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 be_v which_o abstract_n from_o all_o the_o diversity_n and_o difference_n which_o be_v find_v in_o individual_n which_o one_o observation_n will_v help_v we_o to_o expound_v several_a dispute_v passage_n in_o the_o father_n as_o i_o can_v easy_o show_v be_v that_o my_o present_a business_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n though_o they_o have_v one_o undistinguished_a undiversify_v nature_n and_o therefore_o be_v one_o in_o nature_n yet_o be_v three_o in_o number_n because_o they_o have_v this_o one_o undivided_a undistinguished_a undiversify_v nature_n after_o a_o different_a manner_n which_o the_o greek_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o manner_n of_o existence_n or_o the_o manner_n how_o they_o come_v to_o be_v which_o though_o it_o sound_v very_o harsh_o when_o apply_v to_o that_o which_o have_v no_o beginning_n of_o be_v as_o most_o other_o expression_n do_v when_o apply_v to_o god_n and_o criticize_v on_o by_o perverse_a and_o comical_a wit_n must_v be_v allow_v in_o 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
own_v it_o who_o assert_v but_o one_o singular_a substance_n of_o the_o deity_n for_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o substance_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o singularity_n the_o son_n if_o he_o have_v any_o substance_n must_v be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o father_n he_o who_o be_v beget_v must_v be_v the_o substance_n of_o he_o who_o be_v unbegotten_a thus_o much_o i_o think_v be_v certain_a that_o if_o st._n basil_n be_v in_o his_o wit_n he_o will_v never_o have_v use_v this_o argument_n have_v he_o believe_v that_o father_n and_o son_n be_v but_o one_o singular_a substance_n and_o yet_o elsewhere_o he_o express_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o nicene_n father_n distinguish_v the_o hypostate_n of_o father_n and_o son_n when_o they_o call_v the_o son_n light_n of_o light_n for_o the_o light_n which_o beget_v be_v not_o the_o light_n which_o be_v beget_v though_o their_o nature_n be_v the_o same_o they_o be_v light_a and_o light_n once_o more_o to_o prevent_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a all_o manner_n of_o evasion_n since_o some_o modern_n distinguish_v between_o the_o generation_n of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o his_o substance_n and_o will_v allow_v that_o the_o son_n be_v beget_v but_o not_o his_o substance_n i_o observe_v that_o st._n basil_n reject_v this_o distinction_n between_o the_o son_n and_o his_o substance_n eunomius_n dare_v not_o say_v that_o the_o son_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d make_v or_o create_v out_o of_o nothing_o this_o be_v so_o express_o condemn_v by_o the_o nicene_n council_n which_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n receive_v as_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o therefore_o he_o endeavour_v to_o cheat_v they_o into_o it_o before_o they_o be_v aware_a by_o a_o new_a form_n of_o speech_n 734_o he_o say_v that_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o son_n be_v beget_v have_v no_o be_v before_o its_o own_o proper_a subsistence_n and_o be_v beget_v before_o all_o thing_n by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n this_o be_v very_o crafty_o express_v to_o insinuate_v that_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o son_n do_v not_o exist_v for_o it_o can_v not_o be_v before_o it_o be_v beget_v and_o have_v a_o proper_a subsistence_n of_o its_o own_o st._n basil_n expose_v this_o sophistry_n at_o large_a and_o show_v that_o by_o the_o same_o argument_n they_o may_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o the_o father_n substance_n be_v not_o for_o that_o can_v not_o be_v old_a than_o its_o own_o subsistence_n but_o if_o the_o father_n be_v eternal_a though_o his_o substance_n can_v not_o be_v before_o its_o subsistence_n so_o may_v the_o son_n be_v also_o by_o a_o eternal_a generation_n and_o subsistence_n but_o that_o which_o i_o will_v take_v notice_n of_o be_v that_o st._n basil_n observe_v the_o vain_a sophistry_n of_o this_o way_n of_o speak_v that_o when_o he_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o the_o son_n be_v of_o nothing_o or_o that_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o he_o be_v not_o he_o insinuate_v the_o same_o thing_n concern_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o son_n ibid._n as_o if_o the_o son_n and_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o son_n be_v two_o thing_n now_o if_o the_o son_n and_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o son_n be_v the_o same_o then_o if_o the_o son_n be_v beget_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o son_n be_v beget_v if_o the_o son_n be_v not_o the_o father_n the_o substance_n of_o the_o son_n be_v not_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o father_n and_o yet_o all_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n not_o except_v st._n austin_n himself_o will_v not_o allow_v of_o any_o difference_n between_o the_o person_n of_o the_o father_n and_o his_o be_v essence_n substance_n subsistence_n nature_n nor_o between_o the_o person_n of_o the_o son_n and_o his_o be_v subsistence_n nature_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o the_o son_n be_v as_o distinct_a from_o the_o father_n in_o nature_n be_v life_n substance_n as_o in_o person_n and_o subsistence_n but_o to_o proceed_v there_o be_v no_o dispute_n between_o the_o catholic_n and_o the_o arian_n about_o the_o singularity_n of_o the_o divine_a substance_n they_o both_o reject_v that_o as_o sabellianism_n and_o assert_v father_n and_o son_n to_o be_v as_o distinct_a in_o nature_n and_o substance_n as_o they_o be_v in_o person_n and_o therefore_o this_o objection_n de_fw-fr ingenito_o &_o genito_fw-la concern_v the_o unbegotten_a and_o the_o beget_v nature_n be_v intend_v not_o to_o prove_v a_o numerical_a distinction_n which_o it_o effectual_o do_v but_o a_o specific_a difference_n and_o diversity_n of_o nature_n between_o father_n and_o son_n that_o the_o son_n be_v no_o more_o consubstantial_a to_o the_o father_n than_o to_o be_v unbegotten_a and_o to_o be_v beget_v be_v the_o same_o the_o whole_a controversy_n turn_v upon_o this_o one_o point_n whether_o unbegotten_a and_o beget_v be_v name_n of_o nature_n and_o consequent_o whether_o to_o be_v unbegotten_a and_o to_o be_v beget_v make_v a_o specific_a difference_n of_o nature_n this_o the_o catholic_n father_n unanimous_o deny_v and_o not_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o all_o they_o say_v on_o this_o argument_n there_o be_v one_o answer_v which_o they_o all_o give_v very_o observable_a to_o my_o present_a purpose_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o to_o be_v unbegotten_a or_o beget_v make_v no_o specific_a difference_n in_o create_a nature_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o say_v that_o it_o make_v any_o such_o diversity_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o they_o all_o give_v the_o example_n of_o adam_n seth_n and_o eve_n who_o all_o have_v the_o same_o human_a nature_n 9_o and_o yet_o adam_n be_v unbegotten_a as_o be_v immediate_o form_v by_o god_n seth_n be_v beget_v as_o be_v adam_n son_n eve_n be_v not_o beget_v but_o make_v of_o one_o of_o adam_n rib_n but_o this_o make_v no_o diversity_n of_o nature_n but_o only_o distinguish_v they_o by_o their_o manner_n of_o existence_n or_o come_v into_o be_v and_o there_o be_v no_o imaginable_a reason_n why_o the_o same_o specific_a nature_n consider_v in_o its_o individual_n may_v not_o have_v very_o different_a beginning_n without_o any_o alteration_n of_o nature_n nay_o as_o damascen_n observe_v ibid._n thus_o it_o be_v in_o all_o the_o several_a species_n of_o creature_n for_o the_o first_o in_o every_o kind_n be_v unbegotten_a and_o though_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o all_o three_o divine_a person_n be_v eternal_a without_o any_o beginning_n yet_o if_o to_o be_v unbegotten_a or_o to_o be_v beget_v make_v no_o diversity_n of_o nature_n in_o creature_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o say_v that_o it_o make_v any_o such_o difference_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n this_o be_v so_o plain_a and_o express_v that_o i_o need_v add_v nothing_o to_o show_v how_o this_o overthrow_v the_o opinion_n of_o singularity_n and_o own_v a_o specific_a unity_n and_o sameness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n that_o though_o the_o father_n be_v unbegotten_a and_o the_o son_n beget_v yet_o they_o be_v consubstantial_a or_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n not_o with_o the_o sameness_n of_o singularity_n which_o be_v impossible_a but_o with_o such_o a_o sameness_n of_o nature_n as_o be_v between_o two_o of_o the_o same_o kind_a and_o species_n as_o the_o example_n of_o adam_n and_o seth_n prove_v and_o i_o need_v not_o prove_v that_o a_o specific_a sameness_n of_o nature_n suppose_v a_o real_a distinction_n of_o person_n who_o agree_v in_o this_o one_o same_o nature_n sect_n v._o that_o by_o the_o homoousion_n or_o one_o substance_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 but_o yet_o after_o all_o this_o the_o catholic_n father_n do_v not_o allow_v the_o divine_a nature_n in_o a_o strict_a and_o proper_a notion_n to_o be_v a_o species_n which_o be_v only_o a_o notional_a and_o logical_a unity_n and_o sameness_n of_o nature_n for_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v perfect_a essence_n be_v not_o logical_o but_o essential_o one_o though_o it_o subsist_v distinct_o in_o three_o person_n and_o this_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o catholic_n father_n on_o this_o one_o point_n the_o whole_a controversy_n turn_v concern_v the_o singularity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n or_o the_o plurality_n of_o divine_a nature_n multiply_v with_o the_o person_n and_o consequent_o that_o great_a controversy_n of_o all_o whether_o a_o trinity_n of_o true_a real_a substantial_a person_n be_v essential_o one_o or_o three_o go_n to_o represent_v this_o as_o plain_o as_o possible_o i_o can_v we_o must_v consider_v the_o difference_n between_o a_o specific_a and_o a_o natural_a unity_n 〈◊〉_d between_o be_v one_o in_o notion_n and_o one_o in_o nature_n the_o first_o be_v when_o from_o that_o agreement_n which_o we_o observe_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o
several_a individual_n we_o form_v a_o notion_n of_o one_o common_a nature_n which_o belong_v to_o they_o all_o as_o the_o notion_n of_o humanity_n or_o human_a nature_n which_o belong_v to_o all_o man_n and_o afford_v a_o common_a name_n and_o a_o common_a definition_n to_o they_o but_o this_o be_v only_o the_o work_n of_o the_o mind_n for_o there_o be_v no_o such_o one_o common_a human_a nature_n actual_o exist_v in_o all_o mankind_n 11._o but_o every_o man_n be_v a_o man_n by_o himself_o and_o have_v a_o particular_a human_a nature_n as_o he_o have_v a_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o his_o own_o which_o be_v not_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o any_o other_o man_n in_o the_o world_n and_o thus_o damascen_n own_v it_o be_v with_o all_o creature_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n who_o in_o truth_n and_o reality_n be_v distinct_a separate_a being_n who_o subsist_v apart_o by_o themselves_o as_o peter_n and_o paul_n and_o all_o other_o man_n do_v and_o be_v unite_v only_o in_o a_o common_a notion_n not_o in_o a_o common_a subsist_v nature_n which_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o all_o but_o then_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o in_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v a_o common_a nature_n and_o yet_o but_o one_o not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o mere_o in_o our_o notion_n and_o conception_n but_o in_o truth_n and_o reality_n the_o same_o one_o divine_a nature_n without_o the_o least_o diversity_n or_o separation_n actual_o and_o distinct_o subsist_v in_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v perfect_o the_o same_o be_v but_o one_o and_o real_o and_o substantial_o subsist_v in_o three_o be_v a_o common_a nature_n which_o be_v equal_o and_o perfect_o in_o they_o all_o thus_o damascen_n have_v declare_v his_o opinion_n full_o against_o the_o notional_a and_o specific_a unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n that_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v one_o only_o as_o human_a nature_n be_v one_o because_o it_o have_v one_o common_a name_n and_o definition_n which_o belong_v to_o all_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n whereas_o there_o be_v no_o one_o common_a human_a nature_n in_o subsistence_n but_o only_o in_o notion_n but_o the_o same_o one_o divine_a nature_n actual_o subsist_v in_o three_o and_o be_v the_o same_o one_o divinity_n in_o three_o and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o all_o the_o catholic_n father_n will_v appear_v from_o consider_v some_o notion_n which_o be_v common_a to_o they_o all_o 1._o they_o all_o agree_v that_o there_o be_v but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o one_o divinity_n and_o one_o god_n and_o one_o god_n because_o but_o one_o divinity_n and_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n nothing_o be_v more_o familiar_a with_o they_o than_o to_o call_v the_o holy_a trinity_n one_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d one_o divinity_n in_o three_o perfect_a hypostate_n now_o will_v any_o man_n say_v that_o the_o one_o divinity_n or_o one_o divine_a nature_n and_o one_o god_n be_v a_o mere_a notion_n be_v not_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o if_o this_o one_o divinity_n do_v real_o immutable_o inseparable_o subsist_v in_o three_o divine_a person_n as_o it_o must_v do_v if_o these_o three_o divine_a person_n with_o respect_n to_o this_o one_o divinity_n be_v natural_o and_o inseparable_o one_o god_n can_v this_o one_o common_a subsist_v divinity_n be_v a_o mere_a notion_n which_o have_v no_o hypostatical_a subsistence_n but_o only_o subsist_v in_o thought_n can_v the_o specific_a notional_a unity_n of_o human_a nature_n make_v three_o man_n one_o man_n as_o the_o one_o common_a divine_a nature_n make_v three_o person_n one_o god_n if_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v but_o a_o notion_n the_o unity_n of_o god_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o trinity_n which_o be_v this_o one_o god_n must_v be_v a_o mere_a notion_n also_o and_o so_o in_o truth_n and_o reality_n there_o be_v no_o more_o one_a god_n than_o there_o be_v but_o one_o man_n i_o ready_o grant_v that_o the_o father_n may_v be_v and_o often_o be_v in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n call_v god_n and_o the_o one_o god_n 1615._o as_o distinguish_v from_o the_o person_n of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o i_o deny_v that_o he_o be_v call_v the_o one_o god_n as_o consider_v without_o they_o or_o so_o much_o as_o in_o thought_n separate_v from_o they_o if_o we_o do_v not_o include_v the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n we_o must_v deny_v their_o godhead_n also_o unless_o we_o will_v say_v that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o beside_o he_o two_o divine_a person_n each_o of_o which_o be_v god_n but_o not_o the_o one_o god_n which_o must_v introduce_v a_o plurality_n of_o separate_a god_n for_o if_o they_o be_v not_o one_o they_o be_v more_o than_o one_o and_o if_o one_o person_n be_v the_o one_o god_n without_o the_o other_o 2._o they_o can_v be_v one_o god_n this_o show_v what_o necessity_n there_o be_v of_o own_v the_o holy_a and_o everblessed_n trinity_n to_o be_v the_o one_o god_n and_o one_o divinity_n natural_o and_o essential_o one_o and_o then_o the_o necessary_a consequence_n be_v that_o this_o one_o divine_a nature_n which_o actual_o and_o substantial_o subsist_v in_o three_o distinct_a divine_a person_n who_o for_o that_o reason_n be_v natural_o and_o essential_o one_o god_n can_v be_v a_o mere_a common_a specific_a nature_n but_o one_o common_a subsist_v nature_n but_o what_o possible_a sense_n can_v we_o make_v of_o this_o one_o common_a subsist_v nature_n which_o be_v real_o actual_o indivisible_o one_o and_o yet_o be_v common_a that_o be_v do_v real_o and_o distinct_o subsist_v in_o more_o than_o one_o to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v common_a and_o to_o be_v one_o not_o in_o notion_n as_o a_o species_n be_v common_a to_o all_o the_o individual_n but_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o nature_n sound_v very_o like_o a_o contradiction_n when_o we_o say_v the_o divine_a nature_n be_v common_a to_o three_o person_n and_o subsist_v distinct_o in_o three_o we_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v one_o singular_a solitary_a nature_n which_o can_v subsist_v but_o in_o one_o and_o constitute_v but_o one_o person_n which_o be_v the_o sabellian_n notion_n of_o the_o divine_a unity_n which_o the_o catholic_n church_n condemn_v as_o destroy_v a_o real_a trinity_n as_o i_o have_v show_v at_o large_a but_o how_o then_o can_v this_o common_a nature_n which_o be_v not_o singular_a but_o subsist_v perfect_o and_o distinct_o in_o three_o be_v actual_o and_o essential_o one_o for_o a_o natural_a unity_n be_v a_o numerical_a unity_n be_v one_o in_o number_n which_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v signify_v a_o singular_a nature_n for_o so_o it_o do_v in_o all_o creature_n and_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n it_o can_v be_v one_o by_o 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in_o the_o nicene_n creed_n be_v oppose_v to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o the_o son_n be_v not_o of_o nothing_o as_o all_o creature_n be_v but_o receive_v his_o whole_a substance_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o his_o father_n st._n basil_n in_o express_a word_n make_v generation_n essential_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o homoousion_n for_o such_o being_n as_n upon_o account_n of_o likeness_n of_o nature_n may_v be_v call_v brother_n to_o each_o other_o be_v not_o therefore_o homoousious_a but_o when_o the_o cause_n and_o that_o which_o actual_o subsist_v from_o or_o out_o of_o that_o cause_n have_v the_o same_o nature_n than_o they_o be_v homoousious_a to_o each_o other_o 〈◊〉_d and_o in_o opposition_n to_o that_o perverse_a and_o heretical_a sense_n which_o some_o affix_v to_o the_o word_n homoousion_n that_o
