Selected quad for the lemma: christian_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
christian_n apostle_n church_n creed_n 1,331 5 10.2664 5 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A59905 A vindication of the doctrine of the holy and ever blessed Trinity and the Incarnation of the Son of God occasioned by the Brief notes on the Creed of St. Athanasius and the Brief history of the Unitarians or Socinians and containing an answer to both / by William Sherlock. Sherlock, William, 1641?-1707. 1691 (1691) Wing S3377; ESTC R25751 172,284 293

There are 7 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

be_v not_o mere_o as_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o second_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n for_o so_o he_o be_v worship_v as_o one_o god_n with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o as_o he_o be_v a_o mediator_n or_o a_o mediatory_a king_n as_o he_o have_v a_o kingdom_n distinct_a from_o the_o natural_a kingdom_n of_o the_o father_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v so_o there_o be_v a_o worship_n proper_a to_o he_o as_o mediator_n but_o the_o holy_a spirit_n have_v no_o distinct_a kingdom_n and_o therefore_o no_o distinct_a worship_n but_o be_v worship_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n and_o this_o require_v no_o new_a command_n for_o he_o who_o know_v that_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v one_o supreme_a god_n must_v worship_v father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n as_o one_o supreme_a god_n 4._o his_o next_o argument_n be_v against_o a_o trinity_n of_o person_n in_o the_o godhead_n 19_o which_o he_o say_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o whole_a scripture_n which_o speak_v of_o god_n but_o as_o one_o person_n and_o speak_v of_o he_o and_o to_o he_o by_o singular_a pronoun_n such_o as_o i_o thou_o me_n he_o his_o proof_n that_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o god_n as_o but_o one_o person_n be_v very_o wonderful_a his_o first_o be_v that_o of_o job_n will_v you_o speak_v wicked_o for_o god_n and_o talk_v deceitful_o for_o he_o 8._o will_v you_o accept_v his_o person_n will_v you_o contend_v for_o god_n but_o sure_o to_o accept_v god_n person_n no_o more_o signify_v the_o personality_n of_o the_o godhead_n than_o to_o accept_v the_o person_n of_o a_o man_n signify_v his_o human_a person_n the_o hebrew_n be_v his_o face_n which_o be_v far_o from_o signify_v a_o person_n in_o the_o sense_n we_o say_v there_o be_v three_o person_n in_o the_o godhead_n to_o respect_v the_o person_n of_o a_o man_n be_v to_o do_v something_o for_o he_o which_o neither_o law_n nor_o justice_n nor_o equity_n require_v not_o because_o he_o be_v a_o person_n which_o every_o man_n be_v but_o from_o some_o partial_a respect_n we_o have_v to_o his_o particular_a person_n and_o therefore_o to_o accept_v the_o person_n of_o god_n here_o signify_v to_o speak_v wicked_o for_o god_n which_o be_v a_o absurd_a and_o senseless_a thing_n as_o job_n represent_v it_o whether_o the_o supreme_a god_n be_v one_o person_n or_o three_o for_o in_o this_o sense_n of_o person_n one_o god_n can_v be_v but_o one_o person_n the_o other_o text_n that_o christ_n be_v the_o express_a image_n of_o god_n person_n 2._o be_v as_o little_a to_o the_o purpose_n for_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o person_n of_o who_o the_o son_n be_v the_o express_a image_n be_v the_o person_n of_o god_n the_o father_n and_o the_o father_n indeed_o be_v but_o one_o person_n as_o for_o his_o singular_a pronoun_n they_o prove_v indeed_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n as_o we_o all_o own_o not_o that_o there_o be_v not_o three_o person_n in_o the_o godhead_n for_o when_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o god_n without_o any_o particular_a respect_n to_o the_o distinction_n of_o the_o person_n it_o must_v speak_v but_o of_o one_o god_n because_o god_n be_v but_o one_o and_o singular_a pronoun_n be_v most_o proper_o apply_v to_o one_o god_n as_o for_o what_o he_o object_n 20._o that_o no_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v in_o any_o language_n of_o three_o person_n whoever_o speak_v of_o themselves_o or_o be_v speak_v to_o by_o the_o singular_a pronoun_n i_o thou_o me_n he_o thou_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o answer_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o example_n in_o nature_n neither_o of_o three_o person_n who_o be_v essential_o one_o and_o if_o the_o manner_n of_o speak_v must_v be_v conform_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o instance_n of_o this_o way_n of_o speak_v because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o example_n of_o this_o unity_n but_o all_o language_n speak_v of_o one_o in_o the_o singular_a number_n and_o so_o the_o scripture_n use_v singular_a pronoun_n of_o one_o god_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n for_o when_o god_n speak_v of_o himself_o he_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o himself_o as_o three_o person_n but_o as_o one_o god_n and_o therefore_o may_v say_v i_o and_o i_o and_o when_o the_o prophet_n speak_v of_o god_n or_o pray_v to_o he_o they_o pray_v to_o he_o as_o one_o god_n and_o therefore_o may_v say_v thou_o and_o he_o and_o thou_o when_o three_o person_n be_v one_o god_n god_n may_v speak_v of_o himself_o or_o we_o may_v speak_v of_o or_o to_o god_n either_o consider_v as_o three_o person_n or_o as_o one_o god_n and_o though_o three_o person_n require_v the_o plural_a number_n yet_o one_o god_n may_v speak_v of_o himself_o or_o be_v speak_v to_o by_o singular_a pronoun_n 5._o he_o say_v have_v the_o son_n or_o holy_a ghost_n be_v god_n 22._o this_o will_v not_o have_v be_v omit_v in_o the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o i_o say_v have_v not_o the_o son_n be_v god_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n god_n they_o will_v not_o have_v be_v put_v into_o the_o apostle_n creed_n no_o more_o than_o into_o the_o form_n of_o baptism_n which_o be_v the_o original_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v believe_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n we_o be_v sufficient_o assure_v from_o all_o the_o ancient_a record_n of_o their_o faith_n but_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o express_v this_o in_o so_o short_a a_o creed_n before_o the_o arian_n and_o socinian_n heresy_n have_v disturb_v the_o church_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o it_o for_o the_o only_a son_n of_o god_n must_v be_v by_o nature_n god_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v as_o essential_o god_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n be_v essential_a to_o a_o man._n 24._o he_o conclude_v that_o they_o the_o socinian_o be_v a_o accountable_a and_o reasonable_a faith_n but_o that_o of_o the_o trinitarian_n be_v absurd_a and_o contrary_a both_o to_o reason_n and_o to_o itself_o and_o therefore_o not_o only_o false_a but_o impossible_a the_o faith_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n i_o hope_v i_o have_v sufficient_o vindicate_v already_o from_o absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n but_o it_o will_v be_v worth_a the_o while_n brief_o to_o consider_v how_o accountable_a and_o reasonable_a the_o socinian_n faith_n be_v the_o socinian_n doctrine_n be_v that_o christ_n who_o be_v call_v the_o son_n the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n the_o brightness_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o mere_a man_n who_o have_v no_o be_v till_o he_o be_v conceive_v in_o the_o womb_n of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n and_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n because_o god_n form_v he_o by_o a_o immediate_a power_n in_o the_o virgin_n womb_n and_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o exalt_v he_o to_o his_o own_o right_a hand_n in_o heaven_n and_o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v only_o the_o power_n and_o inspiration_n of_o god_n that_o be_v be_v either_o god_n himself_o or_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o power_n in_o creature_n this_o be_v their_o accountable_a and_o reasonable_a doctrine_n and_o to_o show_v how_o very_a