inquire_v 1._o what_o that_o catholic_n church_n be_v from_o whence_o we_o must_v receive_v this_o traditionary_a faith_n 2._o what_o evidence_n we_o have_v of_o this_o tradition_n concern_v the_o trinity_n in_o the_o catholic_n church_n 3._o of_o what_o authority_n this_o aught_o reasonable_o to_o be_v in_o expound_v scripture_n sect_n ii_o concern_v the_o traditionary_a faith_n of_o the_o church_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n first_o then_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o that_o catholic_n church_n be_v from_o whence_o we_o must_v receive_v this_o traditionary_a faith_n now_o since_o christ_n give_v the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o plant_v church_n to_o his_o apostle_n those_o only_o must_v be_v reckon_v the_o true_a apostolic_a church_n from_o which_o we_o must_v receive_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n which_o be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o by_o apostolic_a man_n and_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o they_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o prove_v any_o doctrine_n to_o be_v the_o true_a primitive_a faith_n that_o it_o be_v preach_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o apostolic_a church_n which_o be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o receive_v their_o faith_n from_o they_o for_o that_o only_o be_v the_o primitive_a and_o apostolic_a faith_n and_o therefore_o though_o arian_n and_o socinian_o can_v prove_v their_o heresy_n to_o be_v as_o ancient_a as_o the_o apostolic_a age_n as_o we_o grant_v something_o like_o they_o be_v this_o do_v not_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o apostolic_a church_n and_o this_o be_v very_o visible_a in_o those_o day_n what_o these_o church_n be_v which_o be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o they_o and_o be_v very_o visible_a still_o in_o the_o most_o authentic_a record_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o heretic_n which_o spring_v up_o in_o that_o age_n separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o apostle_n and_o thereby_o make_v a_o visible_a distinction_n between_o the_o true_a apostolic_a church_n and_o heretical_a conventicle_n and_o in_o after-age_n they_o either_o separate_v themselves_o or_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n this_o st._n john_n account_v a_o great_a advantage_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o a_o infallible_a proof_n of_o false_a doctrine_n and_o heresy_n as_o it_o certain_o be_v at_o that_o time_n for_o if_o the_o apostle_n teach_v the_o true_a faith_n those_o who_o separate_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o preach_v another_o gospel_n which_o they_o never_o learn_v from_o they_o must_v be_v heretic_n 1_o joh._n 2.18_o 19_o little_a child_n it_o be_v the_o last_o time_n and_o as_o you_o have_v hear_v that_o antichrist_n shall_v come_v even_o now_o there_o be_v many_o antichrist_n whereby_o we_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o last_o time_n they_o go_v out_o from_o we_o but_o they_o be_v not_o of_o we_o for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v of_o we_o they_o no_o doubt_n will_v have_v continue_v with_o we_o but_o they_o go_v out_o that_o they_o may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v not_o all_o of_o we_o the_o separation_n of_o heretic_n in_o that_o age_n be_v a_o visible_a renounce_v the_o apostolic_a faith_n and_o communion_n and_o therefore_o how_o many_o heresy_n soever_o start_v up_o it_o be_v still_o visible_a where_o the_o apostolic_a faith_n and_o tradition_n be_v preserve_v and_o this_o be_v of_o admirable_a use_n to_o preserve_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n sincere_a and_o uncorrupt_a for_o have_v these_o heretic_n continue_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o apostle_n and_o apostolic_a church_n and_o secret_o propagate_v their_o heresy_n and_o infect_v great_a number_n of_o christian_n without_o divide_v into_o distinct_a and_o opposite_a communion_n it_o will_v have_v be_v a_o great_a dispute_n in_o the_o next_o age_n which_o have_v be_v the_o true_a apostolic_a faith_n when_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n which_o all_o their_o time_n live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o apostle_n shall_v preach_v contrary_a doctrine_n and_o pretend_v with_o equal_a confidence_n apostolic_a tradition_n which_o the_o great_a heretic_n may_v very_o plausible_o have_v do_v have_v they_o always_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o apostle_n but_o they_o go_v out_o from_o we_o say_v st._n john_n that_o they_o may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v not_o all_o of_o we_o that_o the_o world_n may_v know_v how_o to_o distinguish_v between_o catholic_n christian_n and_o heretic_n and_o between_o the_o true_a catholic_n faith_n and_o the_o corrupt_a innovation_n of_o perverse_a man_n and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n to_o this_o day_n why_o we_o shall_v keep_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n sincere_a and_o uncorrupt_a and_o not_o set_v our_o door_n open_a for_o arian_n and_o socinian_o and_o all_o sort_n of_o heretic_n to_o mix_v with_o we_o for_o though_o since_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n have_v bâ—en_v so_o break_v and_o divide_v by_o schism_n and_o faction_n and_o heresy_n it_o be_v no_o proof_n of_o the_o true_a apostolic_a faith_n mere_o that_o it_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o such_o a_o church_n though_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n still_o vain_o pretend_v to_o such_o authority_n yet_o it_o will_v soon_o ruin_v the_o christian_a church_n and_o the_o christian_a faith_n to_o have_v no_o distinction_n preserve_v between_o true_a apostolic_a church_n and_o the_o apostolic_a faith_n and_o the_o conventicle_n of_o heretic_n the_o impure_a offspring_n of_o cerinthus_n and_o ebion_n of_o photinus_n or_o arius_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o abhor_v that_o accommodating-design_n which_o some_o man_n have_v express_v so_o warm_a a_o zeal_n for_o to_o comprehend_v away_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n in_o some_o loose_a general_a expression_n without_o any_o particular_a determine_a sense_n and_o to_o purge_v our_o liturgy_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o savour_v of_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n that_o arian_n and_o socinian_o may_v join_v in_o communion_n with_o we_o which_o be_v a_o plausible_a pretence_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o christian_a charity_n and_o communion_n to_o betray_v the_o christian_a faith_n not_o express_o to_o renounce_v it_o but_o to_o bury_v it_o in_o silence_n as_o a_o useless_a and_o church-dividing_a dispute_n i_o be_o satisfy_v this_o holy_a faith_n can_v never_o be_v confute_v but_o can_v these_o man_n prevail_v it_o may_v soon_o be_v lost._n but_o to_o return_v this_o be_v a_o sure_a foundation_n for_o our_o inquiry_n into_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n to_o know_v what_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v for_o otherwise_o we_o may_v mistake_v old_a heresy_n for_o the_o primitive_a faith_n but_o those_o church_n which_o be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o apostolical_a man_n and_o receive_v their_o faith_n from_o they_o and_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o they_o be_v the_o true_a primitive_a and_o apostolic_a church_n and_o their_o faith_n be_v the_o true_a primitive_a apostolic_a faith_n and_o what_o that_o be_v justin_n martyr_n and_o irenaeus_n assure_v we_o the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o what_o their_o faith_n be_v as_o to_o all_o these_o three_o divine_a person_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o write_n of_o those_o ancient_a father_n who_o preserve_v the_o succession_n and_o communion_n of_o these_o apostolic_a church_n but_o