23._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 165._o l._n 17._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 188._o l._n 16._o marg_n r._n ex_fw-la iâ—demutabilis_fw-la p._n 208._o l._n 24._o identity_n p._n 216._o l._n 5._o â—_o man_n r._n man._n p._n 225._o l._n 34._o marg_n r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 230._o l._n 2._o r._n identity_n p._n 236._o l._n 14._o marg_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 245._o l._n 10._o r._n a_o angel_n p._n 304._o l._n 2._o marg_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 322._o l._n 12._o de_fw-fr trin._n l._n 2._o marg_n l._n 15._o de_fw-fr trin._n l._n 7._o &_o l._n 32_o videri_fw-la p._n 347._o l._n 14._o r._n his_o p._n 349._o l._n 12_o 13._o r._n wherever_o p_o 350_o marg_n l._n 8._o r_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o curious_a reader_n may_v observe_v â—ome_o other_o mistake_v which_o i_o hope_v will_v not_o disturb_v the_o sense_n the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o socinian_n controversy_n chap._n i._n sect_n i._o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o socinian_n controversy_n the_o unreasonableness_n of_o it_o and_o how_o to_o reduce_v the_o dispute_n to_o the_o original_a question_n the_o faith_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n be_v so_o fundamental_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o if_o christianity_n be_v worth_a contend_v for_o that_o be_v for_o if_o god_n have_v not_o a_o eternal_a son_n and_o a_o eternal_a spirit_n the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o our_o redemption_n by_o christ_n and_o of_o our_o sanctification_n by_o the_o spirit_n which_o in_o its_o consequence_n be_v the_o whole_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o distinguish_v it_o from_o all_o other_o religion_n be_v utter_o lose_v those_o various_a heresy_n relate_v to_o the_o divinity_n person_n and_o office_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o begin_v to_o appear_v even_o in_o the_o apostolic_a age_n and_o have_v ever_o since_o under_o several_a form_n and_o disguise_n disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v proof_n enough_o how_o much_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o mankind_n think_v himself_o concern_v by_o all_o possible_a mean_n to_o corrupt_v this_o faith_n and_o that_o great_a unwearied_a unconquerable_a zeal_n wherewith_o the_o catholic_n father_n have_v always_o defend_v this_o faith_n show_v of_o what_o importance_n they_o think_v it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n and_o aught_o to_o give_v no_o scandal_n to_o christian_n that_o these_o dispute_n be_v again_o revive_v among_o we_o with_o as_o much_o fury_n and_o insolence_n as_o ever_o for_o there_o never_o be_v a_o more_o unhappy_a season_n for_o the_o enemy_n to_o sow_v his_o tare_n but_o that_o which_o be_v most_o to_o be_v lament_v be_v that_o the_o lukewarmness_n of_o some_o and_o the_o intemperate_a zeal_n of_o other_o have_v give_v great_a scandal_n to_o the_o world_n and_o more_o shake_v the_o faith_n of_o christian_n than_o all_o the_o opposition_n of_o our_o adversary_n can_v have_v do_v i_o need_v say_v no_o more_o the_o case_n be_v too_o well_o know_v and_o the_o evil_a effect_n too_o visible_a among_o we_o i_o will_v make_v no_o new_a quarrel_n if_o i_o can_v help_v it_o but_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o prevent_v the_o mischief_n of_o what_o have_v already_o happen_v as_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o secure_v the_o faith_n of_o christian_n and_o to_o wrest_v those_o weapon_n out_o of_o our_o enemy_n hand_n which_o some_o profess_a friend_n have_v unwary_o furnish_v they_o with_o to_o do_v this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o restore_v this_o controversy_n to_o its_o original_a state_n and_o take_v off_o those_o vizard_n which_o make_v it_o appear_v very_o frightful_a to_o ordinary_a christian_n this_o dispute_n about_o the_o holy_a and_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n have_v of_o late_o be_v dress_v up_o anew_o with_o some_o old_a school-term_n which_o how_o proper_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v to_o give_v learned_a man_n a_o more_o distinct_a idea_n and_o conception_n of_o that_o adorable_a mystery_n only_o amuse_v common_a christian_n and_o confound_v they_o instead_o of_o teach_v they_o better_o this_o as_o it_o be_v at_o first_o occasion_v by_o heretic_n who_o deny_v or_o corrupt_v the_o christian_a faith_n which_o force_v the_o catholic_n father_n to_o use_v some_o unscriptural_a termâ—_n which_o by_o degree_n improve_v into_o great_a subtlety_n and_o disturb_v the_o