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 thing_n to_o decry_v mystery_n and_o to_o cry_v up_o reason_n but_o to_o be_v very_o cautious_o imitate_v because_o it_o be_v general_o find_v that_o such_o man_n be_v either_o no_o great_a believer_n or_o no_o very_o deep_a reasoner_n 2._o in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o tell_v we_o of_o a_o very_a strange_a sort_n of_o man_n who_o call_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n a_o incomprehensible_a mystery_n 3._o and_o yet_o be_v at_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n to_o bring_v it_o down_o to_o a_o level_n with_o human_a understanding_n and_o be_v all_o very_a earnest_n to_o have_v their_o own_o particular_a explication_n acknowledge_v as_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n a_o incomprehensible_a mystery_n be_v what_o human_a reason_n can_v comprehend_v to_o bring_v a_o incomprehensible_a mystery_n down_o to_o the_o level_n of_o human_a understand_n be_v to_o make_v it_o comprehensible_a by_o reason_n and_o those_o be_v notable_a man_n indeed_o who_o undertake_v to_o make_v that_o comprehensible_a by_o reason_n which_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v incomprehensible_a it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v this_o considerer_n do_v a_o little_a mistake_v they_o man_n may_v be-believe_a the_o trinity_n to_o be_v a_o incomprehensible_a mystery_n and_o yet_o speak_v of_o it_o in_o word_n which_o may_v be_v understand_v which_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o make_v the_o mystery_n comprehensible_a but_o to_o deliver_v it_o from_o nonsense_n jargon_n and_o heresy_n that_o be_v not_o to_o explain_v the_o mystery_n which_o be_v and_o will_v be_v a_o mystery_n still_o but_o to_o secure_v the_o true_a christian_a doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n which_o they_o desire_v may_v continue_v a_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n still_o 5._o there_o be_v he_o tell_v we_o a_o three_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o be_v for_o no_o mystery_n that_o be_v the_o
the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o socinian_n controversy_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o catholic_n father_n concern_v a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n by_o william_n sherlock_n d._n d._n dean_n of_o st._n paul_n master_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n london_n print_v for_o william_n rogers_n at_o the_o sun_n against_o st._n dunstan_n church_n in_o fleetstreet_n mdcxc_o viii_o the_o preface_n i_o have_v little_a to_o say_v to_o the_o reader_n have_v sufficient_o explain_v the_o design_n of_o this_o treatise_n in_o the_o first_o section_n those_o who_o remember_v how_o this_o controversy_n have_v be_v of_o late_o manage_v may_v possible_o expect_v what_o they_o will_v not_o find_v some_o sharp_a resentment_n of_o the_o ill_a usage_n i_o have_v meet_v with_o and_o as_o sharp_a return_v but_o i_o write_v not_o to_o revenge_v myself_o but_o to_o explain_v and_o vindicate_v the_o true_o ancient_a catholic_n and_o apostolic_a faith_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n which_o require_v a_o compose_v and_o sedate_v mind_n both_o in_o the_o writer_n and_o reader_n for_o this_o reason_n i_o have_v thus_o long_o delay_v the_o publication_n of_o this_o treatise_n the_o great_a part_n of_o which_o be_v print_v two_o year_n since_o that_o those_o who_o will_v ever_o grow_v cool_a may_v have_v time_n to_o recover_v their_o temper_n and_o do_v i_o not_o hope_v that_o the_o publication_n of_o it_o at_o this_o time_n will_v tend_v more_o to_o quiet_a man_n mind_n to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o heretic_n and_o to_o secure_v the_o catholic_n faith_n than_o a_o passive_a silence_n it_o shall_v never_o see_v the_o light_n how_o much_o soever_o my_o own_o reputation_n may_v suffer_v by_o it_o but_o i_o persuade_v myself_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o of_o the_o catholic_n father_n be_v not_o at_o so_o low_a a_o ebb_n even_o in_o this_o age_n as_o to_o be_v easy_o despise_v and_o therefore_o their_o explication_n their_o argument_n their_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n of_o heretic_n will_v have_v their_o due_a weight_n