this_o be_v not_o what_o i_o intend_v at_o present_a but_o from_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o those_o ancient_a heresy_n which_o be_v reject_v and_o condemn_v by_o the_o apostolic_a church_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o appear_v can_v not_o be_v the_o apostolic_a faith_n these_o heretic_n separate_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o apostolic_a church_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o receive_v their_o faith_n from_o they_o nor_o do_v they_o pretend_v to_o this_o while_o the_o apostle_n live_v though_o they_o forge_v new_a gospel_n and_o act_n and_o revelation_n for_o they_o when_o they_o be_v dead_a and_o thus_o all_o the_o heresy_n of_o simon_n magus_n menander_n cerinthus_n ebion_n valentinus_n and_o all_o those_o other_o division_n and_o subdivision_n of_o heretic_n who_o deny_v or_o corrupt_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n or_o his_o incarnation_n be_v all_o reject_v from_o the_o apostolical_a faith_n for_o these_o heretic_n do_v not_o receive_v their_o doctrine_n from_o the_o apostle_n and_o apostolic_a church_n as_o they_o themselves_o own_v by_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o apostolic_a church_n and_o these_o church_n give_v testimony_n against_o their_o corruption_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v know_v and_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o other_o confutation_n of_o they_o if_o we_o allow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o
those_o heresy_n which_o the_o catholic_n church_n condemn_v and_o from_o the_o corrupt_a remain_n of_o the_o ancient_a faith_n which_o appear_v in_o they_o for_o these_o heretic_n be_v original_o christian_n and_o profess_v themselves_o christian_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o whole_o renounce_v the_o christian_a faith_n but_o graft_v their_o heresy_n on_o it_o as_o to_o confine_v myself_o to_o the_o subject_a of_o the_o present_a dispute_n what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n whether_o three_o distinct_a real_a substantial_a person_n or_o not_o each_o of_o who_o be_v distinct_o by_o himself_o true_a and_o perfect_a god_n but_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o same_o divine_a nature_n and_o godhead_n now_o that_o this_o be_v the_o receive_a faith_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n we_o may_v learn_v both_o from_o the_o valentinian_o sabellian_n and_o arian_n though_o the_o valentinian_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o have_v corrupt_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n either_o with_o the_o platonic_a philosophy_n as_o that_o itself_o have_v be_v corrupt_v by_o the_o junior_a platonist_n or_o with_o the_o pagan_a theology_n yet_o the_o propagation_n of_o their_o aeons_n in_o different_a degree_n and_o descent_n from_o the_o first_o supreme_a aeon_n the_o unbegotten_a one_o and_o the_o invisible_a and_o incomprehensible_a father_n as_o they_o style_v he_o show_v what_o they_o think_v the_o catholic_n faith_n be_v concern_v the_o eternal_a generation_n of_o the_o son_n and_o procession_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o they_o take_v to_o be_v a_o substantial_a generation_n and_o procession_n and_o according_o in_o imitation_n of_o this_o faith_n assert_v a_o substantial_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o emanation_n of_o one_o aeon_n from_o another_o and_o which_o be_v more_o none_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n who_o write_v against_o this_o heresy_n as_o far_o as_o i_o have_v observe_v ever_o quarrel_n with_o they_o upon_o this_o account_n nay_o tertullian_n though_o he_o abominate_v these_o heresy_n own_v this_o probole_fw-la or_o emanation_n in_o a_o true_a catholic_n sense_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o these_o heretic_n borrow_v this_o word_n from_o the_o catholic_n faith_n though_o they_o fit_v it_o to_o their_o heresy_n and_o challenge_v any_o man_n to_o say_v whether_o the_o divine_a word_n be_v not_o produce_v by_o the_o father_n 8._o and_o if_o it_o be_v here_z say_v he_o be_v the_o prolation_n or_o emanation_n which_o the_o true_a catholic_n faith_n own_v and_o add_v that_o the_o fault_n of_o this_o heresy_n be_v not_o their_o produce_v one_o aeon_n from_o another_o but_o that_o beside_o the_o number_n of_o their_o fictitious_a aeons_n they_o do_v separate_v these_o emanation_n and_o aeons_n from_o their_o author_n that_o the_o aeons_n know_v not_o the_o father_n nay_o desire_v to_o know_v he_o but_o can_v not_o know_v he_o and_o be_v even_o dissolve_v with_o passion_n and_o desire_n whereas_o in_o the_o catholic_n faith_n there_o be_v the_o most_o inseparable_a union_n of_o the_o son_n with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o most_o intimate_v and_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o he_o so_o that_o tertullian_n allow_v of_o a_o real_a and_o substantial_a production_n of_o the_o person_n of_o the_o son_n from_o the_o person_n of_o the_o father_n as_o the_o valentinian_o pretend_v of_o their_o aeons_n and_o assert_n that_o these_o heretic_n learn_v this_o from_o the_o catholic_n faith_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o that_o the_o church_n must_v not_o reject_v this_o probole_fw-la prolation_n or_o emanation_n in_o a_o orthodox_n catholic_n use_v of_o those_o word_n because_o heretic_n abuse_v they_o to_o countenance_v their_o own_o heresy_n as_o for_o the_o noetian_o and_o sabellian_o for_o however_o they_o explain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n whether_o by_o three_o name_n or_o three_o power_n or_o three_o part_n while_o they_o teach_v that_o the_o one_o god_n be_v but_o one_o single_a person_n the_o heresy_n be_v the_o same_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o catholic_n church_n shall_v reject_v this_o heresy_n without_o assert_v three_o distinct_a real_a substantial_a person_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n each_o of_o who_o be_v as_o true_a and_o perfect_a god_n as_o each_o of_o three_o man_n peter_n james_n and_o john_n be_v a_o true_a perfect_a distinct_a man_n though_o these_o three_o man_n be_v not_o uniâ—ed_v as_o the_o three_o divine_a person_n be_v the_o occasion_n of_o this_o heresy_n be_v that_o they_o think_v that_o three_o real_a distinct_a person_n in_o the_o godhead_n be_v three_o god_n and_o therefore_o though_o be_v profess_v christian_n and_o consequent_o baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n they_o dare_v not_o deny_v father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n yet_o neither_o will_v they_o own_o three_o divine_a person_n but_o turn_v they_o into_o three_o name_n or_o three_o part_n of_o one_o person_n which_o have_v much_o more_o sense_n in_o it_o than_o three_o modes_n though_o three_o modes_n of_o the_o same_o person_n let_v they_o call_v they_o three_o personality_n if_o they_o please_v be_v the_o same_o heresy_n if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o suppositum_fw-la as_o one_o man_n may_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o three_o or_o three_o and_o twenty_o modes_n and_o be_v but_o one_o human_a person_n still_o noetus_n and_o sabellius_n do_v certain_o apprehend_v that_o by_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n the_o catholic_n church_n understand_v three_o distinct_a substantial_a divine_a person_n or_o else_o why_o shall_v they_o charge_v they_o with_o tritheism_n upon_o this_o account_n and_o turn_v three_o person_n into_o three_o name_n or_o three_o part_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o god_n to_o avoid_v the_o imputation_n of_o three_o god_n and_o if_o this_o have_v not_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n what_o mean_v their_o zeal_n against_o this_o heresy_n for_o all_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n can_v find_v a_o medium_fw-la between_o sabellianism_n and_o three_o divine_a substantial_a person_n a_o trinity_n must_v be_v three_o