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
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
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
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
and_o mother_n god_n be_v his_o father_n and_o the_o virgin_n mary_n his_o mother_n and_o thus_o though_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v the_o virgin_n to_o be_v the_o mother_n they_o will_v allow_v she_o to_o be_v the_o wife_n of_o god_n which_o be_v as_o honourable_a these_o be_v very_o fit_a man_n to_o make_v address_n to_o a_o morocco_n ambassador_n for_o they_o be_v so_o far_o of_o mahomet_n mind_n that_o god_n can_v have_v a_o son_n unless_o he_o have_v a_o wife_n but_o mahomet_n be_v the_o better_a divine_a in_o this_o that_o he_o never_o dream_v of_o god_n have_v a_o woman_n for_o his_o wife_n i_o be_o afraid_a this_o be_v blasphemy_n i_o be_o sure_a we_o have_v always_o think_v it_o so_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o scoff_a atheist_n or_o infidel_n for_o this_o be_v not_o his_o own_o but_o borrow_a wit._n for_o do_v our_o author_n in_o earnest_n think_v that_o god_n can_v have_v a_o son_n unless_o he_o beget_v he_o as_o one_o man_n beget_v another_o this_o be_v to_o dispute_v against_o god_n beget_v a_o son_n 1._o as_o the_o epicurean_a in_o tully_n do_v against_o god_n make_v a_o world_n that_o he_o want_v minister_n and_o instrument_n for_o such_o a_o work_n as_o if_o god_n make_v a_o world_n as_o a_o carpenter_n build_v a_o house_n do_v a_o son_n necessary_o signify_v one_o who_o be_v beget_v of_o two_o parent_n i_o think_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o son_n have_v be_v one_o who_o be_v produce_v out_o of_o the_o substance_n of_o its_o parent_n not_o out_o of_o nothing_o which_o we_o call_v creation_n nor_o form_v of_o any_o other_o preaexistent_a matter_n which_o we_o call_v make_v and_o that_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o beget_v be_v to_o produce_v its_o own_o image_n and_o likeness_n out_o of_o its_o own_o substance_n by_o what_o mean_v soever_o this_o be_v do_v and_o if_o one_o parent_n can_v thus_o beget_v a_o son_n of_o his_o own_o substance_n this_o argue_v great_a perfection_n in_o the_o father_n and_o be_v a_o more_o perfect_a manner_n of_o production_n than_o by_o two_o and_o methinks_v he_o may_v allow_v the_o most_o perfect_a be_v to_o beget_v a_o son_n in_o the_o most_o perfect_a manner_n and_o that_o a_o infinite_a mind_n can_v and_o must_v beget_v his_o own_o likeness_n and_o image_n that_o be_v a_o eternal_a son_n by_o a_o reflex_n knowledge_n of_o himself_o i_o have_v already_o show_v 130_o creed_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n neither_o make_v nor_o create_v nor_o beget_v but_o proceed_v his_o first_o quarrel_n against_o this_o be_v the_o procession_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o father_n and_o son_n the_o next_o be_v about_o the_o distinction_n between_o be_v beget_v and_o proceed_v which_o he_o say_v be_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o be_v now_o confess_v to_o be_v so_o by_o the_o most_o learned_a trinitarian_n who_o these_o be_v i_o know_v not_o but_o be_v they_o who_o they_o will_v it_o be_v no_o argument_n of_o their_o prudence_n or_o learning_n to_o reject_v a_o distinction_n which_o both_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n require_v and_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v always_o own_v but_o this_o i_o have_v account_v for_o before_o 135._o and_o plain_o show_v the_o distinction_n between_o generation_n and_o procession_n the_o first_o be_v a_o reflex_n act_n whereby_o god_n know_v himself_o and_o beget_v his_o own_o likeness_n and_o image_n procession_n be_v a_o direct_a act_n that_o eternal_a love_n whereby_o god_n love_v himself_o and_o his_o own_o image_n which_o proceed_v from_o god_n as_o all_o thought_n and_o passion_n proceed_v out_o of_o the_o heart_n