and_o i_o have_v not_o go_v one_o step_n further_o i_o appeal_v to_o the_o catholic_n father_n and_o be_o content_v to_o stand_v or_o fall_v by_o their_o sentence_n i_o have_v not_o wilful_o misrepresent_v their_o sense_n in_o any_o thing_n and_o have_v take_v all_o possible_a care_v not_o to_o mistake_v it_o and_o as_o far_o as_o human_a authority_n be_v concern_v here_o i_o must_v leave_v the_o matter_n for_o i_o know_v of_o no_o further_a appeal_n the_o content_n chap._n i._n sect_n i._o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o socinian_n controversy_n and_o how_o to_o reduce_v the_o dispute_n to_o the_o original_a question_n page_n 1._o sect_n ii_o how_o to_o reduce_v this_o dispute_n concern_v the_o trinity_n to_o scripture-term_n 4_o the_o form_n of_o baptism_n the_o rule_n and_o standard_n of_o faith_n ibid._n that_o these_o name_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v more_o easy_o understand_v and_o give_v we_o a_o true_a idea_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n than_o any_o artificial_a term_n 5_o etc._n etc._n sect_n iii_o that_o the_o title_n of_o god_n attribute_v in_o scripture_n distinct_o to_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n give_v we_o the_o best_a account_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o must_v determine_v the_o signification_n of_o ecclesiastical_a word_n 12_o this_o particular_o explain_v with_o respect_n to_o those_o term_n nature_n essence_n substance_n hypostasis_fw-la existence_n subsistence_n person_n etc._n etc._n 13_o etc._n etc._n sect_n iv._o these_o name_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n prove_v the_o real_a distinction_n of_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n 20_o etc._n etc._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 explain_v at_o large_a 24_o sect_n vi_o concern_v the_o unity_n of_o god_n 33_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o catholic_n church_n believe_v in_o one_o god_n ibid._n tritheism_n a_o old_a sabellian_n and_o arian_n objection_n against_o the_o trinity_n 34_o how_o answer_v by_o the_o catholic_n father_n 37_o etc._n etc._n chap._n ii_o a_o examination_n of_o some_o consideration_n concern_v the_o trinity_n sect_n i._o concern_v the_o way_n of_o manage_v this_o controversy_n 51_o what_o way_n the_o considerer_n dislike_v 52_o etc._n etc._n what_o way_n he_o take_v viz._n consult_v scripture_n and_o natural_a sentiment_n 56_o sect_n ii_o concern_v the_o traditionary_a faith_n of_o the_o church_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n 60_o what_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v from_o whence_o we_o must_v receive_v this_o traditionary_a faith_n ibid._n what_o evidence_n we_o have_v for_o this_o tradition_n from_o the_o ancient_a heresy_n condemn_v by_o the_o catholic_n church_n 64_o of_o what_o authority_n the_o traditionary_a faith_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n ought_v to_o be_v in_o expound_v scripture_n 77_o sect_n iii_o what_o be_v sufficient_a to_o be_v believe_v concern_v the_o trinity_n 80_o his_o requisite_n to_o make_v it_o possible_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v a_o thing_n 81_o sect_n iv._o concern_v his_o state_n of_o the_o question_n that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o god_n be_v three_o different_a person_n 84_o his_o examination_n of_o these_o term_n god_n unity_n identity_n distinction_n number_n and_o person_n and_o 1._o of_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n 86_o sect_n v._o his_o notion_n and_o idea_n of_o unity_n distinction_n person_n his_o sabellian_n notion_n of_o a_o person_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o single_a person_n in_o the_o trinity_n as_o person_n signify_v proper_o a_o particular_a intelligent_a be_v 88_o this_o he_o prove_v from_o his_o notion_n of_o unity_n and_o distinction_n the_o unity_n and_o distinction_n of_o idea_n of_o principle_n and_o of_o position_n 91_o what_o he_o mean_v by_o a_o obscure_a confuse_a knowledge_n and_o a_o general_a confuse_a faith_n of_o the_o trinity_n 101_o sect_n vi_o what_o the_o scripture_n require_v we_o to_o believe_v concern_v the_o trinity_n 103_o his_fw-la sabellian_n notion_n of_o one_o god_n to_o be_v adore_v under_o three_o different_a title_n and_o