when_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o speak_v to_o we_o in_o our_o own_o language_n we_o must_v understand_v his_o word_n just_a as_o we_o do_v when_o they_o be_v speak_v by_o man_n indeed_o when_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o it_o be_v a_o inspire_v write_v i_o lay_v it_o down_o for_o a_o principle_n that_o it_o contain_v nothing_o absurd_a and_o contradictious_a or_o repugnant_a to_o the_o receive_a principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n but_o this_o do_v not_o give_v i_o authority_n to_o expound_v the_o word_n of_o scripture_n to_o any_o other_o sense_n than_o what_o they_o will_v natural_o bear_v to_o reconcile_v they_o with_o such_o notion_n as_o i_o call_v reason_n for_o if_o one_o man_n have_v this_o liberty_n another_o may_v take_v it_o and_o the_o scripture_n will_v be_v tune_v to_o every_o man_n private_a conceit_n and_o therefore_o in_o case_n the_o plain_a sense_n of_o scripture_n contradict_v those_o notion_n i_o have_v of_o thing_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v true_a i_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n if_o it_o seem_v to_o include_v a_o contradiction_n and_o impossibility_n if_o that_o contradiction_n be_v not_o plain_a and_o notorious_a and_o in_o such_o matter_n as_o i_o be_o sure_a i_o perfect_o understand_v there_o i_o submit_v again_o and_o conclude_v it_o be_v no_o contradiction_n though_o i_o can_v comprehend_v how_o it_o be_v if_o i_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n reconcile_v it_o i_o will_v confess_v i_o do_v not_o understand_v it_o and_o will_v not_o pretend_v to_o give_v any_o sense_n of_o it_o much_o less_o to_o give_v such_o a_o sense_n of_o it_o as_o the_o word_n will_v not_o bear_v this_o show_n that_o man_n may_v pretend_v to_o expound_v scripture_n according_a to_o reason_n when_o the_o dispute_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o clash_n of_o reason_n with_o scripture_n as_o this_o author_n phrase_n it_o for_o so_o it_o be_v when_o the_o usual_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o scope_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o place_n require_v one_o sense_n and_o man_n force_v another_o sense_n on_o it_o upon_o pretence_n of_o expound_v scripture_n by_o reason_n that_o be_v to_o reconcile_v scripture_n to_o their_o preconceived_n notion_n and_o opinion_n of_o thing_n for_o what_o the_o word_n signify_v that_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o when_o they_o will_v not_o admit_v this_o sense_n because_o they_o apprehend_v it_o contrary_n to_o reason_n though_o most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o place_n that_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o controversy_n between_o scripture_n and_o reason_n my_o present_a undertake_n do_v not_o oblige_v i_o to_o examine_v all_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v allege_v by_o the_o socinian_o against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n or_o by_o other_o for_o it_o this_o be_v a_o voluminous_a work_n and_o have_v often_o be_v do_v by_o other_o and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o just_a occasion_n of_o do_v it_o again_o it_o deserve_v a_o treatise_n by_o itself_o but_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o doctrine_n itself_o which_o the_o socinian_o dislike_n more_o than_o our_o exposition_n which_o they_o can_v deny_v to_o be_v reasonable_a enough_o be_v the_o doctrine_n so_o but_o they_o must_v not_o expound_v scripture_n contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o therefore_o must_v never_o allow_v that_o the_o scripture_n teach_v such_o a_o doctrine_n which_o they_o think_v contradict_v the_o plain_a and_o self-evident_a reason_n of_o mankind_n reconcile_v man_n to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a without_o any_o far_a comment_n this_o i_o have_v now_o endeavour_v and_o i_o believe_v our_o adversary_n will_v talk_v more_o spare_o of_o absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n for_o the_o future_a and_o then_o they_o will_v loose_v the_o best_a argument_n they_o have_v against_o the_o orthodox_n exposition_n of_o scripture_n but_o yet_o i_o be_o unwilling_a to_o dismiss_v this_o argument_n without_o some_o few_o observation_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n this_o author_n refer_v we_o to_o the_o history_n of_o the_o unitarian_n which_o though_o it_o be_v but_o a_o little_a book_n in_o all_o sense_n be_v too_o large_a to_o be_v particular_o examine_v now_o