platonism_n unveil_v or_o a_o essay_n concern_v the_o notion_n and_o opinion_n of_o plato_n and_o some_o ancient_n and_o modern_a divine_n his_o follower_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o logos_fw-la or_o word_n in_o particular_a and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n in_o general_n in_o two_o part_n anno_fw-la dom._n 1700._o advertisement_n to_o the_o reader_n the_o author_n of_o this_o piece_n as_o i_o may_v say_v be_v stop_v in_o the_o very_a middle_n of_o his_o course_n he_o intend_v to_o have_v add_v a_o three_o part_n to_o the_o two_o other_o which_o be_v publish_v and_o in_o it_o to_o have_v examine_v what_o divinity_n the_o holy_a scripture_n attribute_v to_o jesus_n christ_n he_o will_v have_v confine_v himself_o to_o what_o the_o four_o evangelist_n acquaint_v we_o concern_v it_o and_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o the_o mean_a capacity_n that_o the_o idea_n those_o sacred_a writer_n have_v give_v we_o be_v very_o wide_a from_o such_o as_o the_o ancient_n put_v upon_o they_o and_o the_o modern_n have_v espouse_v but_o death_n prevent_v the_o execution_n of_o this_o design_n and_o hinder_v the_o public_a from_o reap_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o however_o if_o this_o essay_n meet_v with_o the_o approbation_n it_o merit_v the_o world_n may_v be_v oblige_v with_o a_o dissertation_n the_o author_n have_v leave_v upon_o the_o gospel_n of_o st._n john_n it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o this_o excellent_a man_n that_o he_o be_v a_o person_n of_o very_a great_a penetration_n as_o well_o as_o piety_n and_o that_o he_o make_v the_o study_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n his_o great_a entertainment_n he_o have_v nothing_o in_o view_n but_o a_o search_n after_o truth_n which_o when_o he_o have_v find_v he_o embrace_v it_o with_o all_o his_o heart_n for_o he_o be_v incapable_a of_o betray_v or_o disguise_v it_o for_o any_o secular_a interest_n whatever_o this_o plain_a deal_n draw_v upon_o he_o many_o enemy_n but_o his_o patience_n in_o a_o manner_n overcome_v all_o and_o the_o firm_a hope_n he_o have_v of_o a_o better_a life_n after_o this_o do_v always_o support_v he_o under_o all_o the_o trial_n through_o which_o the_o calumny_n and_o malice_n of_o his_o enemy_n have_v force_v he_o his_o friend_n have_v this_o comfort_n however_o that_o those_o very_a persecutor_n can_v not_o refuse_v he_o when_o alive_a nor_o since_o his_o death_n the_o eulogy_n that_o his_o virtue_n draw_v from_o they_o and_o according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o this_o present_a age_n they_o take_v care_n in_o his_o behalf_n to_o distinguish_v the_o moral_n from_o the_o doctrine_n the_o public_a will_v see_v by_o what_o be_v bear_v represent_v to_o they_o what_o judgement_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v of_o the_o latter_a the_o translator_n to_o the_o reader_n there_o be_v several_a passage_n in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n that_o be_v very_o uncommon_a and_o extraordinary_a which_o if_o they_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v true_a will_v be_v much_o surprise_v to_o the_o world_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o the_o author_n have_v to_o appearance_n support_v they_o with_o such_o authority_n from_o antiquity_n that_o beside_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o it_o will_v deserve_v the_o pain_n of_o some_o learned_a pen_n to_o confute_v this_o discourse_n to_o reclaim_v some_o who_o have_v and_o other_o who_o may_v imbibe_n this_o author_n opinion_n errata_fw-la pag._n 4._o col._n 2._o lin._n 26._o for_o love_n r._n power_n p._n 13._o c._n 2._o l._n last_o save_v one_o r._n in_o isaiah_n according_a to_o the_o hebrew_n p._n 21._o c._n 1._o l._n 22._o r._n acquire_v p._n 36._o c._n 1._o l._n 5._o deal_n of_o p._n 39_o c._n 1._o l._n 37._o r._n dwell_v in_o he_o p._n 42._o c._n 2._o l._n 29._o r._n it_o be_v p._n 45._o c._n 1._o l._n 4._o r._n world_n p._n 49._o c._n 2._o l._n 40._o r._n contain_v p._n 64._o c._n 2._o l._n penult_n r._n however_o p._n 81._o c._n 1._o l._n 20._o r._n herself_o platonism_n unveil_v etc._n etc._n the_o first_o part_n chap._n i._n the_o true_a idea_n of_o the_o logos_fw-la god_n dwell_v in_o a_o inaccessible_a light_n where_o no_o one_o can_v either_o find_v or_o comprehend_v he_o be_v yet_o willing_a to_o reveal_v himself_o to_o his_o creature_n either_o by_o the_o way_n of_o a_o manifestation_n without_o or_o by_o the_o way_n of_o communication_n within_o to_o manifest_v himself_o 1._o he_o environ_n himself_o with_o a_o supernatural_a