character_n ibid._n his_o scripture-proof_n of_o this_o examine_v 104_o etc._n etc._n his_o attempt_n to_o reconcile_v this_o with_o god_n be_v one_o and_o three_o 108_o etc._n etc._n and_o with_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o second_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n 113_o his_o account_n of_o the_o union_n of_o god_n and_o man._n 115_o what_o end_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n serve_v not_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o speculation_n but_o as_o a_o artificial_a representation_n of_o god_n love_n to_o man_n 120_o chap._n iii_o a_o 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 124_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o sabellianism_n 1_o those_o who_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 and_o office_n of_o the_o same_o person_n and_o here_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 but_o whether_o they_o be_v distinct_a person_n from_o the_o father_n 125_o by_o what_o argument_n the_o catholic_n father_n oppose_v this_o heresy_n 127_o 2._o that_o the_o son_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o father_n only_o as_o a_o man_n word_n be_v distinguish_v from_o himself_o 133_o and_o by_o what_o argument_n the_o catholic_n father_n oppose_v this_o heresy_n 134_o 3._o some_o make_v god_n a_o compound_n be_v and_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o one_o god_n 143_o by_o what_o argument_n the_o father_n oppose_v it_o ibid._n chap._n iu._n concern_v the_o homoousion_n or_o one_o substance_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n 150_o sect_n i._o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o homoousion_n from_o those_o misrepresentation_n which_o be_v make_v of_o it_o and_o the_o answer_n which_o be_v give_v by_o the_o nicene_n father_n to_o such_o objection_n 152_o sect_n ii_o some_o rule_n for_o expound_v the_o homoousion_n 158_o sect_n iii_o what_o the_o nicene_n father_n mean_v by_o the_o homoousion_n 163_o sect_n iv._o a_o more_o particular_a inquiry_n into_o the_o full_a signification_n of_o the_o homoousion_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o specific_a unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n 170_o sect_n v._o that_o by_o the_o homoousion_n the_o nicene_n father_n do_v not_o mere_o understand_v a_o specific_a but_o a_o natural_a unity_n and_o sameness_n of_o substance_n between_o father_n and_o son_n 180_o damascen_n distinction_n between_o one_o in_o notion_n and_o one_o in_o reality_n ibid._n this_o appear_v from_o their_o notion_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 181_o and_o the_o catholic_n father_n lie_v the_o
receive_v this_o doctrine_n from_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o those_o church_n which_o be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n receive_v their_o faith_n from_o they_o and_o always_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o they_o 2._o this_o make_v it_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o this_o very_a faith_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o i_o suppose_v no_o man_n question_n but_o that_o the_o apostle_n teach_v the_o same_o faith_n by_o write_v which_o they_o do_v by_o preach_v and_o then_o this_o be_v a_o demonstration_n against_o all_o such_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n as_o contradict_v the_o catholic_n faith_n whatever_o fine_a colour_n wit_n and_o criticism_n may_v give_v they_o nay_o 3._o it_o be_v a_o certain_a proof_n that_o these_o primitive_a christian_n who_o receive_v these_o inspire_a write_n from_o the_o apostle_n which_o now_o make_v up_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v believe_v that_o the_o same_o faith_n 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his_o natural_a sentiment_n which_o be_v a_o very_a unsafe_a rule_n in_o matter_n of_o pure_a revelation_n of_o which_o mere_a natural_a reason_n be_v no_o competent_a judge_n sect_n iii_o what_o be_v sufficient_a to_o be_v believe_v concern_v the_o trinity_n thus_o far_o i_o fear_v our_o considerer_n have_v be_v a_o little_a unfortunate_a or_o if_o it_o do_v not_o prove_v a_o misfortune_n to_o he_o in_o form_v his_o notion_n of_o a_o trinity_n his_o luck_n be_v better_a than_o his_o choice_n 10._o let_v we_o proceed_v