but_o however_o i_o shall_v give_v some_o taste_n of_o it_o in_o the_o first_o letter_n the_o author_n have_v those_o text_n which_o he_o think_v overthrow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o because_o this_o may_v be_v most_o dangerous_a to_o unskilful_a reader_n i_o shall_v more_o particular_o examine_v that_o he_o reduce_v the_o scripture_n under_o several_a topic_n or_o head_n of_o argument_n 5._o 1._o if_o our_o lord_n christ_n be_v himself_o god_n there_o can_v be_v no_o person_n great_a than_o he_o none_o that_o may_v be_v call_v his_o head_n or_o god_n none_o that_o can_v in_o any_o respect_n command_v he_o now_o this_o argument_n be_v fallacious_a for_o though_o christ_n be_v god_n himself_o yet_o if_o there_o be_v three_o person_n in_o the_o godhead_n the_o equality_n and_o sameness_n of_o nature_n do_v not_o destroy_v the_o subordination_n of_o person_n a_o son_n be_v equal_a to_o his_o father_n by_o nature_n but_o inferior_a to_o he_o as_o his_o son_n if_o the_o father_n as_o i_o have_v explain_v it_o be_v original_a mind_n and_o wisdom_n the_o son_n a_o personal_a subsist_v but_o reflex_n image_n of_o his_o father_n wisdom_n though_o their_o eternal_a wisdom_n be_v equal_a and_o the_o same_o yet_o the_o original_a be_v superior_a to_o the_o image_n the_o father_n to_o the_o son_n and_o therefore_o though_o i_o know_v such_o text_n as_o he_o allege_n 17._o my_o father_n be_v great_a than_o i_o the_o head_n of_o christ_n be_v god_n i_o ascend_v to_o my_o father_n and_o your_o father_n to_o my_o god_n and_o your_o god_n be_v both_o by_o ancient_n and_o modern_a expositor_n apply_v to_o christ_n human_a nature_n yet_o i_o see_v no_o inconvenience_n in_o own_v this_o to_o be_v true_a with_o respect_n to_o his_o divine_a person_n and_o his_o relation_n to_o his_o father_n for_o the_o father_n be_v the_o head_n and_o fountain_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o the_o son_n be_v god_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o father_n may_v be_v call_v his_o god_n as_o for_o christ_n receive_v command_n from_o the_o father_n 49.14.31_o though_o this_o relate_v to_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o mediatory_a office_n and_o so_o concern_v he_o as_o god_n incarnate_a as_o by_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n will_n and_o pleasure_n yet_o i_o grant_v even_o as_o god_n he_o receive_v command_n from_o his_o father_n but_o it_o be_v no_o otherwise_o than_o as_o he_o receive_v his_o nature_n from_o he_o by_o nature_n he_o be_v the_o word_n the_o wisdom_n the_o command_n of_o the_o father_n his_o reflex_n image_n whereby_o he_o produce_v all_o the_o design_n of_o his_o own_o wisdom_n and_o counsel_n into_o act_n thus_o st._n austin_n answer_v the_o arrian_n objection_n 3._o that_o christ_n be_v but_o god_n instrument_n and_o make_v the_o world_n by_o god_n command_n let_v they_o consider_v with_o what_o other_o word_n the_o father_n command_v his_o only_a word_n but_o they_o frame_v to_o themselves_o a_o imagination_n of_o two_o near_o one_o another_o but_o separate_v by_o their_o distinct_a place_n one_o command_v another_o obey_v nor_o do_v they_o understand_v that_o the_o father_n command_v itself_o that_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v make_v be_v no_o other_o word_n of_o the_o father_n but_o that_o by_o which_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v that_o be_v the_o substantial_a word_n and_o wisdom_n and_o command_v of_o the_o father_n his_o only_o beget_v son_n 2._o if_o our_o lord_n christ_n be_v indeed_o god_n it_o can_v not_o 5._o without_o blasphemy_n be_v absolute_o and_o without_o restriction_n affirm_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v the_o creature_n the_o possession_n the_o servant_n and_o subject_a of_o god_n it_o be_v well_o he_o add_v absolute_o and_o without_o restriction_n but_o he_o have_v do_v better_a if_o he_o have_v remember_v it_o in_o his_o proof_n that_o christ_n be_v call_v a_o creature_n he_o prove_v because_o he_o be_v the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n 1._o but_o here_o he_o shall_v have_v remember_v his_o absolute_o and_o without_o restriction_n for_o he_o be_v so_o to_o the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n that_o he_o be_v the_o image_n of_o the_o invisible_a god_n and_o therefore_o no_o creature_n so_o bear_v before_o all_o creature_n 17._o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d also_o signify_v that_o by_o he_o be_v all_o thing_n create_v that_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o that_o be_v in_o earth_n visible_a and_o invisible_a whether_o they_o be_v throne_n or_o dominion_n or_o principality_n or_o power_n all_o thing_n be_v create_v by_o he_o and_o for_o he_o and_o he_o be_v before_o all_o
