Selected quad for the lemma: doctrine_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
doctrine_n believe_v church_n tradition_n 3,140 5 9.2920 5 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A52613 A letter of resolution concerning the doctrines of the Trinity and the Incarnation Nye, Stephen, 1648?-1719. 1691 (1691) Wing N1507B; ESTC R217844 25,852 20

There are 5 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

of_o the_o father_n or_o that_o he_o or_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v god._n it_o say_v no_o high_a thing_n of_o they_o than_o it_o say_v of_o the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n i_o believe_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n i_o believe_v in_o the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n for_o so_o all_o know_v this_o creed_n be_v read_v in_o the_o original_a greek_a and_o by_o all_o the_o father_n be_v it_o now_o sir_n conceivable_a that_o these_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v as_o trinitarian_n pretend_v a_o tradition_n constant_o preserve_v when_o their_o own_o critic_n reject_v the_o work_n of_o those_o first_o father_n as_o certain_o spurious_a or_o forge_a that_o speak_v any_o what_o direct_o or_o explicit_o of_o the_o trinity_n and_o other_o depend_v point_n and_o question_n and_o when_o beside_o their_o common_a and_o only_a creed_n be_v undeniable_o socinian_n i_o deny_v not_o sir_n that_o the_o father_n of_o the_o first_o 300_o year_n who_o write_n have_v be_v suffer_v to_o come_v down_o to_o posterity_n begin_v to_o corrupt_v the_o true_a doctrine_n concern_v the_o person_n of_o our_o saviour_n make_v he_o to_o be_v much_o great_a than_o he_o be_v from_o about_o the_o year_n 150_o some_o of_o they_o be_v get_v into_o the_o opinion_n that_o be_v afterward_o call_v arianism_n or_o the_o arian_n trinity_n but_o this_o i_o affirm_v and_o all_o the_o critic_n among_o the_o trinitarian_n do_v own_o it_o that_o those_o father_n speak_v not_o of_o the_o trinity_n and_o of_o the_o point_n and_o question_n thereon_o depend_v as_o the_o church_n now_o do_v they_o so_o hold_v a_o kind_n of_o trinity_n as_o not_o to_o destroy_v the_o unity_n of_o god_n or_o that_o only_o the_o father_n be_v true_o and_o proper_o god._n but_o this_o be_v a_o digression_n i_o proceed_v to_o our_o five_o reason_n against_o these_o doctrine_n they_o have_v be_v partly_o the_o direct_a and_o necessary_a cause_n partly_o the_o unhappy_a occasion_n of_o divers_a scandalous_a and_o hurtful_a error_n and_o heresy_n particular_o of_o those_o which_o compose_v the_o gross_a body_n of_o popery_n it_o be_v well_o observe_v by_o some_o that_o one_o absurdity_n or_o error_n be_v introduce_v it_o be_v always_o the_o ground_n and_o occasion_n of_o many_o more_o this_o aphorism_n be_v never_o more_o sad_o verify_v than_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n for_o no_o soon_o be_v these_o doctrine_n by_o the_o countenance_n of_o sanguinary_a and_o arbitrary_a edict_n of_o the_o bizantine_n emperor_n become_v the_o more_o general_a and_o current_a belief_n of_o the_o church_n but_o there_o immediare_o break_v in_o after_o they_o that_o swarm_v of_o absurd_a and_o heretical_a doctrine_n which_o have_v no_o less_o than_o subvert_v the_o true_a and_o primitive_a christianity_n 1._o the_o first-born_a of_o the_o trinity_n be_v the_o supremacy_n of_o the_o pope_n a_o few_o bishop_n not_o a_o five_o part_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v presume_v in_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a anno_fw-la 325_o to_o determine_v for_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n so_o great_a a_o point_n as_o this_o that_o there_o be_v more_o than_o one_o divine_a and_o eternal_a person_n they_o send_v the_o new_a creed_n and_o act_n of_o that_o council_n to_o the_o church_n and_o bishop_n who_o have_v not_o be_v present_a at_o it_o to_o be_v by_o they_o subscribe_v hereupon_o the_o bishop_n of_o asia_n assemble_v themselves_o in_o about_o 30_o provincial_a council_n reject_v the_o word_n consubstantial_a or_o of_o the_o same_o substance_n with_o the_o father_n in_o which_o the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o trinitarianism_n and_o the_o stress_n of_o the_o nicene_n creed_n do_v lie_v they_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n admit_v of_o this_o word_n so_o faith_n marcus_n ephesin_n the_o most_o learned_a of_o the_o greek_n council_n florent_fw-la sess_n 5._o the_o bishop_n of_o germany_n and_o of_o belgium_n now_o the_o low-countries_n and_o of_o gaul_n now_o france_n and_o of_o the_o three_o province_n of_o great_a britain_n will_v not_o receive_v the_o creed_n of_o nice_a give_v this_o reason_n that_o the_o word_n consubstantial_a be_v unscriptural_a so_o say_v st._n hilary_n that_o great_a adversary_n of_o the_o arian_n and_o other_o unitarian_n towards_o the_o beginning_n of_o his_o book_n the_o synod_n the_o bishop_n of_o africa_n seem_v not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o have_v take_v into_o their_o archive_v or_o registry_n the_o act_n canon_n or_o creed_n of_o nice_a for_o in_o the_o year_n 418_o in_o a_o contest_v between_o they_o and_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n they_o send_v to_o constantinople_n and_o alexandria_n for_o copy_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o nicene_n council_n council_n carthag_n 6._o anno_fw-la 418._o the_o nicene_n council_n be_v thus_o refuse_v and_o despise_v by_o