to_o his_o next_o enquiry_n what_o be_v sufficient_a for_o christian_n to_o believe_v concern_v the_o trinity_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o in_o this_o case_n what_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v what_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o question_n be_v i_o can_v well_o tell_v nor_o why_o he_o make_v sufficient_a and_o necessary_a all_o one_o for_o at_o least_o they_o be_v not_o always_o so_o that_o be_v sufficient_a which_o be_v enough_o for_o any_o man_n to_o 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the_o belief_n of_o supernatural_a object_n though_o never_o so_o plain_o reveal_v for_o we_o have_v no_o natural_a idea_n of_o supernatural_a object_n and_o though_o revelation_n may_v furnish_v we_o from_o the_o resemblance_n and_o analogy_n in_o nature_n with_o some_o artificial_a idea_n this_o will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n for_o though_o they_o know_v what_o such_o term_n signify_v when_o apply_v to_o natural_a they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o signify_v when_o apply_v to_o supernatural_a object_n nor_o have_v they_o any_o idea_n to_o answer_v they_o as_o for_o instance_n we_o know_v what_o father_n and_o son_n signify_v when_o apply_v to_o man_n but_o when_o we_o say_v god_n be_v not_o only_o eternal_a himself_o but_o a_o eternal_a father_n who_o beget_v a_o eternal_a son_n these_o term_n of_o father_n and_o son_n beget_v and_o be_v beget_v must_v signify_v quite_o otherwise_o than_o they_o do_v among_o man_n something_o which_o we_o have_v no_o idea_n of_o and_o therefore_o 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father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v but_o three_o name_n of_o that_o one_o single_a person_n who_o be_v god_n but_o as_o he_o proceed_v if_o we_o allow_v that_o these_o term_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o apply_v to_o god_n in_o scripture_n it_o be_v not_o think_v sufficient_a to_o say_v that_o these_o be_v three_o several_a name_n which_o signify_v god_n but_o we_o be_v further_o require_v to_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v one_o and_o three_o the_o same_o god_n not_o the_o same_o single_a person_n but_o three_o different_a hypostasis_n or_o person_n and_o that_o one_o of_o these_o three_o hypostasis_n or_o person_n be_v both_o god_n and_o man._n these_o be_v the_o hard_a say_n which_o puzzle_n some_o man_n understanding_n this_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o will_v always_o be_v hard_a say_n to_o sabellian_n understanding_n which_o they_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o reconcile_v with_o their_o hypothesis_n of_o one_o single_a person_n 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same_o divine_a nature_n and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o difference_n between_o they_o not_o a_o difference_n of_o nature_n but_o a_o distinction_n of_o true_a real_a proper_a person_n the_o considerer_n seem_v to_o allow_v this_o 38._o that_o person_n be_v a_o proper_a name_n for_o this_o distinction_n for_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n have_v plain_o a_o personal_a signification_n each_o of_o they_o without_o any_o figure_n of_o speech_n be_v determine_v to_o signify_v some_o intelligent_a be_v act_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v there_o relate_v these_o word_n will_v betray_v a_o unwary_a reader_n to_o believe_v the_o considerer_n as_o orthodox_n as_o the_o nicene_n father_n and_o that_o he_o do_v acknowledge_v father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v three_o person_n without_o a_o figure_n as_o a_o