accountable_a and_o reasonable_a it_o be_v i_o come_v now_o to_o draw_v up_o my_o charge_n against_o it_o 1._o that_o it_o ridicules_a the_o scripture_n 2._o that_o it_o ridicules_a the_o whole_a jewish_a oeconomy_n 3._o that_o it_o ridicules_a the_o christian_a religion_n 4._o that_o it_o justify_v or_o at_o least_o excuse_n both_o pagan_a and_o popish_a idolatry_n the_o charge_n be_v full_a enough_o and_o i_o be_o content_v it_o shall_v pass_v only_o for_o big_a huff_a word_n till_o i_o have_v prove_v it_o and_o then_o i_o hope_v it_o may_v pass_v for_o a_o just_a return_n to_o the_o ridiculous_a blasphemy_n of_o the_o brief_a note_n and_o brief_a history_n 1._o that_o it_o ridicules_a the_o scripture_n by_o put_v either_o a_o absurd_a or_o a_o very_a mean_a trifle_a sense_n on_o it_o unworthy_a of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n by_o who_o it_o be_v inspire_v and_o this_o i_o shall_v give_v some_o instance_n of_o in_o their_o exposition_n of_o scripture_n which_o i_o find_v in_o the_o brief_a history_n of_o the_o unitarian_n in_o the_o second_o letter_n he_o take_v notice_n of_o some_o text_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o speak_v of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v apply_v to_o christ_n which_o we_o think_v a_o very_a good_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o christ_n be_v that_o god_n to_o who_o those_o text_n belong_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o though_o possible_o without_o such_o a_o application_n we_o can_v not_o certain_o have_v know_v that_o these_o text_n be_v
he_o be_v but_o one_o christ_n he_o must_v be_v god_n and_o man_n in_o one_o person_n for_o two_o person_n make_v two_o christ_n and_o if_o the_o same_o one_o christ_n be_v both_o god_n and_o man_n than_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n continue_v distinct_a without_o any_o mixture_n or_o confusion_n he_o be_v perfect_a god_n and_o perfect_a man_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o heresy_n of_o nestorius_n and_o eutyches_n the_o first_o of_o who_o divide_v the_o person_n the_o second_o confound_v the_o nature_n the_o first_o make_v god_n and_o man_n two_o distinct_a person_n and_o two_o christ_n the_o second_o swallow_v up_o the_o humanity_n in_o god_n this_o may_v serve_v for_o a_o brief_a vindication_n of_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n that_o it_o teach_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o true_a belief_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n and_o unity_n in_o trinity_n and_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o premise_v this_o to_o let_v the_o world_n see_v that_o all_o the_o spite_n against_o athanasius_n creed_n be_v not_o so_o much_o intend_v against_o that_o creed_n as_o against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n which_o be_v so_o fence_v and_o guard_v from_o all_o heretical_a sense_n and_o exposition_n in_o that_o creed_n that_o there_o be_v no_o place_n leave_v for_o trick_n and_o evasion_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o consider_v the_o brief_a note_n and_o to_o expose_v the_o venom_n and_o blasphemy_n of_o they_o which_o deserve_v a_o sharp_a confutation_n than_o this_o and_o that_o this_o author_n may_v not_o complain_v of_o unfair_a usage_n i_o shall_v examine_v they_o paragraph_v by_o paragraph_n 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 whosoever_o will_v be_v save_v before_o all_o thing_n creed_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o hold_v the_o catholic_n faith_n a_o good_a life_n be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o salvation_n note_n but_o a_o right_a belief_n in_o these_o point_n that_o have_v be_v always_o controvert_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v in_o no_o degree_n necessary_a much_o less_o necessary_a before_o all_o thing_n he_o that_o lead_v a_o profane_a and_o vicious_a life_n sin_n against_o a_o plain_a acknowledge_v rule_n and_o the_o plain_a and_o unquestioned_a word_n and_o letter_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a conscience_n he_o wilful_o refuse_v to_o advert_v to_o these_o monitor_n and_o therefore_o can_v no_o way_n palliate_v or_o excuse_v his_o wickedness_n but_o he_o that_o err_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o faith_n after_o have_v use_v reasonable_a diligence_n to_o be_v right_o inform_v be_v in_o no_o fault_n at_o all_o his_o error_n be_v pure_a ignorance_n not_o a_o culpable_a ignorance_n for_o how_o can_v it_o be_v culpable_a not_o to_o know_v that_o of_o which_o a_o man_n be_v ignorant_a after_o a_o diligent_a and_o impartial_a enquiry_n answer_n this_o i_o must_v confess_v be_v as_o artificial_a a_o introduction_n to_o these_o note_n as_o can_v have_v be_v invent_v for_o it_o make_v faith_n a_o very_a useless_a and_o heresy_n a_o very_a innocent_a and_o harmless_a thing_n and_o then_o man_n need_v not_o be_v much_o concern_v what_o they_o believe_v if_o they_o take_v care_n to_o live_v well_o the_o creed_n affirm_v that_o the_o catholic_n faith_n be_v before_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n if_o this_o be_v true_a then_o how_o virtuous_o soever_o man_n live_v they_o may_v be_v damn_v for_o heresy_n and_o this_o be_v a_o dangerous_a point_n and_o will_v make_v man_n too_o much_o afraid_a of_o heresy_n to_o trade_n in_o such_o note_n as_o these_o and_o therefore_o this_o must_v be_v confute_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o take_v off_o the_o dread_n and_o fear_n of_o heresy_n now_o can_v we_o hope_v that_o any_o thing_n shall_v escape_v the_o censure_n of_o such_o a_o critic_n who_o will_v not_o allow_v the_o catholic_n faith_n to_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n for_o if_o the_o catholic_n faith_n be_v not_o necessary_a no_o faith_n be_v and_o then_o we_o may_v be_v save_v without_o faith_n and_o yet_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o be_v justify_v and_o save_v by_o faith_n and_o if_o any_o faith_n save_v we_o i_o suppose_v it_o must_v be_v the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o then_o whoever_o do_v not_o hold_v this_o save_a catholic_n faith_n must_v be_v damn_v so_o that_o at_o best_a he_o have_v place_v this_o note_n wrong_v he_o shall_v only_o have_v oppose_v the_o necessity_n of_o athanasius_n catholic_n faith_n to_o salvation_n not_o of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n in_o general_a and_o yet_o this_o seem_v not_o to_o be_v a_o mistake_n but_o design_n for_o his_o argument_n equal_o hold_v against_o all_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o against_o athanasius_n creed_n and_o will_v serve_v a_o turk_n a_o jew_n or_o a_o pagan_a as_o well_o as_o a_o heretic_n for_o if_o what_o he_o say_v be_v true_a he_o that_o err_v in_o a_o question_n of_o faith_n after_o have_v use_v reasonable_a diligence_n to_o be_v right_o inform_v be_v in_o no_o fault_n at_o all_o how_o come_v a_o atheist_n or_o a_o infidel_n a_o turk_n or_o a_o jew_n to_o be_v in_o any_o fault_n and_o if_o they_o be_v good_a moral_a man_n and_o many_o of_o they_o be_v or_o may_v be_v so_o why_o shall_v they_o be_v damn_v for_o their_o atheism_n or_o infidelity_n for_o their_o not_o believe_v a_o god_n or_o not_o believe_v in_o christ_n at_o all_o for_o be_v not_o these_o question_n of_o faith_n whether_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n and_o whether_o christ_n be_v that_o messiah_n who_o come_v from_o god_n or_o do_v our_o author_n think_v that_o no_o atheist_n or_o infidel_n no_o unbelieving_a jew_n or_o heathen_a ever_o use_v reasonable_a diligence_n to_o be_v right_o inform_v whatever_o he_o can_v say_v against_o their_o reasonable_a diligence_n i_o doubt_v will_v be_v as_o easy_o say_v against_o the_o reasonable_a diligence_n of_o socinian_o and_o other_o heretic_n if_o you_o say_v he_o confine_v this_o to_o such_o point_n as_o have_v always_o be_v controvert_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n i_o desire_v to_o know_v a_o reason_n why_o he_o thus_o confine_v it_o for_o do_v not_o his_o reason_n equal_o extend_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n itself_o as_o to_o those_o point_n which_o have_v be_v controvert_v in_o christian_a church_n and_o why_o then_o shall_v not_o infidel_n