and_o this_o i_o ready_o grant_v and_o he_o may_v ibid._n if_o he_o have_v please_v have_v transcribe_v half_a st._n hilary_n de_fw-fr trinitate_fw-la &_o de_fw-la synodis_fw-la to_o the_o same_o purpose_n and_o this_o be_v so_o universal_o the_o doctrine_n of_o all_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a father_n that_o there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n in_o multiply_a authority_n to_o this_o purpose_n and_o i_o dare_v appeal_n to_o any_o man_n who_o be_v competent_o skill_a in_o these_o matter_n and_o will_v impartial_o examine_v the_o testimony_n petavius_n have_v produce_v for_o the_o singularity_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n whether_o the_o most_o pertinent_a of_o they_o all_o prove_v any_o more_o than_o this_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o father_n without_o the_o least_o alteration_n or_o diversity_n be_v communicate_v whole_a and_o perfect_a without_o any_o division_n or_o separation_n of_o substance_n to_o the_o son_n of_o which_o more_o present_o not_o that_o the_o same_o singular_a nature_n and_o substance_n which_o be_v the_o person_n of_o the_o father_n be_v also_o the_o person_n of_o the_o son_n which_o make_v the_o father_n and_o son_n to_o be_v but_o one_o person_n as_o well_o as_o one_o nature_n and_o substance_n but_o so_o one_o that_o the_o one_o nature_n substance_n and_o divinity_n which_o be_v the_o father_n be_v whole_o and_o perfect_o the_o same_o in_o the_o son_n except_v this_o that_o one_o be_v the_o father_n and_o the_o other_o the_o son_n which_o be_v not_o the_o unity_n of_o singularity_n which_o be_v proper_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o person_n but_o the_o unity_n of_o identity_n and_o sameness_n which_o be_v the_o unity_n of_o one_o individual_a nature_n which_o be_v common_a to_o more_o than_o one_o i_o do_v intend_v to_o transcribe_v all_o the_o quotation_n of_o petavius_n which_o he_o have_v allege_v to_o this_o purpose_n but_o yet_o i_o will_v give_v such_o a_o general_a view_n of_o they_o as_o may_v satisfy_v any_o impartial_a reader_n as_o to_o this_o point_n not_o to_o confute_v petavius_n who_o as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v reject_v the_o sabellian_n singularity_n but_o to_o undeceive_v those_o who_o mistake_v petavius_n and_o the_o school_n too_o as_o will_v appear_v more_o hereafter_o i_o shall_v only_o premise_v that_o it_o have_v become_v the_o learning_n and_o acuteness_n of_o petavius_n to_o have_v reconcile_v the_o father_n with_o themselves_o for_o they_o be_v wise_a man_n and_o true_a reasoner_n and_o know_v very_o well_o what_o a_o contradiction_n mean_v and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v not_o easy_o to_o believe_v that_o they_o perpetual_o contradict_v themselves_o he_o acknowledge_v and_o prove_v that_o the_o catholic_n father_n do_v teach_v a_o specific_a unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n 13._o that_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n have_v one_o divinity_n as_o peter_z james_n and_o john_n have_v one_o human_a nature_n and_o he_o allege_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o same_o father_n to_o prove_v the_o singularity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n that_o it_o be_v a_o exact_a perfect_a indivisible_a monad_n and_o this_o also_o they_o do_v plain_o teach_v but_o then_o he_o shall_v have_v consider_v how_o to_o have_v reconcile_v these_o two_o for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o if_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v a_o indivisible_a monad_n it_o can_v be_v a_o species_n in_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o a_o species_n and_o if_o it_o have_v any_o thing_n anolagous_n to_o a_o species_n it_o can_v be_v a_o singular_a monad_n because_o it_o must_v be_v a_o common_a nature_n which_o subsist_v in_o more_o than_o one_o and_o singularity_n be_v proper_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o person_n not_o of_o a_o common_a nature_n petavius_n be_v very_o sensible_a how_o inconsistent_a these_o two_o kind_n of_o unity_n be_v and_o yet_o that_o the_o father_n do_v most_o common_o explain_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n by_o a_o specific_a unity_n and_o do_v more_o cautious_o mention_v the_o unity_n of_o singularity_n he_o may_v have_v say_v do_v absolute_o reject_v it_o as_o st._n hilary_n do_v in_o a_o hundred_o place_n and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o much_o better_a reason_n so_o to_o qualify_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o specific_a unity_n and_o singularity_n of_o nature_n as_o to_o reconcile_v they_o to_o each_o other_o than_o to_o make_v the_o father_n contradict_v themselves_o which_o destroy_v three_o part_n of_o their_o reason_v about_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n and_o very_o much_o weaken_v the_o authoity_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n the_o apology_n which_o petavius_n make_v for_o the_o father_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n salve_v this_o matter_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o exact_a rule_n of_o philosophy_n 425._o the_o three_o divine_a person_n be_v not_o so_o of_o one_o substance_n or_o homoousion_n as_o peter_n paul_n and_o john_n and_o so_o far_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v but_o than_o what_o he_o add_v be_v a_o very_a heavy_a charge_n upon_o the_o catholic_n father_n that_o they_o teach_v this_o almost_o in_o every_o dispute_n they_o have_v with_o the_o arian_n now_o if_o this_o be_v true_a what_o apology_n can_v be_v make_v for_o they_o for_o it_o seem_v they_o confute_v the_o arian_n upon_o false_a and_o dangerous_a principle_n and_o be_v either_o ignorant_a themselves_o of_o the_o true_a catholic_n faith_n or_o do_v prevaricate_v in_o it_o but_o let_v we_o hear_v what_o excuse_v he_o make_v for_o they_o he_o say_v they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o this_o nor_o accuse_v of_o ignorance_n as_o if_o they_o understand_v nothing_o of_o the_o numerical_a unity_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n ibid._n and_o own_v no_o other_o unity_n but_o what_o be_v like_o the_o unity_n of_o human_a nature_n for_o they_o do_v know_v the_o first_o but_o very_o prudent_o use_v the_o specific_a unity_n as_o a_o example_n whereby_o to_o represent_v the_o divine_a unity_n but_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v analogous_a to_o this_o specific_a unity_n and_o may_v be_v true_o and_o proper_o represent_v by_o it_o as_o the_o best_a image_n we_o have_v in_o nature_n i_o can_v understand_v either_o the_o prudence_n or_o honesty_n of_o this_o yes_o he_o say_v they_o be_v to_o take_v care_n so_o to_o oppose_v arianism_n as_o to_o avoid_v sabellianism_n which_o otherwise_o they_o may_v easy_o slip_v into_o and_o therefore_o so_o temper_v their_o style_n as_o to_o speak_v more_o spare_o of_o that_o high_a unity_n and_o conjunction_n which_o gregory_n nyssen_n call_v a_o perfect_a monad_n lest_o they_o shall_v seem_v to_o favour_v a_o sabellian_n solitude_n and_o singularity_n but_o do_v more_o free_o use_v the_o example_n of_o a_o specific_a unity_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o confute_v the_o arian_n who_o assert_v the_o diversity_n and_o dissimilitude_n of_o nature_n between_o father_n and_o son_n which_o can_v be_v between_o those_o of_o the_o same_o kind_a and_o species_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n show_v how_o far_o they_o be_v from_o sabellianism_n that_o this_o be_v a_o very_a false_a account_n of_o the_o matter_n appear_v from_o the_o former_a section_n of_o this_o chapter_n and_o will_v appear_v more_o full_o from_o what_o be_v to_o follow_v but_o if_o it_o be_v true_a it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a scandalous_a account_n for_o the_o sum_n of_o it_o be_v this_o that_o to_o oppose_v sabellianism_n and_o arianism_n the_o ancient_a father_n advance_v a_o false_a notion_n of_o the_o divine_a unity_n and_o dissemble_v the_o true_a one_o which_o be_v no_o great_a commendation_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n that_o it_o need_v such_o art_n nor_o of_o the_o catholic_n father_n to_o use_v they_o when_o both_o these_o sort_n of_o heretic_n as_o i_o have_v often_o observe_v charge_v the_o catholic_n faith_n with_o tritheism_n and_o make_v that_o the_o very_a reason_n of_o their_o heresy_n can_v any_o man_n think_v it_o prudent_a in_o these_o father_n to_o conceal_v or_o very_o cautious_o mention_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o divine_a unity_n and_o to_o insist_v on_o a_o specific_a unity_n which_o if_o we_o believe_v petavius_n be_v no_o better_a than_o tritheism_n which_o will_v rather_o have_v confirm_v they_o in_o their_o heresy_n than_o have_v confute_v they_o these_o two_o heresy_n be_v in_o two_o extreme_n the_o catholic_n faith_n must_v be_v in_o the_o middle_n and_o the_o only_a true_a medium_fw-la between_o they_o be_v a_o real_a distinction_n of_o person_n without_o the_o least_o diversity_n of_o nature_n and_o this_o be_v what_o they_o mean_v both_o by_o their_o monad_n and_o specific_a unity_n the_o perfect_a sameness_n and_o identity_n of_o essence_n actual_o indivisible_o inseparable_o subsist_v in_o three_o a_o thrice_o subsist_v monad_n or_o individual_a essence_n or_o substance_n but_o not_o
proper_a speak_n with_o reference_n to_o this_o sameness_n of_o nature_n any_o more_o say_v that_o there_o be_v three_o man_n than_o that_o there_o be_v three_o humanity_n when_o a_o man_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o subsist_v idea_n of_o humanity_n will_v not_o as_o far_o as_o this_o sameness_n and_o identity_n reach_v human_a nature_n be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o mere_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d both_o one_o and_o a_o common_a nature_n not_o mere_o by_o a_o logical_a and_o notional_a unity_n and_o community_n but_o by_o a_o actual_a subsistence_n in_o all_o without_o the_o least_o difference_n or_o diversity_n as_o the_o idea_n of_o human_a nature_n be_v both_o one_o and_o common_a to_o the_o whole_a kind_a this_o indeed_o be_v but_o a_o imaginary_a case_n as_o to_o finite_a creature_n who_o never_o be_v and_o never_o can_v be_v so_o perfect_o one_o and_o the_o same_o as_o their_o idea_n be_v but_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o most_o sensible_a representation_n we_o can_v make_v of_o the_o sameness_n and_o identity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o have_v real_o and_o actual_o all_o that_o sameness_n and_o identity_n which_o we_o only_o suppose_v in_o creature_n to_o help_v our_o conception_n of_o the_o divine_a unity_n how_o different_a hypostasis_n may_v be_v one_o in_o nature_n by_o this_o sameness_n and_o identy_n of_o nature_n the_o divine_a nature_n and_o essence_n be_v more_o perfect_o simple_a and_o uncompounded_a than_o any_o notion_n and_o idea_n which_o we_o can_v frame_v of_o it_o and_o therefore_o must_v subsist_v as_o simple_o as_o the_o simple_a idea_n and_o consequent_o must_v be_v as_o perfect_o one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o all_o three_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n as_o the_o same_o idea_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o with_o itself_o and_o though_o this_o be_v not_o the_o whole_a notion_n of_o the_o sameness_n and_o identity_n of_o nature_n which_o require_v not_o only_o two_o perfect_a same_o be_v but_o that_o one_o be_v of_o the_o other_o without_o division_n or_o separation_n yet_o this_o be_v essential_a to_o this_o notion_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o identity_n of_o nature_n without_o it_o this_o be_v what_o the_o catholic_n father_n intend_v in_o many_o passage_n which_o some_o modern_a writer_n have_v so_o miserable_o mistake_v and_o misrepresent_v as_o to_o charge_v those_o wise_a man_n and_o learned_a philosopher_n with_o the_o most_o wild_a and_o absurd_a conceit_n and_o those_o great_a advocate_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n with_o the_o worst_a of_o heresy_n even_o tritheism_n itself_o i_o can_v do_v right_o to_o my_o cause_n without_o do_v right_o to_o these_o great_a light_n of_o the_o church_n in_o give_v a_o plain_a account_n of_o this_o matter_n and_o to_o explain_v what_o they_o mean_v by_o this_o sameness_n and_o identity_n of_o nature_n and_o to_o show_v how_o groundless_a this_o imputation_n of_o tritheism_n be_v i_o shall_v begin_v with_o their_o natural_a proof_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n against_o the_o pagan_a polytheism_n which_o they_o unanimous_o resolve_v into_o this_o sameness_n and_o identity_n of_o nature_n they_o prove_v that_o there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o one_o divinity_n because_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o the_o least_o conceivable_a change_n and_o diversity_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v a_o number_n for_o what_o be_v and_o always_o must_v be_v the_o same_o with_o itself_o can_v be_v another_o or_o a_o second_o nature_n and_o one_o divinity_n be_v but_o one_o god_n this_o they_o prove_v from_o all_o the_o notion_n which_o we_o have_v of_o god_n especial_o that_o comprehensive_a one_o of_o a_o absolute_a and_o perfect_a be_v for_o absolute_a perfection_n be_v and_o can_v be_v but_o one_o without_o any_o possibility_n of_o change_n for_o all_o change_n and_o diversity_n must_v be_v either_o for_o the_o better_a or_o for_o the_o worse_o and_o absolute_a perfection_n can_v admit_v of_o neither_o and_o without_o diversity_n and_o alterity_n there_o can_v be_v but_o one._n a_o infinite_a nature_n which_o nothing_o can_v distinguish_v from_o itself_o can_v be_v but_o one_o and_o can_v we_o imagine_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v add_v to_o or_o take_v from_o it_o to_o make_v this_o distinction_n it_o will_v destroy_v not_o only_o its_o unity_n but_o it_o be_v infinity_o too_o it_o will_v indeed_o make_v a_o number_n but_o not_o of_o absolute_a perfect_a being_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o divine_a perfection_n by_o themselves_o praef._n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v any_o difference_n or_o diversity_n and_o consequent_o any_o number_n in_o they_o be_v not_o eternal_a truth_n and_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o omnipotent_a power_n always_o one_o and_o the_o same_o can_v eternal_a truth_n and_o infinite_a wisdom_n in_o any_o thing_n vary_v from_o itself_o to_o make_v two_o eternal_a truth_n and_o infinite_a wisdom_n now_o remove_v all_o possible_a diversity_n and_o you_o necessary_o destroy_v a_o plurality_n of_o god_n for_o a_o perfect_a sameness_n and_o identity_n must_v reduce_v we_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o one_o god_n for_o what_o be_v perfect_o the_o same_o be_v not_o many_o but_o one_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d well!_o but_o can_v there_o be_v more_o than_o one_o of_o these_o eternal_a infinite_o wise_a infinite_o good_a and_o omnipotent_a nature_n no_o for_o if_o this_o nature_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v always_o the_o same_o and_o be_v unmake_v and_o self-originated_n it_o can_v be_v but_o one_o for_o though_o in_o create_v nature_n several_a of_o the_o same_o kind_n may_v be_v make_v according_a to_o the_o same_o pattern_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o idea_n of_o any_o create_a nature_n which_o hinder_v the_o multiplication_n of_o its_o individual_n yet_o a_o nature_n which_o subsist_v of_o itself_o and_o be_v absolute_o uncapable_a of_o any_o diversity_n and_o consequent_o of_o number_n can_v be_v but_o one_o for_o a_o self-subsisting_a nature_n must_v subsist_v according_a to_o its_o own_o essential_a idea_n that_o be_v according_a to_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o that_o be_v but_o one_o for_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v judge_v of_o these_o matter_n what_o we_o can_v possible_o conceive_v shall_v ever_o be_v two_o we_o must_v conclude_v to_o be_v one._n but_o beside_o this_o these_o father_n observe_v that_o if_o there_o be_v more_o than_o one_o self-originated_n divinity_n or_o more_o divine_a nature_n than_o one_o they_o must_v be_v divide_v and_o separate_v from_o each_o other_o for_o if_o to_o the_o sameness_n and_o identity_n of_o nature_n you_o add_v a_o inseparable_a and_o indivisible_a union_n too_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v more_o than_o one._n and_o yet_o two_o or_o more_o such_o divide_a and_o separate_v nature_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n and_o essence_n which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d uncircumscribed_a and_o omnipresent_v whereas_o two_o divide_v and_o separate_v nature_n which_o be_v not_o where_o each_o other_o be_v must_v be_v circumscribe_v and_o not_o omnipresent_v and_o this_o destroy_v the_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o both_o for_o a_o confine_v and_o limit_a presence_n as_o it_o be_v a_o imperfection_n itself_o so_o confine_n and_o limit_n all_o other_o perfection_n as_o it_o confine_v wisdom_n power_n and_o goodness_n within_o a_o certain_a limit_a sphere_n of_o action_n and_o now_o it_o may_v be_v some_o may_v think_v that_o these_o argument_n conclude_v as_o strong_o against_o a_o trinity_n of_o divine_a person_n each_o of_o which_o be_v by_o himself_o true_a and_o perfect_a god_n as_o against_o a_o plurality_n of_o divide_a and_o separate_a divinity_n and_o upon_o second_o thought_n i_o suspect_v this_o may_v be_v what_o our_o considerer_n intend_v in_o those_o surprise_v argument_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o idea_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o position_n and_o place_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o single_a person_n in_o the_o true_a and_o proper_a notion_n of_o a_o person_n for_o a_o intelligent_a person_n in_o the_o trinity_n this_o to_o be_v sure_o be_v the_o argument_n which_o a_o socinian_n writer_n allege_v with_o so_o much_o triumph_v out_o of_o athenagoras_n to_o disprove_v the_o trinity_n though_o that_o very_o ancient_a and_o learned_a writer_n understand_v very_o well_o the_o difference_n between_o polytheism_n and_o the_o trinity_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n confute_v the_o one_o and_o profess_v the_o other_o which_o may_v have_v make_v that_o author_n suspect_v that_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o true_a force_n of_o this_o argument_n since_o not_o only_o athenagoras_n but_o all_o the_o other_o father_n think_v it_o a_o good_a argument_n against_o polytheism_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n