somewhat_n as_o it_o have_v be_v late_o call_v and_o than_o it_o must_v either_o be_v one_o suppositum_fw-la or_o person_n under_o three_o name_n or_o three_o modes_n or_o compound_v of_o three_o part_n or_o be_v three_o distinct_a suppositum_n and_o person_n now_o if_o this_o have_v be_v the_o catholic_n faith_n that_o the_o trinity_n be_v but_o one_o suppositum_fw-la or_o person_n under_o three_o name_n or_o mode_n etc._n etc._n i_o can_v imagine_v why_o the_o catholic_n church_n shall_v have_v quarrel_v with_o these_o heretic_n or_o they_o with_o the_o catholic_n church_n unless_o they_o both_o mistake_v one_o another_o but_o if_o the_o sabellian_o and_o catholic_n understand_v themselves_o and_o each_o other_o and_o do_v intend_v to_o contradict_v each_o other_o we_o certain_o know_v what_o the_o catholic_n faith_n be_v for_o there_o be_v nothing_o contradict_v a_o noetian_a and_o sabellian_n trinity_n but_o a_o trinity_n of_o distinct_a substantial_a divine_a person_n and_o novatianus_n well_o observe_v that_o these_o heretic_n do_v acknowledge_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n that_o whoever_o christ_n be_v it_o be_v evident_a from_o those_o character_n give_v of_o he_o in_o scripture_n that_o he_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n and_o because_o the_o father_n be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n and_o christ_n true_a and_o perfect_a god_n for_o fear_v of_o own_v two_o god_n they_o make_v the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n to_o be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n 18._o the_o arian_n deny_v the_o eternal_a godhead_n of_o christ_n and_o make_v a_o creature_n of_o he_o though_o the_o most_o excellent_a creature_n the_o minister_n and_o instrument_n of_o god_n in_o make_v the_o world_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o heresy_n be_v the_o same_o viz._n for_o fear_n of_o a_o plurality_n of_o god_n shall_v they_o allow_v christ_n to_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n and_o this_o still_o be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n what_o they_o think_v the_o catholic_n faith_n to_o be_v not_o only_o that_o christ_n be_v true_a and_o real_a god_n but_o that_o he_o be_v true_o and_o real_o a_o distinct_a person_n from_o god_n the_o father_n so_o distinct_a that_o if_o they_o shall_v acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v true_a god_n he_o will_v be_v a_o second_o god_n which_o they_o think_v contradict_v the_o faith_n of_o one_o god_n well_o though_o they_o will_v not_o own_v he_o to_o be_v true_a god_n yet_o they_o own_v he_o to_o be_v a_o distinct_a person_n from_o the_o father_n as_o distinct_a as_o god_n and_o a_o creature_n be_v distinct_a do_v the_o catholic_n now_o quarrel_v with_o the_o arian_n that_o they_o have_v make_v a_o substantial_a person_n of_o the_o son_n as_o in_o reason_n tâ—ey_v aught_o to_o have_v do_v have_v thâ—y_o not_o believe_v
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
as_o he_o represent_v it_o but_o the_o personal_a union_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n of_o christ_n to_o human_a nature_n he_o be_v not_o only_o as_o conscious_a of_o all_o the_o divine_a perfection_n in_o himself_o 41._o as_o a_o man_n be_v conscious_a of_o his_o own_o thought_n which_o yet_o by_o the_o way_n be_v absolute_o impossible_a without_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n in_o his_o own_o person_n but_o he_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v god_n the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n not_o the_o same_o person_n with_o his_o father_n but_o one_o with_o he_o be_v a_o man_n thus_o regular_o and_o constant_o inspire_v he_o will_v know_v that_o he_o be_v thus_o inspire_v and_o he_o will_v also_o know_v that_o these_o divine_a perfection_n be_v not_o in_o himself_o not_o seat_v in_o his_o own_o human_a person_n nor_o under_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o own_o will_n as_o his_o own_o natural_a power_n be_v and_o therefore_o must_v know_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o mere_a man_n still_o not_o god-man_n so_o that_o this_o constant_a and_o regular_a inspiration_n this_o uninterrupted_a presence_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o deity_n which_o be_v all_o he_o allow_v in_o this_o matter_n can_v make_v any_o person_n god-man_n this_o inspiration_n be_v not_o a_o subsist_v person_n be_v not_o the_o person_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v not_o incarnate_a by_o its_o union_n to_o man_n no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v incarnate_a in_o other_o prophet_n the_o man_n be_v the_o person_n and_o therefore_o a_o mere_a creature_n still_o though_o never_o so_o divine_o inspire_v this_o be_v such_o a_o incarnation_n as_o socinian_n themselves_o own_o in_o as_o high_a expression_n as_o the_o considerer_n can_v invent_v cerinthus_n own_v something_o more_o that_o christ_n who_o descend_v on_o jesus_n at_o his_o baptism_n be_v a_o divine_a person_n not_o a_o mere_a inspiration_n and_o rest_v on_o he_o and_o be_v most_o intimate_o unite_v to_o he_o till_o his_o crucifixion_n that_o sect_n of_o the_o noetian_o and_o sabellian_o who_o be_v call_v patripassian_n for_o they_o do_v not_o seem_v by_o the_o account_n we_o have_v of_o they_o to_o have_v be_v all_o of_o that_o mind_n do_v acknowledge_v the_o incarnation_n of_o god_n in_o a_o true_a and_o proper_a sense_n as_o the_o catholic_n church_n do_v the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n but_o then_o their_o trinity_n be_v but_o one_o proper_a single_a divine_a person_n distinguish_v by_o three_o name_n or_o personal_a character_n which_o be_v the_o express_a doctrine_n of_o the_o considerer_n their_o whole_a trinity_n be_v incarnate_a suffer_v and_o die_v in_o the_o incarnation_n and_o suffering_n of_o christ_n the_o father_n as_o well_o as_o the_o son_n as_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o divine_a person_n who_o be_v father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o if_o this_o one_o person_n be_v in_o a_o true_a and_o proper_a sense_n incarnate_a but_o this_o the_o catholic_n church_n abhor_v and_o condemn_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o patripassian_a heresy_n other_o of_o they_o be_v sabellian_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n but_o photinian_o or_o samosatenian_o that_o be_v socinian_o as_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o incarnation_n as_o athanasius_n often_o intimate_v and_o if_o i_o understand_v he_o this_o be_v the_o considerer_n way_n who_o believe_v a_o trinity_n in_o one_o single_a person_n and_o a_o inspire_a man_n for_o a_o god_n incarnate_a and_o thus_o we_o have_v lose_v the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n and_o must_v part_v with_o every_o thing_n which_o be_v peculiar_a and_o essential_a to_o christianity_n with_o they_o and_o now_o one_o will_v wonder_v after_o all_o this_o what_o he_o have_v to_o say_v more_o about_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v his_o next_o enquiry_n 41._o what_o the_o scripture_n necessary_o oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v in_o this_o point_n that_o be_v concern_v the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n though_o he_o have_v be_v careful_a all_o along_o never_o to_o use_v this_o term_n incarnation_n as_o be_v sensible_a that_o all_o he_o say_v about_o god-man_n will_v not_o reach_v the_o catholic_n notion_n of_o incarnation_n when_o i_o meet_v with_o this_o enquiry_n i_o be_v in_o hope_n that_o there_o be_v something_o behind_o to_o unsay_v all_o that_o he_o have_v hitherto_o say_v for_o if_o what_o he_o have_v already_o say_v be_v true_a it_o be_v certain_a the_o scripture_n require_v we_o to_o believe_v nothing_o about_o they_o but_o upon_o examination_n i_o find_v that_o the_o question_n be_v fallacious_o state_v and_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o it_o be_v what_o the_o scripture_n oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v instead_o of_o what_o have_v hitherto_o pass_v for_o the_o true_a catholic_n faith_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n i_o shall_v not_o dispute_v this_o point_n with_o he_o now_o to_o show_v what_o he_o mean_v will_v be_v confutation_n enough_o 42._o we_o must_v not_o he_o say_v look_v upon_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n as_o a_o nice_a abstract_a speculation_n design_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o understand_n but_o as_o a_o plain_a revelation_n of_o god_n love_n and_o good_a will_n towards_o man_n and_o a_o great_a motive_n and_o incitement_n to_o piety_n than_o ever_o we_o have_v before_o this_o doctrine_n be_v deliver_v this_o we_o grant_v that_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v not_o design_v mere_o for_o speculation_n but_o for_o practice_n but_o yet_o all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n be_v matter_n of_o speculation_n and_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o must_v be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o practice_n or_o else_o the_o revelation_n of_o it_o be_v of_o no_o use_n at_o all_o the_o question_n than_o be_v whether_o we_o must_v not_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n or_o how_o much_o we_o must_v believe_v of_o they_o must_v we_o not_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v in_o a_o true_a and_o proper_a sense_n a_o eternal_a and_o only-begotten_a son_n beget_v from_o eternity_n of_o his_o own_o substance_n his_o true_a perfect_a live_v subsist_v image_n must_v we_o not_o believe_v that_o this_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n do_v in_o a_o true_a proper_a notion_n become_v man_n by_o unite_n human_a nature_n to_o his_o own_o person_n and_o that_o in_o human_a nature_n he_o suffer_v and_o die_v for_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n true_o no_o if_o i_o understand_v he_o all_o this_o be_v a_o nice_a abstract_a speculation_n and_o a_o very_a perplex_v exercise_n of_o our_o understand_n and_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o understand_v no_o more_o by_o god_n give_v his_o own_o son_n to_o die_v for_o we_o but_o his_o love_n and_o gâ—od_n will_v to_o mankind_n as_o it_o be_v a_o great_a motive_n and_o excitement_n to_o piety_n but_o how_o can_v we_o learn_v god_n love_n and_o good_a will_n to_o mankind_n from_o this_o doctrine_n if_o it_o be_v not_o true_a if_o god_n have_v no_o eternal_a son_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o give_v his_o eternal_a son_n to_o become_v man_n and_o to_o suffer_v and_o die_v for_o we_o the_o gospel_n prove_v the_o great_a love_n of_o god_n to_o sinner_n by_o the_o incarnation_n death_n and_o suffering_n of_o his_o son_n that_o if_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v this_o doctrine_n strict_o and_o literal_o true_a we_o lose_v the_o gospel_n proof_n of_o god_n love_n to_o sinner_n and_o of_o the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o sacrifice_n to_o expiate_v our_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o power_n of_o his_o intercession_n as_o the_o eternal_a only-begotten_a and_o well-beloved_a son_n of_o god_n but_o our_o considerer_n will_v not_o allow_v this_o these_o title_n and_o relation_n must_v be_v chief_o consider_v with_o reference_n to_o the_o great_a work_n of_o man_n salvation_n but_o must_v they_o not_o be_v consider_v as_o three_o distinct_a proper_a person_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n who_o have_v their_o distinct_a part_n and_o office_n in_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n no_o but_o distinct_a relation_n and_o office_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o single_a divine_a person_n who_o be_v the_o one_o supreme_a god_n and_o be_v all_o in_o one_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghâ—st_n saviour_n mediator_n comforter_n 43._o but_o how_o then_o can_v these_o title_n and_o relation_n signify_v a_o eternal_a distinction_n in_o the_o godhead_n a_o eternal_a fâ—tâ—â—r_n a_o eternal_a son_n and_o a_o eternal_a spirit_n when_o thâ—se_a office_n relate_v only_o to_o man_n salvation_n be_v not_o eternal_a this_o he_o resolve_v into_o the_o eternal_a purpose_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n to_o redeem_v mankind_n by_o the_o death_n and_o constant_a mediation_n of_o a_o man_n choose_v and_o enable_v for_o this_o work_n by_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n dwell_v in_o he_o and_o in_o consideration_n of_o
the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o socinian_n controversy_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o catholic_n father_n concern_v a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n by_o william_n sherlock_n d._n d._n dean_n of_o st._n paul_n master_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n london_n print_v for_o william_n rogers_n at_o the_o sun_n against_o st._n dunstan_n church_n in_o fleetstreet_n mdcxc_o viii_o the_o preface_n i_o have_v little_a to_o say_v to_o the_o reader_n have_v sufficient_o explain_v the_o design_n of_o this_o treatise_n in_o the_o first_o section_n those_o who_o remember_v how_o this_o controversy_n have_v be_v of_o late_o manage_v may_v possible_o expect_v what_o they_o will_v not_o find_v some_o sharp_a resentment_n of_o the_o ill_a usage_n i_o have_v meet_v with_o and_o as_o sharp_a return_v but_o i_o write_v not_o to_o revenge_v myself_o but_o to_o explain_v and_o vindicate_v the_o true_o ancient_a catholic_n and_o apostolic_a faith_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n which_o require_v a_o compose_v and_o sedate_v mind_n both_o in_o the_o writer_n and_o reader_n for_o this_o reason_n i_o have_v thus_o long_o delay_v the_o publication_n of_o this_o treatise_n the_o great_a part_n of_o which_o be_v print_v two_o year_n since_o that_o those_o who_o will_v ever_o grow_v cool_a may_v have_v time_n to_o recover_v their_o temper_n and_o do_v i_o not_o hope_v that_o the_o publication_n of_o it_o at_o this_o time_n will_v tend_v more_o to_o quiet_a man_n mind_n to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o heretic_n and_o to_o secure_v the_o catholic_n faith_n than_o a_o passive_a silence_n it_o shall_v never_o see_v the_o light_n how_o much_o soever_o my_o own_o reputation_n may_v suffer_v by_o it_o but_o i_o persuade_v myself_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o of_o the_o catholic_n father_n be_v not_o at_o so_o low_a a_o ebb_n even_o in_o this_o age_n as_o to_o be_v easy_o despise_v and_o therefore_o their_o explication_n their_o argument_n their_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n of_o heretic_n will_v have_v their_o due_a weight_n and_o i_o have_v not_o go_v one_o step_n further_o i_o appeal_v to_o the_o catholic_n father_n and_o be_o content_v to_o stand_v or_o fall_v by_o their_o sentence_n i_o have_v not_o wilful_o misrepresent_v their_o sense_n in_o any_o thing_n and_o have_v take_v all_o possible_a care_v not_o to_o mistake_v it_o and_o as_o far_o as_o human_a authority_n be_v concern_v here_o i_o must_v leave_v the_o matter_n for_o i_o know_v of_o no_o further_a appeal_n the_o content_n chap._n i._n sect_n i._o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o socinian_n controversy_n and_o how_o to_o reduce_v the_o dispute_n to_o the_o original_a question_n page_n 1._o sect_n ii_o how_o to_o reduce_v this_o dispute_n concern_v the_o trinity_n to_o scripture-term_n 4_o the_o form_n of_o baptism_n the_o rule_n and_o standard_n of_o faith_n ibid._n that_o these_o name_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v more_o easy_o understand_v and_o give_v we_o a_o true_a idea_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n than_o any_o artificial_a term_n 5_o etc._n etc._n sect_n iii_o that_o the_o title_n of_o god_n attribute_v in_o scripture_n distinct_o to_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n give_v we_o the_o best_a account_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o