as_o well_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o this_o principle_n as_o heretic_n but_o i_o desire_v to_o know_v what_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n have_v not_o be_v controvert_v by_o some_o heretic_n or_o other_o and_o whether_o than_o this_o do_v not_o give_v sufficient_a scope_n to_o infidelity_n to_o renounce_v all_o the_o article_n of_o our_o creed_n which_o have_v be_v deny_v or_o corrupt_v by_o some_o profess_a christian_n but_o what_o he_o will_v insinuate_v in_o this_o that_o these_o point_n of_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n have_v always_o be_v matter_n of_o controversy_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v manifest_o false_a as_o appear_v from_o all_o the_o record_n of_o the_o church_n the_o anti_n nicene_n father_n be_v of_o the_o same_o faith_n before_o the_o definition_n of_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a as_o the_o learned_a dr._n ball_n have_v abundant_o prove_v this_o be_v always_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o those_o heretic_n who_o teach_v otherwise_o either_o separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o church_n or_o be_v fling_v out_o of_o it_o and_o i_o hope_v the_o dispute_n of_o heretic_n against_o the_o catholic_n faith_n shall_v not_o be_v call_v controversy_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o i_o desire_v to_o know_v why_o that_o may_v not_o be_v the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o have_v always_o be_v matter_n of_o controversy_n have_v the_o catholic_n faith_n any_o such_o privilege_n as_o not_o to_o be_v controvert_v or_o be_v it_o a_o sufficient_a proof_n that_o nothing_o be_v a_o point_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n which_o have_v be_v dispute_v and_o controvert_v by_o some_o or_o other_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o man_n of_o perverse_a mind_n may_v dispute_v the_o most_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n then_o if_o any_o faith_n be_v necessary_a it_o may_v be_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o err_v with_o our_o reasonable_a diligence_n in_o such_o necessary_a and_o fundamental_a point_n as_o be_v and_o have_v be_v dispute_v but_o before_o i_o dismiss_v this_o point_n it_o may_v be_v convenient_a to_o instruct_v this_o author_n if_o he_o can_v use_v any_o reasonable_a diligence_n to_o understand_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o salvation_n and_o that_o before_o all_o other_o thing_n to_o
the_o essence_n of_o thing_n can_v be_v know_v but_o only_o their_o property_n and_o quality_n the_o world_n be_v divide_v into_o matter_n and_o spirit_n and_o we_o know_v no_o more_o what_o the_o substance_n of_o matter_n than_o what_o the_o substance_n of_o a_o spirit_n be_v though_o we_o think_v we_o know_v one_o much_o better_a than_o the_o other_o we_o know_v thus_o much_o of_o matter_n that_o it_o be_v a_o extend_a substance_n which_o fill_v a_o space_n and_o have_v distinct_a part_n which_o may_v be_v separate_v from_o each_o other_o that_o it_o be_v susceptible_a of_o very_o different_a quality_n that_o it_o be_v hot_a or_o cold_a hard_a or_o soft_a etc._n etc._n but_o what_o the_o substance_n of_o matter_n be_v we_o know_v not_o and_o thus_o we_o know_v the_o essential_a property_n of_o a_o spirit_n that_o it_o be_v a_o think_v substance_n with_o the_o faculty_n of_o understanding_n and_o will_n and_o be_v capable_a of_o different_a virtue_n or_o vice_n as_o matter_n be_v of_o sensible_a quality_n but_o what_o the_o substance_n of_o a_o spirit_n be_v we_o know_v no_o more_o than_o what_o the_o substance_n of_o matter_n be_v thus_o as_o for_o the_o essential_a property_n operation_n and_o power_n of_o matter_n sense_n experience_n and_o observation_n will_v tell_v we_o what_o they_o be_v and_o what_o cause_v constant_o produce_v such_o effect_n and_o this_o be_v all_o we_o do_v or_o can_v know_v of_o it_o and_o he_o who_o will_v not_o believe_v that_o matter_n be_v extend_v that_o the_o fire_n burn_v that_o water_n may_v be_v condense_v by_o frost_n into_o a_o firm_a and_o solid_a pavement_n that_o seed_n sow_v in_o the_o earth_n will_v produce_v its_o own_o kind_a again_o that_o a_o body_n can_v move_v from_o one_o place_n to_o another_o that_o a_o stone_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o vapour_n ascend_v and_o thicken_v into_o cloud_n and_o fall_v down_o again_o to_o the_o earth_n in_o gentle_a shower_n etc._n etc._n i_o say_v he_o who_o will_v not_o believe_v these_o thing_n till_o he_o can_v give_v a_o philosophical_a account_n of_o they_o must_v deny_v his_o sense_n in_o compliment_n to_o his_o understanding_n and_o he_o who_o think_v that_o he_o do_v understand_v these_o matter_n will_v make_v a_o man_n question_n whether_o he_o have_v any_o sense_n thus_o it_o be_v also_o with_o reference_n to_o a_o spirit_n we_o feel_v within_o ourselves_o that_o we_o can_v think_v and_o reason_n that_o we_o can_v choose_v and_o refuse_v that_o we_o can_v love_v and_o hate_n and_o desire_n and_o fear_n but_o what_o these_o natural_a power_n and_o passion_n be_v we_o know_v not_o how_o thought_n rise_v in_o our_o mind_n and_o how_o one_o thought_n beget_v another_o how_o a_o thought_n can_v move_v our_o body_n or_o fix_v they_o in_o their_o seat_n how_o the_o body_n can_v raise_v thought_n and_o passion_n in_o the_o soul_n or_o the_o thought_n and_o passion_n of_o the_o soul_n can_v affect_v the_o body_n the_o property_n and_o operation_n both_o of_o body_n and_o spirit_n be_v great_a secret_n and_o mystery_n in_o nature_n which_o we_o understand_v nothing_o of_o nor_o be_v concern_v to_o understand_v they_o no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v our_o business_n to_o understand_v how_o to_o make_v either_o a_o body_n or_o a_o spirit_n which_o we_o have_v no_o power_n to_o do_v if_o we_o do_v understand_v it_o and_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v a_o useless_a piece_n of_o knowledge_n which_o will_v serve_v no_o end_n but_o curiosity_n and_o that_o be_v reason_n enough_o why_o our_o wise_a maker_n shall_v not_o communicate_v this_o knowledge_n to_o we_o be_v we_o capable_a of_o it_o because_o it_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o our_o nature_n as_o no_o knowledge_n do_v which_o we_o can_v make_v no_o use_n of_o the_o perfect_a notion_n and_o idea_n of_o thing_n be_v proper_a only_o to_o that_o almighty_a mind_n which_o can_v give_v be_v to_o they_o now_o this_o plain_o show_v what_o the_o natural_a boundary_n of_o humane_a knowledge_n be_v how_o far_o we_o may_v attain_v to_o a_o certain_a knowledge_n and_o where_o we_o must_v give_v off_o our_o inquiry_n unless_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o impose_v upon_o our_o understanding_n with_o some_o uncertain_a and_o fanciful_a conjecture_n or_o to_o perplex_v ourselves_o with_o inexplicable_a difficulty_n 1._o as_o first_o we_o have_v certain_a way_n of_o discover_v the_o be_v of_o thing_n which_o fall_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o knowledge_n this_o our_o sense_n reason_n or_o revelation_n will_v acquaint_v we_o with_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v know_v what_o thing_n there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n as_o far_o as_o they_o fall_v under_o the_o notice_n of_o sense_n or_o be_v discover_v by_o reason_n or_o revelation_n 2._o we_o may_v know_v what_o thing_n be_v or_o what_o their_o essential_a property_n quality_n operation_n and_o power_n be_v whereby_o we_o can_v distinguish_v one_o sort_n of_o being_n from_o another_o as_o suppose_v a_o body_n from_o a_o spirit_n bread_n from_o flesh_n and_o wine_n from_o blood_n and_o can_v reason_n from_o effect_n to_o cause_n and_o from_o cause_n to_o effect_n with_o as_o great_a certainty_n as_o we_o understand_v what_o the_o cause_n or_o effect_n be_v 3._o but_o the_o essence_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o philosophy_n of_o their_o nature_n the_o reason_n of_o their_o essential_a property_n and_o power_n which_o immediate_o result_v from_o their_o nature_n the_o manner_n of_o their_o production_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o operation_n be_v mystery_n to_o we_o and_o will_v be_v so_o do_v what_o we_o can_v and_o