light_n whence_o he_o cause_v his_o voice_n to_o be_v hear_v and_o declare_v his_o will._n it_o be_v thence_o that_o he_o speak_v to_o angel_n for_o be_v invisible_a by_o his_o nature_n even_o in_o reference_n to_o angel_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o whenever_o he_o be_v please_v to_o declare_v his_o order_n to_o these_o minister_a spirit_n he_o shall_v give_v they_o some_o mark_n of_o his_o presence_n in_o some_o certain_a place_n in_o the_o heaven_n and_o make_v his_o will_n know_v this_o manifestation_n be_v so_o lively_a and_o luminous_a that_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n can_v bear_v the_o splendour_n of_o it_o in_o this_o mortal_a life_n none_o but_o the_o glorify_a spirit_n may_v enjoy_v this_o privilege_n in_o common_a with_o the_o angel_n and_o which_o st._n paul_n call_v the_o see_v of_o god_n face_n to_o face_n it_o be_v thus_o without_o doubt_n that_o jesus_n christ_n behold_v he_o mr._n le_fw-fr clerc_n have_v very_o well_o observe_v on_o exod._n 34.18_o that_o moses_n who_o have_v such_o frequent_a testimony_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n desire_v this_o as_o a_o singular_a advantage_n that_o god_n who_o use_v to_o show_v himself_o in_o a_o cloud_n will_v vouchsafe_v at_o last_o to_o discover_v to_o he_o his_o glory_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o he_o do_v in_o heaven_n but_o this_o be_v too_o much_o for_o a_o mortal_a this_o glorious_a presence_n be_v a_o advantage_n reserve_v for_o the_o angel_n as_o i_o say_v before_o and_o without_o doubt_n it_o be_v in_o such_o like_a splendour_n that_o he_o present_v himself_o before_o they_o when_o he_o design_v to_o create_v the_o world_n and_o pronounce_v these_o word_n let_v there_o be_v light_n at_o least_o this_o be_v the_o sentiment_n of_o basil_n of_o seleucia_n in_o his_o first_o oration_n upon_o these_o word_n in_o the_o beginning_n god_n create_v etc._n etc._n god_n say_v let_v there_o be_v light_n the_o voice_n be_v hear_v and_o the_o world_n produce_v but_o can_v not_o he_o have_v perform_v what_o he_o design_v in_o silence_n and_o without_o utter_v a_o word_n will_v not_o the_o work_n have_v obey_v the_o least_o token_n of_o his_o will_n certain_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n with_o the_o water_n be_v already_o produce_v without_o any_o precede_a voice_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o the_o light_n the_o voice_n precede_v the_o production_n what_o sort_n of_o a_o voice_n be_v this_o and_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o let_v we_o learn_v to_o hearken_v to_o scripture_n even_o when_o it_o be_v silent_a and_o instruct_v ourselves_o when_o it_o speak_v behold_v here_o you_o have_v it_o the_o infinite_a company_n of_o angel_n that_o be_v create_v see_v indeed_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v a_o do_v but_o can_v not_o perceive_v their_o author_n nor_o discover_v the_o cause_n for_o the_o divine_a essence_n be_v real_o even_o above_o the_o contemplation_n of_o angel_n it_o be_v not_o then_o without_o reason_n that_o god_n usher_v in_o his_o voice_n to_o make_v himself_o sensible_a to_o those_o celestial_a spirit_n and_o to_o stir_v up_o their_o admiration_n that_o see_v the_o effect_n follow_v immediate_o the_o word_n and_o command_n they_o be_v astonish_v at_o the_o prodigy_n shall_v turn_v themselves_o whole_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o creator_n and_o celebrate_v his_o praise_n say_v be_v there_o any_o great_a than_o this_o god_n himself_o teach_v we_o this_o truth_n in_o his_o discourse_n with_o his_o servant_n job_n job_n 28.7_o apud_fw-la lxx_o when_o i_o make_v the_o star_n all_o the_o angel_n praise_v i_o with_o a_o loud_a voice_n for_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o astonishment_n proceed_v from_o the_o greatness_n of_o that_o spectacle_n they_o repeat_v their_o acclamation_n and_o redouble_v their_o applause_n at_o every_o work_n that_o god_n be_v a_o do_v 2._o god_n make_v use_v of_o the_o person_n of_o a_o angel_n that_o bear_v his_o name_n and_o speak_v by_o his_o authority_n it_o be_v thus_o that_o he_o appear_v and_o speak_v to_o the_o patriarch_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o philo_n call_v angel_n word_n so_o often_o the_o author_n of_o question_n and_o answer_n to_o the_o orthodox_n speak_v thus_o of_o this_o manifestation_n all_o the_o angel_n say_v he_o which_o appear_v unto_o man_n instead_o and_o in_o the_o person_n of_o god_n have_v bear_v the_o name_n of_o god_n man_n likewise_o have_v be_v call_v
