o thing_n or_o a_o true_a and_o wise_a proportion_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n what_o be_v perfect_a power_n but_o perfect_a truth_n and_o wisdom_n which_o can_v do_v whatever_o it_o know_v this_o last_o will_v not_o be_v so_o easy_o understand_v because_o in_o man_n we_o find_v knowledge_n and_o power_n to_o be_v very_o different_a thing_n that_o man_n may_v know_v a_o great_a deal_n which_o they_o can_v do_v and_o yet_o if_o we_o consider_v this_o matter_n over_o again_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o a_o mistake_n for_o even_o among_o man_n it_o be_v only_a knowledge_n that_o be_v power_n humane_a power_n and_o humane_a knowledge_n as_o that_o signify_v a_o knowledge_n how_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n be_v commensurate_a whatever_o humane_a skill_n extend_v to_o humane_a power_n can_v effect_v nay_o every_o man_n can_v do_v what_o he_o know_v how_o to_o do_v if_o he_o have_v proper_a instrument_n and_o material_n to_o do_v it_o with_o but_o what_o no_o humane_a power_n can_v do_v no_o humane_a knowledge_n know_v how_o to_o do_v we_o know_v not_o what_o the_o substance_n or_o essence_n of_o any_o thing_n be_v nor_o can_v we_o make_v any_o substance_n we_o can_v create_v any_o thing_n of_o nothing_o nor_o do_v we_o know_v how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v do_v which_o show_v that_o knowledge_n and_o power_n in_o creature_n be_v equal_a and_o that_o prove_v a_o very_a near_o relation_n between_o they_o especial_o when_o we_o add_v that_o knowledge_n be_v not_o only_o the_o director_n of_o power_n but_o be_v that_o very_a power_n which_o we_o call_v force_n for_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o thought_n which_o move_v our_o body_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o they_o which_o be_v the_o immediate_a instrument_n of_o all_o humane_a force_n and_o power_n except_v mechanical_a motion_n which_o do_v not_o depend_v upon_o our_o will_n such_o as_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o circulation_n of_o the_o blood_n the_o concoction_n of_o our_o meat_n and_o the_o like_a all_o voluntary_a motion_n be_v not_o only_o direct_v but_o cause_v by_o thought_n and_o so_o indeed_o it_o must_v be_v or_o there_o can_v be_v no_o motion_n in_o the_o world_n for_o matter_n can_v move_v itself_o and_o therefore_o some_o mind_n must_v be_v the_o first_o mover_n which_o make_v it_o very_o plain_a that_o infinite_a truth_n and_o wisdom_n be_v infinite_a and_o almighty_a power_n so_o that_o if_o we_o set_v aside_o all_o material_a image_n of_o essence_n and_o substance_n and_o contemplate_v god_n as_o eternal_a truth_n and_o wisdom_n the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n be_v very_o plain_a and_o easy_a as_o far_o as_o we_o be_v concern_v to_o know_v he_o in_o this_o state_n the_o same_o cause_n have_v confound_v and_o perplex_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n and_o give_v occasion_n to_o some_o vain_a and_o arrogant_a pretender_n to_o reason_n profane_o to_o deride_v and_o ridicule_n that_o most_o sacred_a and_o venerable_a mystery_n they_o puzzle_v and_o confound_v themselves_o with_o some_o gross_a and_o corporeal_a idea_n of_o essence_n and_o substance_n and_o how_o three_o divine_a person_n can_v subsist_v distinct_a in_o the_o same_o numerical_a substance_n but_o will_v they_o but_o consider_v the_o three_o divine_a person_n as_o three_o infinite_a mind_n distinguish_v from_o each_o other_o by_o a_o self-consciousness_n of_o their_o own_o and_o essential_o unite_v by_o a_o mutual_a consciousness_n to_o each_o other_o which_o be_v the_o only_a way_n of_o distinguish_v and_o unite_n mind_n and_o spirit_n and_o then_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n be_v a_o very_a plain_a and_o intelligible_a notion_n now_o certain_o this_o be_v much_o the_o most_o reasonable_a way_n for_o what_o the_o essence_n and_o substance_n of_o a_o spirit_n be_v when_o we_o distinguish_v it_o from_o understanding_n and_o will_n which_o we_o call_v the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o a_o spirit_n for_o my_o part_n i_o know_v not_o no_o more_o than_o i_o do_v what_o the_o naked_a essence_n and_o substance_n of_o matter_n be_v strip_v of_o all_o its_o quality_n and_o accident_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o the_o naked_a essence_n of_o thing_n be_v not_o the_o object_n of_o our_o knowledge_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o dispute_v about_o they_o to_o say_v peremptory_o what_o be_v or_o what_o be_v not_o in_o matter_n which_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o and_o therefore_o as_o we_o frame_v the_o notion_n of_o body_n from_o their_o external_a and_o sensible_a quality_n so_o we_o must_v frame_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o spirit_n from_o its_o intellectual_a power_n of_o will_n and_o understanding_n etc._n etc._n and_o when_o we_o dispute_v about_o the_o distinction_n or_o union_n of_o spirit_n we_o must_v not_o dispute_v how_o their_o substance_n which_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o can_v be_v distinguish_v or_o unite_v but_o how_o two_o mind_n consider_v as_o intellectual_a