all_o the_o considerable_a nation_n profess_v christianity_n the_o nicene_n faction_n of_o bishop_n begin_v to_o consult_v of_o a_o way_n how_o to_o settle_v their_o belove_a doctrine_n by_o political_a art_n and_o at_o length_n they_o resolve_v upon_o this_o expedient_a anno_fw-la 347_o have_v get_v on_o their_o side_n the_o emperor_n constans_n and_o find_v that_o the_o bishop_n and_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v thorough_o in_o their_o interest_n they_o assemble_v in_o council_n at_o sardica_n and_o there_o make_v those_o famous_a canon_n on_o which_o all_o learned_a man_n know_v the_o authority_n and_o supremacy_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n be_v whole_o ground_v and_o which_o those_o bishop_n have_v ever_o since_o exercise_v they_o design_v by_o these_o canon_n to_o secure_v the_o bishop_n and_o other_o ecclesiastic_n of_o the_o nicene_n party_n now_o call_v trinitarian_n in_o their_o bishopric_n and_o other_o church-dignity_n and_o to_o eject_v from_o time_n to_o time_n all_o unitarian_n but_o these_o politician_n be_v quite_o out_o in_o hope_v for_o such_o a_o effect_n they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o govern_v the_o catholic_n church_n by_o those_o canon_n that_o they_o serve_v to_o no_o other_o purpose_n but_o the_o enslave_v the_o maker_n of_o they_o and_o their_o successor_n to_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n but_o for_o a_o full_a account_n sir_n of_o this_o sardican_a council_n or_o rather_o conventicle_n i_o refer_v you_o to_o the_o act_n of_o athanasius_n late_o publish_v in_o which_o the_o history_n of_o these_o betrayer_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v full_o relate_v 2._o in_o the_o year_n 431_o it_o be_v conclude_v and_o determine_v by_o the_o trinitarian_n faction_n assemble_v in_o council_n at_o ephesus_n that_o god_n the_o son_n be_v true_o and_o proper_o incarnate_a in_o the_o womb_n of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n and_o be_v bear_v of_o she_o so_o that_o mary_n be_v not_o only_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mother_n of_o christ_n but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mother_n of_o god_n this_o blasphemon_n and_o contradictory_n conclusion_n be_v once_o make_v immediate_o they_o fall_v to_o worship_v and_o pray_v to_o she_o if_o god_n the_o son_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v and_o invovate_v shall_v we_o turn_v our_o back_n on_o the_o mother_n of_o god_n shall_v not_o she_o be_v able_a to_o help_v we_o at_o least_o by_o way_n of_o intercession_n to_o who_o the_o angel_n say_v thou_o be_v high_o honour_v of_o god_n and_o who_o be_v as_o it_o be_v wife_n to_o god_n the_o father_n and_o in_o very_a deed_n mother_n to_o god_n the_o son_n father_n simon_n in_o the_o 3d_o chapter_n of_o the_o critical_a history_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o east_n say_v it_o be_v chief_o since_o the_o birth_n of_o nestorianism_n that_o be_v since_o the_o council_n of_o ephesus_n that_o so_o much_o respect_n have_v be_v show_v to_o the_o virgin_n mary_n he_o mean_v she_o be_v not_o so_o much_o worship_v and_o invocate_v till_o that_o council_n have_v determine_v against_o nestorius_n that_o she_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mother_n of_o god._n but_o father_n simon_n will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o show_v that_o holy_a mary_n be_v at_o all_o worship_v or_o pray_v unto_o till_o the_o ephesin_n council_n have_v decree_v that_o she_o be_v to_o be_v deem_v the_o mother_n of_o god._n i_o do_v challenge_v he_o or_o any_o for_o he_o to_o produce_v any_o testimony_n of_o the_o ancient_n for_o the_o worship_n and_o invocation_n of_o mary_n that_o be_v so_o ancient_a as_o the_o ephesin_n council_n this_o father_n shall_v therefore_o have_v deal_v as_o ingenuous_o and_o free_o in_o this_o case_n as_o be_v his_o manner_n in_o most_o other_o or_o shall_v have_v say_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o this_o matter_n but_o have_v choose_v some_o other_o instance_n to_o confirm_v what_o he_o have_v to_o say_v he_o shall_v have_v own_v what_o he_o know_v to_o be_v the_o truth_n that_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o incarnation_n produce_v this_o impious_a and_o senseless_a conclusion_n that_o
three_o make_v but_o one_o menarchy_n be_v therefore_o say_v to_o be_v but_o one_o god._n again_o some_o say_v the_o three_o person_n be_v one_o god_n by_o their_o emperichoresis_n or_o in-being_a in_o one_o another_o but_o other_o by_o emperichoresis_n or_o be_v in_o one_o another_o understand_v only_o this_o that_o the_o relation_n of_o father_n suppose_v and_o include_v that_o of_o son_n and_o vice_n versa_fw-la and_o not_o that_o by_o a_o impossible_a real_a in-being_a the_o three_o divine_a person_n be_v as_o it_o be_v mingle_v and_o so_o confound_v we_o have_v be_v tell_v by_o other_o that_o the_o three_o person_n be_v three_o distinct_a mind_n and_o spirit_n and_o that_o the_o only_a possible_a union_n of_o spirit_n be_v mutual_a consciousness_n so_o that_o in_o short_a the_o three_o divine_a person_n be_v one_o god_n as_o or_o because_o they_o be_v intimate_o conscious_a to_o one_o another_o thought_n and_o action_n final_o some_o say_v the_o three_o person_n be_v one_o god_n by_o their_o all_o have_v the_o same_o numerical_a essence_n or_o substance_n there_o be_v sir_n you_o see_v no_o few_o than_o fifteen_o division_n among_o our_o opposer_n