not_o only_o the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o god_n but_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o perfection_n to_o more_o person_n than_o one._n and_o this_o be_v the_o only_a answer_n that_o need_v be_v give_v and_o the_o best_a answer_n that_o can_v be_v give_v to_o this_o objection_n of_o tritheism_n for_o god_n know_v his_o own_o nature_n and_o his_o own_o unity_n best_o and_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o we_o to_o acknowledge_v god_n to_o be_v one_o as_o the_o scripture_n teach_v he_o to_o be_v one_o that_o be_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n but_o that_o this_o one_o god_n have_v a_o eternal_a only_o beget_v son_n and_o a_o eternal_a spirit_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o same_o godhead_n this_o be_v the_o account_n tertullian_n give_v we_o of_o those_o expression_n 18._o when_o the_o scripture_n assert_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o that_o there_o be_v none_o beside_o he_o for_o without_o deny_v the_o son_n we_o may_v true_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a god_n who_o son_n he_o be_v for_o though_o he_o have_v a_o son_n he_o do_v not_o lose_v his_o name_n of_o the_o one_o and_o only_a god_n when_o he_o be_v name_v without_o his_o sâ—n_n and_o so_o he_o be_v when_o what_o be_v say_v be_v appropriate_v to_o he_o as_o the_o first_o persâ—n_n for_o in_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n aâ—â—_n of_o ouâ—_n conception_n the_o father_n be_v befoâ—â—â—he_a son_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v name_v bâ—â—ore_o he_o so_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n the_o father_n and_o beside_o he_o there_o be_v no_o other_o which_o do_v not_o deny_v the_o son_n but_o another_o god_n which_o reject_v the_o multitude_n of_o false_a god_n which_o the_o heathen_n worship_v but_o the_o son_n as_o be_v inseparable_o unite_v to_o he_o be_v include_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o father_n godhead_n though_o not_o name_v which_o as_o he_o well_o observe_v he_o can_v not_o be_v without_o make_v another_o god_n of_o he_o have_v the_o father_n say_v there_o be_v no_o other_o god_n beside_o i_o except_v my_o son_n this_o have_v make_v the_o son_n another_o god_n a_o new_a separate_a divinity_n and_o will_v have_v be_v as_o improper_a as_o if_o the_o sun_n shall_v say_v there_o be_v no_o other_o sun_n beside_o i_o except_v my_o ray_n the_o sum_n of_o which_o be_v this_o that_o the_o title_n of_o the_o one_o and_o only_a god_n and_o beside_o he_o there_o be_v no_o other_o god_n do_v in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n belong_v to_o the_o father_n who_o be_v the_o one_o only_a god_n with_o his_o son_n and_o spirit_n but_o this_o do_v not_o exclude_v the_o son_n or_o spirit_n from_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n for_o they_o be_v not_o other_o god_n from_o the_o father_n but_o have_v the_o same_o divinity_n and_o be_v inseparable_o â—mited_v to_o the_o father_n and_o therefore_o be_v include_v in_o the_o â—â—ity_n of_o the_o godhead_n without_o be_v name_v whereas_o thâ—â—r_n be_v name_v will_v have_v except_v they_o out_o of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n and_o make_v other_o god_n of_o they_o and_o though_o the_o son_n when_o he_o be_v name_v alâ—ne_n 19_o be_v call_v god_n this_o do_v not_o make_v two_o god_n because_o he_o be_v god_n only_o by_o his_o unity_n with_o his_o father_n st._n hilary_n give_v much_o the_o same_o account_n of_o it_o fine_a that_o when_o the_o scripture_n teach_v that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o no_o other_o god_n beside_o he_o this_o do_v not_o exclude_v the_o son_n of_o god_n from_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n because_o the_o son_n be_v not_o another_o god_n intelligatur_fw-la he_o be_v of_o the_o same_o substance_n with_o god_n the_o father_n god_n of_o god_n and_o inseparable_o unite_v to_o he_o another_o god_n do_v not_o signify_v another_o divine_a person_n 5._o but_o another_o divinity_n another_o separate_z and_o independent_a principle_n and_o fountain_n of_o deity_n and_o beside_o this_o st._n hilary_n endeavour_v to_o prove_v at_o large_a from_o several_a text_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o this_o very_a expression_n of_o one_o god_n and_o no_o other_o beside_o he_o 4._o be_v apply_v not_o only_o to_o the_o father_n but_o to_o the_o son_n and_o be_v very_o just_o applicable_a to_o each_o of_o they_o because_o each_o of_o they_o have_v a_o personal_a and_o incommunicable_a unity_n the_o father_n be_v the_o one_o god_n and_o there_o be_v none_o beside_o he_o for_o he_o be_v the_o only_a deus_fw-la innascibilis_fw-la the_o only_a god_n who_o be_v god_n of_o himself_o without_o any_o communication_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o he_o from_o any_o other_o divine_a person_n the_o son_n be_v the_o one_o god_n and_o there_o be_v none_o beside_o he_o that_o be_v the_o deus_fw-la vnigenitus_fw-la the_o only_o beget_v god_n and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o beget_v god_n but_o he_o so_o that_o each_o of_o they_o be_v the_o one_o god_n for_o between_o one_o and_o one_o that_o be_v one_o of_o one_o there_o be_v no_o second_o nature_n of_o the_o eternal_a dâ—ity_n i_o shall_v not_o dispute_v these_o matter_n now_o which_o will_v be_v more_o proper_a in_o another_o place_n it_o be_v enough_o at_o present_a that_o we_o learn_v from_o they_o what_o sense_n these_o father_n have_v concern_v the_o unity_n of_o god_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o sâ—ngle_a person_n so_o as_o to_o exclude_v all_o other_o person_n from_o the_o name_n and_o nature_n of_o god_n but_o a_o unity_n of_o nature_n and_o principle_n that_o there_o be_v not_o two_o different_a divinity_n nor_o two_o principle_n of_o divinity_n which_o have_v no_o communication_n with_o each_o other_o but_o that_o there_o be_v one_o self-originated_n be_v who_o communicate_v his_o own_o nature_n without_o division_n and_o separation_n to_o his_o eternal_a son_n and_o by_o and_o with_o his_o son_n to_o his_o eternal_a spirit_n thus_o st._n hilary_n conclude_v this_o dispute_n that_o to_o confess_v one_o god_n but_o not_o a_o solitary_a god_n that_o be_v 5._o not_o one_o single_a solitary_a person_n be_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n which_o confess_v the_o father_n in_o the_o son_n but_o if_o out_o of_o ignorance_n of_o this_o heavenly_a mystery_n we_o pretend_v that_o one_o god_n signify_v one_o single_a divine_a person_n we_o know_v not_o god_n as_o not_o own_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n in_o god_n this_o be_v plain_a sense_n which_o every_o christian_a may_v understand_v and_o what_o every_o one_o must_v believe_v who_o will_v be_v a_o christian_n we_o must_v believe_v in_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n that_o the_o father_n be_v not_o the_o son_n nor_o the_o son_n the_o father_n nor_o the_o holy_a ghost_n either_o father_n or_o son_n and_o that_o each_o of_o these_o three_o be_v in_o himself_o as_o distinguish_v from_o the_o other_o two_o true_a and_o perfect_a god_n but_o though_o they_o be_v three_o and_o each_o of_o they_o true_a and_o perfect_a god_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o three_o god_n because_o there_o be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o divinity_n in_o they_o the_o same_o individual_a numerical_a divine_a nature_n be_v whole_a perfect_a undivided_a in_o they_o all_o original_o in_o the_o father_n by_o generation_n in_o the_o son_n and_o by_o procession_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o i_o have_v already_o explain_v it_o which_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a unity_n we_o can_v conceive_v between_o three_o whole_n or_o three_o each_o of_o which_o have_v the_o same_o whole_a undivided_a nature_n distinct_o in_o themselves_o if_o this_o will_v not_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v such_o a_o unity_n as_o be_v include_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o one_o god_n that_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o one_o god_n be_v of_o one_o only_a who_o be_v god_n which_o be_v contradictory_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o three_o each_o of_o who_o be_v in_o himself_o true_a and_o perfect_a god_n the_o answer_n the_o catholic_n father_n give_v to_o this_o as_o i_o have_v now_o show_v ought_v to_o satisfy_v all_o christian_n that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o scripture-notion_n of_o one_o god_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o who_o be_v god_n because_o the_o same_o holy_a scripture_n which_o teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n do_v also_o teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v three_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n that_o not_o only_o the_o father_n be_v god_n as_o a_o infinite_a eternal_a self-originated_n be_v and_o upon_o this_o account_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n call_v the_o one_o and_o only_a true_a god_n but_o the_o son_n also_o be_v true_a god_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n true_a god_n by_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o same_o divine_a nature_n to_o they_o now_o god_n know_v his_o own_o nature_n and_o unity_n best_o and_o if_o he_o declare_v himself_o to_o
but_o yet_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o divine_a and_o human_a person_n though_o christ_n be_v one_o person_n and_o jesus_n another_o and_o therefore_o as_o the_o nicene_n creed_n which_o we_o find_v also_o in_o the_o ancient_a oriental_a creed_n teach_v we_o to_o believe_v in_o one_o god_n the_o father_n almighty_n maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o of_o all_o thing_n visible_a and_o invisible_a not_o to_o exclude_v christ_n from_o be_v the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n but_o in_o opposition_n to_o those_o heretic_n who_o will_v not_o allow_v the_o supreme_a god_n who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n but_o attribute_v the_o creation_n of_o this_o world_n to_o one_o or_o more_o inferior_a angel_n so_o they_o add_v and_o in_o one_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n in_o opposition_n to_o those_o who_o make_v christ_n and_o jesus_n two_o person_n and_o yet_o in_o this_o very_a heresy_n we_o may_v see_v what_o the_o ancient_n catholic_n faith_n be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v god_n and_o man_n as_o cerinthus_n himself_o own_v though_o he_o will_v not_o unite_v christ_n and_o jesus_n into_o one_o person_n nor_o make_v the_o union_n inseparable_a the_o valentinian_n heresy_n though_o dress_v up_o after_o the_o mode_n of_o the_o pagan_a theology_n be_v a_o manifest_a corruption_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o a_o more_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o divine_a mystery_n and_o we_o may_v still_o see_v the_o break_a remain_n of_o the_o catholic_n tradition_n of_o the_o trinity_n among_o they_o their_o pleroma_n by_o which_o they_o seem_v to_o understand_v the_o fullness_n of_o the_o deity_n as_o st._n