therefore_o here_o our_o inquiry_n must_v cease_v if_o we_o inquire_v wise_o for_o it_o be_v vain_a and_o absurd_a to_o perplex_v ourselves_o with_o such_o question_n which_o we_o can_v no_o more_o answer_n than_o we_o can_v make_v a_o world_n the_o sum_n be_v this_o when_o we_o charge_v any_o doctrine_n with_o absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n we_o must_v be_v sure_a that_o we_o understand_v the_o thing_n for_o if_o it_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o we_o do_v not_o and_o can_v understand_v the_o nature_n of_o we_o may_v imagine_v a_o thousand_o absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n which_o be_v owe_v whole_o to_o our_o ignorance_n of_o thing_n sect_n ii_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n contain_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o true_a belief_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n ii_o let_v we_o now_o take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n which_o this_o profane_a author_n make_v the_o subject_a of_o his_o drollery_n and_o ridicule_n and_o examine_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o it_o which_o a_o good_a catholic_n christian_n can_v reject_v without_o reject_v the_o catholic_n doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n and_o the_o mysterious_a incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o if_o this_o creed_n contain_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o this_o belief_n and_o what_o every_o christian_a who_o believe_v these_o doctrine_n must_v profess_v than_o all_o these_o scoff_v which_o be_v cast_v upon_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n do_v indeed_o belong_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n itself_o if_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n be_v christian_a doctrine_n as_o to_o begin_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n the_o athanasian_n creed_n tell_v we_o the_o catholic_n faith_n be_v this_o that_o we_o worship_v one_o god_n in_o trinity_n and_o trinity_n in_o unity_n that_o be_v that_o we_o worship_v one_o god_n and_o three_o person_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o this_o all_o christian_n grant_v to_o be_v the_o catholic_n faith_n except_o arian_n macedonian_n and_o socinian_o and_o such_o like_a heretic_n and_o how_o we_o must_v worship_v one_o god_n in_o trinity_n and_o trinity_n in_o unity_n be_v explain_v in_o the_o next_o paragraph_n neither_o confound_v the_o person_n nor_o divide_v the_o substance_n which_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v if_o there_o be_v three_o person_n and_o one_o god_n for_o if_o we_o confound_v the_o person_n by_o say_v that_o they_o be_v all_o but_o one_o person_n under_o three_o different_a name_n and_o title_n or_o denomination_n than_o we_o destroy_v the_o distinction_n of_o person_n if_o we_o divide_v the_o substance_n by_o say_v that_o every_o person_n have_v a_o separate_a divine_a nature_n of_o his_o own_o as_o every_o man_n have_v a_o separate_a humane_a nature_n than_o we_o make_v three_o god_n as_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n be_v three_o man_n which_o be_v to_o overthrow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o one_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o creed_n add_v for_o there_o be_v one_o person_n of_o the_o father_n another_o of_o the_o son_n and_o another_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o the_o godhead_n of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o one_o the_o
hold_v the_o true_a catholic_n faith_n and_o that_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n be_v that_o catholic_n faith_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n 1._o as_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o will_v desire_v he_o to_o consider_v that_o though_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n yet_o no_o man_n be_v save_v by_o his_o good_a work_n but_o by_o faith_n in_o christ_n to_o say_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v save_v by_o holiness_n and_o good_a work_n without_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v to_o assert_v the_o merit_n of_o good_a work_n ten_o thousand_o time_n more_o than_o ever_o papist_n themselves_o do_v the_o meritorious_a work_n of_o popery_n serve_v only_o instead_o of_o penance_n to_o keep_v they_o out_o of_o purgatory_n or_o to_o shorten_v their_o time_n there_o they_o serve_v instead_o of_o that_o temporal_a punishment_n which_o absolve_v and_o penitent_a sinner_n must_v undergo_v for_o those_o sin_n the_o eternal_a punishment_n of_o which_o be_v remit_v not_o for_o their_o own_o meritorious_a work_n but_o for_o the_o merit_n and_o expiation_n of_o christ_n but_o he_o who_o expect_v to_o be_v save_v for_o his_o good_a work_n without_o faith_n in_o christ_n attribute_n such_o a_o merit_n to_o good_a work_n as_o redeem_v he_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o the_o eternal_a punishment_n due_a to_o sin_n and_o purchase_v eternal_a reward_n for_o he_o which_o be_v somewhat_o more_o than_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n pretend_v to_o especial_o since_o whatever_o merit_n they_o attribute_v to_o good_a work_n they_o ascribe_v whole_o to_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n who_o merit_n alone_o have_v make_v our_o good_a work_n meritorious_a which_o be_v very_o honourable_a to_o our_o saviour_n and_o very_a orthodox_n divinity_n in_o comparison_n with_o those_o who_o think_v good_a work_v such_o meritorious_a thing_n whatever_o their_o faith_n be_v and_o if_o he_o consider_v this_o twice_o i_o suppose_v he_o will_v confess_v that_o faith_n in_o christ_n the_o true_a catholic_n faith_n be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n 2._o nay_o it_o be_v necessary_a before_o all_o other_o thing_n to_o our_o salvation_n because_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o baptism_n which_o alone_o put_v we_o into_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n for_o he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v all_o christian_n must_v confess_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o name_n give_v under_o heaven_n whereby_o man_n can_v be_v save_v but_o only_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n that_o faith_n in_o christ_n in_o adult_a person_n be_v necessary_a to_o baptism_n that_o baptism_n alone_o incorporate_v we_o into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o put_v we_o into_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o that_o neither_o jew_n nor_o turk_n nor_o heathen_n none_o but_o believe_v and_o baptize_v christian_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n how_o moral_o virtuous_a soever_o their_o life_n may_v be_v whoever_o do_v not_o confess_v this_o make_v nothing_o of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o jesus_n christ_n nothing_o of_o his_o sacrifice_n priesthood_n and_o intercession_n make_v the_o christian_a religion_n nothing_o but_o a_o new_a and_o more_o perfect_a sect_n of_o philosophy_n than_o either_o jew_n or_o heathen_n teach_v before_o who_o condition_n yet_o be_v as_o safe_a as_o the_o condition_n of_o christian_n if_o they_o live_v according_a to_o the_o knowledge_n they_o have_v our_o author_n then_o must_v either_o renounce_v the_o christian_a religion_n or_o confess_v the_o true_a catholic_n faith_n or_o a_o true_a faith_n in_o christ_n be_v before_o all_o other_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n because_o this_o be_v that_o which_o put_v we_o into_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n without_o which_o no_o man_n can_v be_v save_v according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n 3._o if_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n i_o suppose_v all_o man_n will_v grant_v it_o must_v be_v the_o true_a faith_n in_o christ_n not_o a_o false_a and_o heretical_a faith_n for_o that_o be_v equivalent_a to_o infidelity_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v little_a difference_n between_o not_o believe_v in_o christ_n at_o all_o and_o not_o believe_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v of_o he_o and_o the_o belief_n of_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n for_o