creed_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v but_o 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 the_o second_o person_n be_v indeed_o the_o son_n of_o the_o first_o but_o the_o three_o person_n who_o proceed_v from_o father_n and_o son_n be_v not_o the_o son_n of_o either_o for_o to_o proceed_v be_v not_o to_o be_v beget_v and_o therefore_o there_o be_v not_o two_o son_n nor_o two_o father_n as_o this_o author_n affirm_v much_o less_o be_v they_o three_o holy_a ghost_n though_o i_o grant_v as_o he_o say_v that_o they_o be_v three_o holy_a spirit_n but_o this_o be_v a_o mere_a childish_a fallacy_n and_o play_v with_o word_n as_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n so_o he_o be_v a_o holy_a be_v and_o a_o pure_a mind_n and_o spirit_n as_o spirit_n be_v oppose_v to_o matter_n and_o thus_o all_o three_o divine_a person_n be_v holy_a mind_n and_o spirit_n essential_o unite_v into_o one_o infinite_a mind_n and_o spirit_n but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n and_o a_o distinct_a person_n in_o the_o trinity_n be_v but_o one._n in_o this_o trinity_n none_o be_v before_o or_o after_o other_o creed_n none_o be_v great_a or_o less_o than_o another_o yet_o the_o son_n himself_o say_v the_o father_n be_v great_a than_o i_o note_n 14_o joh._n 28._o and_o the_o son_n himself_o say_v i_o and_o the_o father_n be_v one_o 10_o joh._n 30._o and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a inequality_n between_o they_o than_o what_o be_v consistent_a with_o a_o oneness_n and_o identity_n of_o essence_n that_o be_v not_o a_o inequality_n of_o nature_n but_o order_n as_o a_o father_n be_v great_a than_o the_o son_n who_o be_v natural_o subordinate_a to_o he_o though_o their_o nature_n be_v equal_a and_o the_o same_o though_o we_o know_v the_o ancient_a father_n understand_v this_o of_o christ_n as_o man_n as_o it_o be_v also_o express_v in_o this_o creed_n equal_a to_o the_o father_n as_o touch_v his_o godhead_n inferior_a to_o the_o father_n as_o touch_v his_o manhood_n he_o proceed_v as_o for_o the_o other_o clause_n none_o be_v afore_o or_o after_o other_o it_o be_v just_a as_o true_a as_o that_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o afore_o and_o after_o i_o ask_v whether_o the_o son_n do_v not_o as_o he_o be_v a_o son_n derive_v both_o life_n and_o godhead_n from_o the_o father_n all_o trinitarian_n grant_v he_o do_v ground_v themselves_o on_o the_o nicene_n creed_n which_o express_o call_v the_o son_n god_n of_o god_n light_a of_o light_n very_a god_n of_o very_a god_n beget_v not_o make_v but_o if_o the_o father_n give_v to_o the_o son_n life_n and_o godhead_n he_o must_v have_v both_o before_o he_o can_v communicate_v or_o give_v either_o of_o they_o to_o the_o son_n and_o consequent_o be_v afore_o the_o son_n be_v no_o effect_n be_v so_o early_o as_o its_o cause_n for_o if_o it_o be_v it_o shall_v not_o have_v need_v or_o have_v that_o for_o its_o cause_n no_o proposition_n in_o euclid_n be_v more_o certain_a or_o evident_a than_o this_o answ._n i_o hope_v he_o will_v abate_v a_o little_a of_o his_o mathematical_a certainty_n before_o i_o have_v do_v with_o he_o and_o yet_o i_o shall_v quick_o have_v do_v with_o he_o too_o i_o will_v begin_v with_o his_o philosophy_n of_o cause_n and_o effect_n no_o effect_n he_o say_v be_v so_o early_o as_o its_o cause_n do_v he_o never_o then_o hear_v of_o what_o we_o call_v emanative_a effect_n which_o coexi_v with_o their_o cause_n be_v not_o the_o sun_n the_o cause_n of_o light_n and_o fire_n of_o heat_n and_o can_v he_o conceive_v a_o sun_n without_o light_n or_o fire_n without_o heat_n and_o if_o he_o can_v so_o much_o as_o in_o thought_n without_o absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n separate_v these_o cause_n and_o effect_n be_v it_o possible_a to_o separate_v they_o in_o time_n that_o the_o cause_n shall_v be_v before_o its_o effect_n that_o be_v that_o the_o sun_n shall_v be_v without_o light_n