paul_n use_v that_o phrase_n 2_o col._n 9_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n dwell_v in_o christ_n bodily_a i_o say_v this_o pleroma_n consist_v of_o several_a aeons_n or_o divine_a person_n which_o be_v propagate_v from_o the_o unknown_a and_o incomprehensible_a father_n in_o gradual_a descent_n and_o all_o together_o make_v up_o the_o complete_a and_o perfect_a deity_n which_o be_v more_o or_o few_o according_a to_o the_o various_a fancy_n of_o heretic_n now_o from_o these_o wild_a conceit_n we_o may_v in_o some_o measure_n learn_v what_o the_o catholic_n faith_n be_v that_o the_o godhead_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o one_o single_a and_o solitary_a person_n but_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o foecundity_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o communicate_v itself_o to_o more_o person_n than_o one_o for_o have_v it_o be_v the_o know_a and_o receive_v faith_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o person_n in_o the_o godhead_n as_o well_o as_o but_o one_o god_n there_o have_v be_v no_o pretence_n for_o these_o heretic_n who_o call_v themselves_o christian_n and_o boast_v of_o a_o more_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n to_o have_v invent_v such_o a_o number_n of_o aeons_n which_o they_o include_v within_o their_o pleroma_n as_o the_o several_a emanation_n of_o their_o deity_n and_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o most_o of_o the_o name_n which_o they_o give_v to_o their_o several_a aeons_n be_v scripture-name_n and_o title_n which_o the_o pagan_a theology_n know_v nothing_o of_o and_o which_o they_o can_v learn_v no_o where_o but_o from_o the_o christian_a church_n basilides_n i_o think_v be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o who_o give_v we_o any_o distinct_a account_n of_o these_o aeons_n which_o be_v new_o model_v by_o valentinus_n and_o other_o succeed_a heretic_n and_o his_o first_o and_o supreme_a aeon_n 24._o as_o epiphanius_n tell_v we_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o unbegotten_a one_o who_o only_o be_v the_o father_n of_o all_o and_o by_o other_o be_v call_v the_o propater_n and_o the_o unknown_a invisible_a incomprehensible_a father_n now_o though_o the_o heathen_n very_o familiar_o call_v their_o supreme_a god_n the_o father_n of_o god_n and_o man_n with_o respect_n to_o his_o create_a power_n yet_o as_o the_o notion_n of_o father_n be_v found_v in_o a_o substantial_a generation_n as_o these_o heretic_n plain_o understand_v it_o so_o it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a character_n of_o god_n under_o the_o gospel_n who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n his_o only_a beget_v son_n it_o be_v certain_a the_o first_o person_n in_o the_o godhead_n be_v never_o call_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o one_o that_o be_v unbegotten_a but_o to_o distinguish_v he_o from_o one_o who_o be_v beget_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o only_o beget_v who_o be_v god_n also_o but_o god_n oâ—_n god_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a what_o tertullian_n tell_v we_o of_o heracleon_n haeret._n that_o he_o make_v his_o first_o aeâ—n_n to_o be_v illud_fw-la quod_fw-la pronunciat_fw-la which_o some_o critic_n not_o understanding_n think_v to_o be_v a_o defect_n in_o the_o copy_n but_o the_o sense_n be_v plain_a that_o his_o first_o aeon_n be_v he_o that_o pronounce_v or_o speak_v by_o which_o he_o represent_v the_o eternal_a generation_n of_o the_o word_n so_o that_o his_o first_o aeon_n be_v the_o pronouncer_n or_o speaker_n that_o be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o eternal_a word_n which_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n be_v with_o god_n and_o be_v god_n which_o show_v that_o this_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o disguise_a corruption_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n concern_v the_o eternal_a generation_n of_o the_o word_n from_o the_o eternal_a unbegotten_a father_n to_o confirm_v this_o i_o observe_v far_o that_o most_o of_o the_o name_n which_o they_o give_v to_o their_o other_n aeons_n be_v such_o name_n title_n or_o character_n as_o the_o scripture_n give_v to_o christ_n or_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o they_o have_v multiply_v into_o so_o many_o distinct_a person_n or_o aeons_n such_o as_o the_o mind_n word_n prudence_n power_n and_o wisdom_n truth_n life_n light_n the_o only_o beget_v the_o paraclete_n and_o the_o like_a valentinus_n indeed_o as_o epiphanius_n observe_v do_v model_n his_o thirty_o aeons_n according_a to_o hesiod_n genealogy_n and_o number_n of_o god_n and_o with_o some_o manifest_a allusion_n to_o they_o but_o yet_o he_o retain_v as_o many_o scripture-name_n as_o he_o can_v the_o better_a to_o reconcile_v unwary_a people_n to_o his_o fabulous_a genealogy_n as_o the_o hide_a and_o mysterious_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a such_o fable_n shall_v ever_o have_v obtain_v any_o credit_n have_v they_o not_o be_v graft_v on_o the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o pretend_v to_o improve_v it_o with_o new_a degree_n of_o light_n and_o knowledge_n when_o these_o heresy_n be_v pretty_a well_o silence_v up_o start_n noetus_n and_o sabellius_n who_o run_v into_o the_o other_o extreme_a the_o valentinian_o have_v corrupt_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n by_o multiply_v three_o divine_a person_n into_o thirty_o aeons_n beside_o all_o their_o other_o pagan_a and_o fabulous_a conceit_n about_o they_o this_o offend_v these_o man_n as_o downright_a polytheism_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v no_o better_a and_o to_o avoid_v this_o they_o reject_v a_o trinity_n of_o real_a and_o substantial_a person_n for_o a_o trinity_n of_o name_n that_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v but_o three_o name_n of_o the_o same_o person_n who_o be_v sometime_o call_v the_o father_n at_o other_o time_n the_o son_n or_o the_o holy_a ghost_n with_o respect_n to_o his_o different_a appearance_n or_o operation_n or_o they_o make_v the_o son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n not_o two_o person_n but_o two_o personal_a attribute_n in_o god_n his_o wisdom_n or_o power_n or_o they_o make_v the_o trinity_n but_o three_o part_n of_o one_o compound_v god_n as_o a_o man_n consist_v of_o body_n soul_n and_o spirit_n which_o of_o late_o have_v be_v revive_v among_o we_o under_o different_a name_n after_o these_o man_n arise_v arius_n and_o his_o follower_n who_o out_o of_o great_a zeal_n also_o for_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n frame_v a_o new_a and_o more_o subtle_a heresy_n they_o be_v sensible_a that_o father_n and_o son_n be_v not_o two_o name_n but_o two_o real_a distinct_a person_n and_o therefore_o they_o attribute_v the_o whole_a entire_a divinity_n to_o the_o father_n and_o make_v the_o son_n not_o to_o be_v god_n by_o nature_n but_o the_o most_o perfect_a and_o excellent_a creature_n as_o perfect_a a_o image_n of_o god_n as_o any_o creature_n can_v be_v but_o not_o consubstantial_a with_o god_n nor_o coequal_a and_o coeternal_a with_o he_o all_o these_o heresy_n be_v reject_v and_o condemn_v by_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o their_o several_a age_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o appear_v and_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o this_o be_v one_o very_o good_a way_n to_o learn_v what_o the_o catholic_n faith_n be_v from_o its_o opposition_n to_o
latin_a father_n nay_o to_o the_o schoolman_n themselves_o and_o must_v be_v own_v by_o all_o man_n of_o sense_n that_o esse_fw-la vivere_fw-la intelligere_fw-la sapere_fw-la velle_fw-la bonum_fw-la esse_fw-la magnum_fw-la esse_fw-la etc._n etc._n to_o be_v to_o live_v to_o understand_v to_o be_v wise_a to_o will_v to_o be_v good_a and_o to_o be_v great_a or_o whatever_o else_o we_o can_v attribute_v to_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v but_o unum_fw-la omne_fw-la all_o one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o god_n i_o say_v if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o consequence_n of_o this_o be_v that_o to_o say_v that_o in_o this_o sense_n of_o be_v the_o father_n be_v the_o son_n be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v be_v equivalent_a to_o assert_v three_o distinct_a substance_n mind_n spirit_n life_n understanding_n will_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o trinity_n i_o can_v help_v it_o st._n austin_n be_v never_o yet_o charge_v with_o tritheism_n let_v they_o either_o deny_v what_o st._n austin_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o father_n teach_v about_o this_o matter_n and_o try_v if_o they_o can_v defend_v the_o absolute_a simplicity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n without_o it_o or_o let_v they_o deny_v if_o they_o think_v good_a that_o the_o father_n be_v the_o son_n be_v and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v in_o this_o notion_n of_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a be_v or_o try_v if_o they_o can_v find_v such_o a_o medium_n between_o perfect_a be_v and_o be_v not_o as_o can_v belong_v to_o any_o be_v which_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n or_o allow_v which_o be_v the_o true_a solution_n of_o it_o that_o be_v and_o be_v and_o be_v essence_n and_o essence_n and_o essence_n be_v but_o one_o eternal_a be_v one_o eternal_a essence_n as_o they_o be_v but_o one_o god_n of_o which_o more_o present_o i_o always_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o these_o term_n in_o the_o plural_a number_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v familiar_o use_v because_o few_o man_n can_v conceive_v of_o they_o as_o they_o be_v worthy_a of_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o father_n be_v uâ—ry_o cautious_a in_o use_v they_o which_o they_o very_o rare_o do_v but_o when_o they_o be_v extort_a from_o they_o by_o the_o perverse_a importunity_n of_o heretic_n but_o i_o can_v see_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o deny_v three_o self_n or_o three_o is_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n without_o deny_v a_o trinity_n and_o if_o each_o of_o these_o three_o be_v himself_o and_o not_o another_o and_o each_o of_o they_o be_v and_o be_v by_o himself_o this_o be_v the_o least_o we_o can_v say_v of_o the_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n and_o this_o be_v all_o with_o respect_n to_o their_o distinction_n that_o we_o need_v say_v of_o they_o so_o that_o if_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v so_o in_o a_o true_a and_o proper_a notion_n be_v in_o truth_n and_o reality_n what_o these_o name_n of_o father_n son_n and_o spirit_n signify_v that_o the_o father_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o true_a proper_a natural_a father_n the_o son_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o true_a proper_a genuine_a son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o a_o true_a proper_a sense_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n as_o the_o catholic_n father_n always_o profess_v they_o must_v