each_o division_n consist_v of_o two_o party_n at_o the_o least_o some_o of_o they_o of_o four_o or_o five_o so_o there_o be_v in_o all_o about_o forty_o party_n of_o they_o of_o which_o incomparable_o the_o great_a number_n be_v heretic_n and_o damn_a to_o all_o the_o other_o party_n among_o they_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o make_v two_o observation_n hereupon_o 1._o the_o great_a and_o common_a boast_n of_o trinitarian_n even_o their_o number_n on_o the_o account_n of_o which_o they_o presume_v to_o call_v themselves_o the_o catholic_n or_o universal_a church_n be_v mere_o a_o boast_n it_o may_v be_v not_o untrue_o say_v they_o be_v the_o least_o of_o party_n that_o ever_o profess_v a_o religion_n to_o comprehend_v this_o sir_n you_o need_v only_o suppose_v a_o person_n resolve_v to_o join_v himself_o to_o their_o universal_a church_n and_o in_o order_n thereto_o determine_v upon_o all_o the_o forementioned_a head_n of_o controversy_n among_o they_o for_o by_o that_o time_n he_o have_v so_o do_v that_o be_v have_v choose_v his_o side_n in_o all_o the_o aforesaid_a question_n it_o will_v be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o miracle_n if_o he_o find_v himself_o orthodox_n and_o catholic_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o ten_o person_n beside_o himself_o it_o may_v be_v the_o universal_a church_n will_v dwindle_v into_o his_o single_a person_n for_o these_o forty_o party_n of_o trinitarian_n be_v not_o all_o of_o they_o so_o many_o visible_a and_o associate_v sect_n or_o church_n but_o divers_a of_o they_o be_v division_n and_o heresy_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o associate_v church_n the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n be_v in_o these_o point_n divide_v and_o heretic_n to_o one_o another_o and_o the_o number_n forty_o afford_v so_o many_o change_n that_o as_o i_o say_v perhaps_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o find_v ten_o trinitarian_n who_o be_v entire_o of_o a_o mind_n in_o all_o the_o abovesaid_a point_n and_o question_n this_o evident_o reduce_v the_o pretend_v catholic_n church_n or_o universal_a church_n to_o a_o much_o more_o contemptible_a paucity_n than_o be_v the_o worshipper_n of_o one_o only_a god_n or_o as_o our_o opposer_n by_o way_n of_o jest_n sometime_o call_v we_o the_o little_a flock_n to_o which_o however_o their_o father_n have_v promise_v to_o give_v they_o a_o kingdom_n 2._o whereas_o trinitarian_n general_o pretend_v and_o that_o as_o a_o argument_n which_o ought_v to_o end_v all_o further_a dispute_n about_o these_o matter_n that_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n be_v tradition_n derive_v down_o to_o our_o time_n through_o all_o the_o intermediate_v age_n and_o by_o all_o the_o church_n profess_v christianity_n these_o division_n among_o they_o plain_o demonstrate_v the_o contrary_n for_o if_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n be_v tradition_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o trinitarian_n be_v in_o such_o contrary_a tale_n about_o they_o how_o be_v it_o that_o not_o ten_o of_o they_o perhaps_o not_o two_o of_o they_o be_v in_o the_o same_o story_n concern_v they_o they_o agree_v in_o nothing_o but_o the_o word_n trinity_n and_o incarnation_n and_o be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o those_o very_a word_n be_v not_o only_o unscriptural_a but_o not_o very_o ancient_a tertullian_n among_o the_o latin_n and_o clemens_n alexandr_n among_o the_o greek_n be_v the_o first_o of_o christian_n who_o use_v the_o word_n trinity_n and_o for_o incarnation_n i_o do_v not_o remember_v it_o to_o be_v so_o ancient_a but_o i_o have_v often_o wonder_v at_o this_o pretence_n of_o most_o trinitarian_n that_o these_o doctrine_n be_v tradition_n from_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n on_o another_o account_v it_o be_v this_o all_o the_o critic_n without_o except_v one_o who_o have_v make_v a_o judgement_n of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o first_o 300_o year_n and_o particular_o which_o of_o those_o write_n be_v genuine_a and_o uncorrupted_a which_o whole_o feign_a or_o otherways_o corrupt_v i_o say_v all_o the_o critic_n constant_o make_v this_o a_o note_n of_o forgery_n or_o corruption_n if_o those_o write_n speak_v any_o what_o express_o or_o evident_o of_o these_o doctrine_n namely_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n and_o the_o question_n on_o they_o depend_v if_o these_o doctrine_n be_v tradition_n from_o the_o first_o age_n the_o high_a we_o ascend_v in_o time_n the_o more_o express_a and_o clear_a will_v the_o tradition_n about_o they_o be_v and_o in_o confess_v that_o it_o be_v quite_o contrary_a the_o critic_n that_o be_v the_o more_o learned_a of_o the_o trinitarian_n have_v give_v up_o the_o pretence_n of_o tradition_n and_o antiquity_n and_o make_v it_o probable_a i_o may_v say_v unavoidable_a that_o these_o doctrine_n be_v not_o tradition_n from_o the_o ancient_n but_o novelty_n and_o corruption_n and_o depravation_n of_o genuine_a christianity_n whereas_o some_o have_v endeavour_v to_o evade_v this_o by_o say_v those_o father_n have_v make_v no_o distinct_a mention_n of_o or_o determination_n in_o these_o point_n because_o they_o be_v not_o controvert_v in_o their_o time_n but_o afterward_o begin_v to_o be_v dispute_v and_o deny_v by_o man_n affect_v novelty_n and_o singularity_n i_o answer_v nothing_o can_v be_v more_o frivolous_a or_o false_a than_o