and_o what_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v two_o very_a distinct_a question_n and_o to_o apply_v what_o be_v say_v of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n become_v the_o wit_n and_o understanding_n of_o a_o heretic_n this_o be_v the_o very_a argument_n which_o the_o papist_n use_v against_o our_o author_n complete_a and_o infallible_a rule_n of_o faith_n the_o scripture_n that_o they_o do_v not_o contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n because_o they_o do_v not_o prove_v the_o great_a fundamental_a of_o the_o protestant_a faith_n that_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n which_o we_o receive_v be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n now_o what_o answer_v he_o will_v give_v to_o papist_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n let_v he_o suppose_v i_o give_v he_o the_o same_o answer_n in_o vindication_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n of_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n and_o we_o be_v right_o again_o but_o his_o part_a blow_n be_v worth_a some_o 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there_o be_v a_o very_a deep_a fetch_n in_o it_o for_o he_o will_v have_v no_o other_o creed_n but_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o divine_a infallible_a complete_a rule_n of_o faith_n which_o make_v all_o other_o creed_n unnecessary_a and_o then_o he_o can_v make_v what_o he_o please_v of_o scripture_n as_o all_o other_o heretic_n have_v do_v before_o he_o but_o let_v i_o ask_v this_o author_n whether_o to_o believe_v in_o general_a that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o complete_a rule_n of_o faith_n without_o a_o explicit_a belief_n of_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o scripture_n will_v carry_v a_o man_n to_o heaven_n there_o seem_v to_o i_o no_o great_a difference_n between_o this_o general_a faith_n in_o the_o scripture_n without_o particular_o know_v and_o believe_v what_o they_o teach_v and_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v we_o suppose_v then_o he_o will_v grant_v we_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o explicit_a belief_n of_o all_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n 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defend_v they_o with_o such_o sophistry_n as_o shall_v easy_o impose_v upon_o unlearned_a and_o unthinking_a man_n and_o the_o best_a way_n in_o this_o case_n be_v to_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o ancient_a faith_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o learn_v from_o thence_o how_o these_o article_n be_v understand_v and_o profess_v by_o they_o for_o we_o can_v but_o think_v that_o those_o who_o converse_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o do_v not_o only_o receive_v the_o scripture_n but_o the_o sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o they_o from_o the_o apostle_n or_o apostolical_a man_n understand_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n much_o better_a than_o those_o at_o a_o far_o remove_v and_o therefore_o as_o long_o as_o we_o can_v reasonable_o suppose_v this_o tradition_n to_o be_v preserve_v in_o the_o church_n their_o authority_n be_v very_o venerable_a and_o this_o give_v so_o great_a and_o venerable_a authority_n to_o some_o of_o the_o first_o general_n council_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v tertullian_n himself_o confute_v the_o heretic_n of_o his_o day_n by_o this_o argument_n from_o prescription_n or_o the_o constant_a tradition_n of_o all_o apostolic_a church_n which_o be_v certain_a and_o unquestionable_a at_o that_o time_n and_o as_o much_o as_o papist_n pretend_v to_o tradition_n we_o appeal_v to_o tradition_n for_o the_o first_o three_o or_o four_o century_n and_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n have_v as_o good_a a_o tradition_n as_o this_o as_o certain_o it_o have_v it_o be_v no_o unnecessary_a rule_n though_o we_o do_v not_o make_v it_o a_o primary_n and_o uncontrollable_a rule_n as_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v where_o there_o be_v two_o different_a sense_n put_v on_o scripture_n it_o be_v certain_o the_o safe_a to_o embrace_v that_o sense_n if_o the_o word_n will_v bear_v it_o which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n contain_v in_o the_o write_n of_o her_o doctor_n or_o ancient_a creed_n or_o such_o creed_n as_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n note_n then_o for_o take_v aught_o from_o this_o creed_n the_o whole_a greek_a church_n diffuse_v through_o so_o many_o province_n reject_v as_o heretical_a that_o period_n of_o it_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n contend_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v from_o the_o father_n only_o which_o also_o they_o clear_o and_o demonstrative_o prove_v as_o we_o shall_v see_v in_o its_o proper_a place_n and_o for_o the_o menace_n here_o of_o athanasius_n that_o they_o shall_v perish_v everlasting_o they_o laugh_v at_o it_o and_o say_v he_o be_v drink_v when_o he_o make_v that_o creed_n gennad_n schol._n arch_a bishop_n of_o constantin_n answer_n this_o addition_n of_o the_o filioque_fw-la or_o the_o holy_a ghost_n proceed_v from_o the_o father_n and_o from_o the_o son_n which_o be_v dispute_v between_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a church_n be_v no_o corruption_n of_o the_o essential_o of_o the_o christian_a faith_n about_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o nor_o do_v athanasius_n deny_v salvation_n to_o those_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o for_o he_o that_o will_v be_v save_v must_v thus_o think_v of_o the_o trinity_n do_v not_o relate_v to_o every_o particular_a word_n and_o phrase_n but_o to_o that_o doctrine_n which_o immediate_o proceed_v that_o the_o trinity_n in_o unity_n and_o unity_n in_o trinity_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v which_o the_o greek_n acknowledge_v as_o well_o as_o the_o latin_n and_o therefore_o agree_v in_o the_o substantial_o of_o faith_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o that_o i_o havereason_n for_o what_o i_o say_v appear_v from_o this_o that_o after_o the_o latin_n be_v persuade_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v proceed_v from_o the_o son_n they_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o deny_v salvation_n to_o those_o who_o