and_o the_o fire_n without_o heat_n and_o yet_o can_v light_o be_v without_o the_o sun_n or_o heat_v without_o fire_n what_o become_v then_o of_o his_o reason_n which_o be_v as_o certain_a and_o evident_a as_o any_o proposition_n in_o euclid_n that_o if_o the_o effect_n be_v as_o early_o as_o its_o cause_n it_o shall_v not_o have_v need_v or_o have_v that_o for_o its_o cause_n for_o light_n need_v the_o sun_n and_o heat_v the_o fire_n for_o their_o cause_n and_o yet_o be_v as_o early_o as_o their_o cause_n but_o i_o perceive_v he_o be_v but_o a_o young_a mathematician_n or_o philosopher_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v desire_v he_o to_o remember_v against_o the_o next_o time_n that_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n be_v as_o certain_a and_o evident_a as_o any_o proposition_n in_o euclid_n in_o all_o other_o cause_n and_o effect_n which_o subsist_v distinct_o and_o separately_z his_o maxim_n be_v good_a that_o the_o cause_n must_v be_v before_o the_o effect_n but_o when_o the_o effect_n be_v essential_a to_o the_o cause_n and_o the_o cause_n can_v be_v without_o it_o
believe_v otherwise_o pope_n leo_n iii_n assent_v to_o the_o definition_n of_o the_o council_n of_o aquisgrane_fw-la an._n 809._o concern_v the_o procession_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o the_o son_n and_o yet_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n allow_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v add_v to_o the_o creed_n nor_o will_v he_o deny_v salvation_n to_o those_o who_o believe_v otherwise_o but_o when_o that_o question_n be_v ask_v he_o return_v this_o answer_n 30._o that_o whosoever_o have_v subtlety_n enough_o to_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o or_o know_v it_o will_v not_o believe_v it_o can_v be_v save_v but_o there_o be_v many_o and_o this_o among_o the_o rest_n deep_a mystery_n of_o the_o holy_a faith_n which_o all_o can_v reach_v to_o some_o by_o reason_n of_o age_n other_o for_o want_n of_o understanding_n and_o therefore_o as_o we_o say_v before_o he_o that_o can_v and_o will_v can_v be_v save_v and_o therefore_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o command_v the_o constantinopolitan_a creed_n to_o be_v hang_v up_o at_o rome_n in_o a_o silver_n table_n without_o the_o addition_n of_o the_o filioque_fw-la ibid._n nor_o can_v any_o man_n tell_v when_o this_o be_v add_v to_o the_o creed_n however_o we_o never_o read_v the_o greek_n be_v anathematise_v upon_o this_o account_n ibid._n till_o pope_n vrban_n ii_o 1097._o and_o in_o the_o council_n of_o florence_n under_o eugenius_n iu._n 1438_o 9_o joseph_n the_o patriarch_n of_o constantinople_n think_v this_o controversy_n between_o the_o two_o church_n may_v be_v reconcile_v and_o the_o filioque_fw-la add_v in_o a_o sense_n very_o consistent_a with_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o greek_a church_n as_o for_o what_o he_o add_v that_o the_o greek_a church_n condemn_v this_o addition_n as_o heretical_a i_o desire_v to_o know_v what_o greek_a council_n do_v this_o vossius_fw-la he_o very_o diligent_a observer_n 44._o give_v no_o account_n of_o it_o the_o quarrel_n of_o the_o greek_n with_o the_o latin_n be_v that_o they_o undertake_v without_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o general_n council_n to_o add_v to_o the_o creed_n of_o a_o general_n council_n when_o the_o council_n of_o ephesus_n and_o chalcedon_n have_v anathematise_v those_o who_o do_v so_o and_o therefore_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o greek_n anathematise_v the_o latin_a church_n without_o declare_v the_o filioque_fw-la to_o be_v heretical_a and_o as_o that_o learned_a man_n observe_v this_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o the_o schism_n that_o the_o greek_n think_v the_o pope_n of_o rome_n and_o a_o western_a synod_n take_v too_o much_o upon_o themselves_o to_o add_v to_o the_o creed_n of_o a_o general_n council_n