be_v as_o true_o and_o perfect_o distinct_a as_o father_n and_o son_n be_v the_o only_a question_n than_o be_v whether_o these_o name_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n signify_v natural_o and_o proper_o when_o speak_v of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n or_o be_v only_o metaphorical_a and_o allusive_a name_n though_o what_o they_o shall_v be_v metaphor_n of_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o conceive_v and_o as_o absurd_a to_o conceive_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o metaphor_n in_o god_n who_o be_v all_o perfect_a essence_n and_o be_v the_o divine_a nature_n and_o perfection_n which_o we_o can_v conceive_v of_o as_o they_o be_v may_v be_v express_v by_o metaphor_n take_v from_o some_o thing_n which_o be_v analogous_a in_o creature_n upon_o which_o account_n we_o read_v of_o the_o hand_n and_o eye_n and_o ear_n and_o bowel_n and_o mouth_n of_o god_n creature_n may_v serve_v for_o metaphor_n for_o shadow_n and_o image_n to_o represent_v something_o of_o god_n to_o we_o but_o the_o reality_n of_o all_o be_v in_o god_n so_o that_o we_o may_v allow_v father_n and_o son_n in_o some_o sense_n to_o be_v metaphorical_a name_n when_o apply_v to_o god_n not_o that_o god_n the_o father_n be_v not_o in_o the_o high_a and_o most_o perfect_a sense_n a_o father_n and_o his_o son_n a_o most_o proper_a natural_a genuine_a son_n but_o because_o the_o divine_a generation_n be_v so_o perfect_a a_o communication_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o be_v from_o father_n to_o son_n that_o human_a generation_n creature-fathers_n and_o son_n be_v but_o obscure_a imperfect_a image_n and_o resemblance_n of_o it_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v speak_v metaphorical_o of_o god_n the_o metaphor_n and_o image_n be_v always_o in_o the_o creature_n the_o truth_n perfection_n and_o reality_n of_o all_o in_o god_n and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o certain_a and_o universal_a rule_n then_o if_o god_n be_v a_o father_n if_o he_o have_v a_o son_n a_o only_o beget_v son_n beget_v eternal_o of_o himself_o not_o make_v nor_o create_v but_o beget_v though_o this_o eternal_a generation_n be_v infinite_o above_o what_o we_o can_v conceive_v yet_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o god_n the_o father_n be_v more_o proper_o and_o perfect_o a_o father_n and_o his_o son_n more_o proper_o and_o perfect_o a_o son_n than_o any_o creature-fathers_n or_o son_n be_v but_o i_o think_v this_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o dispute_n if_o we_o own_o that_o god_n have_v a_o son_n who_o be_v himself_o true_a and_o perfect_a god_n for_o a_o son_n who_o be_v perfect_a god_n be_v god_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v a_o son_n prove_v that_o he_o receive_v his_o nature_n from_o his_o father_n for_o this_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o son_n that_o he_o be_v perfect_a god_n prove_v the_o perfection_n of_o his_o generation_n from_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n for_o to_o be_v perfect_a god_n of_o perfect_a god_n be_v to_o receive_v the_o whole_a perfect_a undivided_a nature_n of_o his_o father_n which_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a generation_n that_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o whole_a to_o beget_v a_o whole_a and_o if_o god_n the_o father_n and_o his_o son_n be_v true_o and_o perfect_o father_n and_o son_n they_o must_v be_v true_o and_o perfect_o distinct_a that_o be_v they_o be_v in_o a_o proper_a sense_n two_o and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v three_o and_o we_o need_v no_o other_o proof_n of_o this_o but_o the_o very_a name_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n if_o we_o understand_v they_o in_o a_o proper_a and_o natural_a sense_n sect_n v._o these_o name_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n prove_v the_o unity_n sameness_n identity_n of_o nature_n and_o godhead_n iii_o these_o name_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n as_o they_o signify_v and_o prove_v a_o real_a distinction_n between_o these_o three_o so_o they_o also_o signify_v and_o prove_v the_o unity_n sameness_n identity_n of_o nature_n and_o godhead_n which_o reconcile_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o trinity_n with_o the_o faith_n of_o one_o god_n the_o same_o one_o divine_a essence_n and_o godhead_n be_v and_o subsist_v whole_a perfect_a and_o entire_a in_o each_o of_o these_o divine_a three_o i_o shall_v explain_v and_o confirm_v this_o matter_n more_o at_o large_a hereafter_o and_o therefore_o at_o present_a shall_v only_o brief_o represent_v this_o notion_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o one_o eternal_a self-originated_n divine_a nature_n be_v one_o divinity_n and_o one_o god_n and_o nothing_o can_v destroy_v the_o unity_n of_o god_n but_o what_o destroy_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n by_o division_n or_o multiplication_n and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o i_o will_v desire_v to_o know_v why_o this_o be_v not_o and_o what_o be_v than_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n may_v be_v preserve_v in_o three_o each_o of_o who_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n if_o the_o same_o one_o divine_a nature_n or_o divinity_n subsist_v distinct_o in_o they_o all_o and_o the_o very_a character_n and_o relation_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n do_v necessary_o infer_v and_o prove_v the_o same_o one_o divinity_n in_o they_o all_o and_o therefore_o the_o christian_a trinity_n be_v so_o far_o from_o contradict_v that_o it_o establish_v the_o faith_n of_o one_o god_n as_o to_o explain_v this_o in_o a_o few_o word_n all_o christian_n agree_v that_o god_n who_o we_o call_v the_o father_n be_v a_o
eternal_a self-originated_n be_v who_o have_v no_o beginning_n of_o be_v and_o receive_v his_o be_v from_o no_o other_o and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o self_n originate_v be_v but_o himself_o this_o be_v the_o notion_n which_o all_o mankind_n have_v of_o one_o god_n that_o there_o be_v one_o infinite_a eternal_a self-originated_n be_v or_o nature_n and_o if_o there_o be_v as_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v but_o one_o such_o nature_n and_o divinity_n there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o this_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o own_v but_o one_o god_n the_o father_n who_o be_v therefore_o in_o scripture_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n call_v the_o one_o god_n and_o the_o only_a true_a god_n thus_o fâ—r_v all_o christian_n be_v agree_v but_o here_o our_o arian_n and_o socinian_n adversary_n stop_v for_o how_o can_v the_o son_n be_v god_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v god_n if_o the_o father_n be_v the_o only_a self-originated_n be_v and_o the_o one_o true_a god_n now_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o son_n answer_v this_o difficulty_n or_o at_o least_o prove_v that_o so_o it_o be_v however_o it_o may_v exceed_v our_o finite_a comprehension_n it_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o son_n to_o be_v of_o another_o of_o he_o who_o we_o call_v his_o father_n and_o to_o receive_v the_o same_o nature_n from_o he_o man_n beget_v a_o man_n and_o god_n beget_v god_n but_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a distance_n between_o these_o two_o as_o there_o be_v between_o god_n and_o creature_n when_o man_n beget_v a_o man_n he_o do_v not_o communicate_v his_o own_o whole_a entire_a numerical_a nature_n to_o his_o son_n but_o with_o part_n of_o his_o own_o substance_n communicate_v the_o same_o specific_a nature_n to_o he_o or_o a_o nature_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n and_o therefore_o a_o man_n and_o his_o son_n be_v two_o man_n as_o have_v two_o particular_a nature_n though_o specifical_o the_o same_o but_o if_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v a_o son_n beget_v by_o he_o of_o himself_o i_o say_v not_o create_v out_o of_o nothing_o nor_o make_v of_o any_o other_o preaexistent_a nature_n or_o substance_n but_o eternal_o beget_v of_o himself_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n be_v perfect_o one_o except_v that_o one_o be_v the_o father_n and_o the_o other_o the_o son_n all_o man_n who_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n know_v that_o god_n be_v the_o most_o pure_a simple_a uncompounded_a be_v and_o if_o god_n who_o have_v no_o part_n and_o can_v be_v divide_v into_o any_o beget_v a_o son_n he_o must_v communicate_v his_o whole_a undivided_a nature_n to_o he_o for_o to_o beget_v a_o son_n be_v to_o communicate_v his_o own_o nature_n to_o he_o and_o if_o he_o have_v no_o part_n he_o can_v communicate_v a_o part_n but_o must_v communicate_v the_o whole_a that_o be_v he_o must_v communicate_v his_o whole_a self_n and_o be_v a_o second_o self_n in_o his_o son_n now_o a_o whole_a and_o a_o whole_a of_o a_o whole_a be_v certain_o two_o but_o not_o two_o nature_n but_o one_o nature_n not_o mere_o specifical_o but_o identical_o one_o for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o whole_a which_o be_v communicate_v without_o division_n or_o separation_n shall_v have_v the_o least_o imaginable_a diversity_n from_o itself_o so_o as_o to_o become_v another_o nature_n from_o itself_o for_o a_o whole_a of_o a_o whole_a must_v be_v perfect_o and_o identical_o the_o same_o with_o that_o whole_a of_o which_o it_o be_v for_o a_o whole_a can_v be_v but_o one._n this_o be_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sameness_n and_o identity_n of_o nature_n which_o the_o father_n assert_v and_o whereon_o they_o find_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n and_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o distinction_n of_o the_o school_n between_o unum_fw-la numero_fw-la and_o re_fw-mi numerata_fw-la one_o in_o number_n and_o in_o the_o thing_n number_v two_o must_v always_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v two_o in_o number_n as_o father_n and_o son_n be_v though_o they_o be_v but_o one_o in_o re_fw-mi numeratâ_fw-la in_o the_o sameness_n and_o identity_n of_o nature_n as_o christ_n tell_v we_o i_o and_o my_o father_n be_v one_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o neuter-gender_n which_o must_v relate_v to_o nature_n not_o to_o number_v to_o distinguish_v or_o multiply_v nature_n there_o must_v be_v some_o real_a or_o notional_a diversity_n and_o alterity_n between_o they_o as_o boetius_fw-la observe_n but_o a_o whole_a can_v never_o differ_v in_o the_o least_o from_o the_o whole_a of_o which_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o same_o whole_a can_v differ_v from_o itself_o and_o it_o be_v this_o sameness_n and_o identity_n which_o be_v call_v a_o numerical_a unity_n of_o nature_n and_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n there_o be_v nothing_o like_o it_o in_o creature_n not_o that_o the_o divine_a nature_n consider_v as_o in_o the_o father_n be_v the_o same_o in_o number_n with_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o communicate_v to_o and_o subsist_v distinct_o