a_o seasonable_a vindication_n of_o the_o b._n trinity_n be_v a_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n why_o do_v you_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n collect_v from_o the_o work_n of_o the_o most_o reverend_a dr._n john_n tillotson_n late_a lord_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n and_o the_o right_a reverend_n dr._n edward_n stillingfleet_n now_o lord_n bishop_n of_o worcester_n london_n print_v for_o b._n aylmer_n at_o the_o three_o pigeon_n against_o the_o royal_a exchange_n in_o cornhill_n mdcxcvii_o the_o preface_n our_o modern_a socinian_o who_o be_v please_v to_o call_v themselves_o unitarian_n have_v not_o only_o dispute_v but_o most_o blasphemous_o ridicule_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o b._n trinity_n for_o the_o conviction_n of_o such_o gainsayer_n and_o the_o confirmation_n of_o other_o it_o be_v think_v fit_a to_o publish_v the_o follow_a discourse_n faithful_o collect_v from_o the_o learned_a work_n of_o archbishop_n tillotson_n and_o bishop_n stillingfleet_n 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one_o live_a and_o true_a god_n everlasting_a without_o body_n part_n or_o passion_n of_o infinite_a power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n the_o maker_n and_o preserver_n of_o all_o thing_n both_o visible_a and_o invisible_a and_o in_o unity_n of_o this_o godhead_n there_o be_v three_o person_n of_o one_o substance_n power_n and_o eternity_n the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n art_n 1._o the_o catholic_n faith_n be_v this_o that_o we_o worship_v one_o god_n in_o trinity_n and_o trinity_n in_o unity_n neither_o confound_v the_o person_n nor_o divide_v the_o substance_n for_o there_o be_v one_o person_n of_o the_o father_n another_o of_o the_o son_n and_o another_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o the_o godhead_n of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o one_o the_o glory_n equal_a the_o majesty_n coeternal_a the_o father_n be_v god_n the_o son_n be_v god_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v god_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o three_o god_n but_o one_o god_n athan._n creed_n it_o be_v very_o meet_v right_a and_o our_o bind_a duty_n that_o we_o shall_v at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o place_n give_v thanks_o unto_o thou_o o_o lord_n almighty_a everlasting_a god_n who_o art_n one_o god_n one_o lord_n not_o one_o only_a person_n but_o three_o person_n in_o one_o substance_n for_o that_o which_o we_o believe_v of_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n the_o same_o we_o believe_v of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n without_o any_o difference_n or_o inequality_n pref._n on_o the_o feast_n of_o trinity_n o_o holy_a bless_a and_o glorious_a trinity_n three_o person_n and_o one_o god_n have_v mercy_n upon_o we_o miserable_a sinner_n lit._n this_o be_v what_o we_o believe_v concern_v the_o trinity_n and_o that_o this_o be_v very_o rational_a doctrine_n and_o that_o we_o have_v the_o high_a reason_n thus_o to_o believe_v i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o evince_v when_o i_o have_v first_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n in_o general_n by_o show_v what_o it_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o what_o this_o act_n believe_v do_v denote_v when_o apply_v to_o any_o object_n q._n what_o be_v faith_n or_o belief_n in_o general_n a._n belief_n in_o general_n i_o define_v to_o be_v a_o assent_n to_o that_o which_o be_v credible_a as_o credible_a v._o bishop_n pearson_n on_o the_o creed_n p._n 2._o q._n what_o be_v mean_v by_o this_o word_n assent_v a._n by_o the_o word_n assent_n be_v express_v that_o act_n or_o habit_n of_o the_o understanding_n by_o which_o it_o receive_v acknowledge_v and_o embrace_v any_o thing_n as_o a_o truth_n id._n ib._n q._n but_o be_v there_o not_o several_a other_o kind_n of_o assent_n beside_o faith_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n do_v receive_v and_o embrace_v whatsoever_o appear_v to_o be_v true_a a._n this_o assent_n or_o judgement_n of_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a be_v a_o general_a act_n of_o the_o understanding_n be_v applicable_a to_o other_o habit_n thereof_o as_o well_o as_o to_o faith_n id._n ib._n q._n how_o then_o be_v this_o assent_n which_o we_o call_v faith_n specify_v and_o distinguish_v from_o those_o other_o kind_n of_o assent_n a._n it_o must_v be_v specify_v as_o all_o other_o act_n be_v by_o its_o proper_a object_n id._n ib._n q._n what_o be_v this_o object_n of_o faith_n a._n this_o object_n of_o faith_n be_v that_o which_o be_v credible_a as_o credible_a q._n why_o do_v you_o repeat_v the_o word_n credible_a and_o say_v credible_a as_o credible_a a._n to_o denote_v the_o twofold_a object_n of_o faith_n viz._n material_a