a_o vindication_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n and_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n occasion_v by_o the_o brief_a note_n on_o the_o creed_n of_o st._n athanasius_n and_o the_o brief_a history_n of_o the_o unitarian_n or_o socinian_o and_o contain_v a_o answer_n to_o both_o by_o william_n sherlock_n d._n d._n master_n of_o the_o temple_n the_o second_o edition_n imprimatur_fw-la z._n isham_n r._n p._n d._n henrico_n episc._n lond._n à _fw-la sacris_fw-la jan._n 9_o 1690._o london_n print_v for_o w._n rogers_n at_o the_o sun_n over_o against_o st._n dunstan_n church_n in_o fleetstreet_n 1691._o to_o the_o reader_n i_o will_v make_v no_o apology_n for_o publish_v this_o vindication_n of_o the_o great_a and_o fundamental_a mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n for_o if_o ever_o it_o be_v necessary_a it_o be_v now_o when_o atheist_n and_o heretic_n some_o open_o some_o under_o a_o disguise_n conspire_v together_o to_o ridicule_n the_o trinity_n and_o the_o incarnation_n i_o confess_v the_o book_n be_v too_o big_a can_v i_o have_v make_v it_o less_o as_o at_o first_o i_o intend_v but_o when_o i_o be_v once_o engage_v i_o see_v a_o necessity_n of_o go_v far_o and_o i_o hope_v no_o man_n will_v have_v reason_n to_o complain_v that_o i_o have_v say_v too_o much_o but_o those_o who_o will_v find_v a_o great_a deal_n too_o much_o say_v for_o they_o to_o answer_v my_o original_a design_n be_v to_o vindicate_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n from_o those_o pretend_a absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n which_o be_v so_o confident_o charge_v on_o they_o and_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a i_o have_v do_v for_o i_o have_v give_v a_o very_a easy_a and_o intelligible_a notion_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o explain_v this_o doctrine_n intelligible_o the_o charge_n of_o contradiction_n vanish_v and_o whether_o man_n will_v believe_v this_o account_n or_o not_o they_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a and_o intelligible_a and_o if_o we_o can_v go_v no_o far_o that_o be_v enough_o in_o matter_n of_o revelation_n but_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v do_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o this_o and_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v the_o true_a scripture_n account_v of_o it_o and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o have_v vindicate_v the_o scripture_n proof_n of_o a_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n from_o the_o pitiful_a sophistry_n of_o the_o late_a socinian_n historian_n i_o have_v not_o indeed_o answer_v particular_o the_o whole_a book_n in_o order_n and_o method_n as_o it_o lie_v which_o be_v too_o tedious_a a_o work_n and_o not_o necessary_a but_o i_o have_v consider_v whatever_o be_v most_o material_a in_o it_o and_o have_v avoid_v nothing_o because_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o answer_v but_o because_o it_o need_v no_o answer_n as_o i_o be_o ready_a to_o satisfy_v the_o world_n whenever_o a_o just_a occasion_n call_v for_o it_o for_o have_v dip_v my_o pen_n in_o the_o vindication_n of_o so_o glorious_a a_o cause_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n i_o will_v never_o desert_v it_o while_o i_o can_v hold_v a_o pen_n in_o my_o hand_n i_o must_v thankful_o own_v that_o the_o write_n of_o this_o book_n have_v give_v i_o clear_a and_o more_o distinct_a notion_n of_o this_o great_a mystery_n than_o i_o have_v before_o which_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o reader_n will_v find_v some_o thing_n explain_v towards_o the_o end_n which_o i_o speak_v doubtful_o of_o at_o first_o as_o particular_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o eternal_a generation_n of_o the_o son_n and_o the_o procession_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o i_o hope_v this_o be_v a_o pardonable_a fault_n the_o writing_n this_o book_n have_v cost_v i_o many_o thought_n and_o those_o who_o have_v a_o mind_n thorough_o to_o understand_v it_o must_v not_o think_v much_o if_o it_o cost_v they_o some_o and_o if_o they_o can_v be_v content_v to_o bestow_v some_o serious_a thought_n on_o it_o it_o will_v be_v lose_v labour_n to_o read_v it_o i_o pray_v god_n give_v success_n to_o it_o and_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o those_o man_n before_o it_o be_v too_o late_a who_o be_v so_o industrious_a to_o write_v or_o disperse_v such_o brief_a note_n and_o brief_a history_n as_o be_v valuable_a for_o nothing_o but_o blasphemy_n and_o nonsense_n for_o i_o will_v be_v bold_a to_o say_v that_o socinianism_n after_o all_o its_o pretence_n to_o reason_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o stupid_a senseless_a heresy_n that_o ever_o infest_a the_o christian_a church_n the_o content_n sect_n i._o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o contradiction_n and_o how_o to_o know_v it_o page_n 1._o many_o contradiction_n pretend_v where_o there_o be_v none_o as_o in_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o spirit_n and_o of_o god_n 3_o how_o to_o discover_v when_o a_o pretend_a contradiction_n be_v not_o real_a but_o in_o our_o imperfect_a conception_n of_o thing_n 4_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o dispute_v against_o the_o be_v of_o any_o thing_n from_o the_o difficulty_n of_o conceive_v it_o 5_o what_o the_o natural_a