in_o the_o son_n for_o then_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n can_v be_v two_o for_o the_o person_n of_o the_o father_n and_o his_o divinity_n or_o divine_a nature_n be_v the_o same_o and_o the_o person_n of_o the_o son_n and_o his_o divine_a nature_n be_v the_o same_o and_o if_o this_o oneness_n relate_v to_o number_n there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o person_n as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o nature_n but_o a_o numerical_a unity_n of_o nature_n do_v not_o exclude_v a_o number_n of_o person_n each_o of_o who_o have_v the_o whole_a divine_a nature_n perfectly_n and_o distinct_o in_o himself_o it_o do_v not_o exclude_v the_o actual_a and_o perfect_a communication_n of_o the_o same_o divine_a nature_n to_o more_o than_o one_o but_o only_o exclude_v all_o imaginable_a diversity_n and_o alterity_n and_o what_o be_v not_o aliud_fw-la be_v unum_fw-la that_o which_o be_v not_o another_o thing_n another_o different_a nature_n be_v but_o one_o that_o be_v the_o divine_a nature_n be_v numerical_o one_o in_o opposition_n to_o any_o other_o absolute_a self-originated_n divinity_n not_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o eternal_a communication_n of_o its_o self_n to_o the_o son_n and_o holy_a spirit_n if_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o actual_o and_o distinct_o subsist_v in_o three_o be_v as_o perfect_o one_o as_o the_o idea_n of_o god_n be_v one_o as_o any_o specific_a notion_n suppose_v of_o human_a nature_n be_v one_o than_o it_o be_v identical_o and_o numerical_o one_o and_o the_o same_o and_o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o the_o catholic_n father_n so_o often_o represent_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n by_o allusion_n and_o metaphor_n signify_v a_o specific_a unity_n because_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o subsist_v in_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v as_o perfect_o one_o and_o the_o same_o as_o the_o specific_a notion_n and_o idea_n of_o any_o nature_n 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such_o a_o qualify_a sense_n as_o be_v proper_a to_o a_o eternal_a be_v or_o we_o must_v deny_v eternal_a generation_n and_o procession_n which_o be_v though_o not_o the_o beginning_n yet_o a_o communication_n of_o be_v and_o thus_o the_o father_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o mode_n or_o manner_n of_o existence_n and_o be_v be_v that_o he_o be_v self-originated_n and_o receive_v his_o be_v from_o no_o other_o the_o son_n be_v be_v that_o he_o be_v eternal_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n and_o receive_v his_o nature_n and_o be_v without_o any_o beginning_n from_o the_o father_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v that_o he_o eternal_o proceed_v from_o father_n and_o son_n and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o distinction_n that_o be_v between_o they_o they_o have_v but_o one_o undivided_a undiversify_v nature_n but_o these_o opposite_a relation_n
whole_a must_v be_v the_o same_o whole_a and_o in_o this_o unity_n of_o nature_n consist_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n i_o grant_v a_o whole_a of_o a_o whole_a be_v very_o unconceivable_a to_o we_o and_o so_o be_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o eternal_a self-originated_n be_v and_o of_o creation_n to_o the_o full_a as_o unconceivable_a as_o the_o eternal_a generation_n of_o a_o whole_a from_o a_o whole_a but_o this_o be_v a_o difficulty_n in_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o eternal_a generation_n not_o of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n if_o god_n beget_v a_o son_n as_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o he_o have_v a_o only_o beget_v son_n he_o must_v communicate_v his_o own_o nature_n to_o he_o and_o beside_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n that_o all_o the_o father_n have_v be_v the_o son_n be_v his_o whole_a nature_n and_o divinity_n reason_n assure_v we_o that_o god_n be_v a_o pure_a simple_a be_v without_o composition_n or_o part_n if_o he_o communicate_v his_o nature_n to_o his_o son_n he_o must_v communicate_v it_o whole_a and_o entire_a without_o division_n or_o separation_n and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o father_n and_o son_n he_o who_o beget_v and_o he_o who_o be_v beget_v be_v two_o and_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o the_o same_o whole_a divinity_n communicate_v by_o the_o father_n to_o the_o son_n be_v but_o the_o same_o one_o divinity_n and_o one_o divinity_n though_o actual_o subsist_v in_o three_o can_v be_v but_o one_o god_n not_o three_o go_n it_o be_v certain_a this_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a unity_n that_o can_v be_v between_z three_z who_o be_v true_o and_o real_o the_o same_o and_o yet_o distinct_a for_o they_o can_v nâ—ver_o be_v more_o one_o than_o to_o be_v three_o same_o be_v and_o three_o whole_n for_o the_o communication_n of_o a_o whole_a may_v make_v a_o number_n but_o can_v distinguish_v or_o multiply_v nature_n sect_n vi_o concern_v the_o unity_n of_o god_n but_o our_o socinian_n adversary_n and_o some_o who_o 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manifestation_n of_o the_o same_o one_o numerical_a divine_a person_n which_o be_v the_o ancient_a explode_a anathematise_v heresy_n of_o noetus_n and_o sabellius_n or_o we_o must_v make_v the_o son_n and_o holy_a spirit_n to_o be_v mere_a creature_n if_o we_o allow_v any_o personality_n to_o they_o as_o arius_n macedonius_n paulus_n samosatenus_fw-la and_o such_o like_a heretic_n and_o our_o modern_a socinian_n do_v but_o we_o with_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o catholic_n church_n reject_v this_o notion_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n which_o be_v to_o assert_v the_o unity_n but_o to_o deny_v a_o trinity_n and_o because_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o prevail_v a_o notion_n at_o this_o time_n i_o shall_v shelter_v myself_o as_o well_o as_o i_o can_v under_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o catholic_n father_n and_o the_o catholic_n church_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n be_v always_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o appear_v from_o all_o the_o ancient_a creed_n but_o then_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v in_o one_o god_n as_o one_o god_n signify_v one_o divine_a separate_a person_n which_o be_v never_o express_v in_o any_o christian_a creed_n but_o in_o one_o god_n the_o father_n who_o have_v a_o only_o beget_v son_n and_o a_o eternal_a spirit_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o same_o godhead_n there_o be_v no_o christian_a creed_n which_o teach_v the_o belief_n of_o one_o god_n who_o be_v not_o a_o father_n and_o if_o the_o one_o god_n be_v a_o father_n he_o must_v have_v a_o son_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o substance_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n consubstantial_a with_o god_n the_o father_n must_v be_v god_n the_o son_n this_o be_v what_o tertullian_n tell_v we_o oxon._n that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n with_o his_o oeconomy_n that_o be_v with_o his_o only_a beget_v son_n and_o eternal_a spirit_n the_o catholic_n church_n so_o believe_v in_o one_o god_n as_o to_o acknowledge_v three_o person_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n each_o of_o which_o be_v true_o and_o real_o god_n ibid._n as_o they_o must_v necessary_o do_v if_o they_o believe_v a_o trinity_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n they_o be_v charge_v with_o tritheism_n or_o with_o assert_v three_o god_n because_o they_o own_v a_o trinity_n of_o divine_a substantial_a person_n real_o distinct_a from_o each_o other_o each_o of_o which_o be_v true_o and_o perfect_o god_n so_o that_o this_o be_v no_o new_a charge_n against_o the_o asserter_n of_o a_o real_a and_o substantial_a trinity_n and_o the_o ancient_a christian_n have_v no_o regard_n to_o it_o for_o tritheism_n in_o this_o objection_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o trinity_n or_o of_o three_o divine_a person_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n which_o be_v the_o true_a christian_n faith_n as_o to_o show_v this_o brief_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o real_a substantial_a trinity_n from_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n they_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v judaisme_n and_o heresy_n to_o place_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o person_n to_o teach_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o divine_a person_n as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n prax._n we_o may_v find_v enough_o to_o this_o purpose_n in_o tertullian_n against_o praxeas_n and_o athanasius_n against_o the_o sabellian_o in_o st._n hilary_n st._n austin_n and_o many_o other_o athanasius_n commend_v the_o jew_n for_o oppose_v the_o polytheism_n and_o idolatry_n of_o the_o gentile_n paris_n but_o then_o he_o charge_v they_o with_o as_o great_a impiety_n themselves_o in_o deny_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o who_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v and_o in_o accuse_v those_o of_o polytheism_n who_o worship_n the_o father_n by_o the_o son_n ibid._n and_o he_o exhort_v his_o reader_n to_o separate_v themselves_o from_o those_o judaizer_n who_o corrupt_a christianity_n with_o judaism_n who_o deny_v god_n of_o god_n and_o teach_v one_o god_n in_o the_o jewish_a notion_n of_o it_o in_o which_o he_o tax_v the_o sabellian_o who_o teach_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v like_o the_o word_n and_o wisdom_n of_o a_o man_n ibid._n within_o he_o in_o his_o heart_n and_o soul_n and_o therefore_o that_o god_n and_o his_o word_n be_v but_o one_o person_n st._n hilary_n frequent_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o corruption_n of_o the_o evangelical_n faith_n as_o he_o call_v it_o confitentium_fw-la under_o the_o pious_a profession_n of_o one_o god_n to_o deny_v the_o only_o beget_v god_n to_o deny_v christ_n to_o be_v bear_v god_n or_o to_o be_v true_a god_n but_o only_o a_o powerful_a creature_n thereby_o to_o preserve_v the_o faith_n of_o one_o god_n which_o they_o think_v the_o birth_n of_o god_n do_v overthrow_n in_o which_o he_o distinct_o charge_v the_o sabellian_o and_o arian_n the_o first_o for_o make_v god_n but_o one_o person_n for_o fear_v of_o introduce_v a_o trinity_n of_o god_n with_o a_o trinity_n of_o person_n the_o other_o for_o make_v christ_n a_o mere_a creature_n though_o the_o first_o and_o most_o powerful_a creature_n for_o fear_v of_o make_v a_o second_o god_n shall_v they_o have_v own_v he_o to_o be_v god_n of_o god_n of_o the_o same_o substance_n with_o the_o father_n in_o opposition_n to_o this_o he_o tell_v we_o what_o the_o true_a faith_n be_v 1._o which_o they_o have_v learn_v from_o divine_a revelation_n neither_o to_o preach_v two_o god_n nor_o one_o solitary_a divine_a person_n for_o so_o solus_fw-la must_v signify_v in_o this_o place_n and_o undertake_v to_o prove_v both_o from_o the_o evangelist_n and_o prophet_n that_o when_o we_o profess_v our_o faith_n in_o god_n the_o father_n and_o god_n the_o son_n we_o must_v neither_o own_o god_n the_o father_n and_o god_n the_o son_n to_o be_v one_o person_n as_o the_o