church_n with_o very_o nice_a and_o wrangle_a dispute_n so_o our_o modern_a socinian_n at_o this_o day_n place_n the_o main_a strength_n of_o their_o cause_n in_o these_o dispute_n and_o think_v it_o a_o sufficient_a confutation_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n that_o the_o trinitarian_n themselves_o can_v agree_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o person_n hypostasis_fw-la substance_n nature_n essence_n nor_o in_o what_o sense_n god_n be_v one_o and_o three_o but_o advance_v very_o different_a and_o as_o they_o think_v contrary_a hypothesis_n to_o reconcile_v the_o unity_n of_o god_n with_o the_o distinction_n of_o three_o person_n in_o the_o godhead_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o what_o be_v fundamental_a in_o this_o faith_n and_o such_o metaphysical_a speculation_n as_o if_o no_o man_n can_v believe_v in_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n without_o determine_v all_o the_o dispute_n of_o the_o school_n learned_a man_n may_v dispute_v these_o matter_n and_o thing_n may_v so_o happen_v as_o to_o make_v such_o dispute_v necessary_a but_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n may_v be_v secure_v and_o heresy_n may_v be_v confute_v without_o they_o the_o faith_n be_v plain_a and_o certain_a even_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o religion_n but_o man_n may_v leap_v out_o of_o their_o depth_n where_o they_o can_v find_v no_o foot_n and_o when_o such_o question_n be_v ask_v as_o no_o man_n can_v certain_o answer_v it_o be_v very_o likely_a that_o they_o will_v be_v answer_v very_o different_a way_n and_o upon_o very_o different_a hypothesis_n and_o there_o be_v no_o great_a hurt_n in_o this_o neither_o while_o these_o different_a hypothesis_n be_v neither_o make_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n nor_o new_a heresy_n but_o serve_v only_o for_o hypothesis_n to_o give_v a_o probable_a answer_n to_o such_o question_n as_o ought_v never_o to_o have_v be_v ask_v and_o to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o heretic_n when_o they_o charge_v the_o catholic_n faith_n with_o nonsense_n and_o contradiction_n to_o distinguish_v right_o between_o these_o two_o will_v set_v this_o controversy_n upon_o its_o true_a ancient_a bottom_n which_o will_v spoil_v the_o triumph_n of_o our_o adversary_n and_o possible_o may_v rectify_v the_o mistake_v and_o allay_v and_o qualify_v the_o intemperate_a heat_n and_o animosity_n of_o those_o who_o a_o common_a faith_n ought_v to_o make_v friend_n sect_n ii_o how_o to_o reduce_v this_o dispute_n concern_v the_o trinity_n to_o scripture_n term_n the_o catholic_n father_n have_v always_o appeal_v to_o the_o form_n of_o baptism_n as_o the_o rule_n and_o standard_n of_o faith_n that_o as_o we_o be_v baptize_v so_o we_o must_v believe_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 this_o be_v a_o plain_a simple_a faith_n which_o every_o christian_a may_v understand_v and_o which_o every_o christian_a must_v profess_v that_o there_o be_v a_o eternal_a father_n who_o have_v a_o eternal_a son_n and_o a_o eternal_a spirit_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o inseparable_o unite_v to_o himself_o and_o that_o this_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o joint_a object_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o worship_n this_o be_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o we_o be_v concern_v to_o defend_v against_o our_o adversary_n and_o will_v man_n stick_v to_o this_o without_o engage_v in_o philosophical_a dispute_n which_o we_o know_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o and_o which_o the_o scripture_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o we_o shall_v soon_o find_v how_o weak_a and_o impotent_a all_o the_o attempt_v of_o heretic_n will_v prove_v whatever_o dispute_v there_o be_v about_o the_o signification_n of_o those_o word_n nature_n essence_n substance_n person_n hypostasis_fw-la subsistence_n relation_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v no_o dispute_n about_o the_o signification_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a spirit_n we_o have_v natural_a idea_n belong_v to_o these_o word_n when_o apply_v to_o creature_n and_o when_o god_n be_v please_v in_o scripture_n to_o represent_v himself_o to_o we_o under_o thâ—se_a character_n if_o we_o must_v understand_v any_o thing_n by_o they_o we_o can_v understand_v nothing_o else_o but_o what_o the_o word_n signify_v all_o the_o world_n over_o only_o allow_v for_o that_o infinite_a distance_n there_o be_v between_o god_n and_o creature_n which_o require_v we_o to_o abstract_n from_o all_o material_a and_o creature_n imperfection_n we_o