boundary_n of_o humane_a knowledge_n be_v 9_o sect_n ii_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n contain_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o true_a belief_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n 10_o the_o dispute_n between_o the_o greek_a and_o lat._n church_n about_o the_o filioque_fw-la 17_o sect_n iii_o concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n to_o salvation_n and_o a_o brief_a history_n of_o athanasius_n 21_o that_o the_o catholic_n faith_n be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n 25_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o keep_v the_o catholic_n faith_n whole_a and_o undefiled_a 28_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o complete_a rule_n of_o faith_n do_v not_o make_v athanasius_n creed_n a_o unnecessary_a rule_n 29_o the_o great_a usefulness_n of_o ancient_a creed_n 31_o pope_n leo_n iii_o will_v not_o deny_v salvation_n to_o those_o who_o disown_v the_o filioque_fw-la 33_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o catholic_n faith_n 35_o the_o history_n of_o athanasius_n 37_o sect_n iv._o the_o catholic_n doctrine_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n and_o unity_n and_o trinity_n explain_v and_o vindicate_v from_o all_o pretend_a absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n 45_o what_o it_o be_v that_o make_v any_o substance_n numerical_o one_o 48_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o spirit_n nothing_o else_o but_o self-consciousness_n ibid._n and_o therefore_o mutual_a consciousness_n make_v three_o person_n essential_o and_o numerical_o one._n 49_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o mind_n or_o spirit_n reach_v as_o far_o as_o its_o self-consciousness_n do_v 50_o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a scripture_n notion_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n ibid._n the_o unity_n between_o father_n and_o son_n explain_v 51_o the_o union_n of_o create_a spirit_n a_o union_n in_o knowledge_n will_n and_o love_n 52_o the_o same_o union_n between_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n ibid._n but_o this_o which_o be_v only_o a_o moral_a union_n between_o creature_n be_v a_o essential_a union_n between_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n as_o it_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o mutual_a consciousness_n 55_o this_o prove_v from_o scripture_n as_o to_o the_o unity_n between_o father_n and_o son_n 56_o this_o make_v all_o three_o divine_a person_n coessential_a and_o coequal_a 58_o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v one_o with_o father_n and_o son_n by_o a_o mutual_a consciousness_n prove_v from_o scripture_n 64_o this_o notion_n contain_v the_o true_a orthodox_n faith_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n 66_o for_o it_o do_v not_o confound_v the_o person_n but_o make_v they_o distinct_a ibid._n nor_o divide_v the_o substance_n but_o make_v they_o numerical_o one_o 68_o this_o make_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n as_o intelligible_a as_o the_o notion_n of_o one_o god_n ibid._n the_o material_a image_n of_o substance_n confound_v our_o notion_n both_o of_o one_o god_n and_o of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n 69_o god_n must_v be_v consider_v as_o eternal_a truth_n and_o wisdom_n 70_o wisdom_n and_o truth_n a_o pure_a and_o simple_a act_n and_o contain_v all_o divine_a perfection_n 71_o three_o infinite_a mind_n must_v necessary_o be_v mutual_o conscious_a to_o each_o other_o 74_o no_o positive_a notion_n of_o infinity_o but_o only_o in_o a_o mind_n 75_o no_o infinite_a extension_n 76_o what_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o infinite_a be_v that_o it_o be_v absolute_a perfection_n 78_o that_o there_o be_v no_o absolute_a perfection_n but_o those_o of_o a_o mind_n 79_o extension_n be_v no_o perfection_n nor_o to_o be_v omnipresent_v by_o extension_n 80_o the_o same_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o a_o mind_n by_o a_o mutual_a consciousness_n may_v be_v entire_a and_o equal_a in_o three_o infinite_a mind_n 81_o this_o reconcile_v the_o
and_o whoever_o reject_v they_o whatever_o name_n he_o go_v by_o can_v be_v no_o better_o than_o a_o socinian_n in_o disguise_n but_o however_o there_o be_v no_o text_n allege_v by_o learned_a trinitarian_n but_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o some_o or_o other_o of_o his_o learned_a trinitarian_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v as_o broad_a as_o long_o but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o modern_a expositor_n which_o we_o rely_v on_o but_o their_o reason_n and_o if_o a_o learned_a trinitarian_n shall_v reject_v any_o text_n without_o reason_n or_o learning_n it_o signify_v no_o more_o to_o we_o than_o the_o exposition_n of_o a_o learned_a socinian_n when_o we_o seek_v for_o authority_n we_o go_v high_o to_o the_o primitive_a father_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o there_o we_o find_v it_o they_o not_o only_o deliver_v to_o we_o the_o traditionary_a doctrine_n of_o a_o trinity_n which_o have_v always_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o the_o traditionary_a exposition_n of_o those_o scripture_n too_o whereon_o this_o doctrine_n be_v found_v and_o they_o be_v so_o near_o the_o head_n and_o fountain_n of_o tradition_n the_o apostolic_a age_n their_o authority_n be_v venerable_a and_o a_o modest_a and_o prudent_a man_n will_v not_o reject_v any_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n which_o relate_v to_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o be_v unanimous_o deliver_v by_o the_o ancient_a father_n if_o the_o word_n in_o any_o tolerable_a construction_n will_v bear_v the_o sense_n for_o though_o a_o text_n shall_v fair_o bear_v two_o different_a interpretation_n that_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o be_v true_a