dislike_v those_o who_o be_v for_o reverence_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n 2._o without_o ever_o look_v into_o it_o at_o all_o who_o think_v it_o propose_v to_o we_o only_o as_o a_o trial_n and_o exercise_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o the_o more_o implicit_a that_o be_v the_o full_a do_v we_o express_v our_o trust_n and_o reliance_n upon_o god_n now_o if_o by_o not_o look_v into_o it_o at_o all_o he_o mean_v not_o inquire_v what_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v concern_v the_o trinity_n nor_o why_o they_o believe_v it_o this_o i_o acknowledge_v be_v a_o very_a odd_a sort_n of_o faith_n but_o i_o believe_v he_o can_v name_v any_o such_o man_n who_o avow_a principle_n this_o be_v a_o implicit_a faith_n be_v only_o meritorious_a in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o then_o a_o implicit_a faith_n be_v to_o believe_v without_o know_v what_o or_o why_o but_o these_o ignoramus_n or_o mystery-trinitarians_a as_o some_o late_a socinian_n considerer_n have_v insolent_o and_o reproachful_o call_v they_o and_o who_o our_o author_n ought_v not_o to_o have_v imitate_v never_o teach_v such_o a_o implicit_a faith_n as_o this_o much_o less_o admire_v the_o triumph_n and_o merit_n of_o faith_n in_o believe_a contradiction_n and_o the_o more_o the_o better_o under_o all_o the_o appearance_n of_o modesty_n and_o temper_n these_o be_v very_o severe_a and_o scandalous_a reflection_n upon_o some_o of_o the_o wise_a and_o great_a man_n among_o we_o and_o which_o this_o considerer_n have_v little_a reason_n for_o as_o will_v soon_o appear_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n be_v the_o most_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a faith_n and_o therefore_o a_o explicit_a knowledge_n and_o belief_n of_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o christian_a profession_n and_o thus_o all_o protestant_a divine_n teach_v and_o whatever_o voluminous_a dispute_n there_o may_v be_v about_o it_o the_o true_a christian_a faith_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v comprise_v in_o a_o few_o word_n and_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o be_v plain_a and_o easy_a for_o the_o scripture_n plain_o and_o express_o teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o that_o the_o father_n be_v god_n the_o son_n be_v god_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v god_n that_o the_o father_n be_v not_o the_o son_n nor_o the_o son_n the_o father_n nor_o the_o holy_a ghost_n either_o father_n or_o son_n as_o i_o have_v already_o explain_v it_o this_o we_o all_o teach_v our_o people_n to_o believe_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o only_a authority_n we_o can_v have_v for_o matter_n of_o pure_a revelation_n and_o expound_v those_o text_n to_o they_o which_o express_o contain_v this_o faith_n and_o vindicate_v they_o from_o the_o cavil_n and_o perverse_a comment_n of_o heretic_n and_o this_o i_o think_v be_v not_o to_o reverence_v the_o mystery_n without_o ever_o look_v into_o it_o at_o all_o when_o we_o look_v as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v till_o revelation_n bound_v our_o prospect_n and_o this_o be_v to_o look_v into_o it_o as_o far_o as_o god_n will_v have_v we_o and_o as_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o all_o the_o purpose_n of_o religion_n that_o be_v as_o far_o as_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o mystery_n be_v of_o any_o use_n to_o we_o now_o when_o this_o be_v do_v there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o wise_a man_n who_o think_v we_o ought_v to_o look_v into_o this_o mystery_n no_o further_o and_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o very_a good_a reason_n for_o it_o viz._n because_o with_o all_o our_o look_v we_o can_v see_v no_o further_o there_o be_v indeed_o some_o curious_a question_n start_v about_o reconcile_a the_o unity_n of_o god_n with_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o which_o there_o be_v three_o each_o of_o who_o be_v by_o himself_o true_a and_o perfect_a god_n for_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n how_o can_v there_o be_v three_o each_o of_o who_o be_v true_a god_n now_o whatever_o answer_n may_v be_v give_v to_o such_o kind_n of_o objection_n and_o pretend_a contradiction_n these_o learned_a man_n think_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o clog_v the_o christian_a faith_n with_o they_o nor_o to_o disturb_v the_o mind_n of_o ordinary_a christian_n with_o such_o subtlety_n that_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n who_o have_v reveal_v this_o and_o the_o acknowledge_a incomprehensibility_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o all_o objection_n and_o as_o ridiculous_o as_o a_o witty_a man_n may_v represent_v this_o that_o be_v the_o true_a faith_n not_o which_o can_v believe_v contradiction_n but_o which_o can_v despise_v the_o pretence_n of_o contradiction_n when_o oppose_v to_o a_o divine_a revelation_n for_o that_o resolve_v faith_n whole_o into_o divine_a authority_n which_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o divine_a faith_n to_o say_v that_o this_o will_v not_o suppress_v any_o of_o our_o doubt_n or_o dispute_v in_o religion_n be_v a_o manifest_a mistake_n for_o such_o a_o profound_a veneration_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n will_v silence_v they_o all_o and_o whatever_o be_v the_o natural_a propension_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n natural_a reason_n will_v tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v a_o thousand_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v know_v nothing_o of_o and_o that_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o search_v after_o they_o but_o that_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o therefore_o god_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v beyond_o our_o own_o knowledge_n or_o comprehension_n and_o when_o we_o be_v agree_v about_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o revelation_n that_o will_v silence_v all_o our_o dispute_n about_o what_o be_v reveal_v and_o set_v bound_n to_o our_o inquiry_n and_o i_o never_o know_v before_o the_o danger_n of_o submit_v our_o reason_n to_o faith_n of_o a_o blind_a resignation_n of_o judgement_n as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o call_v it_o to_o a_o divine_a revelation_n 3._o for_o that_o be_v the_o matter_n in_o debate_n blasphemy_n and_o contradiction_n may_v and_o have_v be_v impose_v upon_o man_n faith_n under_o the_o venerable_a name_n of_o mystery_n but_o such_o blasphemy_n and_o contradiction_n be_v never_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o present_a enquiry_n which_o only_o concern_v believe_v what_o we_o allow_v to_o be_v reveal_v without_o look_v any_o far_o into_o it_o we_o allow_v all_o man_n to_o examine_v the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o revelation_n and_o to_o examine_v what_o be_v reveal_v but_o here_o we_o must_v stop_v and_o not_o pretend_v to_o judge_v of_o what_o be_v reveal_v by_o the_o measure_n of_o human_a reason_n which_o be_v so_o inadequate_a a_o rule_n for_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a truth_n this_o be_v all_o very_a plain_a and_o if_o he_o will_v allow_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o he_o must_v confess_v that_o what_o he_o have_v say_v upon_o this_o first_o head_n be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n it_o be_v a_o very_a popular_a 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socinian_o and_o i_o be_v glad_a to_o find_v they_o censure_v and_o reject_v but_o wonder_v how_o they_o come_v to_o be_v number_v among_o those_o man_n who_o have_v labour_v in_o this_o good_a design_n of_o explain_v the_o trinity_n 2._o and_o reconcile_a the_o dispute_n about_o it_o well_o all_o these_o method_n have_v prove_v ineffectual_a let_v we_o then_o to_o omit_v other_o matter_n inquire_v what_o course_n our_o considerer_n take_v to_o make_v himself_o a_o fit_a and_o competent_a judge_n of_o this_o controversy_n take_v the_o account_n of_o it_o in_o his_o own_o word_n i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o deliver_v myself_o from_o prejudice_n and_o confusion_n of_o term_n and_o to_o speak_v just_o and_o intelligible_o 9_o and_o not_o be_v yet_o prepossess_v in_o favour_n of_o any_o particular_a explication_n the_o better_a to_o preserve_v my_o freedom_n of_o examine_v the_o subject_a in_o hand_n i_o have_v purposely_o forbear_v to_o search_v the_o father_n schoolman_n or_o fratres_n 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instruct_v in_o the_o meaning_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o can_v persuade_v themselves_o to_o be_v thus_o perfect_o indifferent_a whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a but_o this_o indifference_n be_v owe_v to_o a_o secret_a bias_n and_o inclination_n to_o infidelity_n or_o heresy_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o pretend_v such_o a_o absolute_a freedom_n of_o judgement_n without_o be_v perfect_o indifferent_a which_o side_n be_v true_a or_o false_a for_o if_o we_o wish_v and_o desire_v to_o find_v one_o side_n of_o the_o question_n true_a and_o the_o other_o false_a this_o be_v a_o bias_n and_o our_o judgement_n be_v not_o equal_o poise_v and_o certain_o in_o matter_n of_o such_o vast_a consequence_n as_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o especial_o that_o great_a fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n such_o a_o indifferency_n as_o this_o be_v can_v never_o recommend_v either_o a_o author_n or_o his_o write_n to_o sober_a christian_n will_v this_o considerer_n than_o own_o that_o it_o be_v indifferent_a to_o he_o when_o he_o undertake_v this_o design_n whether_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n shall_v upon_o examination_n appear_v true_a or_o false_a if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o socinian_o will_v tell_v he_o that_o he_o have_v not_o preserve_v a_o freedom_n of_o judgement_n and_o then_o he_o do_v well_o in_o not_o consult_v the_o fratres_n poloni_n for_o he_o have_v condemn_v they_o without_o hear_v or_o if_o he_o be_v persuade_v concern_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v it_o indifferent_a to_o he_o whether_o the_o sabellian_n or_o arian_n or_o true_a catholic_n notion_n of_o a_o trinity_n contain_v in_o the_o nicene_n and_o athanasian_n creed_n be_v the_o true_a faith_n that_o be_v be_v it_o indifferent_a to_o he_o whether_o the_o ancient_a heresy_n condemn_v by_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o that_o faith_n which_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v always_o own_a and_o profess_a be_v the_o true_a faith_n for_o my_o part_n i_o confess_v i_o be_o not_o thus_o indifferent_a i_o will_v never_o shut_v my_o eye_n against_o plain_a conviction_n which_o be_v all_o the_o freedom_n of_o judge_v which_o be_v allowable_a but_o my_o prejudices_fw-la be_v