a_o confutation_n of_o the_o charge_n of_o polytheism_n against_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o trinity_n gregory_n nyssen_n and_o damascen_n and_o many_o other_o have_v confute_v the_o pagan_a polytheism_n or_o plurality_n of_o god_n from_o the_o sameness_n and_o identity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o can_v admit_v of_o no_o change_n or_o diversity_n and_o therefore_o not_o of_o number_n they_o immediate_o proceed_v to_o consider_v the_o distinction_n of_o person_n and_o hypostasis_n in_o the_o perfect_a unity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o jewish_a notion_n of_o one_o god_n for_o one_o single_a and_o solitary_n divine_a person_n and_o here_o they_o undertake_v to_o prove_v by_o natural_a argument_n of_o which_o possible_o more_o hereafter_o that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o divinity_n must_v have_v a_o eternal_a subsist_v word_n which_o be_v life_n wisdom_n power_n all_o the_o same_o in_o his_o own_o person_n that_o god_n be_v but_o yet_o another_o person_n for_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o divinity_n be_v not_o without_o its_o coeternal_a word_n 1._o and_o coessential_a reason_n and_o wisdom_n and_o the_o same_o they_o teach_v and_o prove_v concern_v the_o eternal_a spirit_n so_o that_o they_o make_v father_n son_n and_o spirit_n to_o be_v essential_a to_o one_o divinity_n not_o as_o part_n but_o as_o perfect_o whole_a and_o the_o same_o in_o three_o distinct_a hypostasis_n which_o they_o think_v necessary_o include_v in_o the_o perfection_n of_o one_o divinity_n as_o reason_n and_o word_n be_v essential_a to_o a_o create_a mind_n this_o be_v what_o they_o mean_v by_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d one_o divinity_n in_o three_o perfect_a hypostasis_n not_o that_o three_o hypostasis_n be_v unite_v as_o it_o be_v ex_fw-la post_fw-la facto_fw-la into_o one_o divinity_n but_o that_o one_o divinity_n do_v subsist_v eternal_o essential_o and_o inseparable_o in_o three_o hypostasis_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o complete_a the_o notion_n and_o definition_n of_o one_o divinity_n thus_o it_o be_v certain_a melanchton_n understand_v it_o and_o therefore_o reject_v the_o definition_n which_o plato_n give_v of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v a_o eternal_a mind_n the_o cause_n of_o all_o good_a in_o the_o world_n for_o though_o he_o own_v it_o to_o be_v true_a and_o learned_a when_o right_o explain_v yet_o he_o say_v it_o be_v defective_a and_o must_v be_v supply_v by_o the_o gospel_n revelation_n that_o god_n be_v a_o spiritual_a intelligent_a essence_n deo_fw-la eternal_a true_a good_a just_a merciful_a most_o free_a of_o infinite_a power_n and_o wisdom_n the_o eternal_a father_n who_o from_o eternity_n beget_v a_o son_n his_o own_o image_n and_o the_o son_n the_o coeternal_a image_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n proceed_v from_o father_n and_o son_n so_o that_o the_o holy_a and_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n be_v but_o one_o eternal_a coessential_a divinity_n that_o be_v there_o more_o divinity_n than_o one_o there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v more_o trinity_n also_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o these_o father_n which_o be_v evidence_n enough_o that_o this_o argument_n against_o a_o plurality_n of_o divinity_n from_o the_o perfect_a sameness_n and_o identity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o can_v be_v multiply_v can_v concern_v a_o trinity_n of_o real_a subsist_v person_n in_o the_o same_o one_o eternal_a undivided_a divinity_n for_o the_o same_o one_o divinity_n be_v not_o multiply_v by_o a_o trinity_n of_o person_n coeternal_a and_o coessential_a if_o this_o be_v the_o nature_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o deity_n to_o subsist_v whole_a and_o perfect_o in_o three_o which_o be_v the_o constant_a doctrine_n of_o the_o father_n and_o which_o this_o argument_n do_v oppose_v nay_o so_o far_o from_o it_o that_o it_o as_o evident_o prove_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n in_o a_o trinity_n of_o person_n as_o it_o confute_v a_o plurality_n of_o godhead_n and_o divinity_n for_o if_o the_o sameness_n and_o identity_n of_o nature_n will_v not_o admit_v of_o a_o plurality_n of_o divinity_n then_o if_o three_o be_v perfect_o one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o nature_n they_o be_v but_o one_o divinity_n one_o god_n thus_o the_o incircumscriptibility_n or_o omnipresence_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v a_o good_a argument_n against_o a_o plurality_n of_o god_n or_o divinity_n which_o must_v be_v separate_v if_o they_o be_v more_o than_o one_o and_o therefore_o circumscribe_v or_o of_o a_o limit_a and_o confine_v presence_n but_o it_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o a_o trinity_n of_o person_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o essence_n which_o be_v all_o mutual_o in_o each_o other_o and_o therefore_o equal_o unconfined_a and_o omnipresent_v and_o perfect_o one_o by_o a_o essential_a and_o inseparable_a union_n and_o be_v not_o these_o father_n now_o like_a to_o prove_v very_o notable_a tritheite_n who_o prove_v the_o impossibility_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v more_o divinity_n than_o one_o and_o the_o perfect_a unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n in_o a_o trinity_n of_o divine_a person_n from_o that_o perfect_a sameness_n and_o identity_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v between_o they_o but_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o tritheite_n they_o be_v and_o must_v be_v if_o they_o acknowledge_v father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v one_o god_n in_o no_o other_o sense_n than_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n be_v one_o man_n that_o be_v because_o they_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o common_a nature_n which_o have_v the_o same_o notion_n and_o definition_n and_o be_v upon_o that_o account_n one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o all_o this_o be_v what_o they_o be_v charge_v with_o and_o i_o shall_v not_o have_v wonder_v at_o it_o have_v only_o some_o careless_n and_o unskilful_a reader_n charge_v they_o with_o it_o for_o they_o do_v say_v something_o which_o at_o first_o view_n may_v look_v like_o it_o but_o then_o such_o say_n as_o manifest_o contradict_v their_o avow_a doctrine_n not_o only_o in_o other_o place_n of_o their_o write_n but_o in_o those_o very_a place_n where_o these_o say_n be_v find_v ought_v in_o all_o reason_n and_o justice_n to_o be_v expound_v only_o by_o way_n of_o analogy_n and_o accommodation_n as_o contain_v some_o imperfect_a image_n and_o resemblance_n of_o that_o which_o nature_n have_v no_o proper_a and_o adequate_a example_n of_o this_o must_v be_v allow_v in_o all_o the_o natural_a representation_n which_o be_v make_v by_o the_o catholic_n father_n of_o the_o unity_n and_o distinction_n of_o the_o everblessed_n trinity_n or_o there_o be_v not_o one_o of_o they_o but_o what_o literal_o and_o philosophical_o apply_v will_v furnish_v out_o some_o new_a heresy_n this_o i_o have_v already_o show_v in_o the_o specific_a unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o the_o nicene_n father_n do_v teach_v in_o a_o qualify_a sense_n though_o it_o appear_v from_o all_o i_o have_v say_v in_o the_o last_o and_o this_o present_a section_n how_o far_o they_o be_v from_o think_v the_o divine_a nature_n to_o be_v a_o mere_a species_n or_o logical_a notion_n though_o it_o have_v this_o resemblance_n to_o a_o species_n that_o it_o be_v one_o and_o common_a but_o not_o mere_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o in_o mere_a notion_n and_o idea_n but_o by_o a_o actual_a subsistence_n and_o inexistence_n in_o all_o three_o be_v as_o perfect_o whole_o indivisible_o the_o same_o in_o all_o and_o in_o each_o of_o the_o divine_a person_n as_o a_o specific_a nature_n be_v notional_o and_o ideal_o one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o every_o individual_a of_o the_o same_o kind_n which_o as_o i_o have_v make_v appear_v be_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sameness_n and_o identity_n of_o nature_n wherein_o they_o place_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o only_a foundation_n of_o the_o present_a charge_n that_o they_o make_v father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v one_o god_n only_o by_o a_o specific_a unity_n as_o three_o individual_n of_o the_o same_o kind_a and_o species_n suppose_v peter_n james_n and_o john_n be_v one_o man._n that_o all_o this_o be_v a_o mistake_n be_v evident_a because_o these_o father_n do_v not_o resolve_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n into_o a_o mere_a specific_a unity_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o occasion_n of_o this_o mistake_n be_v great_a inadvertency_n as_o will_v appear_v in_o a_o very_a few_o word_n gregory_n nyssen_n be_v principal_o charge_v with_o this_o paradox_n and_o in_o vindicate_v he_o i_o shall_v vindicate_v all_o the_o rest_n 448._o the_o question_n which_o ablabius_n desire_v he_o to_o resolve_v be_v this_o that_o since_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n though_o they_o have_v but_o one_o common_a humanity_n be_v yet_o call_v three_o man_n and_o no_o man_n deny_v
diversify_a property_n make_v they_o three_o men._n can_v human_a nature_n subsist_v as_o perfect_o and_o indivisible_o the_o same_o in_o three_o as_o the_o perfect_a idea_n of_o humanity_n their_o person_n may_v be_v distinguish_v but_o their_o nature_n will_v be_v as_o perfect_o one_o as_o the_o idea_n of_o humanity_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o distinct_a mind_n and_o in_o this_o case_n as_o far_o as_o this_o perfect_a sameness_n of_o nature_n can_v make_v they_o one_o which_o as_o i_o have_v observe_v be_v not_o the_o complete_a notion_n of_o the_o divine_a unity_n though_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o it_o they_o may_v be_v call_v three_o human_a person_n but_o not_o three_o man_n but_o such_o peculiar_a property_n as_o diversify_v and_o thereby_o distinguish_v the_o same_o common_a nature_n into_o particular_n make_v the_o number_n which_o be_v one_o reason_n why_o we_o must_v not_o say_v three_o god_n as_o we_o do_v three_o man_n though_o the_o same_o divinity_n be_v common_a to_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n because_o this_o same_o one_o divinity_n subsist_v whole_a and_o perfect_a without_o the_o least_o change_n diversity_n or_o alteration_n in_o three_o that_o though_o their_o person_n be_v distinct_a the_o divinity_n be_v perfect_o one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o all_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v but_o one_o god_n so_o that_o these_o father_n do_v not_o insist_v on_o a_o mere_a specific_a unity_n but_o on_o the_o sameness_n and_o identity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o three_o as_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o must_v not_o say_v that_o there_o be_v three_o god_n for_o the_o same_o one_o undiversify_v divinity_n can_v be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o therefore_o have_v answer_v that_o popular_a objection_n that_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n be_v allow_v to_o be_v call_v three_o man_n upon_o account_n of_o the_o same_o common_a nature_n by_o show_v that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a popular_a mistake_n that_o mere_o the_o same_o one_o common_a nature_n make_v they_o three_o man_n or_o will_v justify_v their_o be_v call_v so_o this_o father_n proceed_v to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o unity_n between_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n as_o be_v not_o and_o can_v be_v between_o any_o three_o creature_n though_o they_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o common_a nature_n such_o a_o unity_n as_o make_v father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n essential_o one_o god_n though_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n be_v three_o men._n nay_o such_o a_o unity_n as_o even_o a_o perfect_a sameness_n and_o identity_n of_o nature_n can_v make_v between_o creature_n who_o have_v a_o absolute_a and_o separate_a subsistence_n this_o give_v a_o reasonable_a account_n of_o this_o whole_a argument_n and_o vindicate_v it_o from_o those_o absurdity_n which_o be_v charge_v on_o it_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o divine_a unity_n in_o the_o perfect_a and_o invariable_a sameness_n and_o identity_n of_o nature_n for_o if_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o three_o be_v not_o perfect_o the_o same_o it_o can_v be_v one_o for_o diversity_n and_o alterity_n make_v a_o number_n but_o if_o it_o subsist_v as_o perfect_o the_o same_o in_o three_o as_o its_o idea_n be_v the_o same_o it_o must_v be_v as_o perfect_o one_o as_o its_o idea_n be_v one_o no_o say_v these_o arian_n the_o same_o nature_n subsist_v in_o three_o become_v three_o individual_a nature_n of_o the_o same_o species_n and_o the_o name_n of_o nature_n must_v be_v multiply_v with_o the_o individual_n as_o all_o allow_v it_o must_v be_v as_o to_o man_n who_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o common_a nature_n for_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v three_o man_n though_o they_o have_v but_o one_o common_a humanity_n and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n must_v be_v three_o god_n if_o they_o have_v the_o same_o common_a divinity_n to_o which_o st._n gregory_n nyssen_n answer_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o common_a humanity_n which_o make_v they_o three_o man_n for_o that_o which_o be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o all_o can_v distinguish_v or_o multiply_v they_o and_o therefore_o in_o strict_a and_o accurate_a speak_n as_o man_n signify_v pure_a and_o abstract_a humanity_n we_o can_v proper_o say_v three_o man_n because_o there_o be_v not_o three_o humanity_n and_o according_o the_o name_n man_n do_v not_o and_o can_v distinguish_v one_o man_n from_o another_o nor_o be_v ever_o use_v to_o that_o purpose_n but_o that_o which_o multiply_v nature_n and_o the_o name_n of_o nature_n be_v those_o peculiar_a property_n which_o distinguish_v and_o diversify_v nature_n as_o well_o as_o person_n and_o thus_o the_o common_a nature_n with_o diversify_a property_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v distinguish_v and_o multiply_v by_o a_o kind_n of_o composition_n for_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o one_o peculiar_a diversify_a property_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o other_o property_n and_o thus_o the_o same_o nature_n divide_v and_o distinguish_v with_o these_o property_n make_v a_o number_n and_o give_v the_o name_n of_o nature_n to_o each_o individual_a person_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o all_o creature_n but_o where_o the_o same_o nature_n subsist_v in_o three_o without_o any_o thing_n to_o distinguish_v or_o diversify_v nature_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o bless_a trinity_n though_o the_o person_n may_v be_v distinguish_v the_o nature_n and_o the_o name_n of_o nature_n can_v be_v but_o one_o which_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v but_o one_o god_n because_o they_o have_v but_o one_o undistinguished_a undiversify_v nature_n though_o their_o person_n be_v distinct_a this_o be_v the_o true_a account_n of_o this_o matter_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o such_o a_o mere_a specific_a unity_n of_o nature_n as_o be_v between_o three_o man_n that_o it_o be_v that_o very_a sameness_n and_o identity_n of_o nature_n which_o the_o catholic_n father_n make_v essential_a to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n and_o the_o better_a to_o understand_v this_o we_o must_v consider_v their_o philosophy_n about_o number_n for_o according_a to_o they_o nothing_o proper_o but_o alterity_n and_o diversity_n make_v a_o number_n 1._o what_o be_v perfect_o the_o same_o be_v but_o one_o as_o boetius_fw-la tell_v we_o not_o by_o a_o singularity_n but_o by_o a_o perfect_a sameness_n and_o identity_n of_o nature_n in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v that_o greg._n nazianzen_n st._n basil_n and_o other_o teach_v that_o god_n be_v one_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o in_o number_n but_o nature_n whereby_o they_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o there_o be_v more_o god_n in_o number_n than_o one_o but_o that_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o number_n but_o of_o nature_n and_o that_o the_o unity_n of_o nature_n consist_v in_o the_o invariable_a sameness_n and_o identity_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o where_o the_o divinity_n be_v perfect_o the_o same_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n thus_o greg._n nyssen_n tell_v we_o 3._o that_o the_o same_o divinity_n may_v be_v number_v and_o yet_o reject_v all_o number_n that_o be_v the_o divinity_n may_v be_v number_v with_o the_o person_n as_o when_o we_o say_v the_o father_n be_v god_n the_o son_n god_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n god_n but_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v perfect_o the_o same_o in_o all_o that_o can_v be_v number_v that_o we_o must_v not_o say_v there_o be_v three_o god_n or_o three_o divinity_n boetius_fw-la have_v give_v the_o best_a account_n of_o this_o according_a to_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o ancient_n by_o distinguish_v between_o number_n for_o he_o say_v number_n be_v twofold_a that_o by_o which_o we_o number_n and_o that_o which_o be_v in_o the_o thing_n number_v as_o to_o the_o first_o the_o repetition_n of_o unit_n make_v a_o number_n for_o one_o and_o one_o and_o one_o be_v three_o and_o both_o the_o catholic_n father_n and_o school_n reject_v this_o kind_n of_o number_n which_o be_v a_o species_n of_o quantity_n from_o the_o divinity_n for_o god_n be_v under_o no_o predicament_n and_o therefore_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n not_o reducible_a to_o the_o predicament_n of_o quantity_n for_o god_n be_v before_o and_o above_o all_o unity_n as_o he_o be_v above_o substance_n above_o essence_n above_o every_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v any_o notion_n or_o conception_n of_o as_o dionysius_n the_o areopagite_n speak_v but_o as_o to_o the_o thing_n number_v the_o repetition_n of_o unit_n do_v not_o multiply_v naturis_fw-la or_o make_v a_o number_n in_o thing_n where_o the_o nature_n be_v perfect_o the_o same_o for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o repetition_n of_o unit_n but_o alterity_n and_o diversity_n which_o multiply_v nature_n to_o say_v god_n and_o god_n and_o god_n do_v not_o