must_v determine_v the_o signification_n of_o ecclesiastical_a word_n 12_o this_o particular_o explain_v with_o respect_n to_o those_o term_n nature_n essence_n substance_n hypostasis_fw-la existence_n subsistence_n person_n etc._n etc._n 13_o etc._n etc._n sect_n iv._o these_o name_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n prove_v the_o real_a distinction_n of_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n 20_o etc._n etc._n sect_n v._o these_o name_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n prove_v the_o unity_n sameness_n identity_n of_o nature_n and_o godhead_n explain_v at_o large_a 24_o sect_n vi_o concern_v the_o unity_n of_o god_n 33_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o catholic_n church_n believe_v in_o one_o god_n ibid._n tritheism_n a_o old_a sabellian_n and_o arian_n objection_n against_o the_o trinity_n 34_o how_o answer_v by_o the_o catholic_n father_n 37_o etc._n etc._n chap._n ii_o a_o examination_n of_o some_o consideration_n concern_v the_o trinity_n sect_n i._o concern_v the_o way_n of_o manage_v this_o controversy_n 51_o what_o way_n the_o considerer_n dislike_v 52_o etc._n etc._n what_o way_n he_o take_v viz._n consult_v scripture_n and_o natural_a sentiment_n 56_o sect_n ii_o concern_v the_o traditionary_a faith_n of_o the_o church_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n 60_o what_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v from_o whence_o we_o must_v receive_v this_o traditionary_a faith_n ibid._n what_o evidence_n we_o have_v for_o this_o tradition_n from_o the_o ancient_a heresy_n condemn_v by_o the_o catholic_n church_n 64_o of_o what_o authority_n the_o traditionary_a faith_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n ought_v to_o be_v in_o expound_v scripture_n 77_o sect_n iii_o what_o be_v sufficient_a to_o be_v believe_v concern_v the_o trinity_n 80_o his_o requisite_n to_o make_v it_o possible_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v a_o thing_n 81_o sect_n iv._o concern_v his_o state_n of_o the_o question_n that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o god_n be_v three_o different_a person_n 84_o his_o examination_n of_o these_o term_n god_n unity_n identity_n distinction_n number_n and_o person_n and_o 1._o of_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n 86_o sect_n v._o his_o notion_n and_o idea_n of_o unity_n distinction_n person_n his_o sabellian_n notion_n of_o a_o person_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o single_a person_n in_o the_o trinity_n as_o person_n signify_v proper_o a_o particular_a intelligent_a be_v 88_o this_o he_o prove_v from_o his_o notion_n of_o unity_n and_o distinction_n the_o unity_n and_o distinction_n of_o idea_n of_o principle_n and_o of_o position_n 91_o what_o he_o mean_v by_o a_o obscure_a confuse_a knowledge_n and_o a_o general_a confuse_a faith_n of_o the_o trinity_n 101_o sect_n vi_o what_o the_o scripture_n require_v we_o to_o believe_v concern_v the_o trinity_n 103_o his_fw-la sabellian_n notion_n of_o one_o god_n to_o be_v adore_v under_o three_o different_a title_n and_o character_n ibid._n his_o scripture-proof_n of_o this_o examine_v 104_o etc._n etc._n his_o attempt_n to_o reconcile_v this_o with_o god_n be_v one_o and_o three_o 108_o etc._n etc._n and_o with_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o second_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n 113_o his_o account_n of_o the_o union_n of_o god_n and_o man._n 115_o what_o end_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n serve_v not_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o speculation_n but_o as_o a_o artificial_a representation_n of_o god_n love_n to_o man_n 120_o chap._n iii_o a_o account_n of_o the_o sabellian_n heresy_n and_o by_o what_o argument_n the_o catholic_n father_n oppose_v it_o 124_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o sabellianism_n 1_o those_o who_o make_v father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v only_o three_o name_n appearance_n and_o office_n of_o the_o same_o person_n and_o here_o the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o the_o son_n be_v a_o person_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n a_o person_n but_o whether_o they_o be_v distinct_a person_n from_o the_o father_n 125_o by_o what_o argument_n the_o catholic_n father_n oppose_v this_o heresy_n 127_o 2._o that_o the_o son_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o father_n only_o as_o a_o man_n word_n be_v distinguish_v from_o himself_o 133_o and_o by_o what_o argument_n the_o catholic_n father_n oppose_v this_o heresy_n 134_o 3._o some_o make_v god_n a_o compound_n be_v and_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o one_o god_n 143_o by_o what_o argument_n the_o father_n oppose_v it_o ibid._n chap._n iu._n concern_v the_o homoousion_n or_o one_o substance_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n 150_o sect_n i._o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o homoousion_n from_o those_o misrepresentation_n which_o be_v make_v of_o it_o and_o the_o answer_n which_o be_v give_v by_o the_o nicene_n father_n to_o such_o objection_n 152_o sect_n ii_o some_o rule_n for_o expound_v the_o homoousion_n 158_o sect_n iii_o what_o the_o nicene_n father_n mean_v by_o the_o homoousion_n 163_o sect_n iv._o a_o more_o particular_a inquiry_n into_o the_o full_a signification_n of_o the_o homoousion_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o specific_a unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n 170_o sect_n v._o that_o by_o the_o homoousion_n the_o nicene_n father_n do_v not_o mere_o understand_v a_o specific_a but_o a_o natural_a unity_n and_o sameness_n of_o substance_n between_o father_n and_o son_n 180_o damascen_n distinction_n between_o one_o in_o notion_n and_o one_o in_o reality_n ibid._n this_o appear_v from_o their_o notion_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 181_o and_o the_o catholic_n father_n lie_v the_o
be_v but_o one_o god_n but_o yet_o require_v we_o to_o believe_v his_o eternal_a son_n to_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n and_o his_o eternal_a spirit_n to_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v very_o reconcilable_a with_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n for_o as_o far_o as_o revelation_n must_v decide_v this_o dispute_n we_o be_v as_o much_o oblige_v to_o believe_v that_o the_o father_n be_v god_n the_o son_n god_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n god_n as_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n those_o who_o will_v not_o acquiesce_v in_o this_o must_v appeal_v from_o scripture_n to_o natural_a reason_n which_o be_v a_o very_a absurd_a and_o impudent_a appeal_n for_o the_o plain_a sense_n of_o it_o be_v this_o that_o they_o will_v believe_v their_o own_o reason_n before_o the_o scripture_n in_o matter_n relate_v to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o unity_n which_o all_o wise_a man_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v so_o much_o above_o human_a comprehension_n that_o be_v that_o they_o know_v the_o unity_n of_o god_n better_a than_o god_n himself_o do_v or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o they_o will_v never_o believe_v any_o revelation_n to_o come_v from_o god_n or_o any_o thing_n how_o express_a soever_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o revelation_n any_o far_a than_o their_o own_o reason_n approve_v it_o of_o which_o more_o elsewhere_o and_o yet_o i_o dare_v appeal_n to_o any_o man_n of_o a_o free_a and_o unbiased_a reason_n in_o this_o cause_n what_o be_v that_o natural_a notion_n we_o have_v of_o one_o god_n be_v it_o any_o thing_n more_o than_o that_o there_o be_v and_o can_v be_v but_o one_o eternal_a self-originated_n be_v who_o be_v the_o principle_n or_o cause_n of_o all_o other_o being_n and_o do_v not_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o all_o trinitarian_n with_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n own_o