the_o son_n to_o be_v a_o distinct_a substantial_a person_n this_o dispute_v we_o hear_v nothing_o of_o but_o the_o only_a dispute_n be_v concern_v the_o consubstantiality_n of_o the_o son_n with_o the_o father_n and_o that_o prove_v that_o they_o do_v own_o the_o son_n to_o be_v a_o substantial_a person_n for_o be_v he_o not_o in_o a_o true_a proper_a sense_n a_o person_n and_o a_o substantial_a person_n he_o can_v not_o be_v consubstantial_a with_o the_o father_n nay_o sy_n austin_n express_o tell_v we_o that_o arius_n agree_v with_o the_o catholic_n against_o the_o sabellian_o 5._o in_o make_v the_o son_n a_o distinct_a person_n from_o the_o father_n and_o if_o so_o the_o catholic_n teach_v that_o the_o son_n be_v as_o distinct_a a_o person_n as_o arius_n do_v though_o not_o a_o separate_a and_o create_a person_n as_o he_o do_v now_o when_o arius_n will_v have_v reduce_v christ_n into_o the_o number_n of_o creature_n though_o he_o make_v he_o the_o first_o and_o most_o excellent_a 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age_n of_o the_o church_n the_o socinian_o who_o know_v very_o well_o what_o the_o charge_n of_o novelty_n signify_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n that_o a_o new_a faith_n be_v but_o another_o name_n for_o new_a heresy_n though_o they_o reject_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o catholic_n tradition_n of_o the_o faith_n from_o the_o apostolic_a age_n yet_o they_o appeal_v to_o scripture_n and_o natural_a sentiment_n as_o the_o great_a and_o best_a antiquity_n in_o opposition_n to_o apostolic_a tradition_n this_o be_v our_o considerer_n way_n which_o he_o prefer_v before_o a_o traditionary_a faith_n and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o socinian_o may_v oppose_v it_o to_o a_o traditionary_a faith_n and_o if_o we_o must_v always_o expound_v scripture_n by_o our_o natural_a sentiment_n this_o author_n have_v best_a consider_v whether_o he_o can_v prove_v a_o trinity_n by_o natural_a reason_n or_o fair_o reconcile_v the_o natural_a notion_n of_o one_o god_n with_o the_o catholic_n faith_n of_o the_o trinity_n or_o of_o three_o each_o of_o who_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n from_o the_o mere_a principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n for_o if_o he_o can_v he_o must_v not_o in_o his_o way_n find_v a_o trinity_n in_o scripture_n but_o of_o this_o more_o hereafter_o 3._o let_v we_o now_o in_o opposition_n to_o this_o pretence_n consider_v of_o what_o authority_n the_o traditionary_a faith_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n ought_v to_o be_v in_o expound_v scripture_n the_o holy_a scripture_n at_o least_o in_o pretence_n be_v allow_v on_o all_o hand_n to_o be_v a_o complete_a and_o authentic_a rule_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o question_n be_v since_o man_n differ_v so_o much_o in_o expound_v scripture_n what_o be_v the_o safe_a rule_n to_o expound_v scripture_n by_o whether_o the_o traditionary_a faith_n of_o the_o church_n or_o our_o natural_a sentiment_n or_o natural_a reason_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o we_o must_v learn_v the_o critical_a sense_n of_o 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and_o his_o apostle_n what_o mysterious_a and_o hide_a sense_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n such_o as_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a we_o shall_v never_o have_v find_v in_o they_o have_v not_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n explain_v their_o meaning_n and_o the_o near_a any_o writer_n be_v to_o the_o apostolic_a age_n the_o more_o they_o be_v addict_v to_o these_o mystical_a interpretation_n which_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o learn_v it_o from_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o but_o this_o be_v not_o what_o i_o now_o intend_v my_o present_a argument_n reach_v no_o far_a than_o this_o that_o if_o we_o can_v learn_v what_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n concern_v the_o holy_a trinity_n and_o the_o divinity_n and_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n have_v always_o be_v then_o 1._o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a to_o conclude_v that_o they_o
they_o though_o separate_a vbi_n may_v prove_v they_o separate_a but_o still_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n why_o he_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v plain_a at_o first_o sight_n 21._o that_o we_o can_v possible_o conceive_v god_n under_o any_o difference_n of_o position_n i_o add_v further_o that_o we_o can_v conceive_v god_n under_o any_o position_n and_o therefore_o the_o unity_n of_o position_n can_v never_o belong_v to_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n but_o the_o reason_n he_o give_v why_o we_o can_v conceive_v god_n under_o any_o difference_n of_o position_n be_v because_o we_o can_v exclude_v omnipotence_n from_o