this_o pretext_n for_o 1_o it_o be_v notorious_o false_a that_o these_o doctrine_n be_v not_o deny_v in_o the_o time_n of_o those_o father_n the_o nazarene_o and_o theodotian_o be_v more_o ancient_a than_o any_o of_o the_o father_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v well_o know_v nay_o confess_v by_o all_o that_o those_o sect_n hold_v the_o very_a doctrine_n that_o be_v now_o call_v socinianism_n 2._o admit_v there_o be_v as_o yet_o none_o or_o very_o little_a controversy_n about_o these_o point_n yet_o because_o they_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v the_o essential_o and_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n so_o that_o he_o that_o deny_v they_o be_v a_o heretic_n and_o he_o that_o know_v they_o not_o be_v no_o christian_n what_o can_v we_o rational_o infer_v but_o this_o that_o the_o father_n who_o have_v not_o deliver_v these_o doctrine_n in_o any_o of_o their_o write_n neither_o believe_v nor_o know_v they_o and_o that_o they_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o gradual_a corruption_n which_o have_v so_o unhappy_o deform_v the_o church_n 3._o admit_v once_o more_o that_o there_o be_v as_o yet_o no_o controversy_n about_o these_o question_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n for_o which_o these_o learned_a man_n contend_v and_o their_o only_a excuse_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o those_o first_o father_n yet_o this_o make_v whole_o for_o the_o unitarian_n for_o beside_o this_o defect_n the_o father_n and_o first_o age_n have_v speak_v in_o their_o creed_n altogether_o as_o the_o socinian_n unitarian_n now_o do_v the_o creed_n call_v the_o apostle_n because_o it_o contain_v the_o true_a apostolic_a doctrine_n and_o tradition_n be_v the_o only_a creed_n of_o those_o father_n and_o age_n it_o be_v as_o one_o of_o they_o speak_v of_o it_o their_o regula_n fidei_fw-la immobilis_fw-la irreformabilis_fw-la i._n e._n the_o unchangeable_a unaltetable_a rule_n of_o their_o faith_n but_o this_o creed_n express_v the_o very_a doctrine_n of_o the_o present_a socinian_o and_o not_o of_o the_o church_n as_o our_o opposer_n themselves_o be_v constrain_v to_o own_o it_o attribute_v the_o appellation_n god_n and_o the_o creation_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o only_o the_o almighty_a father_n it_o describe_v the_o son_n as_o only_o a_o man_n declare_v his_o conception_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o womb_n of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n his_o birth_n death_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n without_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o a_o eternal_a generation_n from_o the_o essence_n
who_o they_o be_v derive_v or_o by_o who_o they_o be_v invent_v he_o that_o be_v general_o and_o indeed_o deserve_o confess_v to_o have_v write_v the_o most_o learned_o on_o this_o subject_a be_v d._n cudworth_n in_o the_o intellectual_a system_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o he_o say_v up_o and_o down_o in_o that_o large_a book_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v this_o the_o christian_a trinity_n be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o the_o trinity_n of_o the_o platonic_a philosopher_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o the_o platonist_n be_v the_o first_o author_n or_o deviser_n of_o the_o trinity_n plato_n learn_v it_o of_o parmenides_n parmenides_n of_o the_o pythagorean_n pythagoras_n from_o orpheus_n and_o the_o book_n of_o egyptian_a hermes_n and_o other_o hermaic_a book_n which_o book_n contain_v the_o arcane_a theology_n of_o the_o egyptian_n the_o magisk_n or_o chalday_n oracle_n and_o the_o mithraick_n mystery_n both_o of_o they_o derive_v from_o zoroaster_n a_o most_o ancient_a and_o sage_a king_n of_o the_o bactrian_n and_o persian_n express_v also_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n the_o roman_n have_v their_o capitoline_n trinity_n which_o they_o derive_v from_o the_o phrygian_n they_o from_o the_o samothracian_o this_o consent_n of_o philosopher_n and_o nation_n make_v it_o more_o than_o probable_a and_o no_o less_o than_o certain_a that_o the_o trinity_n be_v no_o humane_a invention_n for_o how_o shall_v so_o many_o jump_n in_o the_o same_o groundless_a conceit_n but_o a_o theology_n of_o divine_a original_a even_o a_o part_n of_o the_o cabala_n tradition_n or_o oral_a law_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o they_o have_v from_o moses_n and_o he_o from_o god_n which_o also_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o eusebius_n and_o theodoret_n the_o able_a historian_n and_o antiquary_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n to_o make_v up_o weight_n i_o will_v fling_v into_o the_o scale_n three_o authority_n altogether_o as_o considerable_a and_o authentic_a as_o any_o of_o these_o allege_v by_o dr._n cudworth_n let_v they_o take_v the_o grecian_a trinity_n which_o be_v much_o old_a than_o the_o roman_a phrygian_a or_o samothracian_a let_v they_o take_v the_o book_n of_o hystaspes_n another_o most_o ancient_a and_o sage_a king_n of_o the_o mede_n which_o book_n be_v celebrate_v by_o lactantius_n and_o other_o father_n we_o will_v also_o give_v they_o the_o sybillin_a oracle_n or_o verse_n which_o speak_v so_o express_o of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o spirit_n and_o even_o of_o the_o incarnation_n that_o no_o trinitarian_n or_o arian_n can_v deliver_v himself_o more_o explicit_o