and_o formal_a q._n what_o be_v the_o material_a object_n of_o faith_n a._n the_o material_a object_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v or_o something_o which_o be_v credible_a q._n what_o be_v the_o formal_a object_n of_o faith_n a._n that_o whereby_o it_o be_v believe_v or_o the_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v believe_v q._n what_o be_v it_o to_o be_v credible_a a._n that_o be_v proper_o credible_a which_o be_v not_o apparent_a of_o itself_o either_o in_o respect_n of_o our_o sense_n or_o understanding_n nor_o certain_o to_o be_v collect_v either_o antecedent_o by_o its_o cause_n or_o reverse_o by_o its_o effect_n and_o yet_o though_o by_o none_o of_o these_o way_n have_v the_o attestation_n of_o a_o truth_n v._o bishop_n pearson_n p._n 3._o q._n what_o then_o be_v that_o kind_n of_o assent_n which_o be_v call_v faith_n a._n when_o any_o thing_n propound_v to_o we_o be_v neither_o apparent_a to_o our_o sense_n nor_o evident_a to_o our_o understanding_n in_o and_o of_o itself_o neither_o certain_o to_o be_v collect_v from_o any_o clear_a and_o necessary_a connexion_n with_o the_o cause_n from_o which_o it_o proceed_v or_o the_o effect_n which_o it_o natural_o produce_v nor_o be_v take_v up_o upon_o any_o real_a argument_n or_o relation_n to_o other_o acknowledge_a truth_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o appear_v to_o we_o true_a not_o by_o a_o manifestation_n but_o attestation_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o so_o move_v we_o to_o assent_v not_o of_o itself_o but_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o testimony_n give_v to_o it_o in_o plain_a term_n when_o we_o therefore_o acknowledge_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a for_o this_o only_a reason_n because_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o it_o be_v so_o then_o and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n we_o do_v proper_o believe_v it_o and_o the_o assent_n that_o we_o give_v to_o such_o a_o truth_n thus_o attest_v be_v neither_o science_n nor_o opinion_n but_o faith_n id._n ib._n q._n the_o nature_n of_o faith_n in_o general_a be_v thus_o explain_v i_o be_o now_o prepare_v to_o be_v instruct_v by_o you_o in_o this_o important_a question_n why_o do_v you_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n a._n though_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v three_o distinct_a person_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o undivided_a divine_a essence_n be_v neither_o apparent_a to_o my_o sense_n nor_o evident_a to_o my_o understanding_n for_o be_v a_o great_a mystery_n i_o can_v never_o have_v know_v it_o unless_o it_o have_v be_v reveal_v and_o now_o it_o be_v reveal_v i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v it_o yet_o since_o it_o be_v testify_v and_o declare_v by_o a_o all-knowing_a and_o most_o just_a and_o faithful_a god_n who_o can_v neither_o deceive_v nor_o be_v deceive_v i_o do_v therefore_o give_v my_o assent_n unto_o it_o as_o a_o most_o credible_a truth_n and_o as_o such_o i_o do_v firm_o believe_v it_o now_o that_o god_n who_o be_v infinite_a in_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n do_v full_o know_v himself_o and_o perfect_o understand_v his_o own_o nature_n and_o also_o that_o he_o who_o be_v infinite_o good_a and_o faithful_a can_v deceive_v we_o for_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o lie_v this_o i_o shall_v not_o pretend_v to_o prove_v but_o can_v fair_o
mystery_n but_o contradiction_n impossibility_n and_o pure_a nonsense_n v._o consid._n on_o expl._n of_o the_o trinity_n in_o a_o letter_n to_o h._n h._n p._n 4._o now_o what_o reply_n have_v his_o lordship_n make_v to_o this_o a._n this_o be_v a_o very_a bold_a charge_n and_o not_o very_o become_v the_o modesty_n and_o decency_n of_o such_o who_o know_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o oppose_v the_o religion_n public_o establish_v and_o in_o such_o thing_n which_o they_o look_v on_o as_o some_o of_o the_o principal_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n v._o vind._n of_o the_o trinity_n p._n 54._o these_o word_n contain_v in_o they_o so_o spiteful_a so_o unjust_a and_o so_o unreasonable_a a_o charge_n upon_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o general_n and_o our_o own_o in_o particular_a that_o i_o can_v not_o but_o think_v myself_o concern_v especial_o since_o they_o be_v address_v to_o i_o to_o do_v what_o in_o i_o lay_v as_o soon_o as_o my_o uncertain_a state_n of_o health_n will_v permit_v towards_o the_o clear_n the_o fundamental_a mystery_n of_o the_o athanasian_n religion_n as_o they_o call_v it_o viz._n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n which_o be_v chief_o strike_v at_o by_o they_o v._o pref._n p._n 2._o q._n it_o be_v a_o seasonable_a service_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o