and_o reason_n be_v the_o same_o with_o those_o of_o beza_n concern_v it_o we_o will_v not_o count_v he_o for_o a_o separate_a witness_n the_o three_o interpreter_n i_o shall_v allege_v be_v coelius_n secundus_fw-la curio_n who_o speak_v thus_o in_o his_o araneus_fw-la the_o sacred_a history_n inform_v we_o that_o several_a have_v see_v god_n present_a let_v it_o be_v so_o but_o the_o same_o history_n teach_v we_o that_o these_o be_v angel_n and_o minister_a spirit_n who_o hold_v the_o place_n of_o god_n do_v appear_v unto_o man_n and_o speak_v in_o his_o name_n in_o a_o visible_a form_n and_o person_n and_o not_o this_o only_a but_o the_o incomprehensible_a god_n be_v willing_a to_o make_v himself_o know_v in_o a_o more_o illustrious_a manner_n do_v moreover_o insinuate_v himself_o into_o j._n c._n with_o all_o his_o majesty_n for_o we_o read_v thus_o in_o the_o gospel_n the_o father_n that_o dwell_v in_o i_o he_o do_v the_o work_n and_o he_o that_o see_v i_o see_v my_o father_n also_o add_v to_o these_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n god_n be_v in_o christ_n reconcile_n the_o world_n to_o himself_o and_o these_o also_o he_o be_v please_v that_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n shall_v dwell_v bodily_a in_o jesus_n christ_n do_v not_o all_o this_o manifest_o prove_v this_o author_n plain_o acknowledge_v that_o as_o angel_n have_v be_v the_o person_n or_o the_o word_n of_o god_n j._n c._n be_v so_o likewise_o but_o yet_o a_o word_n more_o excellent_a and_o a_o person_n more_o noble_a into_o which_o god_n insinuate_v himself_o not_o god_n the_o son_n as_o they_o tell_v we_o but_o god_n the_o father_n according_a to_o the_o passage_n the_o author_n quote_v pater_fw-la in_o i_o manâ—â—s_fw-la facit_fw-la ipse_fw-la opera_fw-la the_o paraphrase_n of_o the_o same_o author_n on_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o st._n john_n be_v yet_o more_o express_v before_o say_v he_o that_o god_n create_v the_o world_n he_o have_v in_o himself_o the_o cause_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o idea_n and_o the_o design_n although_o this_o reason_n be_v with_o god_n we_o must_v not_o therefore_o imagine_v that_o it_o be_v any_o thing_n else_o but_o god_n himself_o for_o god_n be_v that_o reason_n but_o see_v god_n can_v be_v see_v with_o our_o eye_n nor_o comprehend_v by_o our_o mind_n he_o be_v please_v to_o put_v on_o a_o person_n under_o which_o he_o may_v show_v himself_o as_o it_o be_v in_o his_o natural_a and_o live_a image_n now_o see_v he_o be_v a_o only_a and_o simple_a be_v and_o can_v borrow_v any_o form_n of_o himself_o he_o produce_v himself_o one_o without_o by_o the_o mean_a of_o a_o voice_n and_o a_o light_n whole_o divine_a which_o because_o he_o make_v use_v of_o it_o to_o instruct_v we_o and_o manifest_v himself_o be_v call_v his_o word_n that_o be_v to_o say_v his_o oracle_n and_o his_o wisdom_n etc._n etc._n to_o the_o 14_o ver_fw-la where_o he_o proceed_v thus_o will_v you_o have_v i_o at_o last_o to_o discover_v this_o great_a mystery_n and_o tell_v you_o under_o what_o form_n god_n come_v unto_o man_n this_o word_n this_o reason_n this_o wisdom_n this_o oracle_n be_v make_v flesh_n and_o this_o flesh_n which_o be_v call_v man_n that_o he_o may_v raise_v we_o to_o a_o sovereign_a immortality_n a_o metamorphosis_n to_o be_v admire_v in_o all_o age_n god_n be_v the_o word_n the_o word_n be_v the_o life_n the_o life_n be_v the_o light_n of_o man_n the_o light_n be_v flesh_n the_o flesh_n man_n the_o man_n god_n who_o be_v bless_v for_o ever_o god_n and_o man_n have_v join_v themselves_o together_o for_o god_n be_v in_o j._n c._n reconcile_a the_o word_n to_o himself_o it_o be_v on_o this_o wise_a that_o god_n the_o sovereign_a god_n deus_fw-la deus_fw-la ille_fw-la o_fw-la man_n manifest_a himself_o in_o the_o flesh_n and_o converse_v among_o we_o hence_o come_v it_o that_o a_o great_a prophet_n give_v he_o the_o name_n of_o emanuel_n this_o learned_a man_n word_n be_v remarkable_a he_o say_v that_o the_o invisible_a god_n be_v willing_a to_o make_v himself_o know_v be_v please_v to_o put_v on_o a_o person_n that_o be_v to_o say_v give_v himself_o a_o figure_n take_v a_o sensible_a image_n under_o which_o he_o produce_v himself_o outward_o that_o this_o image_n consist_v in_o a_o light_n and_o a_o voice_n which_o he_o make_v use_v of_o to_o show_v himself_o and_o to_o instruct_v we_o be_v for_o that_o reason_n call_v his_o word_n so_o that_o the_o word_n of_o s._n john_n and_o the_o image_n of_o the_o invisible_a god_n as_o s._n paul_n have_v it_o be_v the_o selfsame_a thing_n thus_o you_o have_v the_o word_n excellent_o well_o define_v according_a to_o the_o idea_n of_o clement_n