hold_v the_o true_a catholic_n faith_n and_o that_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n be_v that_o catholic_n faith_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n 1._o as_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o will_v desire_v he_o to_o consider_v that_o though_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n yet_o no_o man_n be_v save_v by_o his_o good_a work_n but_o by_o faith_n in_o christ_n to_o say_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v save_v by_o holiness_n and_o good_a work_n without_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v to_o assert_v the_o merit_n of_o good_a work_n ten_o thousand_o time_n more_o than_o ever_o papist_n themselves_o do_v the_o meritorious_a work_n of_o popery_n serve_v only_o instead_o of_o penance_n to_o keep_v they_o out_o of_o purgatory_n or_o to_o shorten_v their_o time_n there_o they_o serve_v instead_o of_o that_o temporal_a punishment_n which_o absolve_v and_o penitent_a sinner_n must_v undergo_v for_o those_o sin_n the_o eternal_a punishment_n of_o which_o be_v remit_v not_o for_o their_o own_o meritorious_a work_n but_o for_o the_o merit_n and_o expiation_n of_o christ_n but_o he_o who_o expect_v to_o be_v save_v for_o his_o good_a work_n without_o faith_n in_o christ_n attribute_n such_o a_o merit_n to_o good_a work_n as_o redeem_v he_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o the_o eternal_a punishment_n due_a to_o sin_n and_o purchase_v eternal_a reward_n for_o he_o which_o be_v somewhat_o more_o than_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n pretend_v to_o especial_o since_o whatever_o merit_n they_o attribute_v to_o good_a work_n they_o ascribe_v whole_o to_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n who_o merit_n alone_o have_v make_v our_o good_a work_n meritorious_a which_o be_v very_o honourable_a to_o our_o saviour_n and_o very_a orthodox_n divinity_n in_o comparison_n with_o those_o who_o think_v good_a work_v such_o meritorious_a thing_n whatever_o their_o faith_n be_v and_o if_o he_o consider_v this_o twice_o i_o suppose_v he_o will_v confess_v that_o faith_n in_o christ_n the_o true_a catholic_n faith_n be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n 2._o nay_o it_o be_v necessary_a before_o all_o other_o thing_n to_o our_o salvation_n because_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o baptism_n which_o alone_o put_v we_o into_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n for_o he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v all_o christian_n must_v confess_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o name_n give_v under_o heaven_n whereby_o man_n can_v be_v save_v but_o only_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n that_o faith_n in_o christ_n in_o adult_a person_n be_v necessary_a to_o baptism_n that_o baptism_n alone_o incorporate_v we_o into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o put_v we_o into_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o that_o neither_o jew_n nor_o turk_n nor_o heathen_n none_o but_o believe_v and_o baptize_v christian_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n how_o moral_o virtuous_a soever_o their_o life_n may_v be_v whoever_o do_v not_o confess_v this_o make_v nothing_o of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o jesus_n christ_n nothing_o of_o his_o sacrifice_n priesthood_n and_o intercession_n make_v the_o christian_a religion_n nothing_o but_o a_o new_a and_o more_o perfect_a sect_n of_o philosophy_n than_o either_o jew_n or_o heathen_n teach_v before_o who_o condition_n yet_o be_v as_o safe_a as_o the_o condition_n of_o christian_n if_o they_o live_v according_a to_o the_o knowledge_n they_o have_v our_o author_n then_o must_v either_o renounce_v the_o christian_a religion_n or_o confess_v the_o true_a catholic_n faith_n or_o a_o true_a faith_n in_o christ_n be_v before_o all_o other_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n because_o this_o be_v that_o which_o put_v we_o into_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n without_o which_o no_o man_n can_v be_v save_v according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n 3._o if_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n i_o suppose_v all_o man_n will_v grant_v it_o must_v