by_o their_o own_o authority_n without_o consult_v the_o eastern_a church_n which_o be_v equal_o concern_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o comical_a part_n be_v still_o behind_o for_o he_o say_v the_o greek_n laugh_v at_o athanasius_n be_v menace_v and_o say_v he_o be_v drink_v when_o he_o make_v the_o creed_n and_o for_o this_o he_o refer_v we_o to_o georgius_n scholarius_n or_o gennadius_n who_o be_v make_v patriarch_n of_o constantinople_n by_o mahomet_n when_o he_o have_v take_v that_o city_n i_o confess_v i_o have_v not_o read_v all_o that_o gennadius_n have_v write_v and_o know_v not_o where_o to_o find_v this_o place_n and_o he_o have_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o direct_v we_o but_o this_o i_o know_v that_o whether_o gennadius_n say_v this_o himself_o or_o only_o report_v it_o as_o the_o say_n of_o some_o foolish_a greek_n for_o i_o can_v guess_v by_o our_o author_n which_o it_o be_v whoever_o say_v it_o say_v more_o than_o be_v true_a for_o athanasius_n neither_o make_v the_o creed_n drink_v nor_o sober_a for_o as_o most_o learned_a man_n agree_v he_o never_o make_v it_o at_o all_o though_o it_o bear_v his_o name_n but_o i_o wish_v i_o can_v see_v this_o place_n in_o gennadius_n for_o i_o great_o suspect_v our_o author_n gennadius_n be_v a_o very_a unlikely_a man_n to_o say_v any_o ill_a thing_n of_o athanasius_n upon_o account_n of_o the_o filioque_fw-la who_o himself_o take_v the_o side_n of_o the_o latin_a church_n in_o this_o dispute_n and_o as_o vossius_fw-la relate_v give_v athanasius_n a_o very_a different_a and_o more_o honourable_a character_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1._o the_o great_a athanasius_n the_o preacher_n and_o confessor_n of_o truth_n but_o there_o be_v nothing_o smite_v i_o more_o than_o to_o hear_v this_o arian_n or_o socinian_n or_o whatever_o he_o be_v affirm_v that_o the_o greek_n have_v clear_o and_o demonstrative_o prove_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v from_o the_o father_n only_o for_o that_o which_o be_v prove_v clear_o and_o demonstrative_o i_o hope_v be_v true_a and_o then_o this_o alone_a be_v a_o confutation_n of_o his_o brief_a note_n for_o the_o greek_n teach_v and_o prove_v demonstrative_o as_o he_o say_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n so_o proceed_v from_o the_o father_n only_o as_o to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o substance_n and_o one_o god_n with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o catholic_n faith_n be_v this_o creed_n catholic_n faith_n be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v in_o plain_a english_a the_o faith_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n note_n now_o in_o what_o age_n be_v this_o which_o here_o follow_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o catholic_n faith_n i_o grant_v be_v so_o call_v with_o relation_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n who_o faith_n it_o be_v answer_n and_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v the_o universal_a church_n or_o all_o the_o true_a church_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v all_o but_o one_o whole_a church_n unite_v in_o christ_n their_o head_n the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o worship_n of_o christ_n make_v a_o true_a church_n and_o all_o true_a church_n be_v the_o one_o catholic_n church_n whether_o they_o be_v spread_v over_o all_o the_o world_n or_o shut_v up_o in_o any_o one_o corner_n of_o it_o as_o at_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n the_o catholic_n church_n be_v no_o where_o but_o in_o judaea_n now_o as_o no_o church_n be_v the_o catholic_n church_n of_o christ_n how_o far_o soever_o it_o have_v spread_v itself_o over_o the_o world_n unless_o it_o profess_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n no_o more_o be_v any_o faith_n the_o catholic_n faith_n how_o universal_o soever_o it_o be_v profess_v unless_o