any_o imaginable_a point_n of_o space_n nor_o can_v we_o include_v it_o in_o it_o which_o prove_v that_o god_n have_v no_o position_n but_o be_v present_a without_o position_n as_o he_o be_v without_o extension_n and_o without_o part_n god_n need_v no_o place_n to_o subsist_v in_o but_o be_v place_n to_o himself_o and_o place_n to_o every_o thing_n else_o as_o the_o hebrew_n call_v god_n makâ—m_n or_o place_n according_a to_o s._n paul_n notion_n of_o it_o that_o in_o he_o we_o live_v move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v that_o as_o all_o thing_n receive_v be_v by_o his_o almighty_a word_n so_o all_o thing_n subsist_v in_o infinite_a mind_n as_o the_o idea_n and_o notion_n of_o thing_n do_v in_o finite_a mind_n god_n can_v not_o create_v any_o thing_n without_o himself_o because_o there_o be_v nothing_o extra_fw-la without_o he_o and_o this_o be_v the_o omnipresence_n of_o god_n not_o his_o commensuration_n to_o infinite_a space_n which_o be_v a_o gross_a corporeal_a representation_n of_o omnipresence_n by_o infinite_a extension_n or_o commensuration_n to_o infinite_a extension_n and_o make_v something_o else_o as_o infinite_a as_o god_n viz._n infinite_a space_n which_o must_v be_v commensurate_a to_o god_n if_o god_n be_v commensurate_a to_o space_n but_o the_o omnipresence_n of_o god_n be_v his_o comprehension_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o himself_o and_o yet_o his_o way_n of_o prove_v the_o omnipresence_n of_o god_n from_o his_o omnipotence_n that_o we_o can_v exclude_v omnipotence_n from_o any_o imaginable_a point_n of_o space_n if_o by_o omnipresence_n he_o mean_v a_o essential_a omnipresence_n as_o he_o must_v do_v here_o be_v not_o so_o self-evident_a as_o he_o seem_v to_o think_v it_o the_o only_a foundation_n of_o it_o be_v this_o that_o nothing_o can_v act_v where_o it_o be_v not_o which_o hold_v true_a only_a where_o contact_n be_v necessary_a to_o action_n that_o be_v only_o in_o body_n who_o power_n consist_v in_o contact_n or_o touch_v each_o other_o but_o any_o be_v which_o act_n without_o contact_n as_o god_n certain_o do_v may_v be_v omnipotent_a without_o be_v omnipresent_v that_o be_v may_v act_v at_o a_o infinite_a distance_n without_o any_o local_a presence_n with_o the_o thing_n on_o which_o it_o act_n it_o be_v the_o first_o time_n to_o the_o best_a of_o my_o remembrance_n that_o ever_o i_o meet_v with_o this_o notion_n that_o it_o be_v the_o limit_a power_n and_o faculty_n of_o create_a being_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o local_a distinction_n 21._o finite_a creature_n indeed_o have_v finite_a and_o limit_a power_n but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o limitation_n of_o their_o power_n and_o faculty_n but_o of_o their_o presence_n which_o make_v a_o local_a or_o vbi_fw-la distinction_n if_o this_o be_v so_o power_n must_v be_v proportion_v to_o presence_n which_o we_o know_v be_v false_a for_o the_o great_a thing_n which_o fill_v the_o large_a space_n be_v not_o the_o most_o powerful_a spirit_n which_o fill_v no_o space_n at_o all_o have_v the_o great_a power_n and_o most_o enlarge_a faculty_n but_o it_o be_v time_n to_o see_v the_o pinch_v of_o this_o argument_n from_o the_o unity_n of_o position_n and_o the_o sum_n of_o it_o be_v this_o whatever_o be_v one_o must_v be_v in_o some_o one_o place_n or_o vbi_fw-la which_o distinguish_v and_o separate_v it_o from_o other_o thing_n that_o he_o can_v conceive_v the_o distinction_n of_o two_o or_o three_o being_n from_o each_o other_o without_o consider_v they_o in_o so_o many_o different_a place_n or_o locality_n that_o god_n be_v omnipresent_v 22._o and_o he_o can_v no_o more_o conceive_v three_o omnipresent_v than_o he_o can_v conceive_v three_o straight_a line_n draw_v between_o the_o same_o point_n that_o be_v in_o plain_a english_a there_o be_v not_o three_o distinct_a infinite_a space_n for_o three_o distinct_a omnipresent_v person_n to_o be_v in_o and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v a_o trinity_n of_o true_a and_o proper_a person_n but_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o omnipresent_v divine_a nature_n so_o there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o single_a omnipresent_v person_n and_o there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o