be_v but_o one_o god_n but_o yet_o require_v we_o to_o believe_v his_o eternal_a son_n to_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n and_o his_o eternal_a spirit_n to_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v very_o reconcilable_a with_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n for_o as_o far_o as_o revelation_n must_v decide_v this_o dispute_n we_o be_v as_o much_o oblige_v to_o believe_v that_o the_o father_n be_v god_n the_o son_n god_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n god_n as_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n those_o who_o will_v not_o acquiesce_v in_o this_o must_v appeal_v from_o scripture_n to_o natural_a reason_n which_o be_v a_o very_a absurd_a and_o impudent_a appeal_n for_o the_o plain_a sense_n of_o it_o be_v this_o that_o they_o will_v believe_v their_o own_o reason_n before_o the_o scripture_n in_o matter_n relate_v to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o unity_n which_o all_o wise_a man_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v so_o much_o above_o human_a comprehension_n that_o be_v that_o they_o know_v the_o unity_n of_o god_n better_a than_o god_n himself_o do_v or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o they_o will_v never_o believe_v any_o revelation_n to_o come_v from_o god_n or_o any_o thing_n how_o express_a soever_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o revelation_n any_o far_a than_o their_o own_o reason_n approve_v it_o of_o which_o more_o elsewhere_o and_o yet_o i_o dare_v appeal_n to_o any_o man_n of_o a_o free_a and_o unbiased_a reason_n in_o this_o cause_n what_o be_v that_o natural_a notion_n we_o have_v of_o one_o god_n be_v it_o any_o thing_n more_o than_o that_o there_o be_v and_o can_v be_v but_o one_o eternal_a self-originated_n be_v who_o be_v the_o principle_n or_o cause_n of_o all_o other_o being_n and_o do_v not_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o all_o trinitarian_n with_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n own_o this_o do_v not_o all_o the_o christian_a creed_n teach_v we_o to_o profess_v our_o faith_n in_o one_o god_n the_o father_n from_o who_o the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n receive_v their_o godhead_n thus_o far_o then_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o the_o catholic_n faith_n agree_v do_v reason_n then_o deny_v that_o god_n can_v beget_v of_o himself_o a_o eternal_a son_n his_o own_o perfect_a image_n and_o likeness_n if_o it_o do_v than_o indeed_o scripture_n and_o reason_n contradict_v each_o other_o but_o i_o believe_v these_o man_n will_v not_o pretend_v to_o prove_v from_o reason_n that_o god_n can_v not_o beget_v a_o eternal_a son_n and_o if_o this_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o reason_n as_o i_o be_o certain_a it_o never_o can_v than_o reason_n do_v not_o contradict_v scripture_n which_o teach_v we_o that_o god_n have_v a_o only_o beget_v son_n and_o if_o god_n have_v a_o only_o beget_v son_n reason_n will_v teach_v we_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n must_v be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n and_o yet_o not_o another_o god_n because_o he_o have_v one_o and_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o his_o father_n this_o be_v all_o that_o any_o christian_a need_n to_o believe_v concern_v this_o matter_n and_o all_o this_o every_o christian_a may_v understand_v and_o all_o this_o every_o one_o who_o sincere_o believe_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n do_v and_o must_v agree_v in_o those_o who_o do_v not_o i_o will_v at_o any_o time_n undertake_v to_o prove_v to_o be_v secret_a heretic_n and_o enemy_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o as_o for_o those_o who_o do_v i_o will_v never_o dispute_v with_o they_o about_o some_o term_n of_o art_n and_o the_o propriety_n of_o word_n in_o a_o matter_n which_o be_v so_o much_o above_o all_o word_n and_o form_n of_o speech_n and_o here_o i_o leave_v this_o matter_n upon_o a_o sure_a bottom_n and_o here_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o join_v issue_n with_o our_o socinian_n adversary_n our_o only_a controversy_n as_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n with_o they_o be_v whether_o the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n each_o of_o they_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n if_o we_o can_v prove_v this_o which_o have_v be_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o all_o age_n we_o need_v dispute_v no_o other_o matter_n with_o they_o nor_o can_v any_o dispute_n among_o ourselves_o give_v any_o support_n to_o their_o cause_n a_o dispute_n