if_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o of_o christ_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n we_o may_v as_o well_o believe_v nothing_o and_o then_o to_o be_v sure_a it_o concern_v we_o to_o hold_v the_o catholic_n faith_n whatever_o that_o be_v 4._o that_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n be_v that_o true_a christian_a faith_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n appear_v from_o the_o form_n of_o baptism_n itself_o for_o we_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o be_v into_o the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o trinity_n in_o unity_n and_o unity_n in_o trinity_n which_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n this_o be_v the_o baptismal_a faith_n and_o that_o certain_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n if_o any_o faith_n be_v now_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o baptism_n be_v our_o solemn_a dedication_n to_o god_n and_o admission_n into_o covenant_n with_o he_o to_o be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n in_o the_o very_a same_o act_n and_o same_o form_n of_o word_n whereby_o we_o be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o father_n be_v they_o not_o one_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a god_n with_o the_o father_n will_v make_v any_o consider_a man_n abhor_v the_o christian_a religion_n as_o the_o most_o open_a and_o bare-faced_n idolatry_n as_o join_v creature_n with_o god_n in_o the_o most_o solemn_a act_n of_o religion_n that_o of_o dedicate_a man_n to_o his_o worship_n and_o service_n but_o not_o to_o insist_v on_o that_o now_o our_o author_n may_v hence_o learn_v that_o to_o believe_v in_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n because_o it_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o baptism_n and_o if_o that_o exposition_n which_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n have_v give_v of_o this_o faith_n be_v the_o true_a catholic_n doctrine_n then_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o the_o creed_n begin_v very_o proper_o with_o assert_v the_o necessity_n of_o hold_v the_o catholic_n faith_n if_o we_o will_v be_v save_v which_o must_v be_v as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v christian_n which_o faith_n except_o a_o man_n keep_v whole_a and_o undefiled_a without_o doubt_n he_o shall_v perish_v everlasting_o by_o keep_v this_o faith_n whole_a and_o undefiled_a must_v be_v mean_v note_n if_o any_o thing_n be_v mean_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v believe_v and_o profess_v it_o without_o add_v to_o it_o or_o take_v from_o it_o if_o we_o take_v from_o it_o we_o do_v not_o keep_v it_o whole_a if_o we_o add_v aught_o to_o it_o we_o do_v not_o keep_v it_o undefiled_a and_o either_o way_n we_o shall_v perish_v everlasting_o a_o man_n of_o ordinary_a sense_n and_o candour_n will_v have_v say_v answer_n that_o to_o keep_v this_o faith_n whole_a and_o undefiled_a signify_v not_o to_o corrupt_v the_o faith_n either_o by_o add_v to_o it_o or_o take_v from_o it_o for_o whatever_o we_o add_v or_o whatever_o we_o take_v away_o which_o do_v not_o alter_v the_o essential_o of_o our_o faith_n the_o faith_n remain_v whole_a and_o undefiled_a still_o but_o this_o will_v have_v spoil_v his_o notable_a remark_n both_o as_o to_o add_v and_o take_v away_o first_o for_o add_v what_o if_o a_o honest_a plain_a man_n because_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n and_o a_o protestant_n note_n shall_v think_v it_o necessary_a to_o add_v this_o article_n to_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n i_o believe_v the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v a_o divine_a infallible_a and_o complete_a rule_n both_o for_o faith_n and_o manner_n i_o hope_v no_o protestant_n will_v think_v a_o man_n damn_v for_o such_o addition_n and_o if_o so_o than_o this_o creed_n of_o athanasius_n be_v at_o least_o a_o unnecessary_a rule_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v to_o say_v it_o be_v a_o addition_n to_o the_o catholic_n faith_n answer_n to_o own_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o addition_n to_o the_o law_n of_o england_n to_o own_o the_o original_a record_n of_o they_o in_o the_o tower_n for_o the_o catholic_n faith_n be_v what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v that_o book_n or_o write_v wherein_o this_o catholic_n faith_n be_v to_o be_v find_v and_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o which_o we_o must_v believe_v it_o and_o therefore_o what_o the_o catholic_n faith_n be_v
and_o what_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v two_o very_a distinct_a question_n and_o to_o apply_v what_o be_v say_v of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n become_v the_o wit_n and_o understanding_n of_o a_o heretic_n this_o be_v the_o very_a argument_n which_o the_o papist_n use_v against_o our_o author_n complete_a and_o infallible_a rule_n of_o faith_n the_o scripture_n that_o they_o do_v not_o contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n because_o they_o do_v not_o prove_v the_o great_a fundamental_a of_o the_o protestant_a faith_n that_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n which_o we_o receive_v be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n now_o what_o answer_v he_o will_v give_v to_o papist_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n let_v he_o suppose_v i_o give_v he_o the_o same_o answer_n in_o vindication_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n of_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n and_o we_o be_v right_o again_o but_o his_o part_a blow_n be_v worth_a some_o little_a observation_n that_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o complete_a rule_n of_o faith_n than_o this_o creed_n of_o athanasius_n be_v at_o least_o a_o unnecessary_a rule_n of_o faith_n but_o why_o do_v he_o not_o say_v the_o same_o thing_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n or_o nicene_n creed_n or_o any_o other_o creed_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n for_o it_o seem_v a_o creed_n as_o a_o creed_n for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o sense_n to_o be_v make_v of_o it_o be_v a_o very_a unnecessary_a thing_n if_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o complete_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o thus_o both_o catholic_n and_o heretic_n even_o his_o dear_a arian_n and_o socinian_o have_v trouble_v themselves_o and_o the_o world_n to_o no_o purpose_n in_o draw_v up_o creed_n and_o confession_n of_o faith_n but_o this_o author_n ought_v to_o be_v send_v to_o school_n to_o learn_v the_o difference_n between_o a_o creed_n and_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n a_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o divine_o inspire_v write_v which_o contain_v all_o matter_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o which_o we_o do_v believe_v a_o creed_n be_v a_o summary_n of_o faith_n or_o a_o collection_n of_o such_o article_n as_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o which_o we_o must_v examine_v by_o some_o other_o rule_n the_o sum_n then_o of_o our_o author_n argument_n be_v this_o that_o because_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v therefore_o it_o be_v very_o unnecessary_a to_o collect_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n such_o proposition_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o all_o christian_n explicit_o to_o believe_v he_o may_v as_o well_o have_v prove_v from_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o complete_a rule_n of_o faith_n that_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o commentator_n or_o sermon_n or_o catechism_n as_o that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o creed_n but_o as_o senseless_a as_o this_o be_v there_o be_v a_o very_a deep_a fetch_n in_o it_o for_o he_o will_v have_v no_o other_o creed_n but_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o divine_a infallible_a complete_a rule_n of_o faith_n which_o make_v all_o other_o creed_n unnecessary_a and_o then_o he_o can_v make_v what_o he_o please_v of_o scripture_n as_o all_o other_o heretic_n have_v do_v before_o he_o but_o let_v i_o ask_v this_o author_n whether_o to_o