be_v the_o true_a faith_n in_o christ_n not_o a_o false_a and_o heretical_a faith_n for_o that_o be_v equivalent_a to_o infidelity_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v little_a difference_n between_o not_o believe_v in_o christ_n at_o all_o and_o not_o believe_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v of_o he_o and_o the_o belief_n of_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n for_o if_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o of_o christ_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n we_o may_v as_o well_o believe_v nothing_o and_o then_o to_o be_v sure_a it_o concern_v we_o to_o hold_v the_o catholic_n faith_n whatever_o that_o be_v 4._o that_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n be_v that_o true_a christian_a faith_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n appear_v from_o the_o form_n of_o baptism_n itself_o for_o we_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o be_v into_o the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o trinity_n in_o unity_n and_o unity_n in_o trinity_n which_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n this_o be_v the_o baptismal_a faith_n and_o that_o certain_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n if_o any_o faith_n be_v now_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o baptism_n be_v our_o solemn_a dedication_n to_o god_n and_o admission_n into_o covenant_n with_o he_o to_o be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n in_o the_o very_a same_o act_n and_o same_o form_n of_o word_n whereby_o we_o be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o father_n be_v they_o not_o one_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a god_n with_o the_o father_n will_v make_v any_o consider_a man_n abhor_v the_o christian_a religion_n as_o the_o most_o open_a and_o bare-faced_n idolatry_n as_o join_v creature_n with_o god_n in_o the_o most_o solemn_a act_n of_o religion_n that_o of_o dedicate_a man_n to_o his_o worship_n and_o service_n but_o not_o to_o insist_v on_o that_o now_o our_o author_n may_v hence_o learn_v that_o to_o believe_v in_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n because_o it_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o baptism_n and_o if_o that_o exposition_n which_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n have_v give_v of_o this_o faith_n be_v the_o true_a catholic_n doctrine_n then_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o the_o creed_n begin_v very_o proper_o with_o assert_v the_o necessity_n of_o hold_v the_o catholic_n faith_n if_o we_o will_v be_v save_v which_o must_v be_v as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v christian_n which_o faith_n except_o a_o man_n keep_v whole_a and_o undefiled_a without_o doubt_n he_o shall_v perish_v everlasting_o by_o keep_v this_o faith_n whole_a and_o undefiled_a must_v be_v mean_v note_n if_o any_o thing_n be_v mean_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v believe_v and_o profess_v it_o without_o add_v to_o it_o or_o take_v from_o it_o if_o we_o take_v from_o it_o we_o do_v not_o keep_v it_o whole_a if_o we_o add_v aught_o to_o it_o we_o do_v not_o keep_v it_o undefiled_a and_o either_o way_n we_o shall_v perish_v everlasting_o a_o man_n of_o ordinary_a sense_n and_o candour_n will_v have_v say_v answer_n that_o to_o keep_v this_o faith_n whole_a and_o undefiled_a signify_v not_o to_o corrupt_v the_o faith_n either_o by_o add_v to_o it_o or_o take_v from_o it_o for_o whatever_o we_o add_v or_o whatever_o we_o take_v away_o which_o do_v not_o alter_v the_o essential_o of_o our_o faith_n the_o faith_n remain_v whole_a and_o undefiled_a still_o but_o this_o will_v have_v spoil_v his_o notable_a remark_n both_o as_o to_o add_v and_o take_v away_o first_o for_o add_v what_o if_o a_o honest_a plain_a man_n because_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n and_o a_o protestant_n note_n shall_v think_v it_o necessary_a to_o add_v this_o article_n to_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n i_o believe_v the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v a_o divine_a infallible_a and_o complete_a rule_n both_o for_o faith_n and_o manner_n i_o hope_v no_o protestant_n will_v think_v a_o man_n damn_v for_o such_o addition_n and_o if_o so_o than_o this_o creed_n of_o athanasius_n be_v at_o least_o a_o unnecessary_a rule_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v to_o say_v it_o be_v a_o addition_n to_o the_o catholic_n faith_n answer_n to_o own_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o addition_n to_o the_o law_n of_o england_n to_o own_o the_o original_a record_n of_o they_o in_o the_o tower_n for_o the_o catholic_n faith_n be_v what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v that_o book_n or_o write_v wherein_o this_o catholic_n faith_n be_v to_o be_v find_v and_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o which_o we_o must_v believe_v it_o and_o therefore_o what_o the_o catholic_n faith_n be_v