or_o evident_o he_o say_v how_o shall_v so_o many_o philosopher_n and_o nation_n jump_v in_o the_o same_o groundless_a conceit_n therefore_o the_o trinity_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o jewish_a cabala_n or_o oral_a law_n and_o be_v from_o they_o borrow_v by_o other_o nation_n and_o by_o the_o philosopher_n i_o omit_v that_o the_o nation_n and_o philosopher_n by_o he_o mention_v be_v but_o few_o but_o all_o man_n know_v there_o be_v a_o incomparable_o great_a consent_n of_o nation_n and_o philosopher_n in_o polytheism_n or_o the_o acknowledgement_n and_o worship_n of_o many_o distinct_a go_n and_o that_o consideration_n shall_v have_v make_v this_o learned_a author_n aware_a that_o a_o surprise_v consent_n of_o many_o be_v not_o always_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o divine_a tradition_n but_o too_o often_o of_o a_o diabolical_a suggestion_n or_o other_o cause_n again_o suppose_v the_o aforesaid_a consent_n of_o philosopher_n and_o nation_n yet_o it_o be_v very_o odd_o father_v by_o a_o protestant_n divine_a on_o a_o cabala_n tradition_n or_o oral_a law_n of_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o principle_n of_o we_o protestant_n to_o disclaim_v all_o pretend_v cabala_n and_n tradition_n whether_o of_o jew_n or_o christian_n and_o to_o believe_v there_o never_o be_v any_o other_o divine_a tradition_n but_o only_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n i_o be_o ready_a to_o dispute_v this_o point_n at_o large_a with_o any_o of_o our_o opposer_n whenever_o they_o shall_v think_v fit_a again_o to_o insist_v on_o it_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o take_v notice_n that_o indeed_o the_o pharisee_n have_v devise_v of_o their_o own_o head_n divers_a doctrine_n and_o rite_n to_o give_v they_o the_o great_a authority_n they_o call_v they_o tradition_n and_o pretend_v they_o be_v a_o cabala_n or_o oral_a law_n deliver_v original_o by_o moses_n but_o the_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o jew_n themselves_o even_o all_o the_o karait_n disow_v any_o such_o tradition_n or_o law_n and_o our_o saviour_n who_o authority_n i_o hope_v may_v be_v equivalent_a to_o eusebius_n or_o theodoret_n call_v these_o tradition_n and_o this_o pretend_v law_n not_o a_o theology_n of_o divine_a original_a but_o doctrine_n and_o commandment_n of_o man_n matth._n 15.6_o 9_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o mention_n or_o least_o intimation_n of_o such_o a_o cabala_n or_o law_n in_o any_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o it_o seem_v incredible_a that_o among_o so_o many_o of_o the_o holy_a writer_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o where_o find_v so_o much_o as_o any_o allusion_n to_o their_o cabala_n if_o indeed_o they_o have_v acknowledge_v or_o know_v of_o any_o such_o thing_n why_o do_v not_o esdras_n when_o he_o collect_v into_o one_o the_o scatter_a and_o disperse_a canon_n of_o scripture_n without_o omit_v the_o proverb_n of_o solomon_n and_o other_o or_o his_o book_n of_o love_n why_o do_v he_o not_o at_o the_o same_o time_n commit_v to_o write_v and_o publish_v the_o divine_a cabala_n of_o so_o much_o more_o authority_n and_o concernment_n than_o divers_a piece_n by_o he_o publish_v and_o add_v to_o the_o law_n furthermore_o admit_v the_o pretend_v aforesaid_a consent_n of_o some_o philosopher_n and_o nation_n and_o also_o a_o tradition_n cabala_n or_o oral_a law_n of_o the_o jew_n yet_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o trinity_n be_v no_o part_n of_o that_o cabala_n for_o all_o the_o world_n know_v that_o the_o jew_n though_o they_o strict_o adhere_v to_o their_o cabala_n yet_o be_v so_o far_o from_o acknowledge_v a_o trinity_n that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v the_o very_a stumbling-block_n which_o hinder_v their_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n that_o whole_a nation_n and_o all_o the_o sect_n of_o they_o hold_v the_o christian_n to_o be_v polytheist_n and_o idolater_n on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n they_o pronounce_v christianity_n to_o be_v a_o much_o worse_a idolatry_n than_o jeroboam_n calf_n which_o be_v not_o two_o fictitious_a god_n add_v to_o the_o true_a one_o but_o only_a image_n of_o the_o cherubim_n as_o the_o cherubim_n be_v hieroglyfick_a resemblance_n of_o the_o one_o true_a god._n so_o that_o though_o the_o ten_o tribe_n be_v guilty_a of_o a_o kind_n of_o idolatry_n by_o their_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n under_o forbid_a resemblance_n for_o though_o the_o cherubim_n themselves_o be_v set_v up_o by_o god_n order_n yet_o not_o for_o worship_n or_o to_o common_a sight_n they_o be_v not_o polytheist_n they_o own_v with_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o one_o divine_a person_n i_o doubt_v not_o sir_n but_o that_o you_o perceive_v that_o the_o whole_a force_n of_o dr._n cudworth_n argument_n from_o the_o suppose_v consent_v of_o some_o nation_n and_o philosopher_n be_v enervate_v and_o that_o such_o pretend_v consent_v notwithstanding_o the_o trinity_n be_v not_o as_o he_o say_v a_o theology_n of_o divine_a tradition_n but_o mere_o and_o sole_o of_o paganick_n and_o heathen_a extraction_n and_o bring_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n by_o the_o platonic_a philosopher_n when_o they_o come_v over_o to_o christianity_n i_o can_v now_o tell_v you_o sir_n that_o whereas_o dr._n cudworth_n bring_v in_o his_o philosopher_n