in_o the_o notion_n of_o singularity_n which_o be_v one_o in_o number_n not_o in_o the_o sameness_n and_o identity_n of_o nature_n will_v they_o have_v insist_v on_o that_o distinction_n of_o unit_n in_o number_n and_o unit_v in_o nature_n that_o the_o first_o multiply_v the_o second_o do_v not_o have_v they_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o unit_n in_o the_o divinity_n not_o one_o and_o one_o and_o one_o but_o only_o one_o singular_a divinity_n at_o least_o can_v boetius_fw-la who_o so_o particular_o explain_v and_o urge_v this_o distinction_n intend_v to_o prove_v by_o it_o the_o singularity_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o define_v a_o person_n to_o be_v the_o individual_a substance_n of_o a_o rational_a nature_n and_o assign_v this_o distinction_n as_o the_o reason_n why_o though_o we_o number_v three_o in_o the_o same_o divinity_n yet_o there_o be_v not_o three_o divinity_n or_o three_o divine_a nature_n or_o essence_n because_o the_o repetition_n of_o unit_n in_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v number_v where_o there_o be_v a_o perfect_a sameness_n and_o identity_n of_o nature_n make_v no_o number_n in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v that_o the_o school_n assert_v the_o singularity_n of_o the_o divine_a substance_n because_o the_o divine_a substance_n by_o reason_n of_o its_o perfect_a sameness_n and_o identity_n can_v be_v number_v and_o what_o can_v be_v number_v they_o call_v a_o singular_a substance_n but_o they_o express_o reject_v as_o the_o catholic_n father_n do_v singularity_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o solitude_n as_o it_o signify_v one_o alone_a by_o himself_o without_o any_o communion_n or_o fellowship_n consortium_fw-la with_o any_o other_o in_o the_o same_o divine_a essence_n and_o therefore_o the_o master_n of_o the_o sentence_n express_o distinguish_v between_o diversity_n 23._o singularity_n or_o solitude_n and_o unity_n and_o trinity_n distinction_n and_o identity_n now_o let_v any_o man_n judge_n what_o that_o unity_n be_v which_o be_v not_o singularity_n or_o solitude_n but_o a_o unity_n in_o trinity_n and_o what_o that_o distinction_n be_v which_o be_v perfect_a identity_n without_o any_o diversity_n for_o my_o part_n i_o can_v make_v nothing_o of_o it_o but_o this_o perfect_a sameness_n and_o identity_n of_o nature_n in_o three_o which_o number_n person_n but_o not_o nature_n estius_n take_v notice_n of_o that_o objection_n against_o the_o trinity_n that_o the_o father_n be_v god_n and_o the_o son_n be_v god_n therefore_o the_o father_n be_v the_o son_n which_o consequence_n be_v resolve_v into_o that_o maxim_n quaecunque_fw-la eadem_fw-la sunt_fw-la uni_fw-la tertio_fw-la eadem_fw-la sunt_fw-la inter_fw-la se_fw-la whatever_o thing_n be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o same_o three_o be_v the_o same_o with_o each_o other_o to_o which_o he_o answer_v that_o this_o rule_n hold_v true_a only_a where_o the_o three_o be_v a_o perfect_a singular_a deus_fw-la autem_fw-la non_fw-la prorsus_fw-la singular_a nomen_fw-la est_fw-la but_o god_n be_v not_o upon_o all_o account_v a_o name_n of_o singularity_n that_o be_v do_v not_o signify_v one_o only_o who_o be_v god_n but_o signify_v such_o a_o singular_a nature_n as_o be_v communicable_a to_o three_o significat_fw-la enim_fw-la naturam_fw-la singularem_fw-la sed_fw-la quae_fw-la communicari_fw-la possit_fw-la tribus_fw-la suppositis_fw-la that_o be_v it_o be_v not_o a_o singular_a nature_n 5._o with_o the_o singularity_n of_o solitude_n because_o it_o be_v communicable_a and_o can_v subsist_v distinct_o in_o three_o but_o only_o with_o the_o singularity_n of_o identity_n as_o he_o explain_v it_o from_o st._n hilary_n dist._n 23._o sect._n 4._o to_o which_o he_o refer_v his_o reader_n so_o that_o though_o the_o school_n do_v use_v this_o phrase_n of_o a_o singular_a nature_n and_o substance_n which_o the_o catholic_n father_n reject_v as_o sabellianism_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o use_v it_o in_o that_o sense_n which_o the_o father_n be_v reject_v for_o one_o solitary_a nature_n which_o can_v be_v but_o one_o person_n and_o therefore_o estius_n observe_v that_o aquinas_n use_v this_o name_n of_o singularity_n when_o apply_v to_o the_o divinity_n non_fw-la simpliciter_fw-la sed_fw-la cum_fw-la cautela_fw-la not_o simple_o and_o absolute_o but_o with_o caution_n and_o qualify_v it_o with_o ut_fw-la sic_fw-la liceat_fw-la loqui_fw-la if_o i_o may_v have_v leave_n so_o to_o speak_v and_o he_o imitate_v this_o caution_n himself_o dist._n 23._o sect._n 1._o when_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o divine_a essence_n may_n quodam_fw-la sensu_fw-la in_o a_o certain_a sense_n be_v say_v to_o be_v individual_a as_o it_o neither_o be_v a_o genus_fw-la nor_o species_n but_o res_fw-la una_fw-la numero_fw-la &_o ut_fw-mi it_o a_o dicamus_fw-la singularis_fw-la numerical_o one_o and_o if_o we_o may_v say_v so_o singular_a though_o it_o be_v not_o individual_a in_o the_o sense_n that_o boetius_fw-la define_v a_o person_n to_o be_v a_o individual_a substance_n because_o it_o be_v not_o incommunicable_a this_o show_v that_o though_o the_o school_n have_v in_o this_o question_n change_v the_o ancient_n catholic_n language_n by_o teach_v that_o the_o divine_a essence_n be_v una_fw-la numero_fw-la &_o singularis_fw-la one_o in_o number_n and_o singular_a whereas_o the_o catholic_n father_n deny_v that_o god_n be_v one_o in_o number_n but_o only_o in_o nature_n and_o deny_v the_o singularity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o confusion_n and_o appear_a contradiction_n of_o term_n occasion_n great_a mistake_v yet_o they_o mean_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n and_o their_o philosophy_n about_o singularity_n and_o number_n be_v the_o same_o for_o they_o teach_v a_o communicable_a singularity_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v oppose_v to_o a_o sabellian_n solitude_n and_o reject_v the_o number_n number_n from_o the_o divinity_n they_o universal_o deny_v that_o god_n be_v one_o in_o that_o sense_n of_o unity_n which_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o number_n for_o number_n be_v a_o species_n of_o quantity_n &_o nascitur_fw-la ex_fw-la divisione_n continui_fw-la be_v make_v by_o division_n and_o to_o assert_v god_n to_o be_v one_o in_o this_o sense_n be_v to_o ascribe_v quantity_n to_o he_o for_o nothing_o can_v be_v thus_o one_o but_o what_o have_v magnitude_n and_o figure_n that_o be_v nothing_o but_o body_n for_o number_n as_o it_o be_v a_o species_n of_o quantity_n can_v belong_v to_o nothing_o but_o body_n which_o have_v divisible_a part_n and_o extension_n and_o magnitude_n which_o may_v be_v one_o or_o more_o this_o be_v certain_o true_a as_o to_o that_o kind_n of_o number_n which_o be_v a_o species_n of_o quantity_n for_o that_o can_v measure_v only_o such_o thing_n as_o have_v quantity_n but_o then_o they_o be_v sensible_a that_o other_o being_n be_v number_v beside_o body_n even_o incorporeal_a spirit_n who_o have_v no_o quantity_n part_n or_o divisibility_n and_o yet_o these_o we_o number_n when_o we_o say_v a_o hundred_o or_o thousand_o or_o million_o of_o angel_n this_o they_o own_o and_o call_v it_o a_o transcendental_a number_n that_o be_v such_o a_o number_n as_o be_v not_o reduce_v to_o the_o predicament_n of_o quantity_n but_o that_o be_v little_a to_o the_o purpose_n if_o spirit_n which_o have_v no_o quantity_n may_v be_v number_v what_o be_v it_o that_o make_v a_o number_n in_o they_o and_o why_o may_v not_o number_v then_o belong_v to_o the_o divinity_n though_o it_o be_v not_o quantum_fw-la have_v no_o predicamental_a that_o be_v corporeal_a quantity_n to_o this_o they_o answer_v that_o this_o transcendental_a unity_n add_v no_o form_n to_o the_o thing_n but_o only_o signify_v the_o thing_n itself_o as_o undivided_a from_o itself_o well!_o but_o if_o this_o be_v all_o then_o god_n who_o be_v thus_o indivisible_a from_o himself_o may_v as_o proper_o be_v call_v one_o as_o one_o angel_n be_v say_v to_o be_v one_o no_o say_v they_o for_o to_o entitle_v any_o thing_n even_o to_o this_o transcendental_a numerical_a unity_n ratione_fw-la rei_fw-la subjectoe_fw-mi naturam_fw-la ejus_fw-la designat_fw-la ut_fw-la limitatam_fw-la atque_fw-la extra_fw-la res_fw-la alius_fw-la positam_fw-la it_o must_v be_v consider_v to_o have_v a_o finite_a and_o limit_a nature_n and_o to_o subsist_v separately_z from_o all_o other_o being_n and_o to_o be_v diversify_v from_o each_o other_o in_o nature_n or_o quality_n res_fw-la una_fw-la ab_fw-la alia_fw-la natura_fw-la vel_fw-la qualitatibus_fw-la discreta_fw-la intelligitur_fw-la but_o now_o unity_n in_o god_n though_o it_o resemble_v this_o transcendental_a unity_n as_o add_v no_o form_n to_o god_n that_o be_v not_o suppose_v he_o to_o be_v corporeal_a as_o the_o predicamental_a unity_n do_v yet_o it_o do_v not_o signify_v any_o thing_n limit_v and_o finite_a in_o god_n but_o only_o his_o undivided_a inseparable_a be_v as_o number_v in_o god_n that_o be_v the_o trinity_n do_v signify_v the_o real_a distinction_n of_o three_o non_fw-la ita_fw-la tamen_fw-la ut_fw-la ea_fw-la plura_fw-la natura_fw-la vel_fw-la qualitatibus_fw-la discreta_fw-la intelligantur_fw-la &_o singula_fw-la
suis_fw-la velut_fw-la limitibus_fw-la circumsepta_fw-la but_o not_o so_o as_o if_o these_o three_o be_v distinguish_v and_o separate_v by_o nature_n and_o quality_n or_o as_o if_o each_o of_o they_o have_v their_o own_o separate_a and_o circumscribe_v bound_n and_o limit_n this_o be_v the_o account_n estius_n give_v we_o of_o unity_n and_o number_n in_o god_n do_v 24._o sect_n 1._o which_o perfect_o agree_v with_o that_o account_n i_o have_v already_o give_v of_o this_o matter_n from_o st._n basil_n that_o a_o infinite_a undiversify_v indivisible_a nature_n as_o the_o eternal_a divinity_n be_v be_v neither_o one_o nor_o three_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n which_o give_v these_o denomination_n to_o any_o create_a being_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o argument_n in_o nature_n to_o confute_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n from_o a_o trinity_n of_o proper_a subsist_v person_n nor_o a_o trinity_n of_o person_n from_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n because_o three_o and_o one_o in_o god_n do_v not_o signify_v what_o they_o do_v in_o creature_n this_o appear_v a_o great_a difficulty_n to_o the_o master_n of_o the_o sentence_n 23._o that_o since_o we_o neither_o allow_v of_o diversity_n nor_o singularity_n multiplicity_n nor_o solitude_n in_o the_o trinity_n what_o shall_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o one_o and_o two_o and_o three_o of_o trinity_n and_o plurality_n and_o distinction_n as_o when_o we_o say_v one_o god_n two_o person_n three_o person_n more_o person_n distinct_a person_n or_o a_o distinction_n of_o person_n plurality_n of_o person_n a_o trinity_n of_o person_n which_o seem_v to_o ascribe_v a_o numerical_a quantity_n a_o multitude_n and_o multiplicity_n to_o god_n to_o this_o the_o master_n answer_v that_o these_o word_n when_o apply_v to_o god_n be_v rather_o intend_v to_o remove_v every_o thing_n from_o god_n which_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o perfect_a simplicity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n than_o positive_o to_o affirm_v any_o thing_n of_o he_o this_o answer_n do_v not_o please_v estius_n because_o it_o seem_v to_o imply_v that_o god_n be_v not_o in_o a_o true_a and_o proper_a sense_n one_o and_o three_o but_o this_o be_v his_o own_o mistake_n for_o peter_n lombard_n mean_v no_o more_o but_o this_o that_o though_o god_n be_v in_o the_o most_o perfect_a sense_n one_o and_o three_o yet_o those_o positive_a idea_n which_o we_o have_v of_o one_o or_o two_o or_o three_o of_o distinction_n and_o trinity_n when_o apply_v to_o creature_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v conceive_v of_o they_o in_o god_n rather_o by_o way_n of_o negation_n than_o by_o any_o positive_a idea_n by_o deny_v such_o thing_n of_o god_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o perfect_a simplicity_n of_o his_o nature_n which_o be_v true_a of_o most_o other_o divine_a perfection_n that_o we_o have_v rather_o a_o negative_a than_o positive_a conception_n of_o they_o as_o attribute_v to_o god_n for_o wisdom_n and_o power_n and_o goodness_n in_o god_n be_v no_o more_o reducible_a under_o the_o predicament_n of_o quality_n as_o they_o be_v in_o creature_n than_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n be_v reducible_a to_o the_o predicament_n of_o quantity_n thus_o he_o tell_v we_o when_o we_o say_v one_o god_n we_o thereby_o exclude_v more_o god_n but_o do_v not_o attribute_v the_o quantity_n of_o number_n to_o god_n that_o be_v we_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n in_o that_o notion_n of_o one_o as_o it_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o number_n which_o be_v a_o species_n of_o quantity_n for_o so_o nothing_o can_v be_v one_o but_o what_o have_v quantity_n which_o god_n have_v not_o thus_o when_o we_o say_v one_o father_n and_o one_o son_n the_o meaning_n be_v that_o there_o be_v not_o many_o father_n nor_o many_o son_n when_o we_o say_v there_o be_v more_o person_n we_o exclude_v singularity_n and_o solitude_n but_o do_v not_o introduce_v diversity_n or_o multiplicity_n into_o the_o divine_a nature_n thus_o three_o person_n do_v not_o signify_v the_o quantity_n of_o number_n or_o any_o diversity_n as_o it_o be_v in_o creature_n but_o only_o determine_v our_o thought_n to_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n that_o each_o of_o these_o person_n be_v in_o the_o godhead_n and_o none_o else_o distinct_a person_n or_o distinction_n of_o person_n exclude_v confusion_n and_o mixture_n signify_v that_o they_o be_v another_o and_o another_o without_o any_o diversity_n or_o sabellian_n confusion_n the_o meaning_n of_o which_o be_v that_o we_o must_v not_o form_v such_o a_o notion_n of_o one_o god_n as_o we_o have_v of_o one_o man_n nor_o of_o three_o person_n as_o of_o three_o man_n but_o must_v acknowledge_v one_o god_n in_o opposition_n to_o more_o god_n or_o more_o divinity_n and_o three_o person_n in_o opposition_n to_o singularity_n and_o solitude_n in_o the_o divinity_n all_o which_o resolve_v itself_o into_o the_o unity_n of_o identity_n which_o exclude_v both_o all_o manner_n of_o diversity_n and_o singularity_n and_o solitude_n sect_n vii_o concern_v the_o distinction_n of_o person_n in_o the_o unity_n and_o identity_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n this_o fair_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o three_o enquiry_n i_o propose_v concern_v the_o real_a distinction_n of_o the_o divine_a person_n in_o the_o perfect_a sameness_n and_o identity_n of_o nature_n how_o we_o can_v distinguish_v father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n when_o their_o nature_n be_v perfect_o one_o by_o the_o unity_n of_o identity_n and_o sameness_n this_o be_v the_o seat_n of_o most_o of_o those_o nice_a distinction_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o both_o in_o the_o father_n and_o school_n and_o therefore_o it_o deserve_v to_o be_v careful_o examine_v for_o a_o sensible_a account_n of_o this_o matter_n will_v answer_v many_o great_a difficulty_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o shall_v first_o give_v a_o general_a account_n of_o it_o according_a to_o those_o principle_n which_o i_o have_v now_o lay_v down_o and_o then_o more_o particular_o explain_v what_o the_o father_n and_o school_n say_v of_o it_o which_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v no_o such_o mysterious_a nonsense_n as_o the_o adversary_n of_o our_o holy_a faith_n will_v represent_v it_o to_o be_v 1._o the_o general_a account_n of_o this_o be_v very_o short_a the_o catholic_n father_n universal_o teach_v that_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v each_o of_o they_o by_o himself_o in_o his_o own_o proper_a person_n true_a and_o perfect_a god_n that_o the_o same_o one_o whole_a undivided_a divinity_n subsist_v distinct_o in_o each_o of_o they_o that_o the_o person_n of_o the_o father_n as_o he_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n be_v the_o whole_a divinity_n that_o the_o person_n of_o the_o son_n as_o true_a and_o perfect_a god_n be_v also_o the_o same_o one_o whole_a divinity_n and_o so_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o this_o divinity_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o not_o by_o a_o unity_n of_o singularity_n and_o solitude_n which_o be_v irreconcilable_a with_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o real_a trinity_n for_o one_o singular_a divinity_n can_v be_v but_o one_o single_a divine_a person_n but_o by_o the_o unity_n of_o sameness_n and_o identity_n which_o admit_v of_o a_o trinity_n of_o subsist_v person_n in_o the_o same_o undiversify_v nature_n that_o whatever_o the_o father_n be_v that_o the_o son_n be_v and_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v that_o a_o divine_a person_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o essence_n for_o the_o perfect_a absolute_a simplicity_n of_o god_n admit_v of_o no_o imaginable_a composition_n not_o so_o much_o as_o of_o nature_n and_o suppositum_fw-la or_o that_o which_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o all_o natural_a power_n as_o it_o be_v in_o create_a being_n this_o make_v it_o very_o evident_a that_o these_o divine_a person_n be_v not_o distinguish_v by_o nature_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o nature_n to_o distinguish_v they_o it_o be_v perfect_o and_o invariable_o the_o same_o in_o all_o and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o distinction_n there_o can_v be_v no_o number_n for_o which_o reason_n they_o will_v not_o allow_v that_o the_o divine_a essence_n be_v multiply_v with_o the_o person_n there_o be_v but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d one_o and_o the_o same_o divinity_n in_o they_o all_o they_o agree_v far_o that_o the_o divine_a person_n be_v incommunicable_a that_o the_o person_n of_o the_o father_n be_v not_o and_o can_v never_o be_v the_o person_n of_o the_o son_n nor_o the_o person_n of_o the_o son_n the_o person_n of_o the_o father_n nor_o the_o person_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o person_n either_o of_o father_n or_o son_n but_o then_o this_o seem_v to_o make_v the_o difficulty_n insuperable_a that_o if_o a_o divine_a person_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o divine_a nature_n how_o