which_o have_v be_v from_o the_o beginning_n teach_v by_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o i_o challenge_v this_o author_n to_o name_v any_o text_n which_o be_v allege_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o a_o trinity_n by_o learned_a trinitarian_n which_o have_v not_o be_v use_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n by_o many_o or_o most_o or_o all_o the_o ancient_a father_n who_o have_v allege_v those_o text_n but_o his_o conclusion_n from_o hence_o that_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o compel_v we_o to_o acknowledge_v a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n because_o the_o unitarian_n and_o some_o or_o other_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a trinitarian_n expound_v these_o text_n to_o another_o sense_n be_v very_o pleasant_a and_o show_v what_o a_o great_a master_n of_o reason_n he_o be_v for_o his_o argument_n be_v this_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o compel_v we_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n while_o there_o be_v other_o man_n who_o expound_v the_o scripture_n to_o a_o contrary_a sense_n and_o thus_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o scripture_n compel_v we_o to_o believe_v nothing_o for_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o name_v any_o text_n which_o concern_v any_o article_n of_o faith_n how_o plain_a and_o express_v soever_o it_o be_v but_o what_o have_v be_v expound_v to_o a_o contrary_a sense_n by_o one_o heretic_n or_o other_o i_o will_v ask_v this_o author_n whether_o the_o scripture_n compel_v he_o to_o believe_v but_o one_o god_n in_o his_o sense_n of_o it_o that_o be_v but_o one_o who_o be_v god_n if_o it_o do_v not_o why_o do_v he_o believe_v it_o and_o insist_v so_o peremptory_o on_o it_o in_o defiance_n of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n and_o yet_o how_o can_v the_o scripture_n compel_v he_o to_o this_o when_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o the_o catholic_n doctor_n in_o all_o age_n have_v expound_v scripture_n to_o a_o contrary_a sense_n that_o there_o be_v three_o divine_a person_n who_o be_v this_o one_o god_n at_o this_o rate_n when_o man_n differ_v in_o their_o exposition_n of_o scripture_n the_o scripture_n do_v not_o compel_v we_o to_o believe_v either_o and_o thus_o notwithstanding_o the_o scripture_n we_o may_v believe_v nothing_o if_o the_o scripture_n have_v a_o determine_a sense_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v that_o sense_n and_o must_v answer_v it_o to_o god_n and_o to_o our_o saviour_n if_o we_o do_v not_o whoever_o expound_v it_o otherwise_o and_o therefore_o when_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o creed_n that_o we_o be_v compel_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v under_o a_o necessity_n by_o the_o christian_a verity_n to_o acknowledge_v each_o person_n by_o himself_o to_o be_v god_n and_o lord_n the_o meaning_n be_v not_o that_o man_n be_v under_o any_o force_n to_o believe_v or_o acknowledge_v it_o or_o to_o expound_v scripture_n to_o this_o sense_n but_o that_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o exposition_n of_o scripture_n do_v make_v this_o acknowledgement_n necessary_a if_o we_o will_v believe_v as_o the_o scripture_n teach_v and_o this_o may_v be_v true_a whatever_o the_o unitarian_n or_o any_o learned_a trinitarian_n teach_v he_o add_v that_o the_o contest_v between_o the_o unitarian_n and_o trinitarian_n be_v not_o a_o clash_n of_o reason_n with_o scripture_n but_o whether_o we_o ought_v to_o interpret_v holy_a scripture_n when_o it_o speak_v of_o god_n according_a to_o reason_n or_o not_o that_o be_v like_o fool_n or_o like_o wise_a man_n now_o this_o be_v all_o shame_n and_o fallacy_n for_o to_o expound_v scripture_n by_o reason_n may_v signify_v two_o very_a differeent_fw-mi thing_n 1._o to_o use_v our_o own_o reason_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n 2._o to_o expound_v scripture_n in_o conformity_n to_o the_o principle_n and_o maxim_n of_o natural_a reason_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n he_o expound_v scripture_n according_a to_o reason_n who_o consider_v the_o use_n and_o propriety_n of_o word_n the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o place_n what_o go_v before_o and_o what_o follow_v and_o how_o one_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v consistent_a with_o another_o just_a in_o the_o same_o way_n as_o we_o find_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o any_o humane_a write_n and_o he_o who_o do_v not_o thus_o expound_v scripture_n by_o reason_n expound_v it_o like_o a_o fool_n that_o be_v if_o he_o put_v such_o a_o sense_n upon_o it_o as_o the_o word_n will_v not_o bear_v or_o the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o text_n will_v not_o admit_v and_o as_o no_o man_n will_v think_v of_o who_o be_v not_o prepossess_v and_o prejudice_v against_o what_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o plain_a and_o obvious_a sense_n of_o the_o text_n and_o whether_o they_o or_o we_o in_o this_o sense_n expound_v scripture_n according_a or_o contrary_a to_o reason_n like_o fool_n or_o like_o wise_a man_n shall_v be_v examine_v present_o as_o for_o the_o other_o sense_n of_o expound_v scripture_n according_a to_o reason_n that_o be_v in_o conformity_n to_o the_o principle_n and_o maxim_n of_o natural_a reason_n we_o allow_v this_o too_o so_o far_o that_o we_o must_v not_o expound_v scripture_n to_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o contradict_v the_o plain_a and_o express_v maxim_n of_o natural_a reason_n for_o though_o god_n reveal_v such_o thing_n to_o we_o as_o natural_a reason_n can_v not_o discover_v and_o can_v comprehend_v yet_o revelation_n can_v contradict_v plain_a reason_n for_o truth_n can_v never_o contradict_v itself_o what_o be_v true_a in_o revelation_n can_v never_o be_v