the_o trinity_n till_o we_o can_v find_v room_n in_o the_o world_n for_o three_o person_n each_o of_o who_o be_v omnipresent_v i_o perceive_v our_o considerer_n have_v not_o be_v so_o fair_a and_o equal_a as_o he_o pretend_v to_o be_v he_o will_v not_o consult_v the_o father_n for_o fear_v of_o prejudices_fw-la and_o prepossession_n but_o either_o good_a wit_n jump_v or_o he_o have_v take_v care_n to_o consult_v the_o ancient_a heretic_n for_o this_o be_v the_o old_a sabellian_n argument_n which_o be_v long_o since_o answer_v and_o scorn_v by_o athanasius_n as_o he_o will_v find_v in_o the_o chapter_n of_o sabellianism_n to_o which_o i_o refer_v he_o and_o the_o reader_n but_o in_o good_a earnest_n do_v any_o sober_a christian_a want_n a_o answer_n to_o this_o argument_n do_v god_n then_o fill_v a_o space_n as_o body_n do_v that_o three_o divine_v omnipresent_v person_n must_v have_v three_o separate_a locality_n and_o be_v commensurate_a to_o three_o infinite_a space_n have_v god_n any_o place_n do_v he_o subsist_v in_o any_o thing_n but_o himself_o if_o the_o considerer_n can_v conceive_v any_o being_n to_o be_v distinct_a without_o distinct_a locality_n how_o do_v he_o distinguish_v god_n from_o creature_n when_o he_o own_v that_o god_n be_v in_o every_o imaginable_a point_n of_o space_n that_o be_v in_o the_o very_a same_o vbi_n and_o locality_n wherever_o any_o creature_n be_v but_o do_v not_o all_o catholic_n christian_n own_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o infinite_a inseparable_a undivided_a nature_n in_o three_o person_n and_o must_v this_o one_o undivided_a monad_n be_v in_o three_o separate_a locality_n because_o it_o subsist_v in_o three_o distinct_a person_n especial_o when_o these_o distinct_a person_n be_v whole_a and_o entire_a in_o each_o other_o as_o our_o saviour_n assure_v we_o i_o be_o in_o the_o father_n and_o the_o father_n in_o i_o and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o wonderful_a demonstration_n against_o three_o real_a and_o proper_a person_n in_o the_o trinity_n that_o there_o can_v be_v three_o such_o infinite_a omnipresent_v person_n unless_o they_o subsist_v in_o three_o infinite_a and_o separate_a locality_n but_o enough_o of_o this_o in_o all_o reason_n these_o be_v the_o premise_n from_o whence_o with_o so_o much_o open_a assurance_n and_o confidence_n he_o draw_v that_o sabellian_n conclusion_n 24._o that_o the_o idea_n of_o god_n be_v real_o but_o one_o simple_a idea_n can_v be_v apply_v but_o to_o one_o single_a person_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n person_n as_o it_o signify_v a_o particular_a intelligent_a be_v nature_n or_o principle_n from_o whence_o he_o say_v it_o follow_v that_o according_a to_o the_o notion_n we_o be_v capable_a of_o frame_v of_o unity_n and_o distinction_n all_o the_o personal_a distinction_n we_o can_v conceive_v in_o the_o deity_n must_v be_v found_v on_o some_o accessary_a idea_n extrinsical_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n so_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o trinity_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v always_o believe_v but_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o real_o be_v but_o one_o single_a person_n be_v a_o trinity_n with_o respect_n to_o something_o which_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o be_v extrinsical_a to_o it_o whether_o these_o be_v not_o new_a term_n and_o new_a doctrine_n too_o unknown_a to_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o know_v only_o as_o condemn_v heresy_n i_o appeal_v to_o all_o man_n who_o will_v consult_v any_o catholic_n historian_n or_o any_o catholic_n father_n without_o prejudice_n and_o here_o i_o may_v reasonable_o enough_o break_v off_o for_o i_o have_v follow_v the_o considerer_n till_o we_o have_v hear_v he_o demonstrate_v against_o a_o trinity_n of_o real_a proper_a person_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n which_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o whole_a dispute_n about_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n because_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n he_o have_v find_v out_o indeed_o a_o unity_n for_o god_n but_o it_o be_v not_o a_o unity_n in_o trinity_n but_o the_o unity_n of_o one_o single_a person_n and_o he_o have_v