and_o i_o hope_v always_o will_v be_v on_o the_o side_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n no_o wise_a man_n can_v be_v thus_o indifferent_a and_o we_o shall_v find_v this_o considerer_n be_v not_o so_o very_o indifferent_a for_o the_o main_a principle_n he_o reason_n on_o be_v some_o popular_a mistake_v and_o prejudices_fw-la which_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v espouse_v without_o due_a consideration_n but_o let_v we_o allow_v he_o to_o be_v as_o free_a and_o unprejudiced_a as_o he_o please_v i_o can_v think_v that_o he_o take_v a_o good_a method_n to_o understand_v this_o sacred_a mystery_n he_o lay_v aside_o father_n schoolman_n and_o other_o late_a treatise_n concern_v this_o controversy_n and_o consult_v nothing_o but_o scripture_n and_o his_o own_o natural_a sentiment_n to_o consult_v scripture_n be_v indeed_o a_o very_a good_a way_n and_o absolute_o necessary_a in_o matter_n of_o pure_a revelation_n which_o can_v be_v certain_o know_v no_o other_o way_n but_o the_o father_n at_o least_o be_v very_o good_a guide_n and_o have_v very_o great_a authority_n in_o expound_v scripture_n and_o our_o natural_a sentiment_n otherwise_o call_v natural_a reason_n be_v a_o very_a bad_a a_o very_a dangerous_a expositor_n of_o scripture_n in_o such_o supernatural_a mystery_n and_o have_v no_o authority_n in_o these_o mattter_n and_o how_o our_o considerer_n have_v be_v mislead_v by_o his_o natural_a sentiment_n will_v soon_o appear_v a_o few_o word_n may_v serve_v for_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o considerer_n but_o since_o this_o be_v the_o great_a pretence_n of_o socinian_o and_o other_o heretic_n to_o set_v up_o scripture_n and_o natural_a reason_n against_o scripture_n and_o the_o traditionary_a faith_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o our_o considerer_n and_o some_o other_o unwary_a writer_n chime_v in_o with_o they_o it_o will_v be_v very_o necessary_a to_o show_v how_o this_o betray_v the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o make_v reason_n and_o criticism_n the_o supreme_a judge_n of_o controversy_n and_o then_o man_n may_v dispute_v on_o without_o end_n and_o believe_v at_o last_o as_o they_o please_v 10._o the_o considerer_n tell_v we_o i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v in_o a_o protestant_a country_n that_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a standard_n of_o all_o necessary_a reveal_v truth_n neither_o in_o the_o present_a case_n be_v there_o any_o room_n for_o a_o traditionary_a faith_n for_o beside_o that_o all_o the_o father_n and_o ancient_a writer_n ground_n their_o exposition_n of_o the_o trinity_n whole_o upon_o scripture_n i_o can_v conceive_v that_o the_o subject_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o plain_a revelation_n as_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v more_o full_o in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n what_o this_o last_o clause_n mean_n we_o shall_v understand_v better_o hereafter_o but_o his_o deny_v a_o traditionary_a faith_n be_v very_o extraordinary_a for_o if_o we_o can_v prove_v from_o the_o most_o authentic_a record_n what_o the_o constant_a belief_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v be_v especial_o in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n of_o it_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o traditionary_a faith_n nor_o be_v it_o the_o less_o traditionary_a because_o the_o father_n and_o ancient_a writer_n sound_v their_o exposition_n of_o the_o trinity_n whole_o upon_o scripture_n for_o if_o this_o be_v true_a than_o we_o have_v a_o traditionary_a faith_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o a_o traditionary_a exposition_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o reason_n and_o proof_n of_o that_o faith_n both_o in_o one_o which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o great_a authority_n and_o safe_a guide_n than_o mere_a scripture_n and_o our_o natural_a sentiment_n and_o though_o protestant_n allow_v scripture_n to_o be_v the_o only_a standard_n of_o faith_n yet_o he_o may_v have_v remember_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n require_v we_o to_o expound_v scripture_n as_o the_o ancient_a father_n expound_v it_o but_o this_o whole_o be_v a_o mistake_n for_o the_o primitive_a father_n plead_v tradition_n as_o well_o as_o scripture_n against_o the_o ancient_a heretic_n as_o two_o distinct_a but_o agree_v testimony_n as_o this_o author_n may_v have_v know_v will_v he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o have_v consult_v irenaeus_n and_o tertullian_n de_fw-fr praescriptionibus_fw-la with_o divers_a other_o what_o he_o mean_v by_o a_o plain_a revelation_n i_o can_v tell_v it_o make_v it_o somewhat_o plain_o to_o know_v what_o the_o catholic_n faith_n have_v always_o be_v and_o what_o the_o catholic_n interpretation_n of_o scripture_n have_v always_o be_v which_o be_v the_o plain_a and_o strong_a answer_n to_o wit_n and_o criticism_n and_o natural_a sentiment_n when_o they_o contradict_v this_o traditionary_a faith_n but_o to_o discourse_v this_o matter_n more_o particular_o i_o shall_v
the_o apostle_n to_o be_v the_o only_a infallible_a rule_n of_o faith_n this_o be_v the_o argument_n from_o prescription_n which_o tertullian_n insist_o so_o large_o on_o and_o be_v frequent_o urge_v by_o irenaeus_n and_o other_o catholic_n writer_n which_o be_v not_o as_o some_o mistake_v it_o a_o argument_n mere_o from_o antiquity_n for_o though_o the_o true_a faith_n be_v ancient_a than_o any_o heresy_n yet_o some_o heresy_n have_v antiquity_n enough_o to_o make_v they_o venerable_a if_o that_o alone_o will_v do_v it_o but_o the_o argument_n be_v from_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o apostolic_a church_n which_o be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o have_v preserve_v a_o uninterrupted_a succession_n from_o they_o and_o all_o the_o world_n over_o teach_v the_o same_o faith_n without_o any_o material_a change_n or_o variation_n whereas_o none_o of_o these_o heresy_n how_o ancient_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v can_v pretend_v to_o such_o a_o original_a be_v never_o teach_v by_o the_o 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to_o be_v a_o man_n and_o yet_o they_o deny_v he_o to_o be_v a_o man_n and_o teach_v that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o form_n and_o apparition_n of_o a_o man_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a indication_n what_o the_o catholic_n faith_n be_v that_o christ_n be_v both_o god_n and_o man._n this_o they_o can_v not_o believe_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n will_v so_o unite_v himself_o to_o human_a nature_n as_o to_o become_v true_a and_o real_a man_n and_o yet_o they_o think_v it_o so_o evident_a that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o at_o least_o see_v that_o this_o faith_n be_v account_v so_o sacred_a that_o they_o will_v not_o venture_v to_o deny_v that_o and_o therefore_o choose_v to_o deny_v his_o humanity_n and_o make_v a_o mere_a apparition_n of_o he_o but_o then_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n cerinthus_n and_o ebion_n think_v it_o too_o evident_a to_o be_v deny_v that_o he_o be_v a_o true_a and_o real_a man_n and_o therefore_o they_o teach_v that_o jesus_n be_v a_o 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be_v both_o god_n and_o man._n and_o yet_o cerinthus_n himself_o though_o he_o make_v jesus_n to_o be_v a_o mere_a man_n own_v christ_n to_o be_v a_o divine_a person_n and_o that_o this_o christ_n descend_v on_o jesus_n at_o his_o baptism_n in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o dove_n and_o rest_v on_o he_o or_o dwell_v in_o he_o and_o wrought_v miracle_n by_o he_o but_o leave_v he_o at_o his_o crucifixion_n and_o fly_v up_o again_o to_o heaven_n so_o that_o according_a to_o cerinthus_n from_o the_o time_n that_o jesus_n be_v baptize_v till_o he_o be_v crucify_v the_o divinity_n be_v very_o near_o and_o intimate_o unite_v to_o he_o not_o that_o he_o be_v god_n and_o man_n in_o one_o person_n as_o the_o catholic_n faith_n teach_v
his_o passion_n and_o intercession_n to_o impart_v such_o gift_n grace_n and_o spiritual_a assistance_n as_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o render_v this_o redemption_n effectual_a to_o the_o save_n of_o much_o people_n so_o that_o god_n decree_v from_o eternity_n upon_o his_o foreknowledge_n of_o man_n fall_n that_o in_o order_n to_o redeem_v man_n he_o will_v take_v upon_o himself_o the_o distinction_n and_o office_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n saviour_n mediator_n and_o comforter_n in_o time_n and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o eternal_a distinction_n in_o the_o godhead_n well_o but_o it_o seem_v god_n do_v not_o decree_n from_o eternity_n to_o redeem_v man_n by_o his_o own_o son_n but_o by_o a_o man_n choose_v and_o enable_v for_o this_o work_n by_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n dwell_v in_o he_o that_o be_v as_o we_o have_v already_o hear_v by_o a_o inspire_a and_o deify_v man_n 1._o not_o by_o a_o god_n incarnate_a it_o be_v the_o man_n who_o be_v the_o saviour_n and_o redeemer_n though_o he_o be_v enable_v to_o this_o work_n by_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n or_o a_o constant_a regular_a inspiration_n this_o be_v downright_a socinianism_n the_o catholic_n faith_n be_v that_o it_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o redeem_v we_o though_o he_o redeem_v we_o in_o human_a nature_n but_o if_o god_n redeem_v we_o by_o a_o man_n however_o he_o be_v enable_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n why_o be_v he_o say_v to_o give_v his_o son_n for_o we_o for_o this_o divine_a power_n be_v not_o a_o person_n and_o therefore_o no_o son_n nor_o be_v the_o man_n his_o own_o and_o only_o beget_v son_n now_o this_o will_v be_v a_o difficulty_n indeed_o be_v we_o to_o understand_v god_n give_v his_o own_o son_n for_o we_o in_o a_o proper_a literal_a sense_n but_o this_o be_v nothing_o but_o figure_n and_o representation_n if_o we_o believe_v the_o considerer_n 44._o his_o word_n be_v these_o thus_o when_o god_n be_v please_v to_o represent_v his_o love_n to_o 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end_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o hope_n of_o christian_n chap._n iii_o a_o brief_a account_n of_o the_o sabellian_n heresy_n and_o by_o what_o argument_n the_o catholic_n father_n oppose_v it_o the_o considerer_n have_v give_v we_o the_o most_o complete_a and_o artificial_a scheme_n of_o sabellianism_n that_o i_o have_v yet_o meet_v with_o aâ—d_n have_v very_o fair_o and_o open_o confess_v his_o design_n to_o prove_v that_o one_o god_n must_v signify_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o who_o be_v god_n but_o one_o single_a divine_a person_n in_o the_o proper_a notion_n of_o a_o person_n as_o it_o signify_v a_o intelligent_a be_v i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o show_v he_o his_o mistake_n and_o what_o it_o be_v that_o have_v mislead_v he_o and_o how_o hopeless_a a_o attempt_n it_o be_v to_o reconcile_v his_o hypothesis_n with_o the_o