false_a in_o reason_n and_o what_o be_v true_a by_o natural_a reason_n can_v never_o be_v false_a in_o revelation_n but_o then_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o we_o must_v be_v sure_a that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o contradiction_n it_o must_v be_v evident_a and_o express_a and_o not_o make_v out_o of_o uncertain_a consequence_n which_o many_o time_n be_v not_o owe_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n but_o to_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o own_o knowledge_n as_o to_o keep_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o present_a dispute_n natural_a reason_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v and_o can_v be_v but_o one_o supreme_a god_n the_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n and_o shall_v any_o man_n pretend_v to_o prove_v from_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v three_o god_n this_o will_v be_v a_o express_a contradiction_n to_o the_o natural_a belief_n of_o one_o god_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v reject_v this_o sense_n of_o scripture_n as_o contrary_a to_o reason_n but_o to_o prove_v from_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o that_o there_o be_v three_o who_o be_v this_o one_o god_n this_o be_v no_o contradiction_n to_o reason_n which_o teach_v but_o one_o god_n for_o scripture_n teach_v the_o same_o and_o all_o trinitarian_n acknowledge_v the_o same_o and_o must_v do_v so_o if_o they_o believe_v the_o athanasian_n creed_n and_o therefore_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o trinity_n do_v not_o contradict_v the_o natural_a belief_n of_o one_o god_n yes_o you_o will_v say_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v three_o person_n each_o of_o which_o be_v god_n and_o yet_o but_o one_o god_n be_v a_o contradiction_n but_o what_o principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n do_v it_o contradict_v reason_n tell_v we_o that_o three_o god_n can_v be_v one_o god_n but_o do_v
the_o essence_n of_o thing_n can_v be_v know_v but_o only_o their_o property_n and_o quality_n the_o world_n be_v divide_v into_o matter_n and_o spirit_n and_o we_o know_v no_o more_o what_o the_o substance_n of_o matter_n than_o what_o the_o substance_n of_o a_o spirit_n be_v though_o we_o think_v we_o know_v one_o much_o better_a than_o the_o other_o we_o know_v thus_o much_o of_o matter_n that_o it_o be_v a_o extend_a substance_n which_o fill_v a_o space_n and_o have_v distinct_a part_n which_o may_v be_v separate_v from_o each_o other_o that_o it_o be_v susceptible_a of_o very_o different_a quality_n that_o it_o be_v hot_a or_o cold_a hard_a or_o soft_a etc._n etc._n but_o what_o the_o substance_n of_o matter_n be_v we_o know_v not_o and_o thus_o we_o know_v the_o essential_a property_n of_o a_o spirit_n that_o it_o be_v a_o think_v substance_n with_o the_o faculty_n of_o understanding_n and_o will_n and_o be_v capable_a of_o different_a virtue_n or_o vice_n as_o matter_n be_v of_o sensible_a quality_n but_o what_o the_o substance_n of_o a_o spirit_n be_v we_o know_v no_o more_o than_o what_o the_o substance_n of_o matter_n be_v thus_o as_o for_o the_o essential_a property_n operation_n and_o power_n of_o matter_n sense_n experience_n and_o observation_n will_v tell_v we_o what_o they_o be_v and_o what_o cause_v constant_o produce_v such_o effect_n and_o this_o be_v all_o we_o do_v or_o can_v know_v of_o it_o and_o he_o who_o will_v not_o believe_v that_o matter_n be_v extend_v that_o the_o fire_n burn_v that_o water_n may_v be_v condense_v by_o frost_n into_o a_o firm_a and_o solid_a pavement_n that_o seed_n sow_v in_o the_o earth_n will_v produce_v its_o own_o kind_a again_o that_o a_o body_n can_v move_v from_o one_o place_n to_o another_o that_o a_o stone_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o vapour_n ascend_v and_o thicken_v into_o cloud_n and_o fall_v down_o again_o to_o the_o earth_n in_o gentle_a shower_n etc._n etc._n i_o say_v he_o who_o will_v not_o believe_v these_o thing_n till_o he_o can_v give_v a_o philosophical_a account_n of_o they_o must_v deny_v his_o sense_n in_o compliment_n to_o his_o understanding_n and_o he_o who_o think_v that_o he_o do_v understand_v these_o matter_n will_v make_v a_o man_n question_n whether_o he_o have_v any_o sense_n thus_o it_o be_v also_o with_o reference_n to_o a_o spirit_n we_o feel_v within_o ourselves_o that_o we_o can_v think_v and_o reason_n that_o we_o can_v choose_v and_o refuse_v that_o we_o can_v love_v and_o hate_n and_o desire_n and_o fear_n but_o what_o these_o natural_a power_n and_o passion_n be_v we_o know_v not_o how_o thought_n rise_v in_o our_o mind_n and_o how_o one_o thought_n beget_v another_o how_o a_o thought_n can_v move_v our_o body_n or_o fix_v they_o in_o their_o seat_n how_o the_o body_n can_v raise_v thought_n and_o passion_n in_o the_o soul_n or_o the_o thought_n and_o passion_n of_o the_o soul_n can_v affect_v the_o body_n the_o property_n and_o operation_n both_o of_o body_n and_o spirit_n be_v great_a secret_n and_o mystery_n in_o nature_n which_o we_o understand_v nothing_o of_o nor_o be_v concern_v to_o understand_v they_o no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v our_o business_n to_o understand_v how_o to_o make_v either_o a_o body_n or_o a_o spirit_n which_o we_o have_v no_o power_n to_o do_v if_o we_o do_v understand_v it_o and_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v a_o useless_a piece_n of_o knowledge_n which_o will_v serve_v no_o end_n but_o curiosity_n and_o that_o be_v reason_n enough_o why_o our_o wise_a maker_n shall_v not_o communicate_v this_o knowledge_n to_o we_o be_v we_o capable_a of_o it_o because_o it_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o our_o nature_n as_o no_o knowledge_n do_v which_o we_o can_v make_v no_o use_n of_o the_o perfect_a notion_n and_o idea_n of_o thing_n be_v proper_a only_o to_o that_o almighty_a