this_o do_v not_o all_o the_o christian_a creed_n teach_v we_o to_o profess_v our_o faith_n in_o one_o god_n the_o father_n from_o who_o the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n receive_v their_o godhead_n thus_o far_o then_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o the_o catholic_n faith_n agree_v do_v reason_n then_o deny_v that_o god_n can_v beget_v of_o himself_o a_o eternal_a son_n his_o own_o perfect_a image_n and_o likeness_n if_o it_o do_v than_o indeed_o scripture_n and_o reason_n contradict_v each_o other_o but_o i_o believe_v these_o man_n will_v not_o pretend_v to_o prove_v from_o reason_n that_o god_n can_v not_o beget_v a_o eternal_a son_n and_o if_o this_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o reason_n as_o i_o be_o certain_a it_o never_o can_v than_o reason_n do_v not_o contradict_v scripture_n which_o teach_v we_o that_o god_n have_v a_o only_o beget_v son_n and_o if_o god_n have_v a_o only_o beget_v son_n reason_n will_v teach_v we_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n must_v be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n and_o yet_o not_o another_o god_n because_o he_o have_v one_o and_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o his_o father_n this_o be_v all_o that_o any_o christian_a need_n to_o believe_v concern_v this_o matter_n and_o all_o this_o every_o christian_a may_v understand_v and_o all_o this_o every_o one_o who_o sincere_o believe_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n do_v and_o must_v agree_v in_o those_o who_o do_v not_o i_o will_v at_o any_o time_n undertake_v to_o prove_v to_o be_v secret_a heretic_n and_o enemy_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o as_o for_o those_o who_o do_v i_o will_v never_o dispute_v with_o they_o about_o some_o term_n of_o art_n and_o the_o propriety_n of_o word_n in_o a_o matter_n which_o be_v so_o much_o above_o all_o word_n and_o form_n of_o speech_n and_o here_o i_o leave_v this_o matter_n upon_o a_o sure_a bottom_n and_o here_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o join_v issue_n with_o our_o socinian_n adversary_n our_o only_a controversy_n as_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n with_o they_o be_v whether_o the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n each_o of_o they_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n if_o we_o can_v prove_v this_o which_o have_v be_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o all_o age_n we_o need_v dispute_v no_o other_o matter_n with_o they_o nor_o can_v any_o dispute_n among_o ourselves_o give_v any_o support_n to_o their_o cause_n a_o dispute_n about_o word_n may_v look_v like_o a_o difference_n in_o faith_n when_o both_o contend_a party_n may_v mean_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o those_o must_v do_v who_o sincere_o own_o and_o believe_v that_o the_o son_n be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n and_o that_o neither_o of_o they_o be_v the_o father_n nor_o each_o other_o and_o therefore_o those_o different_a explication_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n which_o the_o socinian_o of_o late_o have_v so_o much_o triumph_v in_o and_o make_v more_o and_o great_a than_o real_o they_o be_v and_o more_o senseless_a too_o by_o their_o false_a representation_n can_v do_v they_o no_o real_a service_n among_o wise_a man_n though_o it_o may_v help_v to_o amuse_v the_o ignorant_a if_o any_o man_n have_v subtle_o distinguish_v away_o the_o catholic_n faith_n they_o may_v take_v they_o to_o themselves_o and_o increase_v their_o party_n by_o they_o but_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n as_o i_o hope_v it_o be_v not_o it_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o catholic_n faith_n that_o some_o man_n open_o oppose_v it_o and_o other_o at_o least_o in_o some_o man_n opinion_n do_v secret_o undermine_v it_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o guard_v the_o christian_a faith_n against_o all_o inconvenient_a or_o dangerous_a explication_n which_o seem_v to_o approach_v near_o heresy_n if_o this_o be_v do_v with_o due_a christian_a temper_n and_o moderation_n but_o i_o hope_v the_o dispute_n of_o the_o trinitarian_n be_v not_o so_o irreconcilable_a but_o that_o they_o will_v all_o unite_v against_o a_o pestilent_a and_o insolent_a heresy_n which_o now_o promise_v itself_o glorious_a success_n only_o from_o their_o private_a quarrel_n chap._n ii_o a_o examination_n of_o some_o consideration_n concern_v the_o trinity_n sect_n i._o concern_v the_o way_n of_o manage_v this_o controversy_n before_o i_o put_v a_o end_n to_o this_o discourse_n it_o will_v contribute_v very_o much_o to_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v and_o give_v a_o clear_a notion_n of_o the_o use_n of_o it_o to_o apply_v these_o principle_n to_o the_o examination_n of_o a_o late_a treatise_n entitle_v some_o consideration_n concern_v the_o trinity_n the_o author_n i_o know_v not_o he_o write_v with_o temper_n and_o though_o he_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o find_v fault_n he_o do_v it_o civil_o and_o therefore_o he_o ought_v to_o meet_v with_o civil_a usage_n and_o so_o he_o shall_v from_o i_o as_o far_o as_o the_o bare_a censure_n of_o his_o principle_n will_v admit_v i_o be_v i_o confess_v startle_v at_o the_o first_o entrance_n to_o find_v he_o own_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o these_o point_n concern_v the_o trinity_n 1._o for_o if_o after_o the_o most_o perfect_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o we_o must_v ever_o expect_v and_o the_o universal_a tradition_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n for_o above_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n this_o faith_n be_v still_o uncertain_a it_o be_v time_n to_o leave_v off_o all_o inquiry_n about_o it_o as_o for_o the_o many_o absurd_a and_o blasphemous_a exposition_n that_o have_v be_v make_v of_o this_o doctrine_n if_o by_o they_o he_o mean_v the_o ancient_a heresy_n which_o infest_a the_o church_n they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o render_v our_o faith_n uncertain_a that_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v he_o anon_o the_o very_a condemnation_n of_o those_o heresy_n by_o the_o catholic_n church_n give_v we_o a_o more_o certain_a account_n what_o the_o true_a catholic_n faith_n be_v i_o agree_v with_o he_o that_o the_o warm_a and_o indiscreet_a management_n of_o contrary_a party_n have_v be_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o religion_n among_o unthinking_a people_n who_o hence_o conclude_v the_o uncertainty_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o it_o concern_v good_a man_n to_o remove_v this_o prejudice_n by_o distinguish_v the_o catholic_n faith_n from_o the_o dispute_n about_o ecclesiastical_a word_n and_o the_o catholic_n sense_n of_o they_o and_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v this_o may_v be_v do_v and_o then_o the_o faith_n be_v secure_a notwithstanding_o these_o dispute_n and_o as_o for_o any_o other_o offence_n or_o scandal_n let_v those_o look_v to_o it_o who_o either_o give_v or_o take_v it_o this_o considerer_n dislike_v all_o the_o way_n and_o method_n which_o have_v hitherto_o be_v take_v to_o compose_v these_o dispute_n 1._o he_o