oracle_n king_n and_o nation_n as_o believe_v and_o assert_v the_o trinity_n even_o in_o the_o dark_a time_n of_o heathenism_n this_o be_v all_o mere_a flourish_n and_o rhodomontade_fw-la for_o first_o as_o to_o the_o book_n of_o hermes_n zoroaster_n and_o hystaspes_n as_o also_o the_o sybillin_n and_o chalday_n or_o magic_a oracle_n they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o forgery_n partly_o of_o the_o jew_n a_o little_a before_o the_o nativity_n of_o our_o saviour_n partly_o of_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o second_o and_o three_o century_n and_o this_o be_v so_o general_o agree_v and_o so_o clear_o demonstrate_v by_o the_o critic_n that_o i_o be_v extreme_o surprise_v to_o see_v such_o authority_n allege_v in_o a_o book_n write_v by_o dr._n cudworth_n a_o man_n if_o any_o other_o of_o true_a and_o real_a learning_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o in_o the_o defect_n of_o genuine_a and_o solid_a proof_n the_o most_o learned_a must_v have_v recourse_n to_o such_o as_o their_o cause_n will_v afford_v next_o as_o to_o the_o nation_n and_o philosopher_n by_o he_o mention_v the_o
author_n that_o know_v those_o nation_n and_o writer_n better_a than_o at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n we_o now_o can_v particular_o the_o most_o learned_a plutarch_n and_o laertius_n these_o author_n say_v that_o those_o philosopher_n and_o nation_n do_v not_o hold_v a_o trinity_n but_o a_o duality_n of_o principle_n or_o god_n that_o be_v a_o good_a and_o a_o bad_a god._n and_o by_o what_o they_o say_v of_o those_o god_n or_o principle_n they_o seem_v to_o mean_v no_o more_o than_o what_o we_o be_v teach_v in_o holy_a scripture_n concern_v god_n and_o that_o malign_v but_o subordinate_a spirit_n call_v the_o devil_n and_o satan_n but_o you_o will_v say_v the_o platonist_n hold_v a_o trinity_n of_o divine_a person_n yes_o some_o of_o they_o do_v i_o say_v some_o of_o they_o for_o the_o more_o learned_a platonist_n such_o as_o jamblichus_n proclus_n and_o plato_n himself_o do_v not_o think_v their_o imagine_v trinity_n to_o be_v the_o supreme_a god_n but_o that_o over_o their_o trinity_n there_o be_v one_o most_o simple_a monadick_n or_o solitary_a be_v who_o be_v god_n of_o god_n and_o the_o first_o author_n of_o all_o thing_n if_o you_o ask_v how_o the_o vulgar_a platonist_n come_v to_o stumble_v upon_o a_o trinity_n i_o answer_v they_o find_v that_o the_o first_o philosopher_n have_v call_v god_n hen_n and_o tagathon_n or_o the_o one_o and_o the_o good_a as_o also_o logos_fw-la nous_fw-fr and_o sophia_n or_o the_o reason_n or_o word_n the_o mind_n and_o wisdom_n and_o final_o psyche_n the_o soul_n because_o he_o pervade_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n as_o the_o soul_n do_v the_o body_n they_o be_v the_o most_o fanciful_a and_o enthusiastical_a of_o all_o man_n exceed_v the_o quaker_n in_o enthusiasm_n and_o the_o behmenist_n in_o fancifulness_n and_o affectation_n of_o mystery_n mistake_v the_o aforementioned_a property_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o person_n or_o wilful_o and_o affect_o allegorize_v they_o into_o person_n hen_n and_o tagathon_n the_o one_o and_o the_o good_a they_o make_v to_o be_v the_o same_o even_o the_o father_n and_o fountain_n of_o the_o deity_n because_o all_o number_n proceed_v from_o one_o or_o unity_n and_o because_o goodness_n as_o these_o philosopher_n often_o speak_v be_v better_a than_o reason_n or_o wisdom_n nous_fw-fr logos_fw-la and_o sophia_n that_o be_v mind_n reason_n and_o wisdom_n be_v but_o equivalent_a word_n of_o these_o they_o make_v the_o second_o person_n or_o as_o some_o of_o they_o call_v he_o the_o son_n psyche_n or_o the_o mundane_a soul_n be_v the_o three_o because_o reason_n or_o wisdom_n be_v better_a than_o and_o superior_a to_o all_o thing_n but_o tagathon_n or_o goodness_n there_o be_v sir_n a_o certain_a fate_n always_o attend_v on_o error_n by_o which_o she_o be_v first_o or_o last_o betray_v and_o expose_v even_o by_o those_o who_o seek_v to_o maintain_v and_o defend_v she_o therefore_o though_o dr._n cudworth_n have_v spend_v so_o many_a sheet_n in_o discover_v a_o trinity_n among_o several_a philosopher_n and_o nation_n more_o ancient_a than_o the_o platonist_n yet_o he_o have_v somewhere_o unsay_v all_o again_o and_o confess_v that_o the_o platonic_a trinity_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o affectation_n or_o blunder_n of_o those_o philosopher_n and_o as_o i_o just_a now_o say_v either_o their_o mistake_n or_o their_o exchange_n of_o the_o property_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o so_o many_o divine_a person_n his_o own_o word_n at_o p._n 206_o of_o the_o intel._n system_n be_v these_o we_o have_v propose_v the_o three_o principal_a property_n or_o attribute_n of_o the_o deity_n the_o first_o whereof_o be_v infinite_a goodness_n with_o fecundity_n the_o second_o infinite_a wisdom_n or_o knowledge_n the_o three_o infinite_a active_a and_o perceptive_a power_n from_o which_o three_o divine_a attribute_n and_o property_n the_o pythagorian_n and_o platonist_n seem_v to_o have_v frame_v their_o trinity_n so_o at_o legnth_n this_o learned_a person_n have_v give_v it_o up_o to_o we_o after_o so_o great_a endeavour_n to_o prove_v the_o contrary_a that_o the_o trinity_n be_v of_o mere_a paganick_n and_o heathen_a original_a the_o device_n or_o the_o mistake_n of_o the_o platonist_n our_o last_o exception_n or_o reason_n be_v this_o as_o