about_o word_n may_v look_v like_o a_o difference_n in_o faith_n when_o both_o contend_a party_n may_v mean_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o those_o must_v do_v who_o sincere_o own_o and_o believe_v that_o the_o son_n be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n and_o that_o neither_o of_o they_o be_v the_o father_n nor_o each_o other_o and_o therefore_o those_o different_a explication_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n which_o the_o socinian_o of_o late_o have_v so_o much_o triumph_v in_o and_o make_v more_o and_o great_a than_o real_o they_o be_v and_o more_o senseless_a too_o by_o their_o false_a representation_n can_v do_v they_o no_o real_a service_n among_o wise_a man_n though_o it_o may_v help_v to_o amuse_v the_o ignorant_a if_o any_o man_n have_v subtle_o distinguish_v away_o the_o catholic_n faith_n they_o may_v take_v they_o to_o themselves_o and_o increase_v their_o party_n by_o they_o but_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n as_o i_o hope_v it_o be_v not_o it_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o catholic_n faith_n that_o some_o man_n open_o oppose_v it_o and_o other_o at_o least_o in_o some_o man_n opinion_n do_v secret_o undermine_v it_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o guard_v the_o christian_a faith_n against_o all_o inconvenient_a or_o dangerous_a explication_n which_o seem_v to_o approach_v near_o heresy_n if_o this_o be_v do_v with_o due_a christian_a temper_n and_o moderation_n but_o i_o hope_v the_o dispute_n of_o the_o trinitarian_n be_v not_o so_o irreconcilable_a but_o that_o they_o will_v all_o unite_v against_o a_o pestilent_a and_o insolent_a heresy_n which_o now_o promise_v itself_o glorious_a success_n only_o from_o their_o private_a quarrel_n chap._n ii_o a_o examination_n of_o some_o consideration_n concern_v the_o trinity_n sect_n i._o concern_v the_o way_n of_o manage_v this_o controversy_n before_o i_o put_v a_o end_n to_o this_o discourse_n it_o will_v contribute_v very_o much_o to_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v and_o give_v a_o clear_a notion_n of_o the_o use_n of_o it_o to_o apply_v these_o principle_n to_o the_o examination_n of_o a_o late_a treatise_n entitle_v some_o consideration_n concern_v the_o trinity_n the_o author_n i_o know_v not_o he_o write_v with_o temper_n and_o though_o he_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o find_v fault_n he_o do_v it_o civil_o and_o therefore_o he_o ought_v to_o meet_v with_o civil_a usage_n and_o so_o he_o shall_v from_o i_o as_o far_o as_o the_o bare_a censure_n of_o his_o principle_n will_v admit_v i_o be_v i_o confess_v startle_v at_o the_o first_o entrance_n to_o find_v he_o own_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o these_o point_n concern_v the_o trinity_n 1._o for_o if_o after_o the_o most_o perfect_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o we_o must_v ever_o expect_v and_o the_o universal_a tradition_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n for_o above_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n this_o faith_n be_v still_o uncertain_a it_o be_v time_n to_o leave_v off_o all_o inquiry_n about_o it_o as_o for_o the_o many_o absurd_a and_o blasphemous_a exposition_n that_o have_v be_v make_v of_o this_o doctrine_n if_o by_o they_o he_o mean_v the_o ancient_a heresy_n which_o infest_a the_o church_n they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o render_v our_o faith_n uncertain_a that_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v he_o anon_o the_o very_a condemnation_n of_o those_o heresy_n by_o the_o catholic_n church_n give_v we_o a_o more_o certain_a account_n what_o the_o true_a catholic_n faith_n be_v i_o agree_v with_o he_o that_o the_o warm_a and_o indiscreet_a management_n of_o contrary_a party_n have_v be_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o religion_n among_o unthinking_a people_n who_o hence_o conclude_v the_o uncertainty_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o it_o concern_v good_a man_n to_o remove_v this_o prejudice_n by_o distinguish_v the_o catholic_n faith_n from_o the_o dispute_n about_o ecclesiastical_a word_n and_o the_o catholic_n sense_n of_o they_o and_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v this_o may_v be_v do_v and_o then_o the_o faith_n be_v secure_a notwithstanding_o these_o dispute_n and_o as_o for_o any_o other_o offence_n or_o scandal_n let_v those_o look_v to_o it_o who_o either_o give_v or_o take_v it_o this_o considerer_n dislike_v all_o the_o way_n and_o method_n which_o have_v hitherto_o be_v take_v to_o compose_v these_o dispute_n 1._o he_o