believe_v in_o general_a that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o complete_a rule_n of_o faith_n without_o a_o explicit_a belief_n of_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o scripture_n will_v carry_v a_o man_n to_o heaven_n there_o seem_v to_o i_o no_o great_a difference_n between_o this_o general_a faith_n in_o the_o scripture_n without_o particular_o know_v and_o believe_v what_o they_o teach_v and_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v we_o suppose_v then_o he_o will_v grant_v we_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o explicit_a belief_n of_o all_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o ought_v not_o the_o church_n then_o to_o instruct_v people_n what_o these_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n be_v and_o what_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n about_o they_o especial_o when_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o damnable_a heresy_n teach_v in_o the_o church_n by_o man_n of_o perverse_a mind_n who_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n and_o do_v not_o this_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o orthodox_n creed_n and_o formulary_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o put_v i_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o great_a usefulness_n of_o ancient_a creed_n though_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o only_a divine_a and_o infallible_a rule_n of_o faith_n viz._n that_o they_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o secondary_a rule_n as_o contain_v the_o traditionary_a faith_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n for_o witty_a man_n to_o put_v very_o perverse_a sense_n on_o scripture_n to_o favour_v their_o heretical_a doctrine_n and_o to_o defend_v they_o with_o such_o sophistry_n as_o shall_v easy_o impose_v upon_o unlearned_a and_o unthinking_a man_n and_o the_o best_a way_n in_o this_o case_n be_v to_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o ancient_a faith_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o learn_v from_o thence_o how_o these_o article_n be_v understand_v and_o profess_v by_o they_o for_o we_o can_v but_o think_v that_o those_o who_o converse_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o do_v not_o only_o receive_v the_o scripture_n but_o the_o sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o they_o from_o the_o apostle_n or_o apostolical_a man_n understand_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n much_o better_a than_o those_o at_o a_o far_o remove_v and_o therefore_o as_o long_o as_o we_o can_v reasonable_o suppose_v this_o tradition_n to_o be_v preserve_v in_o the_o church_n their_o authority_n be_v very_o venerable_a and_o this_o give_v so_o great_a and_o venerable_a authority_n to_o some_o of_o the_o first_o general_n council_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v tertullian_n himself_o confute_v the_o heretic_n of_o his_o day_n by_o this_o argument_n from_o prescription_n or_o the_o constant_a tradition_n of_o all_o apostolic_a church_n which_o be_v certain_a and_o unquestionable_a at_o that_o time_n and_o as_o much_o as_o papist_n pretend_v to_o tradition_n we_o appeal_v to_o tradition_n for_o the_o first_o three_o or_o four_o century_n and_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n have_v as_o good_a a_o tradition_n as_o this_o as_o certain_o it_o have_v it_o be_v no_o unnecessary_a rule_n though_o we_o do_v not_o make_v it_o a_o primary_n and_o uncontrollable_a rule_n as_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v where_o there_o be_v two_o different_a sense_n put_v on_o scripture_n it_o be_v certain_o the_o safe_a to_o embrace_v that_o sense_n if_o the_o word_n will_v bear_v it_o which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n contain_v in_o the_o write_n of_o her_o doctor_n or_o ancient_a creed_n or_o such_o creed_n as_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n note_n then_o for_o take_v aught_o from_o this_o creed_n the_o whole_a greek_a church_n diffuse_v through_o so_o many_o province_n reject_v as_o heretical_a that_o period_n of_o it_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n contend_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v from_o the_o father_n only_o which_o also_o they_o clear_o and_o demonstrative_o prove_v as_o we_o shall_v see_v in_o its_o proper_a place_n and_o for_o the_o menace_n here_o of_o athanasius_n that_o they_o shall_v perish_v everlasting_o they_o laugh_v at_o it_o and_o say_v he_o be_v drink_v when_o he_o make_v that_o creed_n gennad_n schol._n arch_a bishop_n of_o constantin_n answer_n this_o addition_n of_o the_o filioque_fw-la or_o the_o holy_a ghost_n proceed_v from_o the_o father_n and_o from_o the_o son_n which_o be_v dispute_v between_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a church_n be_v no_o corruption_n of_o the_o essential_o of_o the_o christian_a faith_n about_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o nor_o do_v athanasius_n deny_v salvation_n to_o those_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o for_o he_o that_o will_v be_v save_v must_v thus_o think_v of_o the_o trinity_n do_v not_o relate_v to_o every_o particular_a word_n and_o phrase_n but_o to_o that_o doctrine_n which_o immediate_o proceed_v that_o the_o trinity_n in_o unity_n and_o unity_n in_o trinity_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v which_o the_o greek_n acknowledge_v as_o well_o as_o the_o latin_n and_o therefore_o agree_v in_o the_o substantial_o of_o faith_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o that_o i_o havereason_n for_o what_o i_o say_v appear_v from_o this_o that_o after_o the_o latin_n be_v persuade_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v proceed_v from_o the_o son_n they_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o deny_v salvation_n to_o those_o who_o
faculty_n and_o power_n more_o but_o these_o be_v only_o faculty_n and_o power_n neither_o of_o they_o be_v a_o whole_a entire_a mind_n the_o understanding_n alone_o be_v not_o the_o whole_a entire_a mind_n nor_o reflection_n nor_o love_n but_o the_o mind_n be_v whole_a and_o entire_a by_o the_o union_n of_o they_o all_o in_o one_o but_o these_o be_v person_n in_o the_o godhead_n each_o person_n have_v the_o whole_a divine_a nature_n the_o son_n have_v all_o that_o the_o father_n have_v be_v his_o perfect_a and_o natural_a image_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v all_o that_o father_n and_o son_n be_v comprehend_v all_o their_o infinite_a perfection_n in_o eternal_a love_n and_o they_o be_v all_o the_o same_o and_o all_o unite_a into_o one_o god_n as_o the_o several_a faculty_n and_o power_n be_v in_o one_o mind_n 7._o for_o this_o prove_v that_o these_o divine_a person_n be_v intimate_o conscious_a to_o each_o other_o which_o as_o i_o before_o show_v make_v they_o one_o numerical_a god_n for_o as_o the_o same_o mind_n be_v conscious_a to_o all_o its_o own_o faculty_n and_o power_n and_o by_o that_o unite_v they_o into_o one_o so_o where_o there_o be_v divine_a and_o infinite_a person_n instead_o of_o faculty_n and_o power_n they_o must_v be_v mutual_o conscious_a to_o each_o other_o to_o make_v they_o all_o one_o god_n 8._o this_o prove_v also_o that_o though_o there_o be_v three_o distinct_a person_n there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o energy_n and_o operation_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o maker_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n by_o one_o inseparable_a and_o undivided_a energy_n neither_o of_o they_o do_v nor_o can_v act_v apart_o as_o the_o several_a power_n of_o the_o mind_n all_o concur_v to_o the_o same_o individual_a action_n knowledge_n selfreflection_n and_o will_v do_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o knowledge_n bring_v into_o act_n by_o reflection_n and_o will_n and_o yet_o the_o effect_n may_v be_v ascribe_v to_o knowledge_n and_o ascribe_v to_o will_n as_o the_o make_n of_o the_o world_n be_v to_o the_o father_n and_o to_o the_o son_n and_o to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n not_o separately_z to_o either_o but_o as_o they_o act_n in_o conjunction_n and_o produce_v the_o same_o effect_n by_o one_o individual_a energy_n and_o