general_n and_o our_o own_o in_o particular_a that_o a_o person_n so_o eminent_a for_o learning_n and_o prudence_n have_v at_o this_o juncture_n undertake_v the_o defence_n of_o the_o b._n trinity_n but_o in_o what_o manner_n do_v his_o lordship_n propose_v to_o defend_v it_o a._n without_o run_v into_o any_o new_a explication_n or_o lay_v aside_o any_o old_a term_n for_o which_o he_o can_v not_o see_v any_o just_a occasion_n for_o however_o thoughtful_a man_n may_v think_v to_o escape_v some_o particular_a difficulty_n better_o by_o go_v out_o of_o the_o common_a road_n yet_o they_o may_v meet_v with_o other_o which_o they_o do_v not_o foresee_v which_o may_v make_v they_o as_o well_o as_o other_o judge_v it_o at_o last_o a_o wise_a and_o safe_a course_n to_o keep_v in_o the_o same_o way_n which_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v use_v ever_o since_o it_o have_v agree_v to_o express_v her_o sense_n in_o such_o term_n which_o be_v think_v most_o proper_a for_o that_o purpose_n why_o then_o be_v new_a explication_n start_v and_o dispute_v raise_v and_o carry_v on_o so_o warm_o about_o they_o we_o have_v much_o better_o satisfy_v ourselves_o with_o that_o language_n which_o the_o church_n have_v receive_v and_o be_v express_v in_o the_o creed_n than_o go_v about_o with_o new_a term_n to_o raise_v new_a ferment_n especial_o at_o a_o time_n when_o our_o unite_a force_n be_v most_o necessary_a against_o our_o common_a adversary_n no_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n can_v be_v fond_a of_o any_o new_a invention_n when_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v hazard_v by_o they_o and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a pity_n that_o any_o new_a phrase_n or_o way_n of_o expression_n shall_v cause_v unreasonable_a heat_n among_o those_o who_o be_v real_o of_o the_o same_o mind_n vtd._n pref._n p._n 2._o and_o 31._o and_o vind._n p._n 106._o q._n but_o how_o can_v these_o unitarian_n pretend_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n how_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n have_v they_o attempt_v to_o prove_v it_o what_o ground_n have_v they_o for_o such_o a_o charge_n as_o this_o of_o contradiction_n and_o impossibility_n a._n i_o shall_v draw_v up_o the_o charge_n in_o their_o own_o word_n they_o they_o say_v be_v a_o accountable_a and_o reasonable_a faith_n but_o that_o of_o the_o trinitarian_n be_v absurd_a and_o contrary_a both_o to_o reason_n and_o to_o itself_o and_o therefore_o not_o only_o false_a but_o impossible_a but_o wherein_o lie_v this_o impossibility_n that_o they_o soon_o tell_v we_o because_o we_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v three_o person_n who_o be_v several_o and_o each_o of_o they_o true_a god_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v but_o one_o true_a god_n now_o say_v they_o this_o be_v a_o error_n in_o count_v or_o number_v which_o when_o stand_v in_o be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o brutal_a and_o inexcusable_a and_o not_o to_o discern_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v a_o man._n v._o hist._n of_o the_o unit._n p._n 9_o n._n 7._o for_o we_o can_v be_v mistake_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o one_o and_o three_o we_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o one_o be_v not_o three_o and_o three_o be_v not_o one._n v._o def._n of_o hist._n of_o unit._n p._n 7._o so_o that_o here_o be_v a_o arithmetical_a as_o well_o as_o grammatical_a contradiction_n for_o in_o say_v god_n the_o father_n god_n the_o son_n and_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n yet_o not_o three_o god_n but_o one_o god_n a_o man_n first_o distinct_o number_v three_o god_n and_o then_o in_o sum_v they_o up_o brutish_o say_v not_o three_o god_n but_o one_o god_n v._o act_n of_o athanasius_n p._n 13._o which_o be_v plain_o as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v say_v peter_z james_n and_o john_n be_v three_o person_n be_v one_o man_n and_o one_o man_n be_v these_o three_o distinct_a person_n peter_n james_n and_o john_n be_v it_o not_o now_o a_o ridiculous_a attempt_n as_o well_o as_o a_o barbarous_a indignity_n to_o go_v about_o thus_o to_o make_v ass_n of_o all_o mankind_n under_o pretence_n of_o teach_v they_o a_o creed_n v._o note_n on_o athanasius_n creed_n p._n 11._o this_o be_v their_o charge_n and_o it_o be_v very_o free_o speak_v with_o respect_n not_o mere_o to_o our_o church_n but_o the_o christian_a world_n which_o own_v this_o creed_n to_o be_v a_o just_a and_o true_a explication_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n but_o there_o be_v some_o creature_n as_o remarkable_a for_o their_o untoward_a kick_v as_o for_o their_o stupidity_n v._o bishop_n of_o worcester_n defence_n of_o the_o trinity_n p._n 101._o it_o be_v strange_a boldness_n in_o man_n to_o talk_v thus_o of_o