reason_n tell_v we_o that_o three_o divine_a person_n can_v be_v one_o god_n if_o my_o reason_n be_v like_o other_o man_n i_o be_o sure_a my_o reason_n say_v nothing_o at_o all_o about_o it_o do_v neither_o affirm_v nor_o deny_v it_o and_o therefore_o when_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n as_o natural_a reason_n teach_v and_o that_o this_o one_o god_n be_v three_o divine_a person_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n this_o contradict_v nothing_o which_o reason_n teach_v but_o add_v something_o which_o natural_a reason_n can_v not_o discover_v which_o be_v the_o proper_a use_n of_o revelation_n scripture_n teach_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o that_o there_o be_v three_o divine_a person_n who_o be_v this_o one_o god_n reason_n teach_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n but_o do_v not_o teach_v that_o there_o be_v three_o divine_a person_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n nor_o do_v it_o teach_v that_o there_o be_v not_o and_o therefore_o though_o the_o scripture_n teach_v more_o than_o natural_a reason_n do_v which_o i_o suppose_v may_v be_v allow_v by_o these_o adorer_n of_o reason_n yet_o it_o teach_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o what_o natural_a reason_n teach_v nay_o these_o man_n can_v not_o graft_v any_o contradiction_n upon_o it_o without_o pervert_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n as_o it_o be_v teach_v in_o scripture_n and_o have_v always_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o catholic_n church_n that_o be_v to_o find_v a_o contradiction_n their_o business_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o these_o three_o divine_a person_n each_o of_o which_o be_v god_n must_v be_v three_o distinct_a god_n and_o then_o three_o distinct_a god_n can_v be_v one_o god_n this_o i_o grant_v and_o their_o argument_n be_v unanswerable_a to_o those_o who_o own_o these_o three_o divine_a person_n to_o be_v three_o distinct_a god_n but_o what_o be_v that_o to_o we_o who_o teach_v that_o they_o be_v not_o three_o distinct_a 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godhead_n it_o teach_v one_o god_n but_o whether_o this_o one_o god_n be_v one_o or_o three_o person_n it_o say_v not_o and_o therefore_o it_o may_v be_v either_o without_o contradict_v the_o natural_a notion_n we_o have_v of_o one_o god_n and_o then_o here_o be_v free_a scope_n for_o revelation_n and_o if_o revelation_n teach_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o that_o there_o be_v three_o divine_a person_n each_o of_o which_o in_o scripture_n have_v not_o only_o the_o title_n but_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n ascribe_v to_o they_o than_o we_o must_v of_o necessity_n believe_v a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n three_o person_n and_o one_o god_n for_o what_o the_o scripture_n affirm_v and_o reason_n do_v not_o deny_v be_v a_o proper_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o then_o their_o objection_n against_o this_o faith_n that_o these_o three_o divine_a person_n must_v be_v three_o distinct_a god_n if_o each_o of_o they_o be_v god_n be_v senseless_a and_o ridiculous_a 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hear_v from_o he_o again_o so_o that_o all_o his_o absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n be_v vanish_v only_o into_o nicodemus_n his_o question_n how_o can_v these_o thing_n be_v and_o if_o i_o can_v give_v he_o no_o other_o answer_n i_o shall_v think_v it_o a_o very_a good_a one_o to_o say_v god_n know_v must_v we_o deny_v every_o thing_n that_o we_o can_v conceive_v and_o comprehend_v though_o it_o be_v express_o teach_v by_o god_n himself_o must_v we_o deny_v what_o we_o read_v in_o the_o bible_n to_o be_v there_o because_o reason_n do_v not_o teach_v it_o and_o can_v frame_v a_o adequate_a idea_n of_o it_o but_o i_o have_v not_o do_v with_o our_o author_n thus_o but_o must_v give_v he_o a_o little_a more_o about_o expound_v scripture_n according_a to_o reason_n for_o i_o affirm_v that_o