a_o great_a and_o unconceivable_a mystery_n and_o have_v always_o be_v own_v to_o be_v so_o by_o the_o catholic_n church_n we_o have_v no_o notion_n or_o idea_n of_o it_o but_o no_o more_o have_v we_o of_o the_o eternal_a existence_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n itself_o without_o any_o cause_n or_o beginning_n or_o of_o the_o creation_n of_o all_o thing_n out_o of_o nothing_o or_o of_o the_o natural_a production_n and_o propagation_n of_o create_a being_n our_o present_a inquiry_n be_v not_o concern_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o eternal_a generation_n but_o concern_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o father_n and_o son_n in_o what_o sense_n they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o same_o substance_n and_o that_o the_o eternal_a generation_n give_v a_o account_n of_o for_o if_o the_o father_n communicate_v his_o whole_a nature_n and_o substance_n to_o the_o son_n without_o division_n and_o separation_n which_o be_v the_o catholic_n faith_n the_o son_n must_v of_o necessity_n have_v the_o same_o one_o substance_n with_o the_o father_n for_o a_o whole_a same_o of_o a_o whole_a same_o can_v be_v another_o and_o therefore_o must_v be_v the_o same_o one_o substance_n whole_a of_o whole_a st._n athanasius_n reason_n very_o subtle_o against_o the_o arian_n upon_o this_o point_n they_o teach_v that_o the_o son_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d make_v of_o nothing_o as_o other_o creature_n be_v then_o say_v he_o he_o must_v be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o participation_n what_o be_v it_o then_o he_o partake_v of_o other_o creature_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v give_v by_o the_o son_n not_o the_o son_n as_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n sanctify_v by_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o spirit_n receive_v all_o from_o father_n and_o son_n not_o the_o son_n from_o the_o spirit_n he_o must_v then_o partake_v of_o the_o father_n but_o what_o be_v that_o and_o whence_o be_v it_o 322._o if_o that_o he_o partake_v of_o be_v something_o extraessential_a to_o the_o father_n which_o be_v not_o the_o father_n nature_n and_o essence_n than_o he_o do_v not_o partake_v of_o the_o father_n but_o of_o that_o extraessential_a be_v whatever_o it_o be_v and_o then_o he_o be_v not_o second_v to_o the_o father_n that_o whereof_o he_o partake_v be_v before_o he_o nor_o be_v he_o the_o son_n of_o the_o father_n but_o of_o that_o extraessential_a be_v or_o nature_n by_o the_o participation_n of_o which_o he_o obtain_v the_o title_n and_o character_n of_o son_n and_o god_n but_o this_o be_v very_o absurd_a since_o the_o father_n call_v he_o his_o belove_a son_n and_o the_o son_n call_v god_n his_o own_o father_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o a_o son_n by_o extraessential_a participation_n but_o son_n be_v the_o name_n of_o he_o who_o participate_v in_o the_o nature_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o father_n but_o then_o again_o if_o that_o which_o be_v participate_v of_o the_o father_n be_v not_o the_o nature_n and_o essence_n of_o the_o son_n the_o same_o absurdity_n return_v there_o be_v some_o middle_a term_n between_o these_o two_o to_o be_v of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o son_n whatever_o that_o nature_n be_v which_o prove_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o son_n be_v not_o of_o the_o father_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v not_o the_o son_n of_o the_o father_n for_o nature_n make_v a_o son_n all_o this_o be_v so_o absurd_a it_o be_v necessary_a to_o own_o that_o the_o true_a genuine_a son_n of_o god_n be_v all_o that_o he_o be_v of_o the_o essence_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o father_n for_o when_o god_n be_v thus_o whole_o and_o perfect_o participate_v it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o to_o say_v that_o god_n beget_v and_o to_o beget_v signify_v that_o he_o beget_v a_o son_n and_o therefore_o though_o all_o thing_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n partake_v of_o the_o son_n he_o will_v not_o allow_v we_o to_o say_v ibid._n that_o the_o son_n partake_v of_o any_o thing_n which_o imply_v that_o the_o son_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o that_o which_o he_o partake_v of_o be_v another_o but_o that_o which_o be_v the_o participation_n of_o the_o father_n that_o be_v the_o son_n this_o be_v the_o most_o natural_a and_o essential_a unity_n that_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v conceive_v that_o the_o whole_a son_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o whole_a entire_a immediate_a participation_n of_o