it_o be_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n nor_o do_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n cease_v to_o be_v catholic_n how_o few_o soever_o there_o be_v who_o sincere_o profess_v it_o it_o be_v downright_a popery_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o catholic_n church_n by_o its_o multitude_n or_o large_a extent_n or_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n by_o the_o vast_a number_n of_o its_o professor_n be_v there_o but_o one_o true_a church_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n because_o it_o will_v be_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n on_o earth_n and_o be_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n profess_v but_o in_o one_o such_o church_n it_o will_v be_v the_o catholic_n faith_n still_o for_o it_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o whole_a true_a church_n of_o christ_n the_o sincere_a belief_n and_o profession_n of_o which_o make_v a_o catholic_n church_n note_n not_o in_o the_o age_n of_o athanasius_n himself_o who_o for_o this_o faith_n and_o for_o seditious_a practice_n be_v banish_v from_o alexandria_n in_o egypt_n where_o he_o be_v bishop_n no_o less_o than_o four_o time_n whereof_o the_o first_o be_v by_o constantine_n the_o great_a what_o shall_v be_v do_v unto_o thou_o thou_o lie_v tongue_n what_o impudence_n be_v this_o answer_n to_o think_v to_o shame_n the_o world_n at_o this_o time_n a_o day_n with_o such_o story_n as_o these_o when_o the_o case_n of_o athanasius_n be_v so_o well_o know_v or_o may_v be_v even_o to_o english_a reader_n who_o will_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o read_v his_o life_n write_v with_o great_a exactness_n and_o fidelity_n by_o the_o learned_a dr._n cave_n but_o when_o he_o think_v a_o second_o time_n of_o it_o will_v he_o say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o athanasius_n age_n be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o faith_n with_o he_o what_o think_v he_o of_o the_o nicene_n father_n who_o condemn_v arius_n in_o which_o council_n athanasius_n himself_o be_v present_a and_o bear_v a_o considerable_a part_n and_o so_o provoke_v the_o arian_n faction_n by_o his_o zeal_n for_o the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o his_o great_a skill_n and_o dexterity_n in_o manage_v that_o cause_n as_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o his_o future_a trouble_n will_v he_o say_v that_o constantine_n the_o great_a who_o call_v the_o council_n at_o nice_a in_o the_o cause_n of_o arius_n and_o be_v so_o zealous_a a_o asserter_n of_o the_o nicene_n faith_n banish_v athanasius_n for_o this_o faith_n no_o his_o great_a enemy_n dare_v not_o make_v
his_o faith_n any_o part_n of_o their_o accusation_n though_o it_o be_v the_o only_a reason_n of_o their_o malice_n against_o he_o but_o they_o charge_v he_o with_o a_o great_a many_o other_o crime_n and_o that_o the_o reader_n may_v the_o better_o understand_v by_o what_o spirit_n these_o man_n be_v act_v which_o still_o appear_v in_o this_o author_n i_o shall_v give_v a_o short_a account_n of_o the_o story_n the_o arian_n faction_n head_v by_o eusebius_n of_o nicomedia_n perceive_v how_o impossible_a it_o be_v to_o retrieve_v their_o lose_a cause_n while_o athanasius_n be_v in_o credit_n and_o so_o great_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n have_v ripen_v their_o design_n against_o he_o in_o their_o private_a cabal_n prevail_v with_o constantine_n to_o call_v a_o council_n at_o caesarea_n in_o palestine_n at_o which_o athanasius_n do_v not_o appear_v suspect_v probable_o the_o partiality_n of_o his_o judge_n who_o be_v his_o declare_a enemy_n this_o be_v represent_v at_o court_n as_o a_o contempt_n of_o the_o imperial_a order_n and_o another_o council_n be_v appoint_v at_o tyre_n which_o meet_v ann._n 335._o with_o a_o peremptory_a command_n for_o his_o appearance_n where_o he_o first_o except_v against_o