there_o shall_v be_v three_o such_o distinct_a incommunicable_a person_n in_o the_o same_o undivided_a undistinguished_a divinity_n why_o we_o may_v not_o call_v three_o divine_a person_n who_o have_v each_o of_o they_o the_o whole_a divine_a nature_n distinct_o and_o incommunicable_o three_o divinity_n as_o well_o as_o three_o divine_a person_n when_o a_o divine_a person_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o divinity_n and_o then_o three_o distinct_a person_n must_v be_v three_o distinct_a divinity_n this_o unity_n and_o distinction_n in_o the_o godhead_n have_v always_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o catholic_n father_n to_o be_v a_o great_a and_o inexplicable_a mystery_n a_o wonderful_a union_n and_o wonderful_a distinction_n damascen_n as_o i_o observe_v above_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o divine_a nature_n though_o subsist_v in_o three_o person_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d real_o and_o actual_o one_o not_o mere_o notional_o one_a 11._o as_o human_a nature_n be_v which_o subsist_v only_o in_o individual_n and_o have_v a_o particular_a distinct_a separate_a subsistence_n in_o every_o particular_a man_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v one_o in_o its_o individual_n in_o no_o other_o sense_n but_o only_o as_o the_o same_o common_a notion_n and_o definition_n of_o humanity_n belong_v to_o they_o all_o that_o be_v human_a nature_n be_v one_o in_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n not_o by_o a_o real_a subsist_v but_o by_o a_o specific_a notional_a unity_n but_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v one_o with_o a_o real_a subsist_v unity_n be_v perfect_o the_o same_o in_o three_o without_o any_o division_n or_o separation_n and_o a_o indivisible_a inseparable_a undiversify_v same_o be_v real_o and_o actual_o one_o according_a to_o the_o most_o simple_a notion_n we_o can_v form_v of_o unity_n but_o what_o room_n then_o do_v this_o leave_n for_o a_o real_a trinity_n of_o person_n in_o this_o one_o simple_z uncompounded_a indivisible_a inseparable_a nature_n to_o this_o he_o answer_v that_o this_o real_a distinction_n of_o person_n in_o the_o perfect_a unity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o nature_n may_v be_v know_v and_o understand_v by_o reason_n though_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o nature_n to_o distinguish_v they_o father_n son_n 11._o and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v upon_o all_o account_n perfect_o one_o except_v this_o that_o one_o be_v unbegotten_a the_o other_o beget_v and_o the_o three_o proceed_v we_o acknowledge_v one_o god_n distinguish_v only_o by_o these_o personal_a property_n of_o paternity_n filiation_n and_o procession_n as_o a_o cause_n and_o that_o which_o be_v cause_v and_o as_o each_o of_o they_o have_v a_o complete_a perfect_a hypostasis_fw-la distinguish_v only_o by_o these_o different_a modes_n of_o subsistence_n this_o prove_v a_o real_a distinction_n without_o any_o diversity_n division_n or_o separation_n and_o therefore_o a_o real_a distinction_n in_o perfect_a unity_n the_o divine_a nature_n be_v infinite_a and_o uncircumscribed_a ibid._n and_o therefore_o the_o divine_a person_n can_v be_v divide_v and_o separate_v from_o each_o other_o but_o be_v perfect_o in_o each_o other_o without_o confusion_n the_o divine_a nature_n be_v perfect_o one_o in_o three_o by_o the_o unity_n of_o sameness_n and_o identity_n and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o diversity_n or_o division_n of_o will_n or_o counsel_n or_o operation_n or_o power_n now_o a_o nature_n which_o be_v perfect_o the_o same_o and_o undivided_a must_v be_v perfect_o one._n but_o then_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v certain_o three_o for_o he_o who_o beget_v be_v not_o he_o who_o be_v beget_v for_o nothing_o beget_v itself_o to_o beget_v and_o to_o be_v beget_v and_o to_o proceed_v be_v the_o character_n of_o person_n and_o can_v belong_v only_o to_o true_a real_a substantial_a person_n he_o who_o beget_v must_v be_v a_o person_n and_o so_o must_v he_o who_o be_v beget_v and_o he_o who_o proceed_v they_o have_v each_o of_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whatever_o make_v a_o complete_a and_o perfect_a person_n but_o then_o these_o three_o can_v never_o meet_v in_o the_o same_o person_n and_o consequent_o must_v distinguish_v person_n for_o the_o same_o person_n can_v be_v unbegotten_a beget_v and_o proceed_v can_v it_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o that_o which_o be_v cause_v this_o be_v demonstrative_o certain_a that_o a_o beget_v and_o unbegotten_a person_n and_o consequent_o a_o beget_v and_o unbegotten_a nature_n a_o divine_a person_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v and_o must_v be_v two_o and_o never_o can_v be_v each_o other_o and_o therefore_o this_o distinguish_n person_n though_o it_o make_v no_o distinction_n or_o diversity_n in_o the_o divine_a essence_n as_o the_o catholic_n father_n prove_v against_o the_o arian_n that_o to_o be_v unbegotten_a and_o to_o be_v beget_v do_v not_o but_o to_o be_v unbegotten_a to_o be_v beget_v and_o to_o proceed_v whatever_o you_o will_v call_v they_o whether_o personal_a property_n or_o modes_n of_o subsistence_n though_o they_o do_v not_o make_v the_o person_n that_o be_v be_v not_o the_o formal_a notion_n of_o a_o person_n yet_o they_o certain_o distinguish_v they_o or_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v as_o distinct_a and_o incommunicable_a as_o unbegotten_a beget_v and_o proceed_v for_o if_o these_o term_n or_o character_n can_v never_o signify_v each_o other_o than_o the_o person_n characterise_v by_o they_o can_v never_o be_v each_o other_o and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o distinction_n that_o can_v be_v in_o a_o undistinguished_a undiversify_v undivided_a essence_n well_o but_o still_o the_o difficulty_n remain_v how_o to_o distinguish_v between_o essence_n and_o person_n in_o god_n for_o if_o person_n be_v nature_n and_o essence_n and_o each_o person_n distinct_o in_o himself_o be_v the_o whole_a divine_a essence_n or_o the_o whole_a divinity_n how_o can_v we_o avoid_v acknowledge_v three_o essence_n and_o three_o divinity_n as_o well_o as_o three_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n now_o the_o account_n of_o this_o must_v be_v take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o distinction_n and_o unity_n which_o be_v in_o god_n for_o such_o a_o distinction_n as_o do_v not_o destroy_v the_o unity_n can_v multiply_v nature_n though_o it_o distinguish_v person_n each_o person_n be_v the_o divine_a nature_n but_o without_o any_o diversity_n division_n or_o separation_n of_o the_o divinity_n and_o what_o be_v identical_o and_o indivisible_o the_o same_o be_v but_o one._n the_o divine_a nature_n as_o self-originated_n and_o unbegotten_a be_v the_o person_n of_o the_o father_n as_o communicate_v by_o generation_n be_v the_o person_n of_o the_o son_n as_o proceed_v be_v the_o person_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o these_o be_v three_o but_o the_o son_n be_v beget_v of_o the_o substance_n of_o his_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n proceed_v from_o father_n and_o son_n without_o any_o diversity_n division_n or_o separation_n of_o substance_n and_o therefore_o the_o divinity_n be_v but_o one._n the_o divine_a nature_n subsist_v distinct_o and_o incommunicable_o in_o three_o according_a to_o their_o distinct_a character_n of_o unbegotten_a beget_v and_o proceed_v and_o these_o we_o call_v person_n because_o they_o bear_v some_o analogy_n to_o individual_n in_o create_a being_n which_o in_o a_o intelligent_a nature_n be_v call_v person_n but_o they_o be_v not_o three_o divinity_n because_o the_o divine_a nature_n though_o it_o be_v distinct_a yet_o be_v undiversify_v and_o undivided_a in_o three_o and_o therefore_o be_v but_o one_o in_o three_o this_o seem_v to_o i_o a_o very_a intelligible_a account_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n and_o the_o difference_n between_o person_n and_o essence_n though_o a_o divine_a person_n be_v the_o divine_a essence_n when_o we_o distinguish_v between_o person_n and_o essence_n and_o say_v there_o be_v three_o person_n and_o one_o essence_n by_o essence_n we_o mean_v a_o undistinguished_a undivided_a divinity_n which_o be_v but_o one_o by_o three_o person_n we_o mean_v the_o divine_a essence_n unbegotten_a and_o communicate_v by_o generation_n and_o procession_n which_o be_v real_o distinct_a person_n and_o subsist_v distinct_o but_o iâ—_n the_o unity_n of_o a_o undistinguished_a and_o undivided_a divinity_n which_o make_v they_o real_o and_o actual_o three_o and_o one_o the_o same_o without_o diversity_n and_o distinct_a without_o division_n and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o catholic_n father_n though_o they_o call_v the_o divine_a person_n tres_fw-la res_fw-la and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o tres_fw-la subsistentes_fw-la three_o thing_n and_o three_o that_o subsist_v yet_o be_v more_o cautious_a in_o call_v they_o three_o nature_n or_o essence_n or_o substance_n though_o there_o be_v some_o example_n of_o this_o kind_n because_o though_o the_o divine_a essence_n subsist_v distinct_o in_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n which_o make_v they_o three_o distinct_a real_a subsist_v person_n yet_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v not_o
a_o diversity_n and_o dissimilitude_n of_o nature_n as_o three_o essence_n and_o substance_n may_v signify_v and_o from_o a_o sabellian_n unity_n and_o singularity_n they_o choose_v such_o word_n as_o signify_v a_o real_a perfect_a subsist_v be_v but_o do_v not_o immediate_o and_o formal_o signify_v essence_n and_o substance_n though_o they_o do_v necessary_o suppose_v and_o connote_v it_o such_o among_o the_o greek_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d among_o the_o latin_n subsistentia_fw-la suppositum_fw-la res_fw-la ens_fw-la existence_n subsistence_n subject_a suppositum_fw-la thing_n be_v which_o every_o one_o see_v must_v signify_v something_o as_o real_a as_o essence_n and_o substance_n and_o must_v necessary_o include_v essence_n and_o substance_n in_o their_o very_a notion_n and_o that_o thus_o they_o be_v use_v by_o the_o catholic_n father_n petavius_n prove_v by_o numerous_a quotation_n 3._o which_o the_o reader_n may_v consult_v at_o his_o leisure_n and_o though_o some_o of_o these_o word_n be_v sometime_o use_v singular_o of_o all_o three_o divine_a person_n in_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o common_a essence_n and_o substance_n as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d res_fw-la in_o which_o sense_n st._n austin_n call_v the_o trinity_n unam_fw-la summam_fw-la rem_fw-la yet_o both_o father_n and_o schoolman_n do_v without_o any_o scruple_n use_v they_o in_o the_o plural_a number_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d tres_fw-la subsistentiae_fw-la tres_fw-la res_fw-la tria_fw-la supposita_fw-la tria_fw-la entia_fw-la realia_fw-la that_o the_o divine_a person_n be_v three_o existence_n three_o subsistency_n three_o suppositum_n three_o thing_n three_o real_a being_n and_o why_o not_o then_o three_o essence_n and_o three_o substance_n since_o every_o suppositum_fw-la every_o thing_n every_o real_a be_v be_v essence_n and_o substance_n the_o reason_n of_o which_o be_v plain_o this_o that_o essence_n and_o substance_n unless_o qualify_v with_o some_o limit_v adjunct_n signify_v the_o formal_a reason_n of_o thing_n and_o can_v be_v multiply_v without_o diversity_n whereas_o the_o other_o term_n signify_v nothing_o but_o real_a and_o actual_a existence_n which_o do_v not_o diversify_v and_o therefore_o not_o multiply_v the_o essence_n for_o three_o suppositum_n three_o subject_n three_o thing_n three_o real_a being_n may_v have_v one_o essence_n nature_n and_o substance_n formal_o identical_o and_o invariable_o the_o same_o but_o there_o be_v some_o dispute_n about_o the_o use_n of_o those_o word_n existence_n and_o subsistence_n petavius_n observe_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o ancient_n and_o modern_a use_n of_o they_o 6._o that_o the_o ancient_n use_v they_o in_o a_o concrete_a sense_n for_o person_n and_o substance_n that_o which_o do_v real_o exist_v and_o subsist_v as_o he_o prove_v by_o several_a quotation_n but_o that_o the_o schoolman_n use_v they_o in_o a_o abstract_n sense_n for_o the_o modification_n of_o substance_n which_o they_o call_v modes_n which_o together_o with_o the_o substance_n constitute_v what_o we_o call_v person_n of_o which_o more_o hereafter_o and_o this_o may_v be_v true_a as_o to_o some_o late_a schoolman_n but_o the_o more_o ancient_n and_o many_o modern_a schoolman_n retain_v the_o old_a catholic_n use_n of_o the_o word_n and_o suarez_n can_v trace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o modes_n no_o high_a than_o durandus_fw-la 25._o peter_n lombard_n be_v express_v in_o it_o that_o three_o person_n be_v tres_fw-fr subsistentioe_n tres_fw-la entes_fw-la three_o subsistency_n three_o being_n and_o tres_fw-fr subsistentioe_n vel_fw-la entes_fw-la &_o subsistentioe_v vel_fw-la subsistentes_fw-la subsistency_n or_o being_n subsistency_n or_o those_o that_o subsist_v 1._o thus_o tho._n aquinas_n tell_v we_o that_o person_n be_v res_fw-la subsistentes_fw-la subsist_v thing_n and_o in_o answer_n to_o that_o objection_n against_o a_o plurality_n of_o person_n in_o the_o godhead_n that_o a_o person_n according_a to_o boetius_fw-la be_v rationalis_fw-la naturoe_o individua_fw-la substantia_fw-la the_o individual_a substance_n of_o a_o rational_a nature_n if_o there_o be_v a_o plurality_n of_o person_n in_o the_o godhead_n there_o must_v consequent_o be_v a_o plurality_n of_o substance_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o substance_n either_o signify_v the_o essence_n or_o the_o suppositum_fw-la that_o in_o this_o last_o sense_n it_o be_v use_v in_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o person_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o addition_n of_o individual_a which_o be_v what_o the_o greek_n call_v hypostasis_fw-la and_o therefore_o assert_v three_o hypostasis_n individual_a substance_n as_o we_o do_v three_o person_n but_o we_o do_v use_v to_o say_v three_o substance_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o equivocal_a use_n of_o the_o word_n lest_o we_o shall_v be_v think_v to_o assert_v three_o essence_n in_o the_o godhead_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o by_o three_o subsistency_n tho._n secundum_fw-la aquinas_n understand_v three_o that_o subsist_v three_o individual_a substance_n in_o the_o notion_n of_o three_o distinct_a suppâ—situms_n though_o not_o of_o three_o different_a essence_n for_o this_o be_v the_o true_a distinction_n he_o make_v between_o suppositum_fw-la and_o essence_n that_o they_o both_o signify_v substance_n but_o the_o one_o signify_v as_o matter_n and_o the_o other_o as_o form_n and_o therefore_o the_o plurality_n of_o suppositum_n of_o subsistency_n do_v not_o multiplâ—â—â—e_a essence_n or_o form_n for_o three_o may_v be_v perfect_o one_o in_o nature_n and_o essence_n but_o to_o multiply_v essence_n to_o say_v there_o be_v three_o â—_z or_o three_o essence_n be_v to_o diversify_v they_o and_o to_o make_v three_o god_n specifical_o and_o essential_o different_a after_o this_o i_o need_v not_o add_v much_o concern_v the_o notion_n of_o person_n the_o ciceronian_a sense_n of_o this_o word_n too_o much_o in_o use_n of_o late_a wherein_o the_o same_o man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o sustain_v several_a person_n according_a to_o his_o different_a relation_n office_n and_o quality_n have_v as_o i_o have_v observe_v before_o be_v reject_v by_o all_o catholic_n writer_n as_o sabellianism_n st._n austin_n general_o speak_v be_v the_o text_n to_o the_o master_n of_o the_o sentence_n and_o he_o to_o the_o schoolman_n and_o that_o father_n be_v express_v in_o it_o that_o person_n be_v essence_n and_o substance_n that_o the_o person_n of_o the_o father_n be_v the_o essence_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o father_n from_o who_o authority_n p._n lombard_n conclude_v that_o person_n be_v use_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o substance_n 23._o that_o when_o we_o say_v the_o father_n be_v a_o person_n the_o sense_n be_v the_o father_n be_v the_o divine_a essence_n he_o observe_v from_o the_o same_o father_n that_o the_o latin_n use_v person_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n that_o the_o greek_n use_v hypostasis_fw-la which_o in_o latin_a literal_o signify_v substance_n but_o yet_o they_o be_v very_o cautious_a of_o say_v three_o substance_n as_o the_o greek_n do_v three_o hypostasis_n because_o though_o the_o greek_n distinguish_v between_o essence_n and_o substance_n that_o essence_n express_v the_o formal_a nature_n of_o thing_n substance_n what_o in_o creature_n we_o call_v the_o matter_n or_o suppositum_fw-la yet_o the_o latin_n know_v no_o such_o distinction_n and_o therefore_o three_o substance_n to_o they_o be_v the_o same_o with_o three_o essence_n which_o will_v assert_v a_o diversity_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o this_o he_o show_v be_v the_o only_a objection_n st._n hierom_n have_v against_o three_o substance_n or_o three_o hypostasis_n which_o he_o allow_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o tres_fw-la personas_fw-la subsistentes_fw-la 26._o three_o subsist_v person_n but_o not_o of_o three_o nature_n or_o essence_n and_o this_o solution_n he_o acquiesce_n in_o that_o tres_n personoe_n sunt_fw-la tres_fw-la substantioe_v 25._o scilicet_fw-la tres_fw-la entes_fw-la pro_fw-la quo_fw-la groeci_n dicunt_fw-la tres_fw-la hypostasis_n that_o three_o person_n be_v three_o substance_n that_o be_v three_o real_a being_n which_o the_o greek_n call_v three_o hypostasis_n and_o though_o he_o observe_v that_o person_n may_v sometime_o signify_v that_o personal_a property_n whereby_o one_o divine_a person_n be_v distinguish_v from_o another_o 25._o yet_o he_o will_v not_o allow_v we_o to_o call_v three_o person_n three_o property_n but_o three_o subsistency_n or_o three_o hypostasis_n for_o the_o property_n be_v not_o the_o person_n but_o only_o distinguish_v person_n of_o which_o more_o hereafter_o and_o he_o reduce_v the_o several_a acceptation_n of_o person_n as_o use_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n to_o these_o three_o 1._o that_o it_o sometime_o signify_v the_o divine_a essence_n as_o it_o do_v when_o we_o speak_v singular_o of_o any_o one_o person_n for_o the_o person_n of_o the_o father_n be_v the_o divine_a essence_n and_o so_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 2._o subsistency_n and_o hypostasis_n as_o when_o we_o speak_v in_o the_o plural_a number_n three_o person_n be_v three_o subsistency_n three_o hypostasis_n but_o unius_fw-la essentioe_n of_o one_o