catholic_n faith_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n this_o be_v so_o bold_a a_o attempt_n open_o to_o assert_v and_o defend_v a_o heresy_n which_o have_v be_v constant_o condemn_v by_o the_o catholic_n church_n since_o its_o first_o appearance_n that_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o hope_v he_o do_v not_o believe_v his_o hypothesis_n to_o be_v sabellianism_n or_o that_o heresy_n which_o now_o be_v best_a know_v by_o that_o name_n though_o sabellius_n be_v not_o the_o first_o author_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v show_v he_o what_o sabellianism_n be_v and_o how_o the_o father_n oppose_v it_o there_o be_v two_o point_n in_o dispute_n between_o they_o and_o the_o catholic_n christian_n first_o concern_v the_o personality_n of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n second_o concern_v the_o unity_n of_o god_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o unity_n of_o one_o person_n as_o they_o pretend_v that_o we_o may_v right_o understand_v this_o matter_n we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o sabellianism_n because_o the_o argument_n and_o answer_n of_o the_o father_n be_v sometime_o adapt_v to_o one_o and_o sometime_o to_o another_o notion_n of_o it_o that_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v but_o one_o person_n be_v assert_v by_o they_o all_o but_o explain_v very_o different_o and_o that_o alter_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n and_o require_v different_a answer_n 1._o as_o first_o they_o make_v father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v only_o three_o name_n appearance_n or_o office_n of_o the_o same_o person_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o and_o then_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o the_o son_n be_v a_o person_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n a_o person_n in_o as_o true_a and_o proper_a a_o sense_n as_o the_o father_n be_v a_o person_n for_o this_o they_o own_v by_o make_v father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n three_o name_n of_o the_o same_o person_n whereas_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v the_o same_o person_n if_o the_o son_n be_v not_o a_o person_n nor_o the_o holy_a ghost_n a_o person_n if_o the_o son_n be_v the_o same_o person_n with_o the_o father_n the_o son_n must_v be_v a_o person_n for_o no_o person_n can_v be_v the_o same_o person_n which_o be_v the_o same_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o these_o heretic_n own_v christ_n to_o be_v a_o true_a and_o real_a person_n that_o novatianus_n use_v as_o i_o observe_v before_o to_o prove_v that_o they_o own_v christ_n to_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n because_o they_o make_v he_o the_o same_o with_o the_o father_n who_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n and_o a_o true_a and_o real_a and_o substantial_a person_n and_o if_o he_o be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o the_o father_n he_o must_v be_v the_o same_o we_o acknowledge_v the_o father_n to_o be_v viz._n a_o true_a and_o real_a person_n and_o perfect_a god_n the_o dispute_v then_o which_o the_o catholic_n father_n have_v with_o these_o heretic_n with_o respect_n to_o this_o notion_n that_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o very_a same_o person_n be_v not_o whether_o the_o son_n be_v a_o person_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n a_o person_n but_o whether_o the_o son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v true_o and_o real_o distinct_a person_n from_o the_o father_n as_o the_o catholic_n church_n always_o believe_v or_o whether_o they_o be_v the_o same_o person_n distinguish_v only_o by_o three_o name_n now_o when_o the_o father_n assert_v not_o only_o the_o personality_n of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o this_o notion_n do_v not_o oppose_v but_o the_o real_a distinction_n of_o person_n that_o the_o son_n be_v a_o person_n but_o not_o the_o same_o person_n with_o the_o father_n they_o must_v ascribe_v the_o same_o kind_n of_o personality_n to_o the_o son_n which_o they_o do_v to_o the_o father_n that_o the_o son_n be_v as_o true_o and_o real_o a_o person_n as_o the_o
trinity_n and_o three_o relative_n subsistency_n and_o existence_n which_o be_v manage_v with_o so_o much_o perplex_v subtlety_n as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v understand_v any_o thing_n by_o it_o may_v easy_o be_v compose_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n for_o there_o be_v but_o one_o absolute_a be_v and_o nature_n in_o the_o divinity_n and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o absolute_a subsistence_n and_o existence_n as_o absolute_a signify_v not_o complete_a and_o perfect_a but_o to_o subsist_v and_o exist_v as_o a_o original_a which_o in_o the_o godhead_n signify_v a_o self-originated_n subsistence_n and_o existence_n but_o then_o to_o deny_v all_o relative_a subsistency_n and_o existency_n be_v to_o deny_v the_o complete_a subsistence_n and_o existence_n of_o the_o son_n and_o spirit_n who_o be_v essential_a relation_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o father_n godhead_n and_o therefore_o subsist_v not_o as_o original_n but_o as_o relative_n which_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o a_o 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they_o be_v to_o multiply_v nature_n but_o adjective_n immediate_o signify_v the_o subject_n suppositum_n and_o person_n and_o only_o connote_v the_o nature_n and_o form_n which_o multiply_v the_o person_n but_o not_o the_o nature_n now_o though_o i_o understand_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o this_o when_o apply_v to_o the_o divinity_n yet_o i_o never_o can_v understand_v this_o reason_n for_o it_o for_o there_o be_v no_o such_o difference_n between_o substantive_n and_o adjective_n predication_n in_o any_o other_o case_n three_o man_n and_o three_o who_o have_v human_a nature_n signify_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n and_o multiply_v the_o form_n as_o well_o as_o the_o person_n three_o who_o have_v human_a nature_n be_v true_o and_o proper_o three_o man_n and_o then_o the_o mere_a difference_n between_o substantive_n and_o adjective_n can_v be_v a_o good_a reason_n why_o three_o who_o have_v the_o divine_a nature_n be_v not_o three_o go_n but_o the_o difference_n between_o a_o absolute_a and_o relative_n predication_n do_v give_v a_o account_n of_o this_o substantive_n and_o abstract_a term_n always_o signify_v the_o form_n as_o the_o school_n speak_v that_o be_v a_o absolute_a and_o original_a nature_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n number_n multiply_v nature_n as_o well_o as_o person_n and_o three_o god_n be_v three_o absolute_a original_a divinity_n as_o wella_n three_o divine_a person_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v as_o to_o adjective_n predication_n in_o all_o creature_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o because_o there_o be_v no_o such_o distinction_n in_o creature_n between_o a_o absolute_a nature_n and_o internal_a subsist_v procession_n in_o the_o unity_n and_o identity_n of_o nature_n and_o when_o nature_n always_o signify_v the_o original_a form_n a_o substantive_n or_o adjective_n predication_n can_v make_v no_o difference_n but_o where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o distinction_n as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o divinity_n substantive_n and_o adjective_n do_v most_o apt_o represent_v it_o because_o adjective_n admit_v of_o a_o relative_n predication_n and_o may_v signify_v a_o person_n who_o have_v the_o divine_a nature_n as_o a_o internal_a subsist_v procession_n in_o the_o divinity_n but_o be_v not_o the_o absolute_a divinity_n nor_o in_o a_o absolute_a sense_n god_n but_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n indeed_o in_o such_o form_n of_o speech_n we_o must_v have_v more_o regard_n to_o the_o absolute_a or_o relative_n signification_n than_o to_o the_o substantive_n or_o adjective_n form_n of_o the_o word_n adjective_n in_o a_o absolute_a sense_n must_v no_o more_o be_v multiply_v than_o substantive_n which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o easy_a account_n of_o the_o tres_fw-la aeterni_fw-la and_o unus_fw-la aeternus_fw-la in_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n than_o to_o turn_v it_o with_o aquinas_n into_o tria_fw-la aeterna_fw-la and_o unum_fw-la aeternum_fw-la for_o three_o eternal_n whether_o substantive_n or_o adjective_n in_o a_o absolute_a sense_n be_v three_o god_n three_o eternal_a three_o intelligent_a three_o omniscient_a person_n in_o a_o absolute_a sense_n be_v three_o eternity_n three_o omniscience_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n there_o be_v but_o unus_fw-la aeternus_fw-la one_o eternal_a self_n originated_a person_n as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n deus_fw-la or_o god_n though_o a_o substantive_n may_v signify_v relative_o as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o nicene_n creed_n god_n of_o god_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n some_o of_o the_o schoolman_n think_v it_o very_a orthodox_n to_o say_v three_o god_n if_o we_o explain_v in_o what_o sense_n we_o mean_v it_o as_o i_o observe_v above_o tertullian_n do_v ecce_fw-la duos_fw-la deos_fw-la though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o reject_v the_o use_n of_o such_o form_n for_o their_o ambiguous_a signification_n which_o may_v betray_v man_n into_o polytheism_n and_o if_o god_n may_v have_v a_o relative_n signification_n so_o may_v mind_n and_o spirit_n too_o and_o then_o three_o mind_n and_o spirit_n be_v as_o orthodox_n as_o three_o that_o have_v a_o intelligent_a and_o spiritual_a nature_n in_o short_a as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v hitherto_o observe_v all_o the_o catholic_n rule_n of_o speak_v relate_v to_o this_o mystery_n must_v be_v resolve_v into_o this_o distinction_n of_o absolute_a and_o relative_n this_o be_v the_o only_a distinction_n we_o know_v of_o in_o the_o godhead_n and_o this_o we_o as_o certain_o know_v there_o be_v as_o we_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o eternal_a father_n who_o have_v a_o eternal_a son_n and_o a_o eternal_a spirit_n one_o absolute_a self-originated_n divinity_n with_o its_o internal_a essential_a procession_n in_o the_o individual_a unity_n and_o identity_n of_o nature_n and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o unity_n and_o distinction_n of_o the_o divinity_n this_o must_v be_v our_o rule_n of_o speak_v also_o to_o have_v a_o due_a regard_n to_o the_o one_o absolute_a nature_n and_o the_o relative_n procession_n of_o the_o godhead_n which_o will_v secure_v we_o both_o from_o a_o sabellian_n singularity_n and_o a_o tritheistick_a trinity_n of_o absolute_a divinity_n the_o conclusion_n with_o a_o short_a application_n to_o the_o socinian_o i_o propose_v one_o thing_n more_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o relation_n to_o this_o subject_a viz._n whether_o the_o catholic_n faith_n of_o a_o real_a aâ—d_n substantial_a trinity_n can_v be_v as_o reasonable_o and_o