neither_o do_v i_o believe_v that_o a_o neat_a and_o more_o distinct_a notion_n can_v be_v form_v of_o it_o nor_o one_o more_o agree_v with_o the_o scripture_n which_o tell_v we_o so_o often_o of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n of_o his_o face_n of_o his_o dwelling_n of_o his_o presence_n in_o a_o angel_n in_o a_o cloud_n in_o a_o light_n in_o a_o fire_n with_o a_o clap_n of_o thunder_n with_o a_o voice_n or_o with_o a_o gentle_a and_o still_o sound_v and_o what_o can_v this_o be_v i_o pray_v you_o but_o his_o person_n and_o his_o word_n you_o need_v only_o read_v maimonides_n in_o his_o more_n nevochim_n p._n 1._o ch_n 25_o &_o 64._o where_o with_o extraordinary_a clearness_n he_o explain_v what_o the_o ancient_a word_n be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o habitation_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o providence_n in_o some_o certain_a place_n where_o he_o will_v make_v himself_o know_v which_o he_o cause_v to_o dart_v forth_o miraculous_o under_o the_o representation_n of_o a_o create_a light_n will_v you_o have_v the_o same_o word_n under_o the_o n._n testament_n consider_v the_o extraordinary_a providence_n that_o preside_v at_o the_o conception_n of_o the_o messiah_n behold_v a_o angel_n that_o speak_v and_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n on_o this_o occasion_n a_o spirit_n overshadow_v the_o holy_a virgin_n the_o which_o resemble_v so_o much_o the_o light_a cloud_n that_o cover_v the_o tabernacle_n behold_v the_o habitation_n of_o god_n in_o the_o messiah_n dwell_v himself_o among_o we_o in_o a_o word_n see_v the_o majesty_n of_o the_o father_n in_o the_o son_n who_o glory_n we_o have_v behold_v if_o this_o will_v not_o suffice_v get_v up_o the_o mount_n to_o the_o transfiguration_n of_o j._n c._n you_o will_v there_o see_v a_o apparition_n of_o two_o great_a prophet_n a_o cloud_n that_o cover_v they_o a_o light_n spread_v itself_o over_o j._n c._n his_o face_n become_v bright_a like_o the_o sun_n and_o last_o a_o voice_n come_v out_o of_o the_o cloud_n say_v these_o word_n this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v hear_v you_o he_o behold_v here_o the_o word_n wherein_o god_n give_v all_o the_o mark_n of_o his_o presence_n and_o whence_o he_o declare_v his_o principal_a will_n which_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v give_v ear_n to_o his_o son_n the_o only_a oracle_n and_o the_o sole_a word_n by_o which_o he_o will_v ever_o hereafter_o discover_v himself_o and_o speak_v to_o we_o irenaeus_n have_v no_o other_o idea_n of_o the_o word_n lib._n 4._o c._n 37._o where_o he_o say_v that_o the_o word_n design_v to_o show_v god_n in_o its_o sundry_a dispensation_n show_v he_o make_v like_o to_o a_o man_n that_o by_o this_o mean_a he_o preserve_v to_o the_o father_n his_o invisibility_n lest_o man_n shall_v come_v to_o despise_v he_o that_o if_o the_o manifestation_n of_o god_n which_o be_v at_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n do_v give_v life_n unto_o man_n how_o much_o more_o will_v the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o father_n by_o the_o word_n give_v life_n to_o all_o those_o who_o see_v god_n on_o this_o wise_a that_o the_o prophet_n never_o see_v the_o face_n of_o god_n uncover_v but_o only_o certain_a dispensation_n and_o certain_a mystery_n by_o which_o god_n begin_v to_o show_v himself_o that_o these_o first_o sketche_n of_o the_o divine_a manifestation_n be_v only_o the_o prelude_v of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v make_v by_o j._n c._n that_o the_o father_n be_v invisible_a in_o truth_n that_o no_o person_n ever_o see_v he_o but_o that_o the_o word_n manage_v the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o father_n and_o show_v their_o glory_n as_o it_o think_v fit_a irenaeus_n tell_v we_o afterward_o that_o the_o word_n appear_v under_o different_a figure_n of_o a_o man_n a_o wind_n a_o light_n a_o cloud_n a_o fire_n etc._n etc._n which_o discover_v to_o we_o that_o all_o external_a manifestation_n whether_o it_o be_v by_o angel_n or_o by_o the_o flesh_n of_o j._n c._n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o all_o internal_a communication_n