monstrous_a contradiction_n in_o thing_n above_o their_o reach_n but_o some_o have_v so_o use_v themselves_o to_o the_o language_n of_o jargon_n nonsense_n contradiction_n impossibility_n that_o it_o come_v from_o they_o as_o some_o man_n swear_v when_o they_o do_v not_o know_v it_o id._n p._n 76._o but_o that_o the_o rudeness_n of_o these_o unitarian_n in_o thus_o condemn_v the_o christian_a church_n may_v more_o full_o appear_v let_v we_o proceed_v very_o distinct_o to_o examine_v this_o matter_n do_v you_o therefore_o first_o give_v their_o objection_n its_o full_a strength_n and_o then_o through_o divine_a assistance_n i_o will_v return_v you_o my_o answer_n q._n be_v not_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n three_o distinct_a humane_a person_n a._n it_o be_v grant_v q._n be_v not_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n three_o distinct_a different_a man_n a._n who_o doubt_v it_o q._n be_v it_o not_o a_o contradiction_n to_o say_v that_o peter_n be_v james_n or_o that_o james_n and_o john_n be_v peter_n a._n this_o likewise_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v q._n be_v it_o not_o a_o contradiction_n to_o affirm_v that_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n be_v three_o man_n be_v but_o one_o man_n and_o be_v it_o not_o equal_o absurd_a to_o declare_v that_o one_o man_n be_v these_o three_o man_n a._n sure_a i_o can_v be_v mistake_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o one_o and_o three_o but_o be_o most_o certain_a that_o one_o be_v not_o three_o and_o three_o be_v not_o one._n but_o what_o of_o all_o this_o q._n observe_v what_o follow_v be_v not_o the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n according_a to_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n three_o distinct_a different_a divine_a person_n a._n i_o firm_o believe_v it_o q._n and_o if_o these_o three_o divine_a person_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v three_o god_n be_v it_o not_o a_o contradiction_n to_o say_v there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n a._n to_o say_v there_o be_v three_o god_n and_o yet_o but_o one_o god_n be_v doubtless_o a_o contradiction_n but_o who_o affirm_v there_o be_v three_o god_n q._n do_v not_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n a._n no._n that_o creed_n express_o say_v there_o be_v not_o three_o god_n but_o one_o god_n q._n if_o you_o will_v not_o renounce_v your_o reason_n i_o do_v thus_o prove_v it_o to_o you_o the_o father_n be_v god_n there_o be_v one._n the_o son_n be_v god_n there_o be_v two_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v god_n there_o be_v three_o be_v not_o here_o three_o god_n do_v you_o think_v i_o such_o a_o fool_n that_o i_o can_v count_v one_o two_o and_o three_o a._n thus_o indeed_o the_o unitarian_n do_v wise_o argue_v but_o can_v these_o man_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n think_v that_o the_o point_n in_o controversy_n ever_o be_v whether_o in_o number_n one_o can_v be_v three_o or_o three_o one_o if_o
suppose_v it_o as_o be_v grant_v by_o the_o socinian_o themselves_o the_o only_a thing_n therefore_o for_o we_o to_o prove_v and_o which_o they_o deny_v be_v this_o viz._n that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v reveal_v by_o almighty_a god_n for_o if_o we_o can_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o a_o infinite_o wise_a and_o faithful_a god_n have_v reveal_v it_o we_o shall_v then_o easy_o convince_v they_o that_o there_o be_v the_o high_a reason_n to_o believe_v it_o q._n how_o then_o do_v you_o prove_v that_o god_n have_v reveal_v it_o where_o have_v god_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v three_o distinct_a person_n in_o the_o same_o undivided_a divine_a essence_n and_o nature_n a._n be_v i_o to_o discourse_n a_o atheist_n or_o a_o deist_n then_o since_o all_o conviction_n must_v be_v ex_fw-la concessis_fw-la i_o ought_v to_o prove_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o the_o possibility_n and_o necessity_n of_o divine_a revelation_n 2._o that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o by_o way_n of_o eminency_n we_o call_v the_o scripture_n do_v contain_v this_o divine_a revelation_n and_o that_o in_o these_o book_n god_n have_v reveal_v so_o much_o of_o his_o own_o nature_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n but_o since_o these_o unitarian_n do_v profess_v themselves_o christian_n and_o consequent_o to_o believe_v the_o holy_a scripture_n i_o shall_v have_v so_o much_o charity_n for_o they_o at_o present_a as_o to_o suppose_v it_o and_o shall_v treat_v they_o as_o such_o and_o then_o the_o only_a thing_n i_o be_o to_o prove_v be_v this_o viz._n that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n q._n but_o neither_o the_o word_n trinity_n nor_o the_o word_n person_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n