power_n 9_o this_o prove_v also_o that_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n must_v be_v coeternal_a as_o the_o several_a power_n and_o faculty_n must_v be_v co-temporary_a and_o co-exist_a in_o the_o same_o mind_n understanding_n can_v be_v without_o a_o power_n of_o reflection_n nor_o that_o without_o will_n and_o love_n and_o i_o suppose_v no_o man_n will_v say_v that_o there_o can_v be_v any_o imaginable_a instant_n wherein_o god_n do_v not_o know_v and_o love_v himself_o this_o account_n be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o what_o st._n austin_n have_v give_v we_o 9_o who_o represent_v the_o father_n to_o be_v original_a mind_n the_o son_n his_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o and_o the_o holy-spirit_n divine_a love_n as_o i_o have_v do_v and_o give_v the_o very_a same_o account_n of_o their_o union_n cum_fw-la itaque_fw-la se_fw-la mens_fw-la novit_fw-la &_o amat_fw-la jungitur_fw-la ei_fw-la amore_fw-la verbum_fw-la ejus_fw-la &_o quoniam_fw-la amat_fw-la notitiam_fw-la &_o novit_fw-la amorem_fw-la &_o verbum_fw-la in_o amore_fw-la est_fw-la &_o amor_fw-la in_o verbo_fw-la &_o utrumque_fw-la in_o amante_fw-la &_o dicente_fw-la when_o the_o mind_n know_v and_o love_v itself_o its_o word_n be_v unite_v to_o it_o by_o love_n and_o because_o it_o love_v its_o knowledge_n and_o know_v its_o love_n its_o word_n be_v in_o love_n and_o love_n in_o its_o word_n and_o both_o in_o the_o love_a and_o speak_v or_o know_v mind_n this_o be_v the_o eternal_a generation_n of_o the_o son_n itaque_fw-la mens_fw-la cum_fw-la seipsam_fw-la cognoscit_fw-la sola_fw-la parens_fw-la est_fw-la notitioe_v suoe_n &_o cognitum_fw-la enim_fw-la &_o cognitor_fw-la ipsa_fw-la est_fw-la when_o the_o mind_n know_v itself_o it_o be_v the_o sole_a parent_n of_o its_o own_o knowledge_n for_o its_o self_n be_v both_o the_o knower_n and_o the_o thing_n know_v that_o be_v the_o son_n be_v beget_v of_o the_o father_n by_o a_o reflex_n knowledge_n of_o himself_o and_o he_o give_v we_o the_o same_o account_n of_o the_o difference_n between_o generation_n and_o procession_n that_o one_o be_v a_o new_a production_n if_o i_o may_v so_o express_v it_o inventum_fw-la partum_fw-la &_o repertum_fw-la that_o be_v the_o production_n of_o its_o own_o image_n of_o its_o own_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n by_o self-reflexion_n the_o other_o come_v out_o of_o the_o mind_n as_o love_n do_v and_o therefore_o the_o mind_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o it_o but_o not_o its_o parent_n cur_n itaque_fw-la amando_fw-la se_fw-la non_fw-la genuisse_fw-la dicatur_fw-la amorem_fw-la suum_fw-la sicut_fw-la cognoscendo_fw-la se_fw-la genuit_fw-la notitiam_fw-la svam_fw-la in_fw-la eo_fw-la quidem_fw-la manifest_a ostenditur_fw-la hoc_fw-la amoris_fw-la esse_fw-la principium_fw-la undè_fw-la procedit_fw-la ab_fw-la ipsa_fw-la quidem_fw-la ment_fw-la procedit_fw-la quae_fw-la sibi_fw-la est_fw-la amabilis_fw-la antequam_fw-la se_fw-la amet_fw-la atque_fw-la ita_fw-la principium_fw-la est_fw-la amoris_fw-la svi_fw-la quo_fw-la se_fw-la amat_fw-la sed_fw-la ideo_fw-la non_fw-la rectè_fw-la dicitur_fw-la genitus_fw-la ab_fw-la ea_fw-la sicut_fw-la notitia_fw-la svi_fw-la quâ_fw-la se_fw-la novit_fw-la quia_fw-la notitia_fw-la jam_fw-la inventum_fw-la est_fw-la quod_fw-la partum_fw-la vel_fw-la repertum_fw-la dicitur_fw-la quod_fw-la saepe_fw-la praecedit_fw-la inquisitio_fw-la eo_fw-la sine_fw-la quietura_fw-la this_o i_o hope_n be_v sufficient_a both_o to_o explain_v and_o justify_v this_o doctrine_n which_o be_v the_o great_a fundamental_a of_o the_o christian_a religion_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n and_o unity_n in_o trinity_n and_o that_o account_v i_o have_v give_v of_o it_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o the_o ancient_a father_n do_v not_o express_v their_o sense_n in_o the_o same_o term_n that_o i_o have_v do_v but_o i_o will_v leave_v any_o indifferent_a and_o impartial_a reader_n to_o judge_v whether_o they_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o have_v intend_v the_o very_a same_o explication_n which_o i_o have_v now_o give_v of_o this_o venerable_a mystery_n as_o for_o the_o schoolman_n they_o general_o pretend_v to_o follow_v the_o father_n and_o have_v no_o authority_n where_o they_o leave_v they_o sometime_o they_o seem_v to_o mistake_v their_o sense_n or_o to_o clog_v it_o with_o some_o peculiar_a nicety_n and_o distinction_n of_o their_o own_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o which_o have_v confound_v this_o mystery_n have_v be_v the_o vain_a endeavour_n of_o reduce_v it_o to_o term_n of_o art_n such_o as_o nature_n essence_n substance_n subsistence_n hypostasis_fw-la person_n and_o the_o like_a which_o some_o of_o the_o father_n use_v in_o a_o very_a different_a sense_n from_o each_o other_o which_o sometime_o occasion_v great_a dispute_n among_o they_o not_o because_o they_o differ_v in_o the_o faith_n but_o because_o they_o use_v word_n so_o different_o as_o not_o to_o understand_v each_o other_o meaning_n as_o petavius_n have_v show_v at_o large_a the_o more_o pure_a and_o simple_a age_n of_o the_o church_n content_v themselves_o to_o profess_v the_o divinity_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o three_o who_o be_v this_o one_o god_n which_o be_v all_o the_o scripture_n teach_v of_o it_o but_o when_o sabellius_n have_v turn_v this_o mystery_n only_o into_o a_o trinity_n of_o name_n they_o think_v themselves_o concern_v to_o say_v what_o these_o three_o be_v who_o be_v one_o god_n and_o then_o they_o nice_o distinguish_v between_o person_n and_o hypostasis_fw-la and_o nature_n and_o essence_n and_o substance_n that_o they_o be_v three_o person_n but_o one_o nature_n essence_n and_o substance_n but_o then_o when_o man_n curious_o examine_v the_o signification_n of_o these_o word_n they_o find_v that_o upon_o some_o account_n or_o other_o they_o be_v very_o unapplicable_a to_o this_o mystery_n for_o what_o be_v the_o substance_n and_o nature_n of_o god_n how_o can_v three_o distinct_a person_n have_v but_o one_o numerical_a substance_n what_o be_v the_o distinction_n between_o essence_n and_o personality_n and_o subsistence_n the_o deity_n be_v above_o nature_n and_o above_o term_n of_o art_n there_o be_v nothing_o like_o this_o mysterious_a distinction_n and_o unity_n and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o we_o want_v proper_a word_n to_o express_v it_o by_o at_o least_o that_o such_o name_n as_o signify_v the_o distinction_n and_o unity_n of_o creature_n shall_v not_o reach_v it_o i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o impossible_a to_o give_v a_o tolerable_a account_n of_o the_o school-term_n and_o distinction_n but_o that_o be_v a_o work_n of_o great_a difficulty_n than_o use_n especial_o to_o ordinary_a christian_n and_o i_o have_v draw_v this_o section_n to_o too_o great_a a_o length_n already_o to_o enter_v upon_o that_o now_o sect_n vi_o
concern_v expound_v scripture_n by_o reason_n for_o like_a as_o we_o be_v compel_v by_o the_o christian_a verity_n to_o acknowledge_v every_o person_n by_o himself_o to_o be_v god_n and_o lord_n creed_n so_o be_v we_o forbid_v by_o the_o catholic_n religion_n to_o say_v there_o be_v three_o god_n and_o three_o lord_n by_o the_o christian_a verity_n i_o suppose_v be_v mean_v the_o sacred_a book_n which_o contain_v the_o christian_a religion_n note_n that_o be_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n but_o do_v these_o book_n and_o do_v this_o verity_n compel_v we_o to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o three_o person_n each_o of_o which_o be_v by_o himself_o supreme_a god_n and_o lord_n and_o yet_o all_o of_o they_o together_o but_o one_o god_n do_v i_o say_v the_o holy_a scripture_n compel_v we_o to_o this_o contradictory_n acknowledgement_n be_v there_o any_o text_n allege_v from_o scripture_n which_o all_o the_o unitarian_n and_o some_o or_o other_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a trinitarian_n do_v not_o easy_o interpret_v in_o such_o sense_n that_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n be_v preserve_v and_o no_o more_o than_o one_o person_n even_o the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v god_n see_v the_o history_n