but_o that_o demon_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o his_o attention_n on_o the_o present_a reflection_n on_o the_o past_a and_o penetration_n into_o the_o future_a ground_v on_o conjecture_n which_o the_o study_n of_o the_o world_n furnish_v he_o with_o the_o same_o author_n quote_v pag._n 215._o this_o good_a say_v of_o diogenes_n those_o who_o have_v understanding_n need_v not_o trouble_v the_o oracle_n and_o indeed_o those_o man_n of_o part_n like_o socrates_n have_v a_o live_a oracle_n and_o familiar_a demon._n thus_o the_o ancient_n love_v to_o theologize_v the_o common_a thing_n and_o to_o find_v god_n every_o where_n chap._n vii_o a_o continuation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o three_o principle_n after_o this_o digression_n concern_v the_o daemon_n of_o socrates_n we_o will_v return_v to_o plato_n that_o philosopher_n have_v attain_v to_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o these_o three_o principle_n goodness_n wisdom_n and_o power_n and_o understand_v thereby_o 1._o that_o the_o world_n be_v not_o eternal_a and_o vnbegotren_a but_o that_o the_o supreme_a father_n thereto_o incline_v by_o a_o disposition_n of_o goodness_n have_v beget_v it_o by_o his_o wisdom_n and_o fill_v it_o with_o his_o power_n three_o principle_n which_o he_o call_v the_o good_a the_o reason_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o world_n 2._o that_o the_o production_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o a_o effect_n of_o chance_n or_o of_o any_o blind_a principle_n but_o of_o a_o most_o good_a and_o most_o wise_a cause_n of_o a_o intelligent_a and_o rational_a power_n the_o author_n of_o the_o recognition_n l._n 8._o c._n 19_o inform_v we_o that_o this_o be_v plato_n meaning_n for_o argue_v against_o those_o who_o attribute_v the_o world_n origin_n to_o the_o fortuitous_a jumble_v together_o of_o atom_n he_o apply_v himself_o to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o profound_a wisdom_n and_o not_o forget_v one_o rational_a property_n come_v thence_o to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o reason_n which_o reason_n say_v he_o i_o call_v the_o word_n and_o god_n it_o be_v apparent_a that_o plato_n have_v no_o other_o thought_n than_o that_o of_o this_o author_n nevertheless_o fear_v socrates_n fate_n he_o veil_v these_o great_a truth_n under_o a_o cloud_n of_o fiction_n and_o enigma_n which_o prove_v a_o snare_n to_o his_o disciple_n and_o not_o have_v courage_n enough_o to_o oppose_v common_a error_n make_v of_o these_o three_o property_n of_o the_o creator_n so_o many_o god_n or_o divine_a person_n comply_v with_o the_o theology_n of_o that_o age_n wherein_o power_n passion_n property_n etc._n etc._n fortune_n fate_n justice_n love_n virtue_n honour_n safety_n concord_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o otherwise_o conceive_v than_o under_o the_o idea_n of_o so_o many_o deitys_n so_o much_o be_v the_o plurality_n of_o god_n the_o philosophy_n a_fw-fr la_fw-fr mode_n even_o among_o the_o wise_a it_o be_v difficult_a say_v plato_n apud_fw-la clem._n alex._n strom._n l._n 5._o to_o find_v the_o father_n of_o this_o universe_n and_o when_o you_o have_v find_v he_o it_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o speak_v of_o he_o to_o the_o people_n mean_v that_o it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o declare_v a_o truth_n which_o give_v offence_n to_o the_o receive_a opinion_n of_o the_o plurality_n of_o god_n and_o which_o consequent_o can_v not_o be_v declare_v otherwise_o than_o under_o the_o veil_n of_o allegory_n and_o under_o the_o fiction_n of_o many_o hypostasis_n so_o he_o explain_v himself_o in_o his_o second_o letter_n to_o dionysius_n i_o will_v speak_v to_o you_o say_v he_o by_o enigma_n that_o if_o by_o accident_n this_o letter_n happen_v to_o fall_v into_o other_o hand_n he_o may_v not_o in_o reading_z understand_v it_o minutius_n felix_n make_v the_o same_o observation_n after_o clemens_n plato_n say_v he_o speak_v more_o clear_o of_o god_n than_o any_o other_o philosopher_n and_o his_o doctrine_n will_v be_v perfect_o divine_a if_o he_o have_v not_o spoil_v it_o by_o a_o mixture_n of_o the_o religion_n establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o his_o country_n for_o according_a to_o plato_n in_o timaeus_n god_n be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o world_n even_o by_o his_o being_n god_n he_o be_v creator_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o of_o all_o thing_n as_o well_o celestial_a as_o terrestrial_a but_o that_o philosopher_n do_v previous_o advertise_v that_o it_o be_v difficult_a to_o find_v he_o because_o of_o his_o infinite_a power_n and_o that_o when_o he_o be_v find_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o explain_v one_o self_n concern_v he_o to_o the_o common_a people_n why_o impossible_a because_o dangerous_a these_o few_o word_n contain_v a_o abridgement_n of_o our_o whole_a system_n that_o plato_n speak_v of_o god_n only_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o creation_n that_o