how_o then_o can_v you_o pretend_v to_o prove_v a_o trinity_n of_o person_n from_o the_o scripture_n a._n though_o neither_o the_o word_n trinity_n nor_o perhaps_o person_n in_o the_o sense_n in_o which_o it_o be_v use_v by_o divine_n when_o they_o treat_v of_o this_o mystery_n be_v any_o where_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o scripture_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o three_o be_v there_o speak_v of_o by_o the_o name_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n in_o who_o name_n every_o christian_n be_v baptise_a and_o to_o each_o of_o who_o the_o high_a title_n and_o property_n of_o god_n be_v in_o scripture_n attribute_v and_o these_o three_o be_v speak_v of_o with_o as_o much_o distinction_n from_o one_o another_o as_o we_o use_v to_o speak_v of_o three_o several_a person_n so_o that_o though_o the_o word_n trinity_n be_v not_o find_v in_o scripture_n yet_o these_o three_o be_v there_o express_o and_o frequent_o mention_v and_o trinity_n be_v nothing_o but_o three_o of_o any_o thing_n and_o so_o likewise_o though_o the_o word_n person_n be_v not_o there_o express_o apply_v to_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v very_o hard_a to_o find_v a_o more_o convenient_a word_n whereby_o to_o express_v the_o distinction_n of_o these_o three_o for_o which_o reason_n i_o can_v never_o yet_o see_v any_o just_a cause_n to_o quarrel_v at_o this_o term._n for_o since_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n have_v think_v fit_a in_o speak_v of_o these_o three_o to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o one_o another_o as_o we_o use_v in_o common_a speech_n to_o distinguish_v three_o several_a person_n i_o can_v see_v any_o reason_n why_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o mystery_n which_o pure_o depend_v upon_o divine_a revelation_n we_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o it_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o scripture_n do_v and_o though_o the_o word_n person_n be_v now_o become_v a_o term_n of_o art_n i_o see_v no_o cause_n why_o we_o shall_v decline_v it_o so_o long_o as_o we_o mean_v by_o it_o neither_o more_o nor_o less_o than_o what_o the_o scripture_n say_v in_o other_o word_n v._o archbishop_n tillotson_n sermon_n on_o 1_o tim._n 2._o 5._o p._n 19_o here_o than_o i_o fix_v my_o foot_n that_o there_o be_v three_o difference_n in_o the_o deity_n which_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o by_o the_o name_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o every_o where_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o we_o use_v to_o do_v of_o three_o distinct_a person_n and_o therefore_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o in_o this_o argument_n we_o shall_v nice_o abstain_v from_o use_v the_o word_n person_n id._n sermon_n ii_o on_o john_n 1._o 14._o p._n 120._o q._n you_o confess_v then_o that_o the_o word_n trinity_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n however_o may_n these_o unitarian_n reply_n have_v you_o not_o find_v it_o in_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n and_o because_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v own_v this_o creed_n by_o take_v it_o into_o her_o liturgy_n that_o you_o may_v approve_v yourselves_o true_a son_n of_o the_o church_n therefore_o say_v they_o you_o be_v resolve_v to_o defend_v it_o v._o pref._n to_o mr._n milb_n p._n 7._o a._n we_o assert_v three_o person_n in_o the_o godhead_n not_o because_o we_o find_v they_o in_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n but_o because_o the_o scripture_n have_v reveal_v that_o there_o be_v three_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n to_o who_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o attribute_n be_v give_v this_o we_o very_o believe_v that_o the_o scripture_n have_v reveal_v and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o place_n of_o which_o we_o think_v no_o tolerable_a sense_n can_v be_v give_v without_o it_o and_o therefore_o we_o assert_v this_o doctrine_n on_o the_o same_o ground_n on_o which_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n and_o if_o there_o be_v three_o person_n which_o have_v the_o divine_a nature_n attribute_v to_o they_o what_o must_v we_o do_v in_o this_o case_n must_v we_o cast_v off_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n no_o that_o be_v too_o frequent_o and_o plain_o assert_v for_o we_o to_o call_v it_o into_o question_n must_v we_o reject_v those_o scripture_n which_o attribute_v divinity_n to_o the_o son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o father_n that_o we_o can_v do_v unless_o we_o cast_v off_o those_o book_n of_o scripture_n wherein_o those_o thing_n be_v contain_v v._o bishop_n stillingfleet_n vind._o of_o the_o trinity_n p._n 112._o q._n but_o be_v it_o not_o trifle_v to_o prove_v a_o