the_o competency_n of_o his_o judge_n but_o that_o be_v overrule_v he_o be_v force_v to_o plead_v and_o first_o he_o be_v charge_v with_o oppression_n and_o cruelty_n particular_o towards_o ischyras_n callinicus_n and_o the_o miletian_a bishop_n but_o this_o fell_a of_o itself_o for_o want_v of_o proof_n in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o be_v accuse_v for_o have_v ravish_v a_o woman_n and_o one_o too_o who_o have_v vow_v virginity_n the_o woman_n be_v bring_v into_o the_o council_n and_o there_o own_v the_o fact_n but_o timotheus_n one_o of_o athanasius_n friend_n personate_v athanasius_n and_o ask_v the_o woman_n whether_o he_o have_v ever_o offer_v such_o violence_n to_o she_o she_o suppose_v he_o to_o have_v be_v athanasius_n roundly_o declare_v he_o to_o be_v the_o man_n who_o have_v do_v the_o fact_n and_o thus_o this_o cheat_n be_v discover_v his_o next_o accusation_n be_v that_o he_o have_v murder_v arsenius_n a_o miletian_a bishop_n who_o hand_n he_o have_v cut_v off_o and_o keep_v by_o he_o for_o some_o magical_a uses_n and_o the_o hand_n dry_v and_o salt_v be_v take_v out_o of_o a_o box_n and_o show_v to_o the_o council_n and_o to_o make_v this_o more_o credible_a they_o have_v of_o a_o long_a time_n convey_v arsenius_n away_o and_o keep_v he_o out_o of_o sight_n but_o he_o have_v make_v his_o escape_n about_o this_o time_n and_o be_v accidental_o meet_v by_o some_o friend_n of_o athanasius_n be_v on_o a_o sudden_a bring_v into_o the_o council_n where_o he_o show_v both_o his_o hand_n safe_a to_o the_o shame_n and_o confusion_n of_o the_o malicious_a inventor_n of_o that_o lye_n this_o fail_v they_o accuse_v he_o of_o impiety_n and_o profanation_n of_o holy_a thing_n that_o his_o ordination_n be_v tumultuary_a and_o irregular_a the_o contrary_a of_o which_o be_v evident_o true_a that_o macarius_n his_o presbyter_n by_o his_o command_n have_v break_v into_o ischyras_n chancel_n while_o he_o be_v perform_v the_o holy_a office_n and_o overturn_v the_o communion-table_n break_v in_o piece_n the_o sacramental_a chalice_n and_o burn_v the_o holy_a book_n all_o which_o ischyras_n be_v present_a to_o attest_v but_o the_o contrary_a in_o every_o branch_n of_o the_o accusation_n be_v make_v apparent_a and_o the_o whole_a plot_n discover_v by_o a_o write_n under_o ischyras_n his_o own_o hand_n sufficient_o attest_v after_o all_o these_o shameful_a baffle_v they_o will_v not_o give_v over_o but_o send_v commissioner_n from_o the_o synod_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n upon_o the_o place_n and_o have_v rake_v together_o any_o thing_n which_o they_o can_v make_v look_n like_o evidence_n though_o gain_v by_o the_o most_o barbarous_a cruelty_n and_o other_o vile_a art_n they_o return_v to_o the_o council_n who_o without_o more_o ado_n condemn_v and_o depose_v athanasius_n from_o his_o bishopric_n and_o command_v he_o to_o go_v no_o more_o to_o alexandria_n upon_o this_o he_o withdraw_v himself_o and_o go_v to_o court_n pray_v the_o emperor_n for_o a_o more_o fair_a and_o impartial_a trial_n who_o thereupon_o send_v to_o the_o council_n then_o adjourn_v to_o jerusalem_n to_o come_v to_o constantinople_n and_o make_v good_a their_o charge_n five_o commissioner_n appear_v who_o join_v with_o some_o other_o who_o they_o can_v get_v together_o form_v a_o small_a synod_n but_o not_o dare_v to_o insist_v upon_o their_o former_a accusation_n start_v up_o a_o new_a charge_n more_o like_a to_o take_v at_o court_n viz._n that_o he_o have_v threaten_v to_o stop_v the_o emperor_n fleet_n that_o yearly_o transport_v corn_n from_o alexandria_n to_o constantinople_n which_o be_v as_o true_a and_o as_o probable_a a_o story_n as_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n but_o they_o tell_v this_o with_o such_o confidence_n and_o urge_v the_o ill_a consequence_n of_o it_o so_o home_o upon_o the_o emperor_n that_o they_o prevail_v with_o he_o to_o banish_v athanasius_n to_o trier_n in_o