this_o as_o they_o all_o own_o for_o the_o father_n make_v no_o scruple_n to_o say_v that_o god_n beget_v god_n essence_n essence_n wisdom_n wisdom_n life_n life_n and_o that_o the_o son_n be_v beget_v and_o only_o beget_v god_n god_n of_o god_n light_a of_o light_n wisdom_n of_o wisdom_n and_o beget_v wisdom_n upon_o these_o authority_n richardus_fw-la victorinus_n contend_v earnest_o that_o we_o ought_v in_o plain_a term_n to_o own_o 23._o that_o substance_n beget_v substance_n and_o that_o those_o who_o deny_v it_o reject_v the_o doctrine_n of_o all_o the_o catholic_n father_n but_o peter_n lombard_n and_o most_o other_o schoolman_n especial_o since_o the_o council_n of_o lateran_n justify_v themselves_o in_o this_o matter_n by_o say_v that_o the_o father_n intend_v no_o more_o in_o such_o expression_n than_o what_o they_o themselves_o own_v though_o they_o reject_v that_o way_n of_o speak_v when_o the_o father_n teach_v that_o god_n beget_v god_n essence_n essence_n substance_n substance_n wisdom_n wisdom_n life_n life_n they_o mean_v no_o more_o than_o that_o the_o father_n who_o be_v god_n essence_n substance_n wisdom_n life_n beget_v his_o son_n who_o be_v also_o true_o and_o real_o god_n essence_n substance_n wisdom_n life_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o rather_o choose_v to_o say_v that_o the_o father_n who_o be_v god_n and_o essence_n and_o wisdom_n beget_v the_o son_n who_o be_v god_n and_o essence_n and_o wisdom_n etc._n etc._n than_o to_o say_v that_o god_n beget_v god_n essence_n essence_n wisdom_n wisdom_n be_v this_o because_o god_n and_o essence_n and_o wisdom_n etc._n etc._n signify_v absolute_o and_o so_o may_v multiply_v god_n essence_n wisdom_n as_o when_o we_o say_v man_n beget_v a_o man_n the_o begotten_a man_n be_v as_o absolute_o a_o man_n as_o he_o who_o beget_v and_o he_o who_o beget_v and_o he_o who_o be_v beget_v notwithstanding_o their_o relation_n be_v two_o absolute_a man_n and_o therefore_o to_o prevent_v all_o such_o mistake_n and_o to_o secure_v the_o catholic_n faith_n of_o the_o real_a distinction_n of_o person_n and_o suppositum_n in_o perfect_a unity_n without_o the_o least_o diversity_n or_o multiplication_n of_o essence_n they_o attribute_v active_a generation_n to_o the_o person_n of_o the_o father_n and_o passive_a generation_n to_o the_o person_n of_o the_o son_n which_o prove_v a_o real_a distinction_n of_o person_n and_o suppositum_n for_o he_o who_o beget_v can_v be_v he_o who_o be_v beget_v and_o yet_o preserve_v the_o unity_n and_o identity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o how_o can_v this_o be_v if_o person_n and_o essence_n suppositum_fw-la and_o nature_n be_v the_o same_o as_o it_o be_v in_o god_n for_o then_o if_o the_o person_n be_v beget_v the_o essence_n which_o be_v that_o person_n must_v be_v beget_v also_o and_o if_o the_o person_n beget_v the_o essence_n must_v beget_v now_o this_o be_v in_o some_o sense_n true_a and_o therefore_o the_o catholic_n father_n 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restrain_v signify_v absolute_o and_o so_o infer_v two_o absolute_a nature_n and_o essence_n that_o which_o beget_v and_o that_o which_o be_v beget_v and_o therefore_o they_o rather_o call_v this_o a_o communication_n than_o a_o generation_n of_o nature_n because_o this_o last_o signify_v relative_o that_o which_o be_v communicate_v may_v be_v a_o singular_a nature_n which_o subsist_v distinct_o in_o more_o than_o one_o but_o with_o a_o necessary_a relation_n to_o its_o original_a and_o such_o a_o communication_n do_v not_o multiply_v nature_n but_o only_o essential_a relation_n and_o this_o be_v the_o difference_n they_o make_v between_o deus_n &_o deitatem_fw-la habens_fw-la god_n and_o one_o who_o have_v the_o divinity_n that_o god_n signify_v absolute_o a_o absolute_a independent_a divinity_n which_o have_v no_o relation_n or_o communication_n with_o any_o other_o but_o one_o who_o have_v the_o divinity_n may_v signify_v one_o who_o have_v it_o not_o original_o and_o absolute_o but_o by_o communication_n from_o another_o and_o in_o a_o essential_a relation_n to_o he_o as_o the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n have_v which_o be_v the_o same_o divinity_n in_o three_o and_o but_o one_o in_o three_o and_o therefore_o i_o think_v the_o school_n be_v very_o much_o in_o the_o right_n for_o reject_v tres_fw-la dii_fw-la three_o god_n when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o own_v tres_fw-la deitatem_fw-la habentes_fw-la three_o who_o have_v the_o divinity_n for_o these_o do_v not_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n the_o first_o unless_o qualify_v be_v polytheism_n the_o second_o the_o christian_a trinity_n in_o unity_n though_o i_o confess_v i_o shall_v not_o choose_v to_o call_v the_o father_n one_o who_o have_v the_o divinity_n but_o simple_o god_n because_o he_o be_v absolute_o and_o original_o so_o and_o not_o by_o communication_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n be_v both_o in_o scripture_n and_o in_o the_o father_n eminent_o callâ—d_v god_n and_o the_o one_o god_n rochester_n whereas_o the_o other_o divine_a perâ—â—â—s_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o as_o technician_n observe_v never_o call_v god_n when_o join_v with_o the_o father_n though_o they_o be_v when_o speak_v of_o distinct_o by_o themselves_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o school_n forbid_v the_o use_n of_o abstract_n or_o substantive_n term_n in_o the_o plural_a number_n when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o dâ—vine_a person_n but_o allow_v of_o plural_a adjective_n because_o substantive_n signify_v absolute_o and_o multiply_v nature_n as_o well_o as_o person_n or_o suppositum_n but_o adjective_n may_v signify_v relative_o and_o multiply_v person_n without_o multiply_a nature_n as_o three_o eternal_o three_o omnipotents_a three_o infinite_n in_o a_o substantive_n sense_n signify_v three_o eternal_a omnipotent_a infinite_a nature_n as_o well_o as_o person_n but_o three_o who_o be_v eternal_a omnipotent_a infinite_a signify_v a_o trinity_n of_o eternal_a omnipotent_a infinite_a person_n but_o do_v not_o necessary_o signify_v a_o trinity_n of_o nature_n since_o these_o three_o may_v subsist_v in_o the_o same_o eternal_a omnipotent_a infinite_a nature_n and_o each_o of_o they_o have_v this_o eternal_a infinite_a nature_n and_o all_o the_o same_o but_o still_o the_o difficulty_n remain_v if_o person_n or_o suppositum_fw-la and_o nature_n be_v perfect_o the_o same_o how_o the_o father_n can_v communicate_v his_o nature_n and_o not_o his_o person_n how_o there_o can_v be_v three_o incommunicable_a person_n and_o suppositum_n and_o but_o one_o nature_n and_o that_o communicable_a to_o more_o than_o one_o that_o thus_o it_o be_v and_o how_o it_o may_v be_v be_v better_a explain_v by_o a_o example_n than_o by_o any_o word_n without_o it_o etc._n and_o i_o shall_v instance_n in_o a_o live_a substantial_a image_n this_o be_v the_o true_a character_n of_o the_o second_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n that_o he_o be_v so_o the_o son_n as_o to_o be_v the_o live_v perfect_a image_n of_o god_n as_o have_v be_v explain_v at_o large_a elsewhere_o as_o you_o may_v find_v in_o the_o margin_n now_o every_o man_n must_v confess_v that_o the_o prototype_n and_o the_o image_n be_v two_o distinct_a incommunicable_a suppositum_n the_o prototype_n be_v not_o the_o image_n nor_o the_o image_n the_o prototype_n and_o yet_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o there_o be_v and_o must_v be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o nature_n in_o both_o not_o specifical_o but_o identical_o the_o same_o for_o a_o perfect_a image_n be_v and_o can_v be_v nothing_o but_o the_o same_o that_o the_o prototype_n be_v the_o same_o eternity_n the_o same_o life_n the_o same_o wisdom_n power_n and_o goodness_n but_o all_o this_o not_o personal_o the_o same_o for_o their_o person_n be_v not_o and_o can_v be_v the_o same_o but_o identical_o and_o invariable_o the_o same_o or_o else_o it_o can_v be_v a_o true_a and_o perfect_a image_n and_o this_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o though_o person_n and_o nature_n be_v perfect_o the_o same_o
contradiction_n as_o he_o can_v require_v we_o to_o believe_v and_o consequent_o that_o whatever_o be_v plain_o reveal_v imply_v no_o contradiction_n how_o much_o soever_o it_o may_v be_v above_o our_o comprehension_n because_o god_n do_v require_v we_o to_o believe_v what_o he_o plain_o reveal_v this_o have_v put_v a_o end_n to_o this_o dispute_n and_o leave_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o trinity_n possible_a whatever_o difficulty_n we_o may_v apprehend_v in_o conceive_v it_o but_o this_o great_a zeal_n against_o believe_a contradiction_n when_o apply_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v a_o very_a untoward_a insinuation_n as_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n as_o common_o understand_v be_v clog_v with_o contradiction_n and_o that_o we_o must_v cast_v all_o such_o contradiction_n which_o in_o the_o socinian_n account_n be_v the_o doctrine_n itself_o out_o of_o our_o faith_n and_o therefore_o that_o whatever_o the_o scripture_n say_v we_o must_v put_v no_o such_o sense_n on_o it_o as_o imply_v any_o contradiction_n to_o our_o former_a knowledge_n this_o be_v a_o admirable_a foundation_n for_o consideration_n concern_v the_o trinity_n and_o what_o a_o admirable_a superstructure_n he_o have_v raise_v on_o it_o we_o shall_v soon_o see_v i_o may_v possible_o discourse_v this_o point_n of_o contradiction_n more_o at_o large_a elsewhere_o at_o present_a i_o shall_v only_o tell_v this_o author_n that_o as_o self-evident_a as_o he_o think_v it_o this_o proposition_n be_v false_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o believe_v what_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n to_o our_o former_a knowledge_n and_o that_o god_n can_v require_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o i_o grant_v that_o all_o logical_a contradiction_n which_o be_v resolve_v into_o be_v and_o be_v not_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v believe_v because_o they_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v true_a and_o such_o be_v his_o contradiction_n about_o the_o whole_a and_o its_o part_n for_o to_o say_v that_o the_o whole_a be_v not_o big_a than_o any_o of_o its_o part_n be_v to_o say_v that_o a_o whole_a be_v a_o whole_a and_o be_v not_o a_o whole_a and_o that_o a_o part_n be_v a_o part_n and_o be_v not_o a_o part._n but_o contradictory_n idea_n may_v both_o be_v true_a and_o therefore_o both_o be_v believe_v and_o every_o man_n believe_v great_a number_n of_o they_o the_o idea_n of_o heat_n and_o cold_a white_a and_o black_a body_n and_o spirit_n extension_n and_o no_o extension_n eternity_n and_o time_n to_o have_v a_o beginning_n and_o to_o have_v no_o beginning_n be_v contradictory_n ideas_n and_o yet_o we_o believe_v they_o all_o that_o be_v we_o believe_v and_o know_v that_o there_o real_o be_v such_o thing_n who_o nature_n be_v direct_o opposite_a and_o contrary_a to_o each_o other_o now_o when_o there_o be_v such_o contrariety_n and_o contradiction_n in_o create_a nature_n it_o may_v just_o be_v think_v very_o strange_a to_o true_a considerer_n that_o our_o natural_a idea_n shall_v be_v make_v the_o adequate_a measure_n of_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o the_o possibility_n or_o impossibility_n of_o thing_n that_o we_o must_v not_o believe_v what_o god_n reveal_v concern_v himself_o if_o it_o contradict_v any_o natural_a idea_n and_o yet_o i_o challenge_v this_o considerer_n and_o all_o the_o socinian_n sabellian_n arian_n fraternity_n to_o show_v i_o any_o appearance_n of_o contradiction_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n but_o what_o be_v of_o this_o kind_n that_o be_v not_o logical_a contradiction_n but_o contradiction_n to_o our_o other_o natural_a idea_n and_o if_o our_o natural_a idea_n of_o create_a nature_n contradict_v each_o other_o it_o will_v be_v wonderful_a indeed_o if_o the_o divine_a uncreated_a nature_n shall_v not_o contradict_v all_o our_o natural_a idea_n every_o thing_n we_o know_v of_o god_n be_v a_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o all_o the_o idea_n we_o have_v of_o creature_n a_o uncreated_a and_o a_o create_a nature_n a_o infinite_a and_o a_o finite_a nature_n be_v direct_a contradiction_n to_o each_o other_o eternity_n without_o succession_n omnipresence_n without_o extension_n part_n or_o place_n a_o pure_a simple_a act_n which_o be_v all_o in_o one_o without_o composition_n a_o omnipotent_a thought_n which_o think_v all_o thing_n into_o be_v and_o into_o a_o beautiful_a order_n these_o and_o such_o like_a idea_n of_o god_n be_v direct_a contradiction_n to_o all_o the_o idea_n we_o have_v of_o creature_n and_o can_v any_o contradiction_n then_o to_o any_o idea_n of_o create_a nature_n be_v think_v a_o reasonable_a objection_n against_o believe_v any_o thing_n which_o god_n reveal_v to_o we_o concern_v himself_o but_o of_o this_o more_o hereafter_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 these_o be_v his_o preliminary_n axiom_n postulata_n all_o in_o the_o strict_a demonstrative_a way_n but_o now_o he_o come_v to_o apply_v all_o this_o more_o close_o to_o the_o business_n in_o hand_n but_o then_o he_o very_o unfortunate_o stumble_v at_o the_o threshold_n the_o proposition_n he_o propose_v to_o examine_v by_o these_o principle_n be_v this_o that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o god_n be_v three_o different_a person_n 14._o where_o he_o meet_v with_o this_o proposition_n in_o these_o very_a term_n i_o know_v not_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v no_o such_o proposition_n in_o scripture_n nor_o do_v i_o ever_o meet_v with_o it_o in_o any_o catholic_n writer_n it_o be_v very_o far_o from_o give_v we_o a_o true_a and_o adequate_a notion_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n concern_v the_o trinity_n it_o be_v of_o a_o doubtful_a signification_n and_o in_o the_o most_o obvious_a sense_n of_o these_o word_n which_o i_o fear_v will_v appear_v to_o have_v be_v intend_v by_o this_o considerer_n be_v manifest_a heresy_n for_o if_o by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o god_n he_o mean_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o who_o be_v god_n and_o that_o this_o one_o and_o same_o god_n be_v three_o different_a person_n it_o be_v the_o heresy_n of_o sabellius_n at_o least_o if_o he_o will_v have_v own_v the_o term_n different_a which_o incline_v more_o to_o the_o signification_n of_o diversity_n than_o of_o mere_a distinction_n which_o savour_v of_o arianism_n and_o more_o proper_o relate_v to_o nature_n than_o to_o person_n we_o meet_v with_o different_a form_n of_o speech_n in_o catholic_n writer_n concern_v the_o unity_n and_o trinity_n in_o the_o godhead_n all_o which_o must_v be_v reconcile_v to_o form_v a_o distinct_a and_o complete_a notion_n of_o the_o trinity_n that_o deus_n est_fw-la vnus_fw-la &_o trinus_fw-la god_n be_v one_o and_o three_o be_v very_o ancient_a and_o very_o catholic_n that_o the_o father_n be_v the_o one_o god_n in_o a_o peculiar_a and_o eminent_a sense_n be_v both_o the_o language_n of_o scripture_n and_o of_o the_o church_n that_o each_o person_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v by_o himself_o true_a and_o perfect_a god_n be_v likewise_o the_o doctrine_n both_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o catholic_n father_n that_o the_o trinity_n be_v one_o god_n that_o father_n and_o son_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d vnum_fw-la one_o divinity_n christ_n himself_o teach_v we_o that_o father_n son_n and_o spirit_n be_v also_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d one_o st._n john_n teach_v we_o and_o nothing_o be_v more_o familiar_a both_o with_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a father_n than_o to_o call_v the_o trinity_n one_o god_n and_o in_o consequence_n of_o this_o that_o one_o god_n be_v the_o trinity_n though_o this_o they_o rather_o choose_v to_o express_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d one_o divinity_n in_o three_o person_n and_o whoever_o will_v give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n of_o the_o trinity_n must_v have_v respect_n to_o all_o these_o notion_n and_o not_o content_v himself_o with_o any_o one_o of_o they_o as_o to_o make_v the_o best_a of_o it_o the_o considerer_n here_o do_v when_o he_o only_o propose_v to_o inquire_v how_o one_o and_o the_o same_o god_n be_v three_o person_n but_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v inquire_v also_o in_o what_o sense_n each_o person_n be_v by_o himself_o true_a and_o perfect_a god_n and_o the_o person_n of_o the_o father_n in_o a_o peculiar_a and_o eminent_a sense_n the_o one_o god_n and_o to_o have_v frame_v his_o notion_n of_o unity_n and_o distinction_n with_o a_o equal_a regard_n to_o all_o these_o catholic_n exposition_n which_o will_v have_v secure_v he_o from_o the_o sabellian_n heresy_n which_o now_o his_o word_n be_v very_o guilty_a of_o whatever_o he_o himself_o be_v but_o let_v we_o now_o proceed_v to_o his_o examination_n of_o these_o term_n god_n unity_n identity_n distinction_n and_o number_n and_o person_n 14._o as_o to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n he_o confess_v he_o have_v not_o a_o