the_o son_n to_o be_v a_o distinct_a substantial_a person_n this_o dispute_v we_o hear_v nothing_o of_o but_o the_o only_a dispute_n be_v concern_v the_o consubstantiality_n of_o the_o son_n with_o the_o father_n and_o that_o prove_v that_o they_o do_v own_o the_o son_n to_o be_v a_o substantial_a person_n for_o be_v he_o not_o in_o a_o true_a proper_a sense_n a_o person_n and_o a_o substantial_a person_n he_o can_v not_o be_v consubstantial_a with_o the_o father_n nay_o sy_n austin_n express_o tell_v we_o that_o arius_n agree_v with_o the_o catholic_n against_o the_o sabellian_o 5._o in_o make_v the_o son_n a_o distinct_a person_n from_o the_o father_n and_o if_o so_o the_o catholic_n teach_v that_o the_o son_n be_v as_o distinct_a a_o person_n as_o arius_n do_v though_o not_o a_o separate_a and_o create_a person_n as_o he_o do_v now_o when_o arius_n will_v have_v reduce_v christ_n into_o the_o number_n of_o creature_n though_o he_o make_v he_o the_o first_o and_o most_o excellent_a creature_n create_v before_o the_o world_n and_o god_n minister_n in_o make_v the_o world_n as_o like_v to_o god_n as_o a_o creature_n can_v possible_o be_v but_o not_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o god_n the_o catholic_n church_n will_v not_o bear_v this_o but_o in_o a_o most_o venerable_a synod_n collect_v from_o most_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n condemn_v this_o as_o contrary_a to_o the_o faith_n always_o receive_v and_o own_a in_o their_o several_a church_n thus_o far_o at_o least_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n be_v sacred_a and_o venerable_a and_o the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o all_o these_o several_a church_n be_v a_o more_o certain_a proof_n of_o the_o apostolic_a faith_n than_o all_o the_o wit_n and_o subtlety_n of_o arius_n for_o wit_n may_v patronize_v new_a error_n but_o can_v prove_v that_o to_o be_v the_o ancient_a apostolic_a faith_n which_o the_o church_n have_v never_o receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n nor_o ever_o hear_v of_o before_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o very_a sensible_a proof_n what_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n till_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a and_o consequent_o what_o that_o faith_n be_v which_o the_o church_n receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o this_o abundant_o satisfy_v i_o that_o whatever_o loose_a expression_n we_o may_v meet_v with_o in_o some_o of_o the_o father_n before_o the_o arian_n controversy_n be_v start_v and_o manage_v with_o great_a art_n and_o subtilty_n though_o i_o know_v of_o none_o but_o what_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o very_a orthodox_n sense_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v not_o arian_n nor_o intend_v any_o such_o thing_n in_o what_o they_o say_v for_o have_v arianism_n be_v the_o traditionary_a faith_n of_o the_o church_n it_o must_v have_v be_v know_v to_o be_v so_o and_o then_o how_o come_v the_o church_n to_o be_v so_o strange_o alarm_v at_o the_o first_o news_n of_o it_o or_o what_o shall_v we_o think_v 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upon_o revelation_n not_o invention_n and_o we_o can_v no_o more_o make_v a_o new_a catholic_n faith_n by_o the_o power_n of_o wit_n and_o reason_n than_o we_o can_v write_v a_o true_a history_n of_o what_o the_o apostle_n do_v and_o teach_v out_o of_o our_o own_o invention_n without_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o ancient_a record_n man_n may_v do_v such_o thing_n if_o they_o please_v but_o one_o will_v be_v heresy_n and_o the_o other_o a_o romance_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o bold_a and_o brave_a attempt_n of_o secinus_fw-la and_o his_o disciple_n they_o be_v so_o modest_a indeed_o as_o not_o to_o pretend_v antiquity_n to_o be_v on_o their_o side_n they_o can_v find_v no_o other_o antiquity_n for_o themselves_o but_o in_o cerinthus_n and_o ebion_n who_o separate_v from_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o be_v reject_v by_o they_o and_o it_o do_v not_o seem_v very_o modest_a to_o set_v up_o such_o man_n as_o these_o against_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n the_o socinian_o who_o know_v very_o well_o what_o the_o charge_n of_o novelty_n signify_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n that_o a_o new_a faith_n be_v but_o another_o name_n for_o new_a heresy_n though_o they_o reject_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o catholic_n tradition_n of_o the_o faith_n from_o the_o apostolic_a age_n yet_o they_o appeal_v to_o scripture_n and_o natural_a sentiment_n as_o the_o great_a and_o best_a antiquity_n in_o opposition_n to_o apostolic_a tradition_n this_o be_v our_o considerer_n way_n which_o he_o prefer_v before_o a_o traditionary_a faith_n and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o socinian_o may_v oppose_v it_o to_o a_o traditionary_a faith_n and_o if_o we_o must_v always_o expound_v scripture_n by_o our_o natural_a sentiment_n this_o author_n have_v best_a consider_v whether_o he_o can_v prove_v a_o trinity_n by_o natural_a reason_n or_o fair_o reconcile_v the_o natural_a notion_n of_o one_o god_n with_o the_o catholic_n faith_n of_o the_o trinity_n or_o of_o three_o each_o of_o who_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n from_o the_o mere_a principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n for_o if_o he_o can_v he_o must_v not_o in_o his_o way_n find_v a_o trinity_n in_o scripture_n but_o of_o this_o more_o hereafter_o 3._o let_v we_o now_o in_o opposition_n to_o this_o pretence_n consider_v of_o what_o authority_n the_o traditionary_a faith_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n ought_v to_o be_v in_o expound_v scripture_n the_o holy_a scripture_n at_o least_o in_o pretence_n be_v allow_v on_o all_o hand_n to_o be_v a_o complete_a and_o authentic_a rule_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o question_n be_v since_o man_n differ_v so_o much_o in_o expound_v scripture_n what_o be_v the_o safe_a rule_n to_o expound_v scripture_n by_o whether_o the_o traditionary_a faith_n of_o the_o church_n or_o our_o natural_a sentiment_n or_o natural_a reason_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o we_o must_v learn_v the_o critical_a sense_n of_o 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and_o his_o apostle_n what_o mysterious_a and_o hide_a sense_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n such_o as_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a we_o shall_v never_o have_v find_v in_o they_o have_v not_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n explain_v their_o meaning_n and_o the_o near_a any_o writer_n be_v to_o the_o apostolic_a age_n the_o more_o they_o be_v addict_v to_o these_o mystical_a interpretation_n which_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o learn_v it_o from_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o but_o this_o be_v not_o what_o i_o now_o intend_v my_o present_a argument_n reach_v no_o far_a than_o this_o that_o if_o we_o can_v learn_v what_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n concern_v the_o holy_a trinity_n and_o the_o divinity_n and_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n have_v always_o be_v then_o 1._o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a to_o conclude_v that_o they_o
they_o though_o separate_a vbi_n may_v prove_v they_o separate_a but_o still_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n why_o he_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v plain_a at_o first_o sight_n 21._o that_o we_o can_v possible_o conceive_v god_n under_o any_o difference_n of_o position_n i_o add_v further_o that_o we_o can_v conceive_v god_n under_o any_o position_n and_o therefore_o the_o unity_n of_o position_n can_v never_o belong_v to_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n but_o the_o reason_n he_o give_v why_o we_o can_v conceive_v god_n under_o any_o difference_n of_o position_n be_v because_o we_o can_v exclude_v omnipotence_n from_o any_o imaginable_a point_n of_o space_n nor_o can_v we_o include_v it_o in_o it_o which_o prove_v that_o god_n have_v no_o position_n but_o be_v present_a without_o position_n as_o he_o be_v without_o extension_n and_o without_o part_n god_n need_v no_o place_n to_o subsist_v in_o but_o be_v place_n to_o himself_o and_o place_n to_o every_o thing_n else_o as_o the_o hebrew_n call_v god_n makâ—m_n or_o place_n according_a to_o s._n paul_n notion_n of_o it_o that_o in_o he_o we_o live_v move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v that_o as_o all_o thing_n receive_v be_v by_o his_o almighty_a word_n so_o all_o thing_n subsist_v in_o infinite_a mind_n as_o