germany_n if_o this_o short_a story_n do_v not_o make_v our_o author_n blush_v he_o be_v possess_v with_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o the_o tyrian_a father_n but_o to_o proceed_v he_o be_v also_o condemn_v in_o his_o own_o life_n time_n by_o six_o council_n as_o a_o heretic_n and_o seditious_a person_n of_o these_o council_n that_o at_o milan_n consist_v of_o three_o hundred_o bishop_n and_o that_o of_o ariminum_n of_o five_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o the_o great_a convention_n of_o bishop_n that_o ever_o be_v this_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n against_o he_o and_o his_o doctrine_n occasion_v that_o famous_a proverb_n athanasius_n against_o all_o the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o world_n against_o athanasius_n answer_n this_o be_v all_o sham._n i_o grant_v athanasius_n be_v condemn_v by_o several_a arian_n conventicle_n which_o he_o profane_o call_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o his_o own_o life_n time_n but_o i_o deny_v that_o he_o be_v condemn_v as_o a_o heretic_n or_o that_o he_o be_v condemn_v for_o his_o faith_n we_o have_v see_v the_o account_n of_o his_o condemnation_n by_o the_o council_n of_o tyre_n already_o and_o for_o what_o pretend_a crime_n he_o be_v condemn_v without_o the_o least_o mention_n of_o his_o heresy_n for_o if_o this_o author_n understand_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o story_n of_o those_o time_n he_o must_v know_v that_o though_o the_o arian_n cause_n be_v vigorous_o and_o furious_o promote_v yet_o it_o be_v do_v more_o covert_o since_o that_o fatal_a blow_n which_o be_v give_v it_o by_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a who_o authority_n be_v too_o sacred_a to_o be_v easy_o bear_v down_o and_o therefore_o they_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o unsettle_v the_o nicene_n faith_n nay_o pretend_a to_o own_o it_o though_o they_o do_v not_o like_o the_o word_n homoousios_a and_o therefore_o form_v various_a creed_n as_o they_o pretend_v to_o the_o same_o sense_n without_o that_o litigious_a word_n which_o show_v that_o it_o be_v not_o time_n of_o day_n for_o they_o to_o accuse_v athanasius_n of_o heresy_n but_o of_o such_o other_o crime_n as_o may_v condemn_v and_o depose_v he_o and_o remove_v he_o out_o of_o the_o way_n that_o he_o may_v not_o hinder_v their_o design_n thus_o in_o the_o council_n at_o antioch_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o constantius_n 341_o the_o old_a calumny_n be_v revive_v against_o athanasius_n and_o he_o depose_v again_o after_o he_o have_v be_v restore_v by_o constantine_n the_o young_a and_o george_n the_o cappadocian_n a_o man_n of_o mean_a birth_n base_a education_n and_o worse_a temper_n for_o they_o can_v find_v no_o better_a man_n that_o will_v accept_v it_o be_v advance_v to_o the_o patriarchal_a chair_n but_o all_o this_o while_n he_o be_v charge_v with_o no_o heresy_n in_o faith_n but_o that_o his_o return_n to_o alexandria_n have_v occasion_v great_a trouble_n and_o sorrow_n there_o and_o the_o effusion_n of_o much_o blood_n that_o be_v condemn_v by_o a_o synod_n and_o not_o restore_v again_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o synod_n he_o re-assumed_n his_o chair_n again_o contrary_a to_o the_o canon_n etc._n etc._n upon_o this_o athanasius_n flee_v to_o rome_n where_o in_o a_o synod_n of_o western_a bishop_n he_o be_v absolve_v and_o restore_v to_o communion_n contrary_a to_o the_o earnest_a solicitation_n of_o the_o council_n of_o antioch_n anno_fw-la 347_o a_o council_n of_o eastern_a and_o western_a bishop_n be_v call_v at_o sardica_n where_o the_o eastern_a bishop_n who_o be_v most_o of_o they_o arian_n or_o favourer_n of_o that_o party_n refuse_v to_o join_v with_o they_o of_o the_o west_n and_o act_v in_o a_o separate_a assembly_n and_o have_v bring_v with_o they_o count_n musonianus_n and_o hesychius_n a_o officer_n of_o the_o