this_o ancient_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n he_o sly_o wrest_v and_o apply_v to_o the_o article_n concern_v the_o three_o person_n of_o the_o godhead_n but_o let_v we_o fly_v from_o and_o abhor_v such_o wicked_a artifices_fw-la and_o know_v that_o the_o church_n speak_v after_o another_o manner_n and_o that_o person_n signify_v a_o individual_a intelligent_a incommunicable_a substance_n and_o it_o will_v be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o form_n and_o fix_v this_o notion_n in_o our_o mind_n to_o contemplate_v the_o baptism_n of_o christ_n where_o all_o three_o person_n be_v most_o evident_o represent_v and_o distinguish_v the_o father_n speak_v in_o a_o audible_a voice_n this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n the_o son_n be_v see_v stand_v in_o the_o river_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n descend_v on_o he_o in_o a_o visible_a appearance_n but_o since_o the_o considerer_n make_v a_o great_a flourish_n with_o his_o idea_n and_o clear_a and_o distinct_a conception_n and_o fetch_v his_o proof_n from_o the_o most_o intimate_a knowledge_n of_o nature_n he_o may_v take_v it_o ill_a if_o no_o notice_n or_o regard_n be_v have_v of_o they_o we_o see_v very_o well_o where_o he_o have_v be_v trade_v and_o i_o doubt_v the_o ingenious_a author_n of_o human_a understanding_n will_v have_v more_o disciple_n of_o different_a kind_n than_o he_o be_v well_o aware_a of_o in_o who_o he_o will_v have_v no_o great_a reason_n to_o glory_n for_o it_o require_v more_o skill_n than_o every_o man_n be_v master_n of_o to_o form_v simple_a and_o distinct_a notion_n and_o idea_n and_o to_o apply_v they_o dexterous_o to_o their_o proper_a subject_n and_o to_o refer_v all_o man_n to_o natural_a idea_n and_o perception_n when_o so_o very_a few_o know_v how_o to_o distinguish_v between_o natural_a notion_n and_o the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o prepossession_n of_o education_n the_o delusion_n of_o fancy_n and_o the_o bias_n of_o inclination_n be_v like_o the_o quaker_n appeal_v to_o the_o light_n within_o which_o be_v just_a what_o every_o man_n will_v have_v it_o to_o be_v our_o considerer_n reduce_v all_o the_o notion_n he_o can_v find_v of_o unity_n and_o distinction_n to_o three_o head_n the_o unity_n or_o distinction_n of_o idea_n of_o principle_n and_o of_o position_n and_o undertake_v to_o prove_v from_o they_o all_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a or_o absolute_o unconceivable_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v more_o than_o one_o intelligent_a person_n in_o the_o proper_a notion_n of_o a_o person_n in_o the_o godhead_n now_o in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o hear_v a_o good_a reason_n why_o the_o considerer_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o that_o old_a receive_v definition_n of_o one_o that_o vnum_fw-la est_fw-la indivisum_fw-la that_o be_v one_o which_o be_v undivided_a the_o most_o perfect_a one_o be_v that_o which_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v divide_v a_o absolute_a perfect_a monad_n which_o be_v absolute_o and_o perfect_o simple_a without_o any_o part_n to_o be_v divide_v into_o and_o this_o be_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o scripture_n father_n schoolman_n and_o all_o man_n of_o improve_a and_o exercise_v reason_n teach_v and_o it_o be_v strange_a he_o shall_v not_o find_v this_o notion_n of_o unity_n among_o all_o his_o natural_a idea_n which_o be_v the_o only_a natural_a notion_n of_o the_o divine_a unity_n and_o belong_v to_o no_o other_o be_v and_o this_o will_v have_v give_v he_o a_o true_a catholic_n notion_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n in_o a_o trinity_n of_o person_n for_o all_o agree_v that_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v indivisible_o and_o inseparable_o one._n and_o this_o be_v another_o thing_n i_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o know_v the_o reason_n of_o why_o in_o such_o a_o enquiry_n concern_v the_o unity_n and_o distinction_n of_o the_o trinity_n he_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o that_o old_a catholic_n distinction_n that_o god_n be_v one_o in_o nature_n and_o three_o in_o person_n which_o will_v have_v be_v a_o good_a direction_n to_o he_o what_o kind_n of_o unity_n and_o what_o distinction_n to_o have_v inquire_v after_o what_o unity_n belong_v to_o nature_n and_o what_o it_o be_v which_o distinguish_v person_n but_o our_o considerer_n have_v no_o regard_n to_o the_o different_a notion_n of_o nature_n and_o person_n but_o apply_v all_o his_o notion_n of_o unity_n to_o a_o person_n which_o as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v true_a belong_v to_o nature_n and_o from_o the_o unity_n of_o nature_n prove_v against_o the_o catholic_n faith_n that_o there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o proper_a divine_a person_n and_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n i_o be_o sorry_a for_o that_o have_v mention_v a_o very_a good_a notion_n he_o let_v it_o slip_v between_o his_o finger_n without_o make_v any_o use_n of_o it_o 20._o he_o tell_v we_o that_o identity_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o repetition_n of_o unity_n as_o number_n be_v of_o difference_n this_o be_v very_a catholic_n and_o it_o be_v great_a pity_n we_o hear_v no_o more_o of_o it_o upon_o this_o principle_n the_o father_n justify_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n in_o a_o trinity_n of_o person_n for_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v but_o one_o a_o perfect_a monad_n and_o be_v communicate_v whole_a and_o entire_a without_o the_o least_o division_n or_o separation_n to_o the_o son_n and_o holy_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o be_v perfect_o and_o identical_o one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o all_o three_o for_o the_o perfect_a repetition_n of_o a_o monad_n and_o unit_fw-la make_v no_o number_n god_n and_o god_n and_o god_n be_v not_o three_o god_n but_o one_o god_n because_o the_o same_o divine_a nature_n without_o the_o least_o difference_n or_o diversity_n be_v distinct_o in_o they_o all_o and_o the_o repetition_n of_o what_o be_v perfect_o the_o same_o make_v no_o number_n but_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v three_o for_o they_o be_v real_o distinguish_v from_o each_o other_o not_o by_o any_o difference_n of_o nature_n but_o only_o by_o personal_a difference_n or_o the_o different_a manner_n of_o have_v the_o same_o nature_n that_o the_o father_n have_v the_o whole_a divine_a nature_n original_o in_o himself_o be_v god_n of_o himself_o the_o son_n receive_v the_o same_o divine_a nature_n by_o a_o eternal_a generation_n and_o be_v god_n of_o god_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o like_a manner_n by_o a_o eternal_a procession_n from_o father_n and_o son_n this_o incommunicable_o distinguish_v person_n that_o one_o can_v never_o be_v another_o and_o this_o be_v difference_n enough_o to_o make_v a_o number_n not_o to_o make_v three_o god_n of_o they_o because_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v perfect_o one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o three_o but_o to_o distinguish_v they_o into_o three_o person_n each_o of_o who_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n and_o all_o but_o one_o god_n why_o the_o considerer_n shall_v wave_v such_o a_o notion_n as_o this_o of_o unity_n and_o distinction_n which_o any_o one_o will_v have_v think_v his_o own_o notion_n of_o identity_n and_o number_n must_v unavoidable_o have_v lead_v he_o into_o i_o can_v guess_v but_o i_o hope_v this_o may_v satisfy_v he_o that_o there_o be_v other_o notion_n of_o unity_n and_o distinction_n than_o what_o he_o insist_o on_o and_o such_o as_o may_v be_v as_o easy_o understand_v and_o which_o fair_o reconcile_v the_o belief_n of_o three_o proper_a divine_a intelligent_a person_n with_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n but_o let_v we_o now_o brief_o consider_v his_o idea_n of_o unity_n and_o distinction_n 1._o the_o first_o be_v the_o unity_n of_o idea_n this_o he_o discourse_n of_o very_a confuse_o 13_o and_o do_v not_o seem_v well_o please_v with_o it_o himself_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o idea_n he_o place_n in_o be_v perceivable_a at_o one_o view_n and_o have_v one_o uniform_a appearance_n which_o make_v it_o one_o idea_n indeed_o right_a or_o wrong_n but_o prove_v no_o other_o kind_n of_o unity_n this_o he_o grow_v sensible_a of_o that_o the_o reality_n of_o thing_n may_v not_o answer_v our_o idea_n or_o appearance_n and_o i_o know_v not_o how_o they_o shall_v unless_o our_o idea_n answer_v the_o reality_n of_o thing_n for_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v the_o pattern_n for_o our_o idea_n not_o our_o idea_n for_o thing_n but_o the_o considerer_n by_o forsake_v his_o good_a old_a rule_n for_o new_a method_n of_o think_v have_v quite_o mistake_v the_o question_n when_o we_o inquire_v into_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o unity_n the_o meaning_n be_v not_o when_o we_o conceive_v of_o any_o thing_n as_o one_o but_o what_o it_o be_v that_o make_v any_o thing_n one._n the_o unity_n of_o idea_n whether_o simple_a or_o compound_v may_v be_v answer_n enough_o to_o the_o first_o question_n thaâ—_n aâ—l_v that_o be_v comprise_v in_o one_o idea_n if_o our_o idea_n be_v right_a belong_v to_o one_o thing_n but_o as_o he_o
make_v three_o god_n because_o there_o be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o divinity_n in_o three_o and_o this_o be_v what_o they_o mean_v by_o the_o numerical_a unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n not_o that_o unity_n or_o unit_fw-la which_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o number_n but_o the_o unity_n of_o sameness_n and_o identity_n which_o tho._n aquinas_n call_v unum_fw-la non_fw-la numero_fw-la sed_fw-la re_fw-la numerata_fw-la one_o not_o in_o the_o number_n number_n but_o in_o the_o thing_n mumbr_v or_o as_o the_o father_n speak_v not_o in_o number_n but_o nature_n the_o better_a to_o understand_v this_o matter_n we_o must_v consider_v what_o st._n basil_n discourse_n about_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n in_o answer_n to_o those_o who_o charge_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n with_o tritheism_n 3._o viz._n that_o they_o acknowledge_v one_o god_n but_o not_o in_o number_n the_o number_v number_n but_o in_o nature_n for_o that_o which_o be_v one_o in_o number_n be_v not_o true_o one_o nor_o perfect_o simple_a in_o nature_n but_o all_o man_n acknowledge_v god_n to_o be_v the_o most_o simple_a uncompounded_a be_v and_o therefore_o he_o be_v not_o one_o in_o the_o notion_n of_o this_o number_n number_n this_o he_o prove_v by_o a_o induction_n of_o particular_n we_o say_v ibid._n the_o world_n be_v one_o in_o number_n but_o not_o one_o in_o nature_n for_o it_o be_v compound_v of_o great_a variety_n of_o creature_n and_o we_o say_v one_o man_n but_o man_n be_v compound_v of_o body_n and_o soul_n and_o even_o any_o angel_n be_v not_o perfect_o pure_a and_o simple_a but_o be_v compound_v of_o essence_n and_o quality_n such_o as_o holiness_n which_o be_v not_o pure_a and_o simple_a nature_n for_o it_o may_v be_v separate_v he_o add_v that_o number_n be_v a_o species_n of_o quantity_n and_o answer_n to_o the_o question_n how_o many_o which_o proper_o belong_v to_o a_o corporeal_a nature_n and_o indeed_o all_o number_n denote_v such_o thing_n as_o have_v a_o material_a or_o at_o least_o a_o circumscribe_v and_o limit_v nature_n but_o monad_n and_o unity_n denote_v the_o simple_a uncompounded_a uncircumscribed_a infinite_a essence_n and_o when_o he_o say_v that_o number_n must_v belong_v to_o thing_n of_o a_o circumscribe_v nature_n thereby_o he_o tell_v we_o he_o mean_v not_o mere_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v circumscribe_v by_o place_n which_o proper_o belong_v to_o body_n but_o all_o such_o nature_n as_o have_v a_o limit_a and_o confine_v idea_n as_o all_o create_a nature_n whether_o body_n or_o spirit_n have_v who_o nature_n be_v limit_v circumscribe_v fix_v and_o determine_v by_o that_o infinite_a mind_n which_o give_v be_v to_o they_o the_o meaning_n of_o all_o which_o be_v this_o that_o to_o make_v a_o number_n there_o must_v be_v alterity_n and_o diversity_n in_o nature_n or_o a_o separate_a existence_n but_o a_o perfect_a simple_a uncompounded_a nature_n can_v admit_v of_o no_o possible_a alteration_n and_o diversity_n for_o the_o same_o nature_n can_v never_o differ_v from_o itself_o without_o some_o kind_n of_o composition_n and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n and_o diversity_n there_o can_v be_v no_o number_n and_o a_o infinite_a uncircumscribed_a nature_n can_v never_o be_v divide_v and_o separate_v or_o subsist_v apart_o and_o therefore_o can_v be_v number_v so_o that_o number_n can_v belong_v only_o to_o create_v nature_n which_o be_v compound_v and_o finite_a and_o therefore_o by_o some_o diversify_a quality_n or_o affection_n and_o a_o separate_a exâ—istence_n may_v be_v distinguish_v into_o individual_n which_o may_v be_v number_v but_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v a_o perfect_a indivisible_a uncompounded_a infinite_a monad_n be_v not_o the_o unity_n of_o number_n but_o a_o perfect_a invariable_a sameness_n and_o identity_n and_o a_o indivisible_a inseparable_a union_n now_o some_o man_n who_o do_v not_o due_o attend_v to_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o these_o reason_n apply_v all_o this_o to_o prove_v the_o perfect_a singularity_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n in_o the_o most_o strict_a and_o proper_a notion_n of_o singularity_n as_o that_o signify_v one_o in_o number_n which_o contradict_v the_o whole_a intention_n of_o this_o hypothesis_n which_o be_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o number_n but_o of_o nature_n and_o that_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v not_o a_o unity_n of_o number_n but_o a_o unity_n of_o sameness_n identity_n and_o inseparability_n this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a consequence_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o consider_v it_o over_o again_o this_o distinction_n between_o the_o unity_n of_o number_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o nature_n be_v allege_v by_o the_o catholic_n father_n to_o avoid_v the_o charge_n of_o tritheism_n the_o sabellian_o and_o arian_n assert_v the_o unity_n of_o god_n to_o be_v a_o unity_n of_o number_n that_o one_o divinity_n be_v not_o one_o unless_o it_o be_v one_o in_o number_n one_o single_a solitary_a divine_a nature_n and_o this_o say_v they_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o trinity_n of_o divine_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 for_o three_o such_o divine_a person_n must_v be_v three_o god_n three_o divinity_n if_o each_o divine_a person_n have_v the_o true_a perfect_a divine_a nature_n in_o himself_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o understand_v what_o a_o divine_a person_n be_v without_o the_o divine_a nature_n so_o that_o if_o the_o father_n be_v god_n the_o son_n god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n god_n if_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v three_o they_o must_v be_v three_o go_n this_o be_v the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o it_o be_v the_o only_a material_a difficulty_n to_o this_o day_n to_o have_v assert_v but_o one_o singular_a divine_a nature_n which_o be_v but_o one_o in_o number_n have_v give_v up_o the_o cause_n to_o the_o sabellian_o or_o arian_n for_o then_o either_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v but_o three_o name_n or_o office_n of_o the_o same_o one_o divine_a person_n who_o be_v the_o one_o god_n as_o the_o sabellian_o teach_v or_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o a_o consubstantial_a trinity_n but_o the_o father_n alone_o be_v god_n and_o the_o son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n but_o mere_a creature_n how_o excellent_a creature_n soever_o they_o be_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n shall_v they_o have_v deny_v that_o three_o one_o make_v three_o this_o have_v be_v false_a count_v as_o the_o socinian_o tell_v we_o now_o and_o therefore_o to_o avoid_v both_o these_o extreme_n they_o distinguish_v between_o the_o number_n by_o which_o we_o reckon_v and_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v number_v and_o thus_o they_o find_v a_o real_a trinity_n in_o perfect_a unity_n as_o greg._n nyssen_n tell_v we_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o very_a same_o thing_n the_o same_o divinity_n be_v both_o number_v and_o not_o subject_a to_o number_v it_o may_v so_o far_o be_v number_v with_o the_o person_n as_o each_o divine_a person_n have_v the_o whole_a and_o perfect_a divinity_n in_o himself_o but_o yet_o the_o divinity_n can_v be_v number_v not_o because_o it_o be_v one_o single_n solitary_n divinity_n for_o it_o real_o subsist_v in_o three_o but_o by_o reason_n of_o that_o perfect_a sameness_n and_o identity_n which_o admit_v of_o no_o number_n for_o that_o which_o be_v perfect_o one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o three_o can_v be_v number_v have_v they_o think_v of_o such_o a_o singularity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o be_v but_o one_o in_o number_n they_o must_v have_v dispute_v at_o another_o rate_n against_o sabellian_o and_o arian_n will_v they_o have_v teach_v that_o the_o divinity_n may_v be_v number_v and_o yet_o be_v without_o number_n which_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v true_a of_o the_o same_o singular_a divinity_n which_o be_v but_o one_o in_o number_n and_o therefore_o can_v never_o be_v more_o than_o one_o in_o number_n that_o be_v in_o that_o father_n sense_n can_v be_v number_v much_o less_o can_v the_o same_o singular_a nature_n be_v number_v and_o incapable_a of_o number_n that_o be_v be_v one_o and_o more_o than_o one._n will_v they_o have_v take_v so_o much_o pain_n to_o prove_v that_o sameness_n and_o identity_n of_o nature_n exclude_v all_o number_n if_o by_o this_o they_o have_v mean_v the_o sameness_n and_o identity_n of_o singularity_n as_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n with_o itself_o which_o be_v no_o great_a mystery_n and_o be_v it_o not_o evident_a that_o this_o whole_a dispute_n be_v concern_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o three_o distinct_a person_n and_o consequent_o concern_v that_o sameness_n and_o identity_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v between_o three_o who_o have_v the_o same_o nature_n and_o therefore_o not_o one_o