he_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o world_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o world_n be_v his_o son_n that_o he_o know_v he_o better_o than_o other_o philosopher_n and_o that_o nevertheless_o he_o have_v spoil_v that_o knowledge_n by_o mix_v with_o it_o the_o error_n of_o his_o country_n because_o he_o think_v it_o too_o dangerous_a to_o speak_v his_o thought_n of_o it_o open_o that_o be_v he_o have_v not_o liberty_n to_o speak_v his_o mind_n and_o to_o please_v a_o superstitious_a populacy_n he_o be_v force_v to_o make_v as_o many_o hypostasis_n and_o god_n as_o he_o have_v discover_v perfection_n in_o the_o world_n creator_n in_o a_o word_n to_o philosophise_v on_o the_o origin_n of_o the_o world_n secure_o he_o be_v oblige_v subtle_o to_o feign_v a_o genealogy_n of_o god_n a_o father_n a_o beget_v son_n a_o three_o proceed_v from_o those_o two_o and_o to_o turn_v the_o whole_a cosmogony_n into_o a_o mere_a theogony_n we_o know_v proclus_n one_o of_o plato_n disciple_n maintain_v that_o his_o master_n place_v a_o supreme_a god_n above_o this_o trinity_n of_o principle_n whereof_o we_o have_v be_v now_o speak_v which_o plain_o enough_o show_n that_o under_o these_o three_o feign_a essence_n or_o person_n he_o design_v to_o hide_v the_o several_a perfection_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n who_o he_o believe_v to_o be_v but_o one_o essence_n and_o one_o person_n but_o he_o multiply_v he_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o heathen_n to_o shelter_v himself_o from_o the_o rigour_n of_o the_o law_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o all_o the_o philosopher_n have_v the_o same_o aim_n of_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o god_n under_o a_o multitude_n of_o feign_a personality_n without_o any_o danger_n to_o themselves_o unless_o any_o will_v suppose_v it_o to_o have_v be_v a_o witty_a invention_n which_o they_o frame_v for_o the_o better_a instruct_v and_o fix_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o common_a people_n who_o be_v please_v with_o wonder_n and_o mystery_n one_o may_v indeed_o believe_v that_o they_o do_v it_o with_o a_o good_a intention_n design_v to_o place_n instead_o of_o gross_a polytheism_n the_o several_a property_n of_o the_o true_a and_o most_o high_a god_n that_o the_o people_n may_v insensible_o receive_v a_o exchange_n which_o be_v so_o advantageous_a to_o they_o and_o so_o much_o the_o worse_o for_o christian_n who_o have_v be_v buble_v by_o this_o eastern_a philosophy_n in_o take_v literal_o a_o method_n which_o be_v mere_o allegorical_a i_o will_v conclude_v this_o reflection_n on_o the_o three_o platonic_a principle_n with_o this_o observation_n of_o origen_n agree_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o st._n paul_n lib._n 6._o contra_fw-la cell_n that_o philosopher_n have_v in_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n behold_v what_o be_v invisible_a in_o god_n which_o this_o father_n call_v the_o divine_a idea_n and_o be_v raise_v from_o sensible_a to_o spiritual_a thing_n do_v plain_o enough_o perceive_v his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n but_o what_o be_v these_o invisible_a excellency_n which_o appear_v in_o the_o creation_n they_o be_v the_o three_o principle_n whereof_o plato_n be_v please_v to_o make_v three_o hypostasis_n or_o person_n dr._n cudworth_n see_v the_o contrivance_n of_o this_o mystery_n pag._n 590._o of_o his_o intellectual_a system_n the_o three_o hypostasis_n of_o the_o platonist_n say_v he_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v real_o any_o thing_n else_o than_o infinite_a goodness_n infinite_a wisdom_n and_o infinite_a power_n and_o love_n irenaeus_n l._n 3._o c._n 46._o own_v the_o same_o truth_n vlato_n say_v he_o have_v give_v the_o name_n of_o good_a to_o the_o supreme_a maker_n of_o all_o thing_n have_v herein_o lay_v down_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n as_o the_o principle_n and_o cause_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n this_o reflection_n of_o irenaeus_n take_v place_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o other_o two_o divine_a property_n which_o plato_n rank_n among_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o world_n so_o that_o we_o may_v say_v that_o plato_n have_v call_v the_o first_o author_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o good_a