doctrine_n by_o scripture_n which_o as_o the_o socinian_o pretend_v be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n it_o be_v a_o know_a rule_n which_o i_o shall_v express_v in_o the_o word_n of_o bishop_n stillingfleet_n that_o whatever_o speak_v a_o direct_a repugnancy_n to_o any_o of_o the_o fundamental_a dictate_v of_o nature_n can_v be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n v._o orig._n sacr._n p._n 172._o for_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o of_o right_a reason_n imprint_v in_o our_o heart_n be_v as_o true_o the_o law_n and_o word_n of_o god_n as_o be_v that_o which_o be_v print_v in_o our_o bibles_n v._o bishop_n sanderson_n ser._n 4._o ad_fw-la cl._n p._n 78._o and_o therefore_o since_o truth_n be_v never_o contrary_a to_o itself_o be_v it_o not_o impertinent_a to_o prove_v this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n by_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v not_o only_o above_o reason_n but_o plain_o contrary_a to_o it_o a._n as_o to_o its_o be_v above_o reason_n which_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o admit_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v this_o i_o think_v will_v bear_v no_o great_a dispute_n because_o if_o they_o will_v be_v please_v to_o speak_v out_o they_o can_v mean_v no_o more_o by_o this_o but_o that_o our_o reason_n be_v not_o able_a full_o to_o comprehend_v it_o but_o what_o then_o be_v there_o no_o mystery_n in_o religion_n that_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o will_v not_o say_v because_o god_n who_o infinite_a nature_n and_o perfection_n be_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v certain_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o all_o other_o and_o the_o most_o incomprehensible_a but_o we_o must_v 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they_o especial_o if_o they_o be_v concern_v god_n who_o be_v in_o his_o nature_n incomprehensible_a and_o we_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o he_o have_v reveal_v they_o and_o therefore_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o offend_v we_o that_o these_o difference_n in_o the_o deity_n be_v incomprehensible_a by_o our_o finite_a understanding_n because_o the_o divine_a nature_n itself_o be_v so_o and_o yet_o the_o belief_n of_o that_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o thing_n in_o nature_n which_o we_o can_v comprehend_v how_o they_o either_o be_v or_o can_v be_v id._n ser._n on_o 1_o tim._n 2._o 5._o pag._n 22._o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o confess_v it_o to_o be_v my_o opinion_n that_o we_o converse_v every_o day_n with_o very_a many_o thing_n none_o of_o which_o we_o comprehend_v who_o be_v he_o that_o comprehend_v either_o the_o structure_n or_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o power_n of_o seminal_a form_n or_o seed_n or_o how_o the_o part_n of_o matter_n 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by_o what_o device_n or_o mean_v a_o spirit_n come_v to_o be_v so_o close_o unite_v and_o so_o firm_o link_v to_o a_o material_a body_n that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v part_v without_o great_a force_n and_o violence_n offer_v to_o nature_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o operation_n of_o our_o several_a faculty_n of_o sense_n and_o imagination_n of_o memory_n and_o reason_n and_o especial_o of_o the_o liberty_n of_o our_o wi_n and_o yet_o we_o certain_o find_v all_o these_o faculty_n in_o ourselves_o though_o we_o can_v either_o comprehend_v or_o explain_v the_o particular_a manner_n in_o which_o the_o several_a operation_n of_o they_o be_v perform_v and_o if_o we_o can_v comprehend_v the_o manner_n of_o those_o operation_n which_o we_o plain_o perceive_v and_o feel_v to_o be_v in_o our_o self_n much_o less_o can_v we_o expect_v to_o comprehend_v thing_n without_o we_o and_o least_o of_o all_o can_v we_o pretend_v to_o comprehend_v the_o infinite_a nature_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o every_o thing_n belong_v to_o he_o thus_o you_o see_v by_o these_o instance_n that_o it_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n to_o believe_v a_o great_a many_o thing_n to_o be_v of_o the_o manner_n of_o who_o existence_n we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o give_v a_o particular_a and_o distinct_a account_n and_o much_o less_o be_v it_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n to_o believe_v those_o thing_n concern_v god_n which_o we_o be_v very_o well_o assure_v he_o have_v declare_v concern_v himself_o though_o these_o thing_n by_o our_o reason_n shall_v be_v incomprehensible_a and_o this_o be_v true_o the_o case_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n now_o under_o debate_n we_o be_v sufficient_o assure_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o that_o this_o mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v therein_o declare_v to_o we_o now_o that_o we_o can_v comprehend_v it_o be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n not_o to_o believe_v it_o for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n for_o not_o believe_v it_o than_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n because_o his_o nature_n be_v most_o certain_o incomprehensible_a but_o we_o be_v assure_v by_o many_o argument_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o the_o same_o natural_a reason_n which_o assure_v we_o that_o he_o be_v do_v likewise_o assure_v we_o that_o he_o be_v incomprehensible_a and_o therefore_o our_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v so_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n overthrow_v our_o belief_n of_o his_o be_v in_o like_a manner_n we_o be_v assure_v by_o divine_a revelation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o be_v once_o assure_v of_o that_o our_o not_o be_v able_a full_o to_o comprehend_v it_o be_v not_o reason_n enough_o to_o stagger_v our_o belief_n of_o it_o a_o man_n can_v deny_v what_o he_o see_v though_o the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o admit_v it_o may_v be_v something_o which_o he_o can_v comprehend_v one_o can_v deny_v the_o frame_n of_o this_o world_n which_o he_o see_v with_o his_o eye_n though_o from_o thence_o it_o will_v necessary_o follow_v that_o either_o that_o or_o something_o else_o must_v be_v of_o itself_o which_o yet_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o no_o man_n can_v comprehend_v how_o it_o can_v be_v and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n a_o man_n must_v not_o deny_v what_o god_n say_v to_o be_v true_a though_o he_o can_v comprehend_v many_o thing_n which_o god_n say_v as_o particular_o concern_v this_o mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n it_o ought_v then_o to_o satisfy_v we_o that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v deliver_v in_o scripture_n and_o that_o what_o be_v there_o declare_v concern_v it_o do_v not_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n for_o why_o shall_v our_o finite_a understanding_n pretend_v to_o comprehend_v that_o which_o be_v infinite_a or_o to_o know_v all_o the_o real_a difference_n that_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o infinite_a be_v or_o to_o be_v able_a full_o to_o explain_v this_o mystery_n by_o any_o similitude_n or_o resemblance_n take_v from_o finite_a being_n v._o archbishop_n tillotson_n serm._n on_o 1_o tim._n 2._o 5._o p._n 23._o great_a difficulty_n i_o acknowledge_v there_o be_v in_o the_o explication_n of_o it_o in_o which_o the_o further_o we_o go_v beyond_o what_o god_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o reveal_v to_o we_o in_o scripture_n concern_v it_o the_o more_o we_o be_v entangle_v and_o that_o which_o man_n be_v please_v to_o call_v a_o explain_n of_o it_o do_v in_o my_o apprehension_n often_o make_v it_o more_o obscure_a that_o be_v less_o plain_a than_o it_o be_v before_o which_o do_v not_o so_o very_o well_o agree_v with_o a_o pretence_n of_o explication_n id._n ser._n on_o joh._n 1._o 14._o p._n 119._o and_o therefore_o though_o some_o learned_a and_o judicious_a man_n may_v have_v very_o commendable_o attempt_v a_o more_o particular_a explication_n of_o this_o great_a mystery_n by_o the_o strength_n of_o reason_n yet_o i_o dare_v not_o pretend_v to_o that_o know_v both_o the_o difficulty_n and_o danger_n of_o such_o a_o attempt_n and_o my_o own_o insufficiency_n for_o it_o all_o that_o i_o ever_o design_v upon_o this_o argument_n be_v to_o make_v out_o the_o credibility_n of_o the_o thing_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n without_o descend_v to_o a_o more_o particular_a explication_n of_o it_o than_o the_o scripture_n have_v give_v we_o lest_o by_o endeavour_v to_o lay_v the_o difficulty_n which_o be_v already_o start_v about_o it_o new_a one_o shall_v be_v raise_v and_o such_o as_o may_v perhaps_o be_v much_o hard_a to_o be_v remove_v than_o those_o we_o have_v now_o to_o grapple_v withal_o nor_o indeed_o do_v i_o see_v that_o it_o be_v any_o way_n necessary_a to_o do_v more_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o god_n have_v declare_v what_o he_o think_v fit_a in_o this_o matter_n and_o that_o we_o do_v firm_o believe_v what_o he_o say_v concern_v it_o to_o be_v true_a though_o we_o do_v not_o 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no_o less_o contradiction_n than_o transubstantiation_n why_o can_v we_o say_v that_o it_o can_v be_v contain_v in_o scripture_n we_o say_v transubstantiation_n can_v be_v find_v in_o scripture_n because_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a contradiction_n to_o our_o reason_n but_o if_o the_o trinity_n be_v also_o a_o plain_a contradiction_n to_o our_o reason_n why_o shall_v we_o