intelligible_o explain_v by_o the_o notion_n of_o one_o singular_a substance_n in_o the_o divinity_n as_o by_o assert_v three_o personal_a substance_n or_o suppositum_n and_o whether_o the_o singularity_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n in_o this_o notion_n deliver_v the_o asserter_n of_o it_o from_o any_o inconvenience_n and_o objection_n which_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n be_v think_v liable_a to_o but_o i_o hope_v after_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v there_o be_v no_o occasion_n for_o this_o and_o i_o will_v not_o needless_o revive_v old_a quarrel_n let_v but_o man_n sincere_o and_o hearty_o believe_v in_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n three_o eternal_a infinite_a substantial_a live_v intelligent_a omnipotent_a alwise_a person_n each_o of_o which_o be_v in_o his_o own_o person_n true_a and_o perfect_a god_n and_o all_o three_o but_o one_o divinity_n and_o one_o god_n and_o i_o will_v dispute_v with_o no_o such_o orthodox_n christian_n concern_v the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v so_o infinite_o above_o our_o comprehension_n there_o may_v be_v a_o necessity_n for_o such_o dispute_n when_o we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o heretic_n who_o ridicule_n the_o catholic_n faith_n as_o contradiction_n and_o absurd_a but_o when_o man_n agree_v in_o the_o faith_n such_o dispute_n be_v of_o no_o use_n to_o they_o and_o may_v prove_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n for_o there_o be_v too_o many_o who_o will_v be_v soon_o dispute_v out_o of_o their_o faith_n than_o out_o of_o their_o philosophy_n which_o shall_v teach_v all_o catholic_n christian_n as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o silence_v all_o
dispute_n among_o themselves_o which_o their_o common_a adversary_n be_v so_o apt_a to_o improve_v into_o scepticism_n infidelity_n or_o heresy_n and_o therefore_o for_o a_o conclusion_n i_o shall_v only_o take_v a_o brief_a review_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o father_n concern_v this_o article_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n and_o apply_v it_o in_o a_o few_o word_n to_o our_o socinian_n adversary_n the_o faith_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n but_o this_o one_o god_n be_v a_o father_n who_o have_v a_o eternal_a son_n and_o a_o eternal_a spirit_n in_o the_o essential_a unity_n of_o the_o same_o undivided_a and_o undiversify_v godhead_n and_o this_o be_v the_o faith_n which_o all_o the_o catholic_n father_n have_v own_v and_o teach_v in_o their_o several_a age_n the_o whole_a christian_a church_n baptise_n as_o our_o saviour_n command_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 and_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n to_o believe_v in_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n a_o plain_a simple_a faith_n can_v man_n have_v be_v content_v to_o believe_v god_n concern_v himself_o let_v our_o socinian_n adversary_n tell_v we_o what_o there_o be_v absurd_a impossible_a or_o contradictious_a in_o this_o faith_n will_v they_o venture_v to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v absurd_a or_o contradictious_a that_o god_n shall_v have_v a_o son_n no_o in_o some_o sense_n they_o will_v allow_v this_o true_a they_o themselves_o believe_v in_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n they_o acknowledge_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o he_o be_v frequent_o call_v in_o scripture_n and_o that_o in_o a_o high_a sense_n than_o any_o other_o man_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o that_o he_o be_v but_o a_o man_n after_o all_o though_o advance_v by_o god_n to_o divine_a honour_n above_o all_o principality_n and_o power_n and_o make_v the_o judge_n both_o of_o the_o quick_a and_o of_o the_o dead_a and_o this_o they_o affirm_v to_o be_v all_o that_o the_o scripture_n mean_v in_o call_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o present_a dispute_n they_o know_v that_o the_o catholic_n church_n believe_v otherwise_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n beget_v of_o his_o father_n before_o all_o world_n god_n of_o god_n very_a god_n of_o very_a god_n and_o they_o know_v also_o that_o thus_o the_o catholic_n father_n expound_v those_o text_n which_o concern_v the_o sonship_n and_o divinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o they_o can_v but_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v very_o capable_a of_o such_o a_o exposition_n nay_o that_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o put_v any_o other_o sense_n upon_o many_o text_n and_o the_o only_a reason_n why_o they_o reject_v these_o catholic_n exposition_n be_v the_o pretend_a absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n here_o then_o we_o join_v issue_n with_o they_o and_o desire_v they_o to_o show_v we_o what_o be_v impossible_a or_o contradictious_a in_o this_o faith_n that_o there_o be_v something_o incomprehensible_a in_o this_o mystery_n that_o be_v something_o which_o we_o have_v no_o natural_a adequate_a idea_n of_o we_o ready_o acknowledge_v with_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n and_o some_o of_o our_o adversary_n grant_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v 16._o whereof_o we_o have_v no_o idea_n and_o than_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o very_o unreasonable_a to_o add_v but_o we_o be_v no_o way_n concern_v nor_o can_v we_o reason_n or_o discourse_n about_o those_o thing_n whereof_o we_o have_v no_o idea_n for_o the_o direct_a contrary_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o more_o natural_a consequence_n that_o if_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o reveal_v such_o thing_n to_o we_o of_o which_o we_o have_v no_o idea_n we_o be_v concern_v and_o oblige_v to_o believe_v they_o for_o if_o they_o may_v be_v true_a they_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o faith_n though_o they_o want_v the_o evidence_n of_o natural_a idea_n but_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o dispute_v this_o now_o but_o refer_v they_o to_o the_o bishop_n of_o worcester_n '_o s_o answer_n to_o mr._n lock_v '_o s_z second_o letter_n and_o to_o a_o late_a sermon_n and_o its_o vindication_n concern_v the_o danger_n of_o corrupt_v the_o faith_n by_o philosophy_n what_o i_o have_v now_o to_o say_v be_v of_o another_o nature_n viz._n that_o we_o have_v a_o idea_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n and_o such_o a_o idea_n as_o contain_v nothing_o absurd_a impossible_a or_o contradictious_a in_o it_o that_o very_a idea_n which_o i_o have_v so_o large_o explain_v one_o absolute_a divinity_n with_o two_o eternal_a essential_a procession_n in_o the_o unity_n and_o identity_n of_o nature_n the_o eternal_a father_n eternal_a self-originated_n mind_n with_o his_o eternal_a word_n his_o eternal_a son_n and_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n of_o father_n and_o son_n this_o be_v that_o idea_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o it_o and_o which_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v always_o teach_v every_o man_n may_v understand_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o jargon_n and_o nonsense_n and_o i_o think_v i_o have_v sufficient_o vindicate_v it_o from_o tritheism_n and_o contradiction_n and_o have_v no_o more_o to_o say_v of_o that_o nature_n till_o i_o hear_v what_o they_o have_v to_o object_v against_o what_o be_v already_o say_v and_o when_o they_o come_v to_o consider_v this_o matter_n again_o as_o man_n that_o shall_v certain_o be_v call_v to_o a_o account_n for_o it_o in_o this_o world_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o next_o i_o hope_v they_o will_v see_v reason_n to_o grow_v out_o of_o conceit_n with_o their_o own_o philosophy_n about_o emanation_n and_o procession_n a_o priority_n of_o time_n and_o priority_n of_o nature_n self-existence_n and_o necessary_a existence_n and_o such_o like_a arian_n objection_n which_o be_v make_v and_o answer_v many_o age_n since_o and_o which_o they_o may_v find_v sufficient_o answer_v in_o this_o treatise_n this_o bring_v back_o the_o dispute_n to_o scripture_n where_o the_o last_o appeal_n must_v lie_v in_o all_o such_o matter_n without_o appeal_n for_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n to_o natural_a idea_n and_o philosophy_n and_o if_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o catholic_n father_n be_v of_o any_o authority_n with_o these_o man_n i_o have_v already_o show_v how_o they_o expound_v scripture_n which_o will_v always_o be_v a_o venerable_a authority_n to_o modest_a man_n and_o sober_a christian_n how_o much_o soever_o it_o be_v despise_v by_o heretic_n but_o it_o be_v time_n to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o this_o treatise_n we_o may_v consider_v their_o exposition_n of_o scripture_n some_o other_o time_n the_o end_n dr_n sherlocâ—_n dean_n of_o st._n paul_n vindication_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n three_o edition_n quarto_o apology_n for_o write_v against_o socinian_o quarto_fw-la the_o danger_n of_o corrupt_v the_o faith_n by_o philosophy_n a_o sermon_n quarto_fw-la a_o vindication_n of_o the_o sermon_n in_o answer_n to_o some_o socinian_n remark_n a_o answer_n to_o the_o animad_fw-la version_n on_o the_o dean_n of_o st._n paul_n vindication_n of_o the_o trinity_n by_o i._n b._n a._n m._n quarto_fw-la a_o defence_n of_o the_o dean_n of_o st._n paul_n apology_n for_o write_v against_o socinian_o quarto_fw-la a_o defence_n of_o dr._n sherlock_n notion_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n quarto_fw-la the_o distinction_n between_o real_a and_o nominal_a trinitarian_n examine_v in_o answer_n to_o a_o socinian_n pamphlet_n quarto_fw-la all_o print_v for_o william_n rogers_n quâ_fw-la nec_fw-la dicuntur_fw-la ut_fw-la cogitantur_fw-la nec_fw-la cogitantur_fw-la ut_fw-la sunt_fw-la aug._n de_fw-fr trinit_fw-la l._n 5._o c._n 3._o cum_fw-la ergo_fw-la quaeritur_fw-la quid_fw-la tria_fw-la vel_fw-la quid_fw-la tres_fw-la conferimus_fw-la nos_fw-la ad_fw-la inventendum_fw-la aliquod_fw-la speciale_a well_fw-mi generale_fw-mi nomen_fw-la quo_fw-la complectamur_fw-la haec_fw-la tria_fw-la neque_fw-la occurrit_fw-la animo_fw-la quia_fw-la excedit_fw-la supereminentia_fw-la divinitatis_fw-la usitati_fw-la eloquii_fw-la facultatem_fw-la aug._n de_fw-fr trin._n l._n 7._o c._n 3._o ad_fw-la se_fw-la quip_n pater_n dicitur_fw-la persona_fw-la non_fw-la ad_fw-la filium_fw-la aut_fw-la spiritum_fw-la sanctum_fw-la aug._n de_fw-fr trin._n l._n 7._o c._n 6._o cur_n ergo_fw-la non_fw-la haec_fw-la tria_fw-la simul_fw-la unam_fw-la personam_fw-la dicimus_fw-la sicut_fw-la unam_fw-la essentiam_fw-la &_o deum_fw-la sed_fw-la tres_fw-la dicimus_fw-la personas_fw-la cum_fw-la tres_fw-la deos_fw-la aut_fw-la tres_fw-la essentias_fw-la non_fw-la dicamus_fw-la nisi_fw-la quia_fw-la volumus_fw-la vel_fw-la unum_fw-la aliquod_fw-la vocabulum_fw-la servire_fw-la huic_fw-la significationi_fw-la quâ_fw-la intelligitur_fw-la trinitas_fw-la ne_fw-la emnino_fw-la taceremus_fw-la interrogati_fw-la quid_fw-la tres_fw-la cum_fw-la tres_fw-la esse_fw-la fateremur_fw-la ibid._n