at_o last_o be_v change_v into_o that_o of_o a_o generation_n of_o plato_n word_n or_o logos_fw-la to_o pass_v for_o the_o present_a the_o consideration_n of_o those_o objection_n pretend_v to_o have_v great_a weight_n which_o be_v take_v from_o the_o suppose_a impossibility_n of_o a_o change_n in_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o author_n of_o the_o father_n vindicate_v argue_v i_o must_v tell_v he_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o he_o to_o attack_v we_o with_o those_o very_a weapon_n with_o which_o he_o have_v already_o be_v beat_v in_o france_n we_o will_v make_v our_o defence_n at_o the_o same_o rate_n he_o have_v do_v his_o on_o another_o occasion_n justin_n martyr_n if_o you_o please_v shall_v not_o be_v the_o very_a innovator_n who_o change_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n all_o at_o once_o it_o be_v not_o in_o that_o manner_n error_n be_v equal_o introduce_v that_o be_v agree_v but_o you_o must_v own_v whether_o you_o will_v or_o not_o that_o justin_n be_v the_o first_o who_o bring_v in_o the_o new_a mode_n of_o express_v himself_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n the_o first_o who_o make_v use_v of_o a_o style_n that_o be_v strange_a and_o unknown_a to_o his_o predecessor_n clemens_n barnabas_n hermas_n and_o polycarp_n and_o who_o speak_v a_o philosophic_a jargon_n wherein_o appear_v throout_v the_o swell_a notion_n and_o expression_n of_o plato_n and_o nothing_o of_o the_o simplicity_n of_o j._n c._n but_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v this_o new_a language_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o begin_v the_o innovation_n under_o colour_n of_o embeilish_v of_o accommodation_n and_o more_o ample_a explication_n and_o that_o this_o be_v for_o prudential_a reason_n and_o for_o the_o purpose_n of_o the_o divine_a oeconomy_n this_o be_v the_o very_a way_n that_o error_n have_v always_o take_v the_o doctrine_n of_o mahomet_n which_o establish_v itself_o by_o force_n be_v indeed_o make_v and_o introduce_v all_o at_o once_o by_o one_o man_n alone_o but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o antichrist_n take_v time_n and_o come_v in_o by_o degree_n it_o begin_v with_o the_o imposture_n and_o fineness_n of_o philosophy_n and_o use_v no_o force_n nor_o violence_n till_o by_o its_o seducement_n it_o have_v gain_v the_o upper_a hand_n justin_n martyr_n at_o first_o employ_v his_o philosophy_n in_o the_o cause_n and_o pope_n victor_n afterward_o his_o tyranny_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v how_o the_o innovation_n be_v complete_v it_o come_v in_o as_o the_o proverb_n have_v it_o like_o a_o fox_n and_o reign_v like_o a_o lion_n chap._n v._o further_n reflection_n upon_o the_o forementioned_a passage_n in_o bp_o pearson_n vindication_n of_o ignatius_n part_v 2_o c._n 1._o hitherto_o i_o have_v consider_v this_o remarkable_a passage_n in_o bp._n pearson_n only_o with_o regard_n to_o this_o particular_a design_n which_o be_v to_o show_v in_o what_o sense_n jesus_n christ_n be_v deify_v or_o speak_v of_o as_o a_o god_n among_o the_o first_o christian_n i_o have_v yet_o three_o further_a reflection_n which_o have_v a_o more_o general_a aspect_n upon_o the_o whole_a extent_n of_o this_o controversy_n one_a remark_n my_o one_a remark_n be_v upon_o the_o passage_n in_o pliny_n concern_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o ancient_a christian_n who_o as_o he_o relate_v it_o sing_v hymn_n to_o jesus_n christ_n as_o to_o a_o god_n now_o here_o i_o say_v that_o pliny_n speak_v of_o the_o christian_n in_o his_o pagan_a style_n that_o it_o be_v the_o language_n of_o a_o idolater_n so_o that_o the_o least_o consequence_n can_v be_v draw_v for_o the_o divinity_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o modern_a sense_n of_o it_o for_o he_o speak_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n of_o christ_n as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v to_o speak_v of_o his_o deify_v hero_n see_v biblioth_n vniv_n tom._n 10._o p._n 346_o 347._o mons_fw-la le_fw-fr clerc_n have_v well_o observe_v in_o his_o rule_n of_o criticism_n that_o all_o sort_n of_o author_n be_v wont_a to_o express_v the_o sentiment_n and_o behaviour_n of_o the_o person_n who_o history_n they_o write_v in_o term_n current_a and_o receive_v at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o writing_n and_o in_o the_o country_n where_o they_o live_v and_o that_o if_o this_o be_v not_o well_o mind_v one_o may_v easy_o mistake_v the_o phrase_n of_o one_o country_n for_o another_o and_o confound_v their_o mean_v 2d_o remark_n bp_o pearson_n pretend_v it_o be_v customary_a in_o the_o first_o age_n to_o call_v jesus_n christ_n god_n monsieur_n valois_n maintain_v on_o the_o contrary_a that_o the_o ancient_n do_v not_o usual_o ascribe_v that_o name_n but_o to_o the_o