be_v allow_v to_o say_v that_o it_o can_v be_v contain_v in_o scripture_n v._o def._n of_o brief_a hist._n of_o unit._n p._n 4_o and_o 6._o but_o oh_o be_v the_o press_n as_o free_v for_o the_o unitarian_n as_o it_o be_v for_o other_o protestant_n how_o easy_o will_v they_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o folly_n and_o contradiction_n so_o just_o charge_v on_o transubstantiation_n be_v neither_o for_o number_n consequence_n nor_o clearness_n any_o way_n comparable_a to_o those_o imply_v in_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n and_o that_o the_o trinity_n have_v the_o same_o and_o no_o other_o foundation_n with_o 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he_o understand_v perfect_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o point_n in_o question_n he_o will_v commit_v no_o oversight_n through_o ignorance_n have_v or_o inadversion_n he_o be_v too_o experience_a and_o judicious_a to_o hazard_v his_o cause_n as_o other_o have_v late_o do_v on_o the_o success_n of_o a_o half-thought_a hypothesis_n a_o crude_a invention_n a_o pretty_a new_a querk_n in_o a_o word_n we_o can_v only_o say_v of_o he_o since_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n contenti_fw-la simus_fw-la hoc_fw-la catone_n v._o consid_n etc._n etc._n in_o a_o letter_n to_o h._n h._n p._n 3._o such_o a_o adversary_n as_o this_o be_v worthy_a the_o pen_n of_o their_o able_a writer_n if_o therefore_o at_o this_o juncture_n when_o the_o press_n be_v open_a these_o unitarian_n shall_v not_o answer_v those_o dialogue_n i_o must_v with_o freedom_n tell_v they_o it_o be_v not_o because_o they_o dare_v not_o but_o because_o they_o can_v q._n leave_v these_o unitarian_n to_o defend_v their_o parallel_n at_o their_o leisure_n let_v i_o now_o hear_v your_o answer_n which_o you_o be_v please_v to_o promise_n a._n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o return_v a_o more_o particular_a answer_n to_o this_o objection_n and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o i_o hope_v will_v satisfy_v every_o considerate_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n that_o after_o all_o this_o confidence_n and_o swagger_a of_o they_o there_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n equal_a reason_n either_o for_o the_o receive_n or_o for_o the_o reject_v of_o these_o two_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o transubstantiation_n vid._n archbishop_n tillotson_n serm._n on_o 1_o tim._n ii_o 5._o p._n 30._o q._n first_o let_v we_o examine_v whether_o there_o be_v equal_a reason_n for_o the_o belief_n of_o these_o two_o doctrine_n a._n if_o this_o suggestion_n of_o they_o be_v of_o any_o force_n we_o must_v suppose_v that_o there_o be_v equal_a evidence_n and_o proof_n from_o scripture_n for_o these_o two_o doctrine_n q._n how_o do_v you_o prove_v there_o be_v not_o a._n from_o the_o confession_n of_o our_o adversary_n themselves_o for_o several_a learned_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v free_o acknowledge_v that_o transubstantiation_n can_v neither_o be_v direct_o prove_v nor_o necessary_o conclude_v from_o scripture_n but_o this_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n do_v never_o acknowledge_v concern_v the_o trinity_n and_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n but_o have_v always_o appeal_v to_o the_o clear_a and_o undeniable_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o these_o doctrine_n and_o then_o the_o whole_a force_n of_o the_o objection_n amount_v to_o this_o that_o if_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o believe_v what_o i_o be_o sure_a god_n say_v though_o i_o can_v comprehend_v it_o then_o i_o be_o bind_v by_o the_o same_o reason_n to_o believe_v the_o great_a absurdity_n in_o the_o world_n though_o i_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o assurance_n of_o any_o divine_a revelation_n concern_v it_o q._n you_o think_v then_o that_o as_o there_o be_v not_o equal_a reason_n for_o the_o believe_a so_o neither_o be_v there_o equal_a reason_n for_o the_o reject_v of_o these_o two_o doctrine_n a._n this_o the_o objection_n suppose_v which_o yet_o can_v be_v suppose_v but_o upon_o one_o or_o both_o of_o these_o two_o ground_n either_o 1._o because_o these_o two_o doctrine_n be_v equal_o incomprehensible_a or_o 2._o because_o they_o be_v equal_o load_v with_o absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n q._n as_o to_o the_o first_o be_v not_o the_o trinity_n as_o incomprehensible_a as_o transubstantiation_n and_o as_o such_o equal_o to_o be_v reject_v a._n it_o be_v not_o good_a ground_n of_o reject_v any_o doctrine_n mere_o because_o it_o be_v incomprehensible_a as_o i_o have_v abundant_o show_v already_o but_o beside_o this_o there_o be_v a_o wide_a difference_n between_o plain_a matter_n of_o sense_n and_o mystery_n concern_v god_n and_o it_o do_v by_o