natural_a reason_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o expound_v scripture_n no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v of_o expound_v any_o other_o write_v the_o true_a and_o only_a way_n to_o interpret_v any_o write_n even_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o be_v to_o examine_v the_o use_n and_o propriety_n of_o word_n and_o phrase_n the_o connexion_n scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o text_n its_o allusion_n to_o ancient_a custom_n and_o usage_n or_o dispute_n etc._n etc._n for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o good_a reason_n to_o be_v give_v for_o any_o exposition_n but_o that_o the_o word_n signify_v so_o and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o place_n and_o the_o apparent_a scope_n of_o the_o writer_n require_v it_o but_o our_o author_n as_o many_o other_o do_v seem_v to_o confound_v the_o reason_n of_o believe_v any_o doctrine_n with_o the_o rule_n of_o expound_v a_o write_n we_o must_v believe_v nothing_o that_o contradict_v the_o plain_a and_o express_v dictate_v of_o natural_a reason_n which_o all_o mankind_n agree_v in_o whatever_o pretence_n of_o revelation_n there_o be_v for_o it_o well_o say_v they_o than_o you_o must_v expound_v scripture_n so_o as_o to_o make_v it_o agree_v with_o the_o necessary_a principle_n and_o dictate_v of_o reason_n no_o say_v i_o that_o do_v not_o follow_v i_o must_v expound_v scripture_n according_a to_o the_o use_n and_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n and_o must_v not_o force_v my_o own_o sense_n on_o it_o if_o it_o will_v not_o bear_v it_o but_o suppose_v then_o that_o the_o natural_a construction_n of_o the_o word_n import_v such_o a_o sense_n as_o be_v contrary_n to_o some_o evident_a principle_n of_o reason_n then_o i_o will_v believe_v it_o how_o not_o believe_v scripture_n no_o no_o i_o will_v believe_v no_o pretend_a revelation_n which_o contradict_v the_o plain_n dictate_v of_o reason_n which_o all_o mankind_n agree_v in_o and_o be_v i_o persuade_v that_o those_o book_n which_o we_o call_v the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v so_o i_o will_v not_o believe_v they_o and_o this_o be_v a_o fair_a and_o honest_a way_n than_o to_o force_v they_o to_o speak_v what_o they_o never_o intend_v and_o what_o every_o impartial_a man_n who_o read_v they_o must_v think_v be_v never_o intend_v that_o we_o may_v believe_v they_o to_o put_v our_o own_o sense_n on_o scripture_n without_o respect_n to_o the_o use_n of_o word_n and_o to_o the_o reason_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o text_n be_v not_o to_o believe_v scripture_n but_o to_o make_v it_o be_v not_o to_o learn_v from_o scripture_n but_o to_o teach_v it_o to_o speak_v our_o language_n be_v not_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n but_o to_o make_v scripture_n submit_v to_o our_o reason_n even_o in_o such_o matter_n as_o be_v confess_o above_o reason_n as_o the_o infinite_a nature_n and_o essence_n of_o god_n be_v though_o i_o be_o never_o so_o well_o assure_v of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o any_o book_n yet_o i_o must_v expound_v it_o as_o i_o do_v other_o write_n for_o
a_o vindication_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n and_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n occasion_v by_o the_o brief_a note_n on_o the_o creed_n of_o st._n athanasius_n and_o the_o brief_a history_n of_o the_o unitarian_n or_o socinian_o and_o contain_v a_o answer_n to_o both_o by_o william_n sherlock_n d._n d._n master_n of_o the_o temple_n the_o second_o edition_n imprimatur_fw-la z._n isham_n r._n p._n d._n henrico_n episc._n lond._n à _fw-la sacris_fw-la jan._n 9_o 1690._o london_n print_v for_o w._n rogers_n at_o the_o sun_n over_o against_o st._n dunstan_n church_n in_o fleetstreet_n 1691._o to_o the_o reader_n i_o will_v make_v no_o apology_n for_o publish_v this_o vindication_n of_o the_o great_a and_o fundamental_a mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n for_o if_o ever_o it_o be_v necessary_a it_o be_v now_o when_o atheist_n and_o heretic_n some_o open_o some_o under_o a_o disguise_n conspire_v together_o to_o ridicule_n the_o trinity_n and_o the_o incarnation_n i_o confess_v the_o book_n be_v too_o big_a can_v i_o have_v make_v it_o less_o as_o at_o first_o i_o intend_v but_o when_o i_o be_v once_o engage_v i_o see_v a_o necessity_n of_o go_v far_o and_o i_o hope_v no_o man_n will_v have_v reason_n to_o complain_v that_o i_o have_v say_v too_o much_o but_o those_o who_o will_v