father_n only_o it_o be_v not_o difficult_a to_o determine_v which_o of_o these_o two_o critic_n be_v in_o the_o right_n pearson_n remark_n have_v no_o other_o ground_n but_o the_o style_n of_o ignatius_n alone_o which_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n in_o question_n whereas_o valesius_fw-la his_o observation_n be_v found_v upon_o the_o constant_a usage_n of_o the_o father_n in_o the_o first_o century_n viz._n clemens_n barnabas_n hermas_n and_o polycarp_n who_o most_o certain_o have_v never_o give_v the_o name_n of_o god_n to_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o write_n which_o be_v incontestable_o they_o so_o that_o since_o ignatius_n have_v do_v otherwise_o suppose_v the_o epistle_n be_v true_o he_o it_o must_v be_v say_v according_a to_o valesius_fw-la his_o observation_n that_o ignatius_n do_v vary_v from_o the_o practice_n in_o his_o time_n or_o that_o the_o word_n god_n have_v be_v foist_v in_o by_o the_o copyists_n as_o the_o history_n of_o thaddeus_n 3d_o remark_n my_o last_o remark_n be_v of_o much_o great_a importance_n than_o the_o two_o former_a and_o entire_o decisive_a in_o this_o controversy_n for_o in_o this_o passage_n of_o bp_o pearson_n you_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o what_o he_o affirm_v will_v effectual_o and_o at_o once_o defend_v all_o kind_n of_o unitarian_n heretic_n from_o the_o formidable_a authority_n of_o the_o platonize_a father_n with_o which_o they_o be_v always_o bait_v the_o father_n who_o write_v after_o ignatius_n say_v pearson_n the_o doctor_n of_o the_o 2d_o and_o 3d_o century_n be_v use_v to_o borrow_v their_o thought_n from_o the_o pagan_n and_o sometime_o to_o blend_v they_o with_o the_o christian_a religion_n take_v notice_n that_o all_o this_o be_v say_v with_o regard_n to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o remember_v too_o that_o the_o second_o century_n be_v the_o fatal_a epocha_n wherein_o the_o church_n lose_v the_o purity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o her_o principle_n which_o happen_v as_o hegesippus_n observe_v soon_o after_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n when_o platonism_n prevail_v to_o come_v to_o matter_n of_o fact_n the_o father_n of_o the_o first_o and_o second_o century_n namely_o the_o justins_n the_o athenagorass_n the_o theophilusses_n the_o irenaeuss_n the_o clemens_n alexandrinuss_n the_o tertullia_n the_o origen_n etc._n etc._n these_o father_n who_o write_v after_o ignatius_n have_v mingle_v pagan_a notion_n with_o the_o christian_a religion_n therefore_o those_o father_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v hear_v in_o this_o controversy_n as_o good_a witness_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o as_o to_o the_o point_n of_o christ_n divinity_n aught_o to_o be_v regard_v as_o demi-pagans_a the_o vnitarian_n heretic_n likewise_o ought_v not_o in_o reason_n to_o be_v attack_v with_o their_o authority_n and_o consequent_o the_o notion_n of_o christ_n divinity_n ought_v to_o be_v reduce_v to_o the_o state_n and_o account_n give_v of_o it_o by_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o first_o century_n who_o be_v not_o form_v in_o the_o school_n nor_o breed_v up_o in_o library_n who_o be_v not_o imbue_v with_o the_o sentiment_n of_o the_o academy_n or_o the_o portico_n in_o fine_a every_o sentence_n and_o expression_n in_o their_o write_n that_o regard_n christ_n divinity_n and_o have_v not_o the_o purity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o first_o century_n can_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o any_o other_o but_o as_o a_o smatch_n of_o paganism_n chap._n vi_o the_o theology_n concern_v the_o word_n or_o logos_fw-la be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o philosophic_a speculation_n partly_o ground_v upon_o the_o divine_a power_n that_o enter_v and_o dwell_v in_o the_o messiah_n at_o the_o moment_n of_o his_o conception_n to_o prove_v this_o that_o the_o theology_n concern_v the_o word_n or_o logos_fw-la be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o philosophic_a notion_n partly_o ground_v upon_o the_o divine_a power_n that_o enter_v and_o dwell_v in_o the_o messiah_n at_o the_o moment_n of_o his_o conception_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o to_o be_v consider_v than_o one_a that_o the_o most_o ancient_a author_n go_v no_o further_o in_o search_n after_o christ_n divinity_n than_o his_o birth_n of_o a_o virgin_n ignatius_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n satisfy_v we_o of_o this_o truth_n there_o be_v say_v he_o but_o one_o physician_n who_o be_v of_o flesh_n