mind_n which_o can_v give_v be_v to_o they_o now_o this_o plain_o show_v what_o the_o natural_a boundary_n of_o humane_a knowledge_n be_v how_o far_o we_o may_v attain_v to_o a_o certain_a knowledge_n and_o where_o we_o must_v give_v off_o our_o inquiry_n unless_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o impose_v upon_o our_o understanding_n with_o some_o uncertain_a and_o fanciful_a conjecture_n or_o to_o perplex_v ourselves_o with_o inexplicable_a difficulty_n 1._o as_o first_o we_o have_v certain_a way_n of_o discover_v the_o be_v of_o thing_n which_o fall_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o knowledge_n this_o our_o sense_n reason_n or_o revelation_n will_v acquaint_v we_o with_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v know_v what_o thing_n there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n as_o far_o as_o they_o fall_v under_o the_o notice_n of_o sense_n or_o be_v discover_v by_o reason_n or_o revelation_n 2._o we_o may_v know_v what_o thing_n be_v or_o what_o their_o essential_a property_n quality_n operation_n and_o power_n be_v whereby_o we_o can_v distinguish_v one_o sort_n of_o being_n from_o another_o as_o suppose_v a_o body_n from_o a_o spirit_n bread_n from_o flesh_n and_o wine_n from_o blood_n and_o can_v reason_n from_o effect_n to_o cause_n and_o from_o cause_n to_o effect_n with_o as_o great_a certainty_n as_o we_o understand_v what_o the_o cause_n or_o effect_n be_v 3._o but_o the_o essence_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o philosophy_n of_o their_o nature_n the_o reason_n of_o their_o essential_a property_n and_o power_n which_o immediate_o result_v from_o their_o nature_n the_o manner_n of_o their_o production_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o operation_n be_v mystery_n to_o we_o and_o will_v be_v so_o do_v what_o we_o can_v and_o therefore_o here_o our_o inquiry_n must_v cease_v if_o we_o inquire_v wise_o for_o it_o be_v vain_a and_o absurd_a to_o perplex_v ourselves_o with_o such_o question_n which_o we_o can_v no_o more_o answer_n than_o we_o can_v make_v a_o world_n the_o sum_n be_v this_o when_o we_o charge_v any_o doctrine_n with_o absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n we_o must_v be_v sure_a that_o we_o understand_v the_o thing_n for_o if_o it_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o we_o do_v not_o and_o can_v understand_v the_o nature_n of_o we_o may_v imagine_v a_o thousand_o absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n which_o be_v owe_v whole_o to_o our_o ignorance_n of_o thing_n sect_n ii_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n contain_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o true_a belief_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n ii_o let_v we_o now_o take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n which_o this_o profane_a author_n make_v the_o subject_a of_o his_o drollery_n and_o ridicule_n and_o examine_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o it_o which_o a_o good_a catholic_n christian_n can_v reject_v without_o reject_v the_o catholic_n doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n and_o the_o mysterious_a incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o if_o this_o creed_n contain_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o this_o belief_n and_o what_o every_o christian_a who_o believe_v these_o doctrine_n must_v profess_v than_o all_o these_o scoff_v which_o be_v cast_v upon_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n do_v indeed_o belong_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n itself_o if_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n be_v christian_a doctrine_n as_o to_o begin_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n the_o athanasian_n creed_n tell_v we_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 that_o be_v that_o we_o worship_v one_o god_n and_o three_o person_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o this_o all_o christian_n grant_v to_o be_v the_o catholic_n faith_n except_o arian_n macedonian_n and_o socinian_o and_o such_o like_a heretic_n and_o how_o we_o must_v worship_v one_o god_n in_o trinity_n and_o trinity_n in_o unity_n be_v explain_v in_o the_o next_o paragraph_n neither_o confound_v the_o person_n nor_o divide_v the_o substance_n which_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v if_o there_o be_v three_o person_n and_o one_o god_n for_o if_o we_o confound_v the_o person_n by_o say_v that_o they_o be_v all_o but_o one_o person_n under_o three_o different_a name_n and_o title_n or_o denomination_n than_o we_o destroy_v the_o distinction_n of_o person_n if_o we_o divide_v the_o substance_n by_o say_v that_o every_o person_n have_v a_o separate_a divine_a nature_n of_o his_o own_o as_o every_o man_n have_v a_o separate_a humane_a nature_n than_o we_o make_v three_o god_n as_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n be_v three_o man_n which_o be_v to_o overthrow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o one_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o creed_n add_v 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