find_v a_o great_a deal_n too_o much_o say_v for_o they_o to_o answer_v my_o original_a design_n be_v to_o vindicate_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n from_o those_o pretend_a absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n which_o be_v so_o confident_o charge_v on_o they_o and_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a i_o have_v do_v for_o i_o have_v give_v a_o very_a easy_a and_o intelligible_a notion_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o explain_v this_o doctrine_n intelligible_o the_o charge_n of_o contradiction_n vanish_v and_o whether_o man_n will_v believe_v this_o account_n or_o not_o they_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a and_o intelligible_a and_o if_o we_o can_v go_v no_o far_o that_o be_v enough_o in_o matter_n of_o revelation_n but_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v do_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o this_o and_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v the_o true_a scripture_n account_v of_o it_o and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o have_v vindicate_v the_o scripture_n proof_n of_o a_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n from_o the_o pitiful_a sophistry_n of_o the_o late_a socinian_n historian_n i_o have_v not_o indeed_o answer_v particular_o the_o whole_a book_n in_o order_n and_o method_n as_o it_o lie_v which_o be_v too_o tedious_a a_o work_n and_o not_o necessary_a but_o i_o have_v consider_v whatever_o be_v most_o material_a in_o it_o and_o have_v avoid_v nothing_o because_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o answer_v but_o because_o it_o need_v no_o answer_n as_o i_o be_o ready_a to_o satisfy_v the_o world_n whenever_o a_o just_a occasion_n call_v for_o it_o for_o have_v dip_v my_o pen_n in_o the_o vindication_n of_o so_o glorious_a a_o cause_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n i_o will_v never_o desert_v it_o while_o i_o can_v hold_v a_o pen_n in_o my_o hand_n i_o must_v thankful_o own_v that_o the_o write_n of_o this_o book_n have_v give_v i_o clear_a and_o more_o distinct_a notion_n of_o this_o great_a mystery_n than_o i_o have_v before_o which_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o reader_n will_v find_v some_o thing_n explain_v towards_o the_o end_n which_o i_o speak_v doubtful_o of_o at_o first_o as_o particular_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o eternal_a generation_n of_o the_o son_n and_o the_o procession_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o i_o hope_v this_o be_v a_o pardonable_a fault_n the_o writing_n this_o book_n have_v cost_v i_o many_o thought_n and_o those_o who_o have_v a_o mind_n thorough_o to_o understand_v it_o must_v not_o think_v much_o if_o it_o cost_v they_o some_o and_o if_o they_o can_v be_v content_v to_o bestow_v some_o serious_a thought_n on_o it_o it_o will_v be_v lose_v labour_n to_o read_v it_o i_o pray_v god_n give_v success_n to_o it_o and_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o those_o man_n before_o it_o be_v too_o late_a who_o be_v so_o industrious_a to_o write_v or_o disperse_v such_o brief_a note_n and_o brief_a history_n as_o be_v valuable_a for_o nothing_o but_o blasphemy_n and_o nonsense_n for_o i_o will_v be_v bold_a to_o say_v that_o socinianism_n after_o all_o its_o pretence_n to_o reason_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o stupid_a senseless_a heresy_n that_o ever_o infest_a the_o christian_a church_n the_o content_n sect_n i._o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o contradiction_n and_o how_o to_o know_v it_o page_n 1._o many_o contradiction_n pretend_v where_o there_o be_v none_o as_o in_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o spirit_n and_o of_o god_n 3_o how_o to_o discover_v when_o a_o pretend_a contradiction_n be_v not_o real_a but_o in_o our_o imperfect_a conception_n of_o thing_n 4_o it_o be_v absurd_a 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 5_o what_o the_o natural_a boundary_n of_o humane_a knowledge_n be_v 9_o 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 10_o the_o dispute_n between_o the_o greek_a and_o lat._n church_n about_o the_o filioque_fw-la 17_o sect_n iii_o concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n to_o salvation_n and_o a_o brief_a history_n of_o athanasius_n 21_o that_o the_o catholic_n faith_n be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n 25_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o keep_v the_o catholic_n faith_n whole_a and_o