sabellian_o do_v nor_o two_o different_a substance_n as_o the_o arian_n do_v for_o when_o god_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n this_o divine_a nativity_n will_v neither_o admit_v a_o unity_n of_o person_n nor_o a_o diversity_n of_o nature_n for_o father_n and_o son_n he_o who_o beget_v and_o he_o who_o be_v beget_v must_v be_v two_o person_n and_o the_o son_n who_o be_v beget_v of_o the_o substance_n of_o his_o father_n must_v be_v consubstantial_a with_o he_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o multiply_v quotation_n to_o this_o purpose_n both_o out_o of_o these_o and_o numerous_a other_o ancient_a writer_n but_o this_o be_v proof_n enough_o that_o the_o primitive_a father_n will_v not_o be_v fright_v out_o of_o the_o true_a catholic_n faith_n of_o a_o real_a and_o substantial_a trinity_n by_o the_o loud_a clamour_n of_o tritheism_n but_o reject_v such_o a_o notion_n of_o one_o god_n as_o confine_v the_o godhead_n to_o one_o single_n solitary_n person_n as_o judaism_n and_o a_o anti-trinitarian_a heresy_n for_o we_o know_v in_o what_o sense_n the_o jew_n own_v but_o one_o god_n viz._n in_o the_o very_a sense_n that_o the_o socinian_o and_o all_o anti-trinitarians_a do_v that_o be_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o who_o be_v god_n but_o one_o divine_a person_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n these_o ancient_a father_n reject_v it_o but_o beside_o these_o general_a say_n they_o industrious_o confute_v this_o notion_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n which_o confine_v it_o to_o one_o single_a person_n that_o the_o one_o god_n be_v so_o one_o that_o there_o be_v and_o can_v be_v but_o one_o divine_a person_n who_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n the_o scripture_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n do_v express_o teach_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n this_o the_o ancient_a heretic_n perpetual_o object_v against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n and_o st._n hilary_n observe_v ibid._n what_o danger_n there_o be_v in_o answer_v this_o objection_n if_o it_o be_v not_o do_v with_o great_a caution_n for_o it_o may_v be_v equal_o impious_a to_o deny_v or_o to_o affirm_v it_o for_o the_o true_a catholic_n faith_n of_o one_o god_n lie_v between_o two_o such_o contrary_a heresy_n as_o be_v ready_a to_o take_v advantage_n one_o way_n or_o other_o whatever_o answer_v you_o give_v if_o you_o own_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n without_o take_v notice_n that_o this_o one_o god_n have_v a_o only_o beget_v son_n who_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n the_o arian_n take_v advantage_n of_o this_o against_o the_o eternal_a godhead_n of_o the_o son_n if_o you_o say_v that_o the_o father_n be_v god_n and_o the_o son_n god_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n the_o sabellian_o hence_o conclude_v that_o father_n and_o son_n be_v but_o one_o person_n as_o they_o be_v one_o god_n but_o in_o opposition_n to_o both_o these_o heresy_n he_o tell_v we_o ibid._n that_o though_o the_o catholic_n church_n do_v not_o deny_v one_o god_n yet_o they_o teach_v god_n and_o god_n and_o deny_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n both_o in_o the_o arian_n and_o sabellian_n notion_n of_o one_o god_n and_o consequent_o that_o they_o profess_v to_o believe_v god_n and_o god_n and_o god_n though_o not_o three_o god_n but_o one_o god_n yet_o in_o that_o very_a sense_n which_o both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a heretic_n call_v tritheism_n there_o be_v no_o dispute_n but_o the_o scripture_n do_v very_o full_o and_o express_o teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n hear_v o_o israel_n the_o lord_n our_o god_n be_v one_o lord_n 6._o deut._n 4._o which_o our_o saviour_n himself_o approve_v 12._o mark_v 29._o and_o the_o scribe_n expound_v 32._o well_o master_n thou_o have_v say_v the_o truth_n for_o there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o there_o be_v none_o other_o but_o he_o and_o this_o be_v often_o confirm_v both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n but_o then_o the_o father_n think_v that_o they_o have_v a_o unanswerable_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o by_o one_o god_n be_v not_o mean_v 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 attribute_v the_o name_n and_o dignity_n and_o power_n and_o all_o the_o natural_a perfection_n of_o god_n to_o more_o than_o one._n st._n hilary_n explain_v this_o argument_n at_o large_a trin._n the_o sum_n of_o which_o in_o short_a be_v this_o that_o we_o must_v learn_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n from_o divine_a revelation_n for_o humane_a understanding_n which_o be_v accustom_v to_o corporeal_a and_o bodily_a image_n be_v too_o weak_a of_o themselves_o to_o discern_v and_o contemplate_v divine_a thing_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o ourselves_o or_o in_o create_a nature_n that_o can_v give_v we_o a_o adequate_a notion_n and_o conception_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o unity_n of_o god_n we_o must_v believe_v god_n concern_v himself_o ibid._n and_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o yield_v a_o ready_a assent_n to_o what_o he_o reveal_v to_o we_o for_o we_o must_v either_o deny_v he_o to_o be_v god_n as_o the_o heathen_n do_v if_o we_o reject_v his_o testimony_n or_o if_o we_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v god_n we_o must_v conceive_v no_o otherwise_o of_o he_o than_o as_o he_o himself_o have_v teach_v we_o this_o be_v very_o reasonable_a if_o we_o believe_v upon_o god_n authority_n to_o believe_v all_o that_o god_n reveal_v and_o to_o expound_v the_o revelation_n by_o itself_o not_o to_o put_v such_o a_o sense_n upon_o one_o part_n of_o the_o revelation_n as_o shall_v contradict_v another_o but_o to_o put_v such_o a_o sense_n upon_o the_o word_n as_o make_v the_o whole_a consistent_a with_o itself_o as_o in_o the_o present_a dispute_n concern_v the_o unity_n of_o god_n the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o we_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n except_v the_o valentinian_o and_o such_o kind_n of_o heretic_n all_o christian_n both_o catholic_n and_o heretic_n agree_v in_o this_o profession_n but_o the_o question_n be_v in_o what_o sense_n the_o scripture_n teach_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n whether_o this_o one_o god_n signify_v one_o single_a divine_a person_n or_o one_o god_n with_o his_o only_a beget_v son_n and_o eternal_a spirit_n who_o have_v the_o same_o nature_n and_o divinity_n the_o arian_n and_o socinian_o embrace_v the_o first_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n that_o one_o god_n be_v one_o divine_a person_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n will_v not_o own_o christ_n or_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n because_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o three_o divine_a person_n they_o say_v be_v three_o go_n now_o unless_o we_o will_v pretend_v to_o understand_v the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o divine_a unity_n better_a than_o god_n himself_o do_v we_o must_v refer_v this_o dispute_n to_o scripture_n and_o if_o we_o have_v the_o same_o authority_n to_o believe_v more_o divine_a person_n than_o one_o that_o we_o have_v to_o believe_v but_o one_o god_n than_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture-notion_n of_o it_o be_v no_o tritheism_n nor_o any_o objection_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o trinity_n for_o there_o may_v be_v but_o one_o only_a god_n and_o yet_o three_o divine_a person_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o same_o godhead_n this_o be_v st._n hilary_n argument_n praedicantes_fw-la and_o it_o be_v a_o very_a good_a one_o that_o moses_n himself_o who_o have_v teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n initium_fw-la have_v teach_v we_o to_o confess_v god_n and_o god_n that_o we_o have_v the_o same_o authority_n to_o believe_v the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o be_v god_n that_o we_o have_v to_o believe_v one_o god_n and_o therefore_o though_o we_o do_v and_o must_v believe_v one_o god_n we_o must_v not_o so_o believe_v one_o god_n as_o to_o deny_v the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o be_v god_n for_o this_o be_v to_o contradict_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n this_o argument_n he_o prosecute_v at_o large_a throughout_o the_o iv_o the_o and_o five_o the_o book_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o allege_v all_o those_o old_a testament_n proof_n for_o the_o plurality_n of_o divine_a person_n and_o for_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n which_o whatever_o opinion_n some_o modern_a wit_n and_o critic_n have_v of_o they_o have_v be_v apply_v to_o that_o purpose_n by_o all_o christian_a writer_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n and_o be_v that_o my_o present_a business_n may_v be_v easy_o vindicate_v from_o the_o cavil_n and_o exception_n of_o heretic_n st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n the_o father_n of_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n and_o we_o in_o he_o and_o one_o jesus_n christ_n
and_o son_n to_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n and_o all_o three_o be_v infinite_a in_o wisdom_n power_n and_o goodness_n and_o all_o other_o divine_a perfection_n this_o be_v but_o one_o divinity_n one_o godhead_n for_o there_o be_v not_o a_o second_o and_o three_o divinity_n in_o the_o son_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o the_o one_o divinity_n of_o the_o father_n but_o yet_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o here_o be_v number_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v three_o and_o how_o can_v that_o divinity_n which_o be_v perfect_o and_o distinct_o in_o three_o be_v one_o individual_a nature_n one_o numerical_o one_o as_o human_a nature_n in_o every_o particular_a man_n be_v one_o now_o this_o must_v be_v resolve_v into_o the_o second_o notion_n of_o essential_a for_o essential_a production_n for_o all_o essential_a production_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o nature_n though_o they_o may_v be_v distinguish_v and_o number_v among_o themselves_o be_v but_o one_o individual_a nature_n it_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a to_o seek_v for_o a_o example_n of_o this_o in_o create_v nature_n and_o i_o believe_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o will_v be_v evident_a without_o it_o a_o eternal_a self-originated_n mind_n be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n the_o first_o supreme_a cause_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o have_v all_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divinity_n whole_o in_o itself_o be_v the_o one_o and_o only_a true_a god_n but_o if_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o a_o eternal_a mind_n to_o have_v a_o eternal_a living_n subsist_v word_n and_o spirit_n by_o a_o eternal_a generation_n and_o procession_n than_o this_o eternal_a word_n and_o spirit_n be_v essential_a to_o a_o eternal_a mind_n not_o as_o essential_a perfection_n or_o essential_a part_n but_o as_o essential_a production_n or_o procession_n in_o the_o unity_n and_o identity_n of_o nature_n thus_o the_o scripture_n represent_v this_o mystery_n that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n who_o have_v a_o eternal_a word_n and_o a_o eternal_a spirit_n and_o the_o catholic_n father_n as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v insist_v on_o this_o as_o a_o natural_a demonstration_n of_o a_o trinity_n that_o the_o eternal_a mind_n must_v have_v its_o eternal_a word_n and_o eternal_a spirit_n now_o if_o the_o eternal_a word_n and_o eternal_a spirit_n be_v essential_a to_o the_o eternal_a mind_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n the_o eternal_a mind_n its_o word_n and_o spirit_n be_v but_o one_o individual_a divinity_n every_o thing_n that_o be_v essential_a be_v include_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o individual_a nature_n for_o that_o be_v not_o a_o complete_a and_o perfect_a nature_n nor_o a_o adequate_a notion_n of_o nature_n that_o want_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v essential_a now_o though_o we_o may_v have_v a_o general_a notion_n and_o idea_n of_o a_o god_n that_o he_o be_v a_o absolute_o perfect_a be_v which_o include_v all_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o perfection_n without_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o son_n or_o holy_a ghost_n yet_o if_o we_o consider_v this_o absolute_o perfect_a be_v as_o eternal_a self-originated_n mind_n with_o its_o eternal_a word_n and_o spirit_n as_o essential_a production_n or_o procession_n we_o can_v consider_v they_o no_o otherwise_o but_o as_o one_o individual_a divinity_n this_o eternal_a word_n and_o spirit_n be_v essential_a procession_n of_o the_o eternal_a mind_n which_o can_v never_o be_v separate_v from_o it_o for_o such_o essential_a procession_n be_v not_o only_a coeval_fw-fr and_o consubstantial_a with_o the_o nature_n from_o whence_o they_o proceed_v as_o the_o sun_n its_o light_n and_o heat_n by_o which_o argument_n the_o catholic_n father_n prove_v the_o coeternity_n and_o consubstantiality_n of_o the_o son_n and_o holy_a spirit_n with_o the_o eternal_a father_n but_o whatever_o distinction_n there_o be_v between_o they_o they_o be_v one_o individual_a nature_n if_o all_o that_o be_v one_o individual_a nature_n which_o be_v essential_a to_o such_o a_o be_v and_o such_o all_o essential_a procession_n be_v as_o well_o as_o essential_a perfection_n these_o be_v two_o very_a different_a question_n and_o of_o a_o very_a different_a consideration_n what_o god_n be_v and_o who_o this_o god_n be_v in_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o we_o form_v the_o idea_n and_o notion_n of_o all_o divine_a perfection_n or_o of_o a_o absolute_o perfect_a be_v which_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o divinity_n and_o whoever_o have_v all_o these_o divine_a perfection_n be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n and_o this_o be_v our_o natural_a notion_n of_o god_n as_o that_o signify_v the_o divinity_n which_o give_v no_o notice_n of_o any_o distinction_n in_o the_o divinity_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o diversity_n in_o absolute_a perfection_n and_o therefore_o no_o distinction_n or_o number_n according_a to_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o father_n but_o when_o we_o consider_v who_o god_n be_v or_o what_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o all_o these_o divine_a perfection_n we_o can_v form_v no_o other_o idea_n of_o it_o but_o a_o eternal_a infinite_a self_n originated_a mind_n this_o the_o wise_a philosopher_n as_o well_o as_o christian_n be_v agree_v in_o that_o god_n be_v a_o infinite_a mind_n and_o this_o right_o explain_v may_v teach_v we_o some_o distinction_n in_o the_o divinity_n for_o all_o man_n must_v grant_v what_o they_o feel_v in_o themselves_o that_o every_o mind_n have_v its_o word_n and_o spirit_n and_o can_v be_v conceive_v without_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o eternal_a mind_n must_v have_v its_o eternal_a word_n and_o spirit_n too_o and_o the_o reason_n why_o this_o do_v not_o lead_v all_o mankind_n into_o the_o natural_a belief_n of_o a_o trinity_n of_o person_n mind_n word_n and_o spirit_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n be_v plain_o this_o because_o they_o find_v that_o their_o own_o word_n and_o spirit_n be_v not_o permanent_a subsist_v person_n but_o be_v the_o perish_a creature_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v no_o soon_o produce_v but_o die_v and_o vanish_v as_o our_o thought_n do_v and_o thus_o they_o conceive_v it_o be_v with_o the_o divine_a mind_n which_o be_v one_o kind_n of_o sabellianism_n as_o i_o observe_v above_o but_o yet_o the_o catholic_n father_n think_v this_o natural_a belief_n that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o the_o divinity_n or_o divine_a mind_n be_v not_o without_o its_o word_n a_o very_a proper_a medium_fw-la to_o prove_v a_o real_a subsist_v word_n in_o the_o divinity_n for_o a_o infinite_a perfect_a mind_n which_o be_v all_o life_n be_v substance_n if_o it_o beget_v its_o own_o word_n as_o every_o mind_n do_v must_v beget_v a_o live_n substantial_a subsist_v word_n the_o perfect_a image_n and_o character_n of_o its_o own_o life_n and_o infinite_a be_v however_o thus_o much_o i_o think_v we_o must_v own_v that_o since_o every_o mind_n must_v have_v its_o word_n and_o spirit_n in_o the_o individual_a unity_n of_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n assure_v we_o that_o god_n who_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a mind_n have_v his_o word_n and_o spirit_n and_o that_o this_o divine_a word_n and_o spirit_n be_v a_o eternal_a living_n subsist_v word_n and_o spirit_n this_o be_v a_o very_a good_a foundation_n for_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o real_a trinity_n both_o from_o reason_n and_o scripture_n the_o natural_a notion_n and_o idea_n of_o a_o mind_n teach_v we_o this_o distinction_n in_o the_o divinity_n and_o natural_a reason_n strong_o infer_v from_o the_o perfect_a production_n of_o a_o infinite_o perfect_a mind_n that_o the_o divine_a word_n and_o spirit_n must_v be_v a_o eternal_a living_n infinite_a word_n and_o spirit_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n confirm_v all_o this_o and_o therefore_o scripture_n and_o reason_n be_v so_o far_o from_o contradict_v each_o other_o in_o this_o article_n that_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o trinity_n though_o it_o be_v ultimate_o resolve_v into_o the_o authority_n of_o revelation_n yet_o have_v reason_n on_o its_o side_n as_o far_o as_o it_o can_v judge_v of_o such_o matter_n which_o prove_v a_o considerable_a authority_n when_o the_o obscure_a and_o imperfect_a conjecture_n of_o reason_n be_v explain_v and_o confirm_v by_o revelation_n for_o though_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o absolute_o perfect_a be_v which_o be_v the_o natural_a idea_n of_o the_o divinity_n teach_v no_o such_o distinction_n yet_o the_o idea_n of_o a_o infinite_o perfect_a and_o self-originated_n mind_n which_o be_v as_o natural_a a_o notion_n of_o god_n do_v 11._o thus_o damascen_n teach_v we_o to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o divinity_n and_o in_o what_o the_o divinity_n be_v or_o to_o speak_v more_o accurate_o what_o be_v the_o divinity_n and_o that_o which_o proceed_v eternal_o from_o this_o first_o cause_n that_o be_v the_o hypostasis_n of_o the_o son_n and_o holy_a spirit_n the_o first_o teach_v we_o