the_o father_n substance_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v as_o perfect_o one_o with_o the_o father_n as_o the_o father_n be_v one_o for_o there_o be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o substance_n which_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o father_n and_o by_o a_o eternal_a and_o ineffable_a generation_n the_o substance_n also_o of_o the_o son_n though_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v three_o real_a distinct_a person_n and_o each_o of_o they_o have_v the_o whole_a entire_a divine_a nature_n in_o himself_o yet_o there_o be_v but_o one_o divine_a nature_n one_o divinity_n in_o they_o all_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v but_o one_o god_n this_o be_v the_o account_n st._n hilary_n give_v why_o we_o may_v say_v god_n be_v one_o and_o one_o and_o one_o but_o not_o three_o god_n because_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v not_o multiply_v with_o the_o person_n thus_o speak_v of_o the_o father_n and_o son_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o son_n be_v one_o of_o one_o 4._o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v both_o one_o for_o between_o one_o and_o one_o that_o be_v one_o of_o one_o there_o be_v no_o sâ—cond_o nature_n of_o the_o eternal_a divinity_n for_o as_o he_o add_v elsewhere_o unius_fw-la the_o nature_n of_o the_o father_n be_v bear_v in_o the_o nativity_n of_o the_o son_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o father_n and_o son_n be_v one_o god_n because_o the_o son_n be_v god_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n but_o their_o be_v thus_o one_o do_v not_o destroy_v the_o subsist_v nature_n of_o the_o son_n but_o in_o god_n and_o god_n preserve_v the_o nature_n of_o one_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o true_a absolute_a and_o perfect_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v ibid._n to_o confess_v god_n of_o god_n and_o god_n in_o god_n not_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o body_n but_o by_o divine_a power_n not_o by_o transfusion_n of_o nature_n into_o nature_n but_o by_o the_o mystery_n and_o power_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o god_n be_v of_o god_n not_o by_o dissection_n protension_n or_o derivation_n but_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n subsist_v by_o his_o birth_n in_o the_o same_o nature_n not_o so_o the_o same_o nature_n that_o he_o who_o be_v bear_v be_v he_o himself_o who_o beget_v for_o how_o be_v that_o possible_a since_o he_o be_v beget_v but_o he_o who_o be_v beget_v subsist_v in_o the_o same_o whole_a entire_a nature_n which_o be_v his_o whole_a entire_a nature_n who_o beget_v and_o this_o perfect_a unity_n sameness_n identity_n of_o nature_n he_o resolve_v into_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o divine_a generation_n virtute_fw-la naturoe_n &_o mysterio_fw-la &_o potestate_fw-la naturoe_n for_o since_o he_o be_v not_o beget_v of_o any_o other_o substance_n or_o nature_n but_o of_o his_o father_n substance_n and_o that_o not_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o body_n by_o dissection_n protension_n or_o derivation_n but_o by_o the_o mysterious_a power_n of_o the_o divinity_n which_o communicate_v itself_o whole_a and_o perfect_a there_o must_v be_v the_o same_o one_o divinity_n in_o both_o and_o he_o appeal_v to_o every_o man_n understanding_n 6._o what_o the_o natural_a interpretation_n of_o these_o word_n be_v that_o the_o son_n be_v of_o the_o father_n for_o can_v of_o the_o father_n signify_v that_o he_o be_v of_o any_o other_o than_o the_o father_n or_o that_o he_o be_v of_o nothing_o or_o that_o he_o be_v the_o father_n himself_o he_o be_v not_o of_o another_o because_o he_o be_v of_o the_o father_n for_o a_o son_n can_v be_v god_n if_o he_o have_v any_o other_o father_n but_o god_n and_o therefore_o be_v god_n of_o god_n he_o can_v be_v of_o nothing_o because_o he_o be_v of_o the_o father_n and_o whoever_o be_v beget_v must_v be_v beget_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o he_o who_o beget_v he_o be_v not_o the_o father_n himself_o because_o he_o be_v of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o birth_n of_o the_o son_n speak_v a_o necessary_a relation_n to_o the_o father_n now_o a_o son_n who_o be_v so_o of_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o father_n ibid._n as_o to_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o be_v from_o the_o father_n and_o to_o be_v all_o that_o the_o father_n be_v whole_a of_o whole_a must_v have_v the_o same_o one_o nature_n substance_n and_o divinity_n with_o the_o father_n for_o whole_a of_o whole_a must_v be_v the_o