as_o thou_o father_n be_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o thou_o not_o that_o they_o may_v be_v one_o in_o the_o very_a same_o manner_n but_o with_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o unity_n as_o do_v most_o near_o resemble_v the_o unity_n between_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n that_o be_v which_o produce_v the_o like_a consent_n and_o harmony_n in_o will_n and_o affection_n for_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o as_o very_o often_o signify_v only_o some_o likeness_n and_o resemblance_n not_o a_o sameness_n for_o kind_n or_o degree_n and_o thus_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n signify_v in_o all_o comparison_n between_o god_n and_o creature_n for_o though_o there_o be_v something_o in_o creature_n like_a to_o what_o be_v in_o god_n some_o faint_a shadow_n and_o image_n of_o it_o yet_o nothing_o in_o creature_n be_v the_o same_o that_o be_v in_o god_n st._n peter_n exhort_v christian_n as_o he_o which_o have_v call_v you_o be_v holy_a so_o be_v you_o holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n 1_o pet._n 1.15_o and_o christ_n command_v we_o to_o be_v perfect_a as_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a 5_o matth._n 48._o but_o can_v any_o creature_n be_v holy_a and_o perfect_a as_o god_n be_v will_v you_o hence_o conclude_v that_o holiness_n be_v not_o the_o immutable_a nature_n of_o god_n but_o the_o free_a choice_n of_o his_o will_n not_o his_o nature_n which_o be_v one_o pure_a simple_a act_n but_o a_o habit_n of_o virtue_n because_o so_o it_o be_v in_o we_o and_o yet_o we_o must_v be_v holy_a and_o perfect_a as_o god_n be_v which_o can_v be_v according_a to_o this_o way_n of_o reason_v unless_o holiness_n in_o god_n be_v the_o same_o holiness_n which_o be_v in_o creature_n and_o indeed_o we_o may_v as_o well_o conclude_v this_o as_o that_o the_o oneness_n between_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n be_v only_o a_o moral_a union_n in_o will_n and_o affection_n because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o union_n between_o christian_n and_o yet_o christ_n pray_v that_o 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comparison_n will_v conclude_v they_o be_v the_o same_o we_o be_v require_v to_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o but_o will_v any_o man_n hence_o conclude_v that_o the_o love_n of_o ourselves_o and_o the_o love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n which_o be_v manifest_o false_a self-love_n be_v a_o natural_a and_o necessary_a passion_n the_o love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n a_o christian_a virtue_n the_o first_o the_o effect_n of_o nature_n the_o second_o of_o grace_n but_o the_o effect_n so_o like_o each_o other_o that_o they_o may_v well_o be_v compare_v and_o the_o natural_a principle_n which_o act_v most_o equal_o and_o necessary_o and_o perfect_o may_v be_v make_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o brotherly_a love_n thus_o this_o essential_a unity_n between_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n produce_v the_o most_o perfect_a harmony_n and_o union_n of_o will_n and_o affection_n and_o therefore_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a pattern_n of_o that_o moral_a union_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v among_o christian_n for_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o this_o oneness_n between_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n be_v not_o the_o only_a natural_a and_o essential_a unity_n which_o be_v make_v the_o pattern_n of_o unity_n among_o christian_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n and_o the_o vital_a sympathy_n and_o fellow-feeling_n which_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o natural_a body_n have_v for_o each_o other_o be_v propose_v as_o a_o pattern_n also_o of_o that_o mutual_a love_n and_o affection_n between_o christian_n 1_o cor._n 12.12_o 27._o and_o yet_o no_o man_n will_v be_v so_o absurd_a as_o to_o say_v that_o either_o christian_n be_v as_o natural_o and_o vital_o unite_v to_o each_o other_o as_o the_o member_n of_o a_o natural_a body_n be_v or_o that_o the_o member_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n be_v unite_v only_o by_o mutual_a love_n and_o affection_n as_o christian_n be_v this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v how_o father_n and_o son_n be_v one_o by_o a_o mutual_a consciousness_n whereby_o they_o be_v as_o intimate_v to_o each_o other_o as_o every_o man_n be_v to_o himself_o who_o know_v all_o that_o be_v in_o himself_o and_o feel_v all_o the_o motion_n and_o work_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o we_o need_v not_o doubt_n but_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n one_o with_o father_n and_o son_n but_o i_o must_v not_o expect_v that_o the_o adversary_n i_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o will_v grant_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o prove_v and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o stand_v to_o their_o courtesy_n but_o brief_o prove_v this_o also_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o 1_o cor._n 2.10_o that_o the_o spirit_n search_v all_o thing_n yea_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n so_o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n know_v all_o that_o be_v in_o god_n even_o his_o most_o deep_a and_o secret_a counsel_n which_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o he_o be_v very_o intimate_a with_o he_o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o it_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o know_v which_o must_v prove_v this_o consciousness_n of_o which_o i_o speak_v and_o that_o the_o apostle_n add_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n know_v all_o that_o be_v in_o god_n just_a as_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n know_v all_o that_o be_v in_o man_n that_o be_v not_o by_o external_a revelation_n or_o communication_n of_o this_o knowledge_n but_o by_o self-consciousness_n by_o a_o internal_a sensation_n which_o be_v owe_v to_o a_o essential_a unity_n v._n 11._o for_o what_o man_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n save_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n which_o be_v in_o he_o even_o so_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n know_v no_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n so_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v as_o much_o within_o god_n and_o as_o intimate_v to_o he_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n be_v in_o man_n that_o be_v by_o a_o essential_a oneness_n