the_o trinity_n when_o first_o bring_v into_o the_o church_n by_o the_o platonist_n do_v by_o its_o natural_a absurdity_n and_o impossibility_n give_v a_o check_n and_o stop_v to_o the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o ever_o since_o it_o have_v serve_v to_o propagate_v deism_n and_o atheism_n and_o to_o hinder_v the_o conversion_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o mahometan_n and_o the_o heathen_a nation_n not_o yet_o turn_v to_o christianity_n you_o can_v sir_n expect_v in_o a_o single_a letter_n a_o large_a and_o ample_a proof_n of_o this_o assertion_n of_o i_o but_o however_o i_o will_v say_v hereupon_o enough_o to_o convince_v you_o or_o any_o other_o unprejudiced_a person_n that_o i_o be_o able_a to_o make_v such_o a_o proof_n of_o it_o whenever_o it_o shall_v be_v deny_v by_o our_o opposer_n as_o will_v very_o much_o surprise_v the_o idolater_n of_o these_o doctrine_n for_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o assertion_n i_o will_v now_o content_v myself_o with_o the_o plain_a acknowledgement_n of_o lactantius_n instit_fw-la l._n 4._o c._n 29._o this_o learned_a and_o eloquent_a father_n dispute_v concern_v these_o very_a doctrine_n say_v fortasse_fw-la quaerathìc_fw-la aliquis_fw-la etc._n etc._n here_o some_o one_o may_v perhaps_o ask_v how_o though_o christian_n profess_v to_o worship_v but_o one_o god_n yet_o we_o seem_v to_o believe_v and_o hold_v two_o god_n god_n the_o father_n and_o god_n the_o son_n this_o doctrine_n have_v be_v a_o great_a stumbling-block_n to_o many_o who_o confess_v that_o in_o other_o point_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n we_o speak_v what_o be_v probable_a and_o fit_a to_o be_v embrace_v but_o in_o this_o they_o think_v we_o sumble_v that_o we_o hold_v a_o second_o god_n and_o he_o also_o a_o mortal_a one_o or_o one_o who_o can_v die_v you_o may_v please_v sir_n here_o to_o take_v notice_n that_o the_o reason_n why_o lactantius_n mention_n only_o two_o god_n the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n be_v because_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v not_o yet_o believe_v or_o i_o think_v so_o much_o as_o mention_v by_o any_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a itself_o dare_v not_o say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v god_n no_o nor_o the_o council_n of_o constantinople_n in_o express_a term_n for_o as_o petavius_n have_v note_v the_o party_n of_o the_o pneumatomacht_a i._n e._n those_o who_o deny_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v yet_o the_o more_o powerful_a party_n in_o the_o church_n d._n petau._n de_fw-fr trin._n l._n 1._o c._n 14._o s_o 14_o and_o 21._o see_v also_o huetius_n origenian_a l._n 2._o c._n 2._o q._n 2._o sect_n 10._o as_o to_o deism_n and_o atheism_n some_o other-way_n discern_v man_n have_v not_o judgement_n enough_o to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o corrupt_a and_o the_o sincere_a part_n of_o religion_n but_o they_o consider_v the_o whole_a of_o religion_n together_o and_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v all_o of_o it_o false_a or_o all_o true_a from_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o man_n proceed_v all_o the_o deist_n and_o most_o if_o not_o all_o atheist_n the_o atheist_n reject_v all_o religion_n whatsoever_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o unaccountable_a and_o absurd_a thing_n which_o vulgar_o pass_v for_o the_o principal_a article_n of_o religion_n the_o deist_n far_o more_o judicious_a reject_v hereupon_o only_a all_o positive_a or_o reveal_v religion_n and_o take_v up_o with_o natural_a religion_n i._n e._n with_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n who_o power_n and_o wisdom_n he_o plain_o see_v in_o the_o structure_n and_o contrivance_n of_o the_o world_n and_o with_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o our_o congenit_fw-la and_o natural_a notion_n concern_v moral_a and_o immoral_a or_o good_a and_o evil_n this_o sir_n be_v not_o a_o place_n to_o argue_v either_o against_o the_o deist_n or_o atheist_n i_o have_v here_o only_o to_o observe_v that_o from_o the_o absurd_a corruption_n of_o true_a religion_n by_o injudicious_a or_o fanciful_a man_n have_v and_o do_v arise_v all_o the_o deism_n and_o most_o part_n of_o the_o atheism_n with_o which_o our_o age_n be_v infest_a there_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o reason_n for_o our_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o withstand_v the_o far_a progress_n of_o those_o two_o deism_n and_o that_o pest_n of_o atheism_n by_o purge_v religion_n of_o all_o the_o contradictory_n and_o impossible_a doctrine_n which_o give_v occasion_n to_o those_o mistake_v because_o christianity_n have_v already_o lose_v so_o much_o ground_n to_o mahometism_n or_o turcism_n mahomet_n be_v affirm_v by_o divers_a historian_n to_o have_v have_v no_o other_o design_n in_o pretend_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o prophet_n but_o to_o