proper_a speak_n with_o reference_n to_o this_o sameness_n of_o nature_n any_o more_o say_v that_o there_o be_v three_o man_n than_o that_o there_o be_v three_o humanity_n when_o a_o man_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o subsist_v idea_n of_o humanity_n will_v not_o as_o far_o as_o this_o sameness_n and_o identity_n reach_v human_a nature_n be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o mere_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d both_o one_o and_o a_o common_a nature_n not_o mere_o by_o a_o logical_a and_o notional_a unity_n and_o community_n but_o by_o a_o actual_a subsistence_n in_o all_o without_o the_o least_o difference_n or_o diversity_n as_o the_o idea_n of_o human_a nature_n be_v both_o one_o and_o common_a to_o the_o whole_a kind_a this_o indeed_o be_v but_o a_o imaginary_a case_n as_o to_o finite_a creature_n who_o never_o be_v and_o never_o can_v be_v so_o perfect_o one_o and_o the_o same_o as_o their_o idea_n be_v but_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o most_o sensible_a representation_n we_o can_v make_v of_o the_o sameness_n and_o identity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o have_v real_o and_o actual_o all_o that_o sameness_n and_o identity_n which_o we_o only_o suppose_v in_o creature_n to_o help_v our_o conception_n of_o the_o divine_a unity_n how_o different_a hypostasis_n may_v be_v one_o in_o nature_n by_o this_o sameness_n and_o identy_n of_o nature_n the_o divine_a nature_n and_o essence_n be_v more_o perfect_o simple_a and_o uncompounded_a than_o any_o notion_n and_o idea_n which_o we_o can_v frame_v of_o it_o and_o therefore_o must_v subsist_v as_o simple_o as_o the_o simple_a idea_n and_o consequent_o must_v be_v as_o perfect_o one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o all_o three_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n as_o the_o same_o idea_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o with_o itself_o and_o though_o this_o be_v not_o the_o whole_a notion_n of_o the_o sameness_n and_o identity_n of_o nature_n which_o require_v not_o only_o two_o perfect_a same_o be_v but_o that_o one_o be_v of_o the_o other_o without_o division_n or_o separation_n yet_o this_o be_v essential_a to_o this_o notion_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o identity_n of_o nature_n without_o it_o this_o be_v what_o the_o catholic_n father_n intend_v in_o many_o passage_n which_o some_o modern_a writer_n have_v so_o miserable_o mistake_v and_o misrepresent_v as_o to_o charge_v those_o wise_a man_n and_o learned_a philosopher_n with_o the_o most_o wild_a and_o absurd_a conceit_n and_o those_o great_a advocate_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n with_o the_o worst_a of_o heresy_n even_o tritheism_n itself_o i_o can_v do_v right_o to_o my_o cause_n without_o do_v right_o to_o these_o great_a light_n of_o the_o church_n in_o give_v a_o plain_a account_n of_o this_o matter_n and_o to_o explain_v what_o they_o mean_v by_o this_o sameness_n and_o identity_n of_o nature_n and_o to_o show_v how_o groundless_a this_o imputation_n of_o tritheism_n be_v i_o shall_v begin_v with_o their_o natural_a proof_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n against_o the_o pagan_a polytheism_n which_o they_o unanimous_o resolve_v into_o this_o sameness_n and_o identity_n of_o nature_n they_o prove_v that_o there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o one_o divinity_n because_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o the_o least_o conceivable_a change_n and_o diversity_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v a_o number_n for_o what_o be_v and_o always_o must_v be_v the_o same_o with_o itself_o can_v be_v another_o or_o a_o second_o nature_n and_o one_o divinity_n be_v but_o one_o god_n this_o they_o prove_v from_o all_o the_o notion_n which_o we_o have_v of_o god_n especial_o that_o comprehensive_a one_o of_o a_o absolute_a and_o perfect_a be_v for_o absolute_a perfection_n be_v and_o can_v be_v but_o one_o without_o any_o possibility_n of_o change_n for_o all_o change_n and_o diversity_n must_v be_v either_o for_o the_o better_a or_o for_o the_o worse_o and_o absolute_a perfection_n can_v admit_v of_o neither_o and_o without_o diversity_n and_o alterity_n there_o can_v be_v but_o one._n a_o infinite_a nature_n which_o nothing_o can_v distinguish_v from_o itself_o can_v be_v but_o one_o and_o can_v we_o imagine_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v add_v to_o or_o take_v from_o it_o to_o make_v this_o distinction_n it_o will_v destroy_v not_o only_o its_o unity_n but_o it_o be_v infinity_o too_o it_o will_v indeed_o make_v a_o number_n but_o not_o of_o absolute_a perfect_a