of_o the_o unitarian_n but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o text_n of_o scripture_n but_o what_o be_v in_o the_o opinion_n of_o some_o or_o other_o of_o their_o own_o learned_a man_n fair_o capable_a of_o a_o sense_n contrary_n to_o the_o faith_n deliver_v in_o this_o creed_n than_o we_o be_v not_o compel_v to_o acknowledge_v this_o faith_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o contest_v between_o the_o unitarian_n and_o trinitarian_n be_v not_o as_o be_v common_o think_v a_o clash_n of_o reason_n with_o scripture_n but_o it_o lay_v here_o whether_o when_o the_o holy_a scripture_n may_v be_v understand_v as_o teach_v only_o one_o god_n or_o but_o one_o who_o be_v god_n which_o agree_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o scripture_n and_o with_o natural_a reason_n we_o must_v notwithstanding_o prefer_v a_o interpretation_n of_o it_o that_o be_v absurd_a and_o contrary_a to_o itself_o to_o reason_n and_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o scripture_n such_o as_o the_o trinitarian_n interpretation_n express_v in_o this_o creed_n appear_v to_o be_v in_o a_o word_n the_o question_n only_o be_v whether_o we_o ought_v to_o interpret_v holy_a scripture_n when_o it_o speak_v of_o god_n according_a to_o reason_n or_o not_o that_o be_v like_o fool_n or_o like_o wise_a man_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o long_a paragraph_n to_o trouble_v a_o answerer_n thought_n answer_n but_o a_o great_a deal_n to_o exercise_v his_o patience_n if_o he_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v provoke_v by_o arrogance_n and_o folly_n his_o first_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v not_o compel_v we_o to_o confess_v each_o person_n in_o the_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n to_o be_v god_n and_o lord_n and_o yet_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n be_v because_o it_o be_v a_o contradictory_n acknowledgement_n so_o he_o say_v and_o have_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v it_o and_o how_o vain_o and_o impertinent_o i_o leave_v the_o reader_n to_o judge_v but_o if_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n imply_v no_o contradiction_n as_o i_o be_o persuade_v i_o have_v evident_o prove_v then_o i_o hope_v the_o scripture_n may_v teach_v this_o doctrine_n and_o require_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o but_o this_o be_v a_o impudent_a argument_n which_o bring_v revelation_n down_o in_o such_o sublime_a mystery_n to_o the_o level_n of_o our_o understanding_n to_o say_v such_o a_o doctrine_n can_v be_v contain_v in_o scripture_n because_o it_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n whereas_o a_o modest_a man_n will_v first_o inquire_v whether_o it_o be_v in_o scripture_n or_o not_o and_o if_o it_o be_v plain_o contain_v there_o he_o will_v conclude_v how_o unintelligible_a soever_o it_o appear_v to_o he_o that_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n in_o it_o because_o it_o be_v teach_v by_o scripture_n we_o must_v not_o indeed_o expound_v scripture_n contrary_a to_o common_a sense_n and_o to_o the_o common_a reason_n of_o mankind_n in_o such_o matter_n as_o every_o man_n know_v and_o every_o man_n can_v judge_v of_o but_o in_o matter_n of_o pure_a revelation_n which_o we_o have_v no_o natural_a idea_n of_o and_o know_v nothing_o of_o but_o what_o be_v reveal_v we_o must_v not_o pretend_v some_o imaginary_a contradiction_n to_o reject_v the_o plain_a and_o express_a authority_n of_o a_o revelation_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o know_v what_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n who_o nature_n we_o do_v not_o understand_v as_o i_o show_v before_o his_o next_o proof_n that_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o compel_v we_o to_o this_o acknowledgement_n be_v that_o the_o unitarian_n and_o some_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a trinitarian_n expound_v these_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v allege_v for_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n to_o another_o sense_n and_o easy_o reconcile_v they_o with_o the_o belief_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o one_o only_a who_o be_v god_n as_o well_o as_o of_o one_o god_n and_o for_o this_o he_o refer_v we_o to_o that_o learned_a piece_n the_o history_n of_o the_o unitarian_n as_o for_o examine_v particular_a text_n which_o be_v allege_v on_o both_o side_n in_o this_o controversy_n it_o be_v too_o voluminous_a a_o work_n at_o present_a and_o beside_o my_o present_a undertake_n which_o be_v only_o to_o vindicate_v the_o athanasian_n creed_n and_o the_o true_a christian_a doctrine_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n from_o the_o pretend_a absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n charge_v on_o it_o in_o these_o note_n and_o when_o that_o be_v do_v and_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v do_v it_o i_o dare_v trust_v any_o man_n of_o competent_a understanding_n to_o judge_v which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scope_n and_o language_n of_o scripture_n but_o as_o for_o what_o he_o say_v that_o the_o unitarian_n or_o socinian_n can_v easy_o reconcile_v all_o the_o text_n of_o scripture_n allege_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o a_o trinity_n to_o their_o notion_n of_o one_o god_n in_o opposition_n to_o three_o divine_a person_n in_o the_o godhead_n we_o must_v let_v he_o say_v so_o because_o he_o will_v say_v it_o as_o all_o other_o heretic_n pretend_v scripture_n to_o be_v on_o their_o side_n but_o to_o say_v that_o they_o can_v easy_o do_v this_o be_v a_o little_a impudent_a when_o all_o man_n who_o understand_v this_o controversy_n see_v what_o be_v they_o use_v and_o what_o force_v and_o arbitrary_a interpretation_n they_o put_v on_o scripture_n to_o reconcile_v it_o to_o their_o opinion_n especial_o when_o some_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a socinian_o stick_v not_o to_o confess_v that_o they_o will_v expound_v scripture_n to_o any_o sense_n rather_o than_o acknowledge_v such_o doctrine_n as_o they_o think_v so_o contradictory_n to_o the_o reason_n and_o understanding_n of_o mankind_n which_o no_o modest_a man_n will_v own_v be_v he_o not_o sensible_a of_o the_o harshness_n and_o uncouthness_n of_o his_o own_o exposition_n for_o thing_n be_v come_v to_o a_o desperate_a pass_n when_o they_o shall_v resolve_v upon_o any_o sense_n or_o no_o sense_n rather_o than_o that_o which_o the_o word_n most_o apt_o and_o proper_o signify_v but_o lie_v cross_v to_o their_o prejudices_fw-la and_o preconceived_n opinion_n but_o what_o think_v he_o of_o socinus_n exposition_n of_o that_o text_n where_o christ_n say_v that_o he_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n which_o he_o can_v not_o do_v if_o he_o have_v no_o be_v before_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n do_v socinus_n find_v it_o so_o easy_a a_o thing_n to_o reconcile_v this_o text_n to_o his_o darling_n opinion_n when_o he_o be_v fain_o to_o fast_o and_o to_o pray_v for_o it_o and_o to_o pretend_v revelation_n because_o he_o want_v reason_n to_o support_v it_o viz._n that_o christ_n before_o he_o enter_v on_o his_o prophetic_a office_n be_v take_v up_o into_o heaven_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o then_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n again_o to_o publish_v it_o to_o the_o world_n whereas_o our_o saviour_n plain_o speak_v of_o his_o first_o come_v into_o the_o world_n when_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o virgin_n and_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o the_o gospel_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o his_o be_v take_v up_o into_o heaven_n before_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a i_o think_v this_o be_v no_o easy_a exposition_n but_o of_o this_o more_o present_o that_o there_o be_v no_o text_n of_o scripture_n allege_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o a_o trinity_n but_o what_o be_v reject_v by_o one_o or_o other_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a trinitarian_n be_v as_o true_a as_o the_o other_o there_o be_v many_o text_n which_o all_o hearty_a trinitarian_n do_v and_o must_v agree_v in_o