restore_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n which_o at_o that_o time_n be_v extirpate_v among_o the_o eastern_a christian_n by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n they_o will_v have_v it_o that_o mahomet_n mean_v not_o his_o religion_n shall_v be_v esteem_v a_o new_a religion_n but_o only_o the_o restitution_n of_o the_o true_a intent_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n they_o affirm_v moreover_o that_o the_o mahometan_a learned_a man_n call_v themselves_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o the_o messiah_n or_o christ_n intimate_v thereby_o that_o christian_n be_v apostate_n from_o the_o most_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o messiah_n such_o as_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v without_o image_n or_o picture_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n but_o whatsoever_o the_o design_n of_o mahomet_n be_v it_o be_v certain_a mahometism_n have_v prevail_v over_o great_a number_n and_o more_o nation_n than_o at_o this_o day_n profess_v christianity_n nay_o it_o have_v wear_v christianity_n out_o of_o great_a part_n of_o europe_n most_o of_o asia_n and_o all_o roman_a africa_n not_o by_o force_n and_o the_o sword_n for_o the_o mahometan_n grant_v liberty_n of_o religion_n to_o all_o the_o conquer_a province_n of_o christian_n but_o by_o that_o one_o truth_n in_o the_o koran_n the_o unity_n of_o god._n the_o naturalness_n of_o their_o belief_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n and_o the_o unreconcilable_a inconsistence_n of_o the_o trinity_n with_o that_o belief_n make_v it_o impossible_a ever_o to_o reconcile_v the_o mahometan_n whether_o turk_n moor_n or_o persian_n to_o christianity_n this_o be_v that_o by_o which_o both_o they_o and_o the_o jew_n be_v perpetual_o and_o without_o hope_n of_o regain_n they_o alienate_v from_o we_o that_o they_o suppose_v the_o trinity_n to_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o all_o christian_n and_o from_o thence_o conclude_v that_o modern_a christianity_n be_v no_o better_a nor_o other_o than_o a_o sort_n of_o paganism_n and_o heathenism_n the_o nation_n also_o who_o be_v yet_o pagan_n reject_v christianity_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o corrupt_a doctrine_n against_o which_o we_o be_v argue_v of_o this_o there_o have_v be_v a_o calamitous_a instance_n in_o the_o tartar_n this_o warlike_a people_n who_o have_v make_v themselves_o so_o terrible_a by_o their_o cavalry_n to_o the_o great_a kingdom_n of_o poland_n and_o muscovy_n and_o even_o to_o germany_n itself_o be_v lose_v to_o christianity_n by_o occasion_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o year_n 1246_o pope_n innocent_a iv_o send_v a_o ambassage_n to_o bati_fw-la cham_fw-mi of_o tartary_n invite_v he_o to_o the_o christian_a religion_n bati_fw-la receive_v the_o ambassage_n civil_o but_o when_o he_o hear_v from_o the_o religious_a send_v to_o instruct_v he_o what_o be_v the_o chief_a point_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n the_o trinity_n the_o incarnation_n the_o transubstantiation_n etc._n etc._n he_o thank_v the_o pope_n for_o his_o kindness_n and_o promise_v to_o make_v no_o incursion_n into_o the_o christian_a country_n for_o five_o year_n next_o ensue_a but_o withal_o declare_v himself_o not_o satisfy_v with_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o represent_v to_o he_o immediate_o after_o the_o saracen_n send_v a_o like_a ambassage_n to_o bati_fw-la recommend_v to_o he_o say_v the_o historian_n mahometis_n sectam_fw-la tanquàm_fw-la plausibiliorem_fw-la i._n e._n the_o more_o plausible_a sect_n of_o mahomet_n and_o these_o prevail_v bati_fw-la and_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o tartar_n submit_v to_o mahometism_n in_o which_o they_o continue_v to_o this_o day_n and_o be_v both_o the_o shield_n and_o sword_n of_o that_o way_n of_o acknowledge_v and_o worship_v god._n l._n surius_n comment_fw-fr rerum_fw-la in_o orb_n gest_n these_o sir_n be_v the_o damage_n sustain_v by_o christianity_n by_o occasion_n of_o these_o doctrine_n i_o believe_v by_o that_o time_n you_o have_v well_o consider_v they_o you_o will_v conclude_v these_o doctrine_n will_v never_o repair_v half_o the_o waste_v they_o have_v already_o make_v in_o our_o holy_a religion_n and_o that_o they_o be_v honest_a man_n who_o be_v jealous_a of_o and_o desirous_a to_o inquire_v very_o strict_o into_o the_o ground_n of_o such_o paradoxical_a persuasion_n as_o have_v already_o give_v such_o deep_a wound_n to_o our_o common_a cause_n of_o christianity_n i_o will_v conclude_v sir_n for_o this_o time_n with_o only_o tell_v you_o that_o the_o reason_n i_o have_v give_v may_v all_o of_o they_o have_v be_v much_o amplify_v and_o illustrate_v and_o some_o of_o they_o great_o exaggerated_a but_o that_o be_v a_o design_n hardly_o practicable_a in_o a_o letter_n the_o brevity_n of_o a_o letter_n even_o constrain_v i_o to_o lay_v before_o you_o what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v in_o few_o word_n and_o in_o a_o plain_a and_o sincere_a discourse_n without_o the_o art_n or_o pomp_n of_o rhetoric_n nor_o be_o i_o offend_v at_o it_o for_o our_o cause_n need_v not_o those_o help_n till_o our_o opposer_n can_v extinguish_v reason_n and_o common_a sense_n in_o man_n while_o there_o be_v any_o leave_v who_o be_v not_o whole_o priestridden_a who_o have_v not_o abandon_v the_o conduct_n and_o guidance_n of_o reason_n and_o natural_a knowledge_n for_o that_o of_o a_o confessor_n that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o divine_a light_n for_o a_o ignis_fw-la fatu●●s_fw-la or_o will-a-wisp_n so_o long_o i_o think_v we_o need_v not_o be_v very_o solicitous_a whether_o our_o discourse_n or_o write_n concern_v these_o doctrine_n be_v altogether_o so_o labour_v and_o artificial_a as_o our_o opposer_n must_v take_v care_n that_o they_o be_v sir_n i_o be_o your_o most_o oblige_a and_o assure_a finis_fw-la