being_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o divine_a perfection_n by_o themselves_o praef._n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v any_o difference_n or_o diversity_n and_o consequent_o any_o number_n in_o they_o be_v not_o eternal_a truth_n and_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o omnipotent_a power_n always_o one_o and_o the_o same_o can_v eternal_a truth_n and_o infinite_a wisdom_n in_o any_o thing_n vary_v from_o itself_o to_o make_v two_o eternal_a truth_n and_o infinite_a wisdom_n now_o remove_v all_o possible_a diversity_n and_o you_o necessary_o destroy_v a_o plurality_n of_o god_n for_o a_o perfect_a sameness_n and_o identity_n must_v reduce_v we_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o one_o god_n for_o what_o be_v perfect_o the_o same_o be_v not_o many_o but_o one_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d well!_o but_o can_v there_o be_v more_o than_o one_o of_o these_o eternal_a infinite_o wise_a infinite_o good_a and_o omnipotent_a nature_n no_o for_o if_o this_o nature_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v always_o the_o same_o and_o be_v unmake_v and_o self-originated_n it_o can_v be_v but_o one_o for_o though_o in_o create_v nature_n several_a of_o the_o same_o kind_n may_v be_v make_v according_a to_o the_o same_o pattern_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o idea_n of_o any_o create_a nature_n which_o hinder_v the_o multiplication_n of_o its_o individual_n yet_o a_o nature_n which_o subsist_v of_o itself_o and_o be_v absolute_o uncapable_a of_o any_o diversity_n and_o consequent_o of_o number_n can_v be_v but_o one_o for_o a_o self-subsisting_a nature_n must_v subsist_v according_a to_o its_o own_o essential_a idea_n that_o be_v according_a to_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o that_o be_v but_o one_o for_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v judge_v of_o these_o matter_n what_o we_o can_v possible_o conceive_v shall_v ever_o be_v two_o we_o must_v conclude_v to_o be_v one._n but_o beside_o this_o these_o father_n observe_v that_o if_o there_o be_v more_o than_o one_o self-originated_n divinity_n or_o more_o divine_a nature_n than_o one_o they_o must_v be_v divide_v and_o separate_v from_o each_o other_o for_o if_o to_o the_o sameness_n and_o identity_n of_o nature_n you_o add_v a_o inseparable_a and_o indivisible_a union_n too_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v more_o than_o one._n and_o yet_o two_o or_o more_o such_o divide_a and_o separate_v nature_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n and_o essence_n which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d uncircumscribed_a and_o omnipresent_v whereas_o two_o divide_v and_o separate_v nature_n which_o be_v not_o where_o each_o other_o be_v must_v be_v circumscribe_v and_o not_o omnipresent_v and_o this_o destroy_v the_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o both_o for_o a_o confine_v and_o limit_a presence_n as_o it_o be_v a_o imperfection_n itself_o so_o confine_n and_o limit_n all_o other_o perfection_n as_o it_o confine_v wisdom_n power_n and_o goodness_n within_o a_o certain_a limit_a sphere_n of_o action_n and_o now_o it_o may_v be_v some_o may_v think_v that_o these_o argument_n conclude_v as_o strong_o against_o a_o trinity_n of_o divine_a person_n each_o of_o which_o be_v by_o himself_o true_a and_o perfect_a god_n as_o against_o a_o plurality_n of_o divide_a and_o separate_a divinity_n and_o upon_o second_o thought_n i_o suspect_v this_o may_v be_v what_o our_o considerer_n intend_v in_o those_o surprise_v argument_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o idea_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o position_n and_o place_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o single_a person_n in_o the_o true_a and_o proper_a notion_n of_o a_o person_n for_o a_o intelligent_a person_n in_o the_o trinity_n this_o to_o be_v sure_o be_v the_o argument_n which_o a_o socinian_n writer_n allege_v with_o so_o much_o triumph_v out_o of_o athenagoras_n to_o disprove_v the_o trinity_n though_o that_o very_o ancient_a and_o learned_a writer_n understand_v very_o well_o the_o difference_n between_o polytheism_n and_o the_o trinity_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n confute_v the_o one_o and_o profess_v the_o other_o which_o may_v have_v make_v that_o author_n suspect_v that_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o true_a force_n of_o this_o argument_n since_o not_o only_o athenagoras_n but_o all_o the_o other_o father_n think_v it_o a_o good_a argument_n against_o polytheism_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n