undefiled_a 28_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o complete_a rule_n of_o faith_n do_v not_o make_v athanasius_n creed_n a_o unnecessary_a rule_n 29_o the_o great_a usefulness_n of_o ancient_a creed_n 31_o pope_n leo_n iii_o will_v not_o deny_v salvation_n to_o those_o who_o disown_v the_o filioque_fw-la 33_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o catholic_n faith_n 35_o the_o history_n of_o athanasius_n 37_o sect_n iv._o the_o catholic_n doctrine_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n and_o unity_n and_o trinity_n explain_v and_o vindicate_v from_o all_o pretend_a absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n 45_o what_o it_o be_v that_o make_v any_o substance_n numerical_o one_o 48_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o spirit_n nothing_o else_o but_o self-consciousness_n ibid._n and_o therefore_o mutual_a consciousness_n make_v three_o person_n essential_o and_o numerical_o one._n 49_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o mind_n or_o spirit_n reach_v as_o far_o as_o its_o self-consciousness_n do_v 50_o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a scripture_n notion_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n ibid._n the_o unity_n between_o father_n and_o son_n explain_v 51_o the_o union_n of_o create_a spirit_n a_o union_n in_o knowledge_n will_n and_o love_n 52_o the_o same_o union_n between_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n ibid._n but_o this_o which_o be_v only_o a_o moral_a union_n between_o creature_n be_v a_o essential_a union_n between_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n as_o it_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o mutual_a consciousness_n 55_o this_o prove_v from_o scripture_n as_o to_o the_o unity_n between_o father_n and_o son_n 56_o this_o make_v all_o three_o divine_a person_n coessential_a and_o coequal_a 58_o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v one_o with_o father_n and_o son_n by_o a_o mutual_a consciousness_n prove_v from_o scripture_n 64_o this_o notion_n contain_v the_o true_a orthodox_n faith_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n 66_o for_o it_o do_v not_o confound_v the_o person_n but_o make_v they_o distinct_a ibid._n nor_o divide_v the_o substance_n but_o make_v they_o numerical_o one_o 68_o this_o make_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n as_o intelligible_a as_o the_o notion_n of_o one_o god_n ibid._n the_o material_a image_n of_o substance_n confound_v our_o notion_n both_o of_o one_o god_n and_o of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n 69_o god_n must_v be_v consider_v as_o eternal_a truth_n and_o wisdom_n 70_o wisdom_n and_o truth_n a_o pure_a and_o simple_a act_n and_o contain_v all_o divine_a perfection_n 71_o three_o infinite_a mind_n must_v necessary_o be_v mutual_o conscious_a to_o each_o other_o 74_o no_o positive_a notion_n of_o infinity_o but_o only_o in_o a_o mind_n 75_o no_o infinite_a extension_n 76_o what_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o infinite_a be_v that_o it_o be_v absolute_a perfection_n 78_o that_o there_o be_v no_o absolute_a perfection_n but_o those_o of_o a_o mind_n 79_o extension_n be_v no_o perfection_n nor_o to_o be_v omnipresent_v by_o extension_n 80_o the_o same_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o a_o mind_n by_o a_o mutual_a consciousness_n may_v be_v entire_a and_o equal_a in_o three_o infinite_a mind_n 81_o this_o reconcile_v the_o
concern_v expound_v scripture_n by_o reason_n for_o like_a as_o we_o be_v compel_v by_o the_o christian_a verity_n to_o acknowledge_v every_o person_n by_o himself_o to_o be_v god_n and_o lord_n creed_n so_o be_v we_o forbid_v by_o the_o catholic_n religion_n to_o say_v there_o be_v three_o god_n and_o three_o lord_n by_o the_o christian_a verity_n i_o suppose_v be_v mean_v the_o sacred_a book_n which_o contain_v the_o christian_a religion_n note_n that_o be_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n but_o do_v these_o book_n and_o do_v this_o verity_n compel_v we_o to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o three_o person_n each_o of_o which_o be_v by_o himself_o supreme_a god_n and_o lord_n and_o yet_o all_o of_o they_o together_o but_o one_o god_n do_v i_o say_v the_o holy_a scripture_n compel_v we_o to_o this_o contradictory_n acknowledgement_n be_v there_o any_o text_n allege_v from_o scripture_n which_o all_o the_o unitarian_n and_o some_o or_o other_o of_o the_o most_o 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