the_o idea_n and_o notion_n of_o thing_n do_v in_o finite_a mind_n god_n can_v not_o create_v any_o thing_n without_o himself_o because_o there_o be_v nothing_o extra_fw-la without_o he_o and_o this_o be_v the_o omnipresence_n of_o god_n not_o his_o commensuration_n to_o infinite_a space_n which_o be_v a_o gross_a corporeal_a representation_n of_o omnipresence_n by_o infinite_a extension_n or_o commensuration_n to_o infinite_a extension_n and_o make_v something_o else_o as_o infinite_a as_o god_n viz._n infinite_a space_n which_o must_v be_v commensurate_a to_o god_n if_o god_n be_v commensurate_a to_o space_n but_o the_o omnipresence_n of_o god_n be_v his_o comprehension_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o himself_o and_o yet_o his_o way_n of_o prove_v the_o omnipresence_n of_o god_n from_o his_o omnipotence_n that_o we_o can_v exclude_v omnipotence_n from_o any_o imaginable_a point_n of_o space_n if_o by_o omnipresence_n he_o mean_v a_o essential_a omnipresence_n as_o he_o must_v do_v here_o be_v not_o so_o self-evident_a as_o he_o seem_v to_o think_v it_o the_o only_a foundation_n of_o it_o be_v this_o that_o nothing_o can_v act_v where_o it_o be_v not_o which_o hold_v true_a only_a where_o contact_n be_v necessary_a to_o action_n that_o be_v only_o in_o body_n who_o power_n consist_v in_o contact_n or_o touch_v each_o other_o but_o any_o be_v which_o act_n without_o contact_n as_o god_n certain_o do_v may_v be_v omnipotent_a without_o be_v omnipresent_v that_o be_v may_v act_v at_o a_o infinite_a distance_n without_o any_o local_a presence_n with_o the_o thing_n on_o which_o it_o act_n it_o be_v the_o first_o time_n to_o the_o best_a of_o my_o remembrance_n that_o ever_o i_o meet_v with_o this_o notion_n that_o it_o be_v the_o limit_a power_n and_o faculty_n of_o create_a being_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o local_a distinction_n 21._o finite_a creature_n indeed_o have_v finite_a and_o limit_a power_n but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o limitation_n of_o their_o power_n and_o faculty_n but_o of_o their_o presence_n which_o make_v a_o local_a or_o vbi_fw-la distinction_n if_o this_o be_v so_o power_n must_v be_v proportion_v to_o presence_n which_o we_o know_v be_v false_a for_o the_o great_a thing_n which_o fill_v the_o large_a space_n be_v not_o the_o most_o powerful_a spirit_n which_o fill_v no_o space_n at_o all_o have_v the_o great_a power_n and_o most_o enlarge_a faculty_n but_o it_o be_v time_n to_o see_v the_o pinch_v of_o this_o argument_n from_o the_o unity_n of_o position_n and_o the_o sum_n of_o it_o be_v this_o whatever_o be_v one_o must_v be_v in_o some_o one_o place_n or_o vbi_fw-la which_o distinguish_v and_o separate_v it_o from_o other_o thing_n that_o he_o can_v conceive_v the_o distinction_n of_o two_o or_o three_o being_n from_o each_o other_o without_o consider_v they_o in_o so_o many_o different_a place_n or_o locality_n that_o god_n be_v omnipresent_v 22._o and_o he_o can_v no_o more_o conceive_v three_o omnipresent_v than_o he_o can_v conceive_v three_o straight_a line_n draw_v between_o the_o same_o point_n that_o be_v in_o plain_a english_a there_o be_v not_o three_o distinct_a infinite_a space_n for_o three_o distinct_a omnipresent_v person_n to_o be_v in_o and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v a_o trinity_n of_o true_a and_o proper_a person_n but_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o omnipresent_v divine_a nature_n so_o there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o single_a omnipresent_v person_n and_o there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o the_o trinity_n till_o we_o can_v find_v room_n in_o the_o world_n for_o three_o person_n each_o of_o who_o be_v omnipresent_v i_o perceive_v our_o considerer_n have_v not_o be_v so_o fair_a and_o equal_a as_o he_o pretend_v to_o be_v he_o will_v not_o consult_v the_o father_n for_o fear_v of_o prejudices_fw-la and_o prepossession_n but_o either_o good_a wit_n jump_v or_o he_o have_v take_v care_n to_o consult_v the_o ancient_a heretic_n for_o this_o be_v the_o old_a sabellian_n argument_n which_o be_v long_o since_o answer_v and_o scorn_v by_o athanasius_n as_o he_o will_v find_v in_o the_o chapter_n of_o sabellianism_n to_o which_o i_o refer_v he_o and_o the_o reader_n but_o in_o good_a earnest_n do_v any_o sober_a christian_a want_n a_o answer_n to_o this_o argument_n do_v god_n then_o fill_v a_o space_n as_o body_n do_v that_o three_o divine_v omnipresent_v person_n must_v have_v three_o separate_a locality_n and_o be_v commensurate_a to_o three_o infinite_a space_n have_v god_n any_o place_n do_v he_o subsist_v in_o any_o thing_n but_o himself_o if_o the_o considerer_n can_v conceive_v any_o being_n to_o be_v distinct_a without_o distinct_a locality_n how_o do_v he_o distinguish_v god_n from_o creature_n when_o he_o own_v that_o god_n be_v in_o every_o imaginable_a point_n of_o space_n that_o be_v in_o the_o very_a same_o vbi_n and_o locality_n wherever_o any_o creature_n be_v but_o do_v not_o all_o catholic_n christian_n own_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o infinite_a inseparable_a undivided_a nature_n in_o three_o person_n and_o must_v this_o one_o undivided_a monad_n be_v in_o three_o separate_a locality_n because_o it_o subsist_v in_o three_o distinct_a person_n especial_o when_o these_o distinct_a person_n be_v whole_a and_o entire_a in_o each_o other_o as_o our_o saviour_n assure_v we_o i_o be_o in_o the_o father_n and_o the_o father_n in_o i_o and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o wonderful_a demonstration_n against_o three_o real_a and_o proper_a person_n in_o the_o trinity_n that_o there_o can_v be_v three_o such_o infinite_a omnipresent_v person_n unless_o they_o subsist_v in_o three_o infinite_a and_o separate_a locality_n but_o enough_o of_o this_o in_o all_o reason_n these_o be_v the_o premise_n from_o whence_o with_o so_o much_o open_a assurance_n and_o confidence_n he_o draw_v that_o sabellian_n conclusion_n 24._o that_o the_o idea_n of_o god_n be_v real_o but_o one_o simple_a idea_n can_v be_v apply_v but_o to_o one_o single_a person_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n person_n as_o it_o signify_v a_o particular_a intelligent_a be_v nature_n or_o principle_n from_o whence_o he_o say_v it_o follow_v that_o according_a to_o the_o notion_n we_o be_v capable_a of_o frame_v of_o unity_n and_o distinction_n all_o the_o personal_a distinction_n we_o can_v conceive_v in_o the_o deity_n must_v be_v found_v on_o some_o accessary_a idea_n extrinsical_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n so_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o trinity_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v always_o believe_v but_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o real_o be_v but_o one_o single_a person_n be_v a_o trinity_n with_o 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believe_v that_o be_v strict_o necessary_a which_o every_o man_n must_v believe_v but_o let_v he_o take_v his_o own_o way_n he_o quit_v the_o term_n sufficient_a and_o inquire_v what_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v whereas_o in_o many_o case_n that_o which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o all_o may_v not_o be_v sufficient_a for_o some_o i_o shall_v much_o rather_o have_v inquire_v how_o much_o may_v be_v know_v concern_v this_o glorious_a mystery_n than_o how_o little_o will_v serve_v the_o turn_n which_o argue_v no_o great_a zeal_n for_o it_o well_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v concern_v the_o trinity_n he_o answer_v nothing_o but_o 1._o what_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o 2._o what_o be_v plain_o reveal_v here_o we_o begin_v to_o see_v what_o the_o effect_n be_v of_o consult_v nothing_o but_o scripture_n and_o natural_a sentiment_n i_o hope_v he_o mean_v honest_o in_o this_o but_o if_o he_o do_v he_o express_v himself_o very_o incautious_o for_o 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