and_o self-consciousness_n and_o as_o the_o spirit_n know_v the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n so_o god_n who_o search_v the_o heart_n know_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n too_o 8_o rom._n 27._o so_o that_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v mutual_o conscious_a to_o each_o other_o as_o a_o man_n and_o his_o own_o spirit_n be_v and_o then_o we_o need_v not_o doubt_n but_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o son_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o father_n be_v as_o intimate_v to_o the_o son_n also_o and_o therefore_o christ_n tell_v we_o of_o the_o spirit_n he_o shall_v glorify_v i_o for_o he_o shall_v receive_v of_o i_o and_o shall_v show_v it_o unto_o you_o all_o thing_n that_o the_o father_n have_v be_v i_o therefore_o say_v i_o he_o shall_v take_v of_o i_o and_o shall_v show_v it_o unto_o you_o 16_o john_n 14_o 15._o so_o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n receive_v the_o thing_n of_o christ_n but_o how_o do_v he_o receive_v they_o just_o as_o christ_n receive_v they_o of_o the_o father_n the_o same_o thing_n and_o the_o same_o way_n not_o 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seem_a contradiction_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n i._o this_o contain_v the_o true_a orthodox_n faith_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n or_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n for_o so_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n teach_v we_o to_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 another_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o the_o godhead_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 be_v all_o one_o the_o glory_n equal_a the_o majesty_n coeternal_a there_o be_v two_o thing_n then_o which_o a_o orthodox_n christian_n must_v take_v care_n of_o neither_o to_o confound_v the_o person_n nor_o to_o divide_v the_o substance_n that_o be_v to_o acknowledge_v three_o distinct_a person_n and_o yet_o but_o one_o god_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o apparent_a than_o both_o these_o in_o that_o account_n which_o i_o have_v give_v of_o the_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n 1._o it_o be_v plain_a the_o person_n be_v perfect_o distinct_a for_o they_o be_v three_o distinct_a and_o infinite_a mind_n and_o therefore_o three_o distinct_a person_n for_o a_o person_n be_v a_o intelligent_a be_v and_o to_o say_v they_o be_v three_o divine_a person_n and_o not_o three_o distinct_a infinite_a mind_n be_v both_o heresy_n and_o nonsense_n the_o scripture_n i_o be_o sure_a represent_v father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n as_o three_o intelligent_a being_n not_o as_o three_o power_n or_o faculty_n of_o the_o same_o be_v which_o be_v downright_a sabellianism_n for_o faculty_n be_v not_o person_n no_o more_o than_o memory_n will_n and_o understanding_n be_v three_o person_n in_o one_o man_n when_o we_o prove_v the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v a_o person_n against_o the_o socinian_o who_o make_v he_o only_o a_o divine_a power_n we_o prove_v that_o all_o the_o property_n of_o a_o person_n belong_v to_o he_o such_o as_o understanding_n will_n affection_n and_o action_n which_o show_v what_o our_o notion_n of_o a_o person_n be_v such_o a_o be_v as_o have_v understanding_n and_o will_v and_o power_n of_o action_n and_o it_o will_v be_v very_o strange_a that_o we_o shall_v own_o three_o person_n each_o of_o which_o person_n be_v true_o and_o proper_o god_n and_o not_o own_o three_o infinite_a mind_n as_o if_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v a_o god_n but_o a_o infinite_a mind_n and_o the_o distinction_n between_o these_o three_o infinite_a mind_n be_v plain_o according_a to_o this_o notion_n for_o they_o be_v distinguish_v just_a as_o three_o finite_a and_o create_v mind_n be_v by_o self-consciousness_n they_o be_v unite_v indeed_o into_o one_o as_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v by_o a_o mutual_a consciousness_n to_o each_o other_o which_o no_o create_v spirit_n have_v which_o be_v conscious_a only_o to_o the_o act_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n not_o to_o each_o other_o and_o therefore_o these_o three_o divine_a person_n be_v not_o separate_v mind_n as_o create_v spirit_n be_v but_o only_o distinct_a each_o divine_a person_n have_v a_o self_n consciousness_n of_o its_o own_o and_o know_v and_o feel_v itself_o if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v as_o distinct_a from_o the_o other_o divine_a person_n the_o father_n have_v a_o self-consciousness_n of_o his_o own_o whereby_o he_o know_v and_o feel_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o father_n and_o not_o the_o son_n nor_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o son_n in_o like_a manner_n feel_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o son_n and_o not_o the_o father_n nor_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n feel_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o not_o the_o father_n nor_o the_o son_n as_o james_n feel_v himself_o to_o be_v james_n and_o not_o peter_n nor_o john_n which_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v distinct_a person_n which_o be_v a_o very_a plain_a account_n how_o these_o three_o divine_a person_n be_v distinct_a that_o there_o be_v one_o father_n not_o three_o father_n one_o son_n not_o three_o son_n one_o holy_a ghost_n not_o three_o holy_a ghost_n here_o be_v no_o confound_v of_o person_n 2._o nor_o do_v we_o divide_v the_o substance_n but_o unite_v these_o three_o person_n in_o one_o numerical_a essence_n for_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o self-consciousness_n as_o i_o show_v before_o and_o therefore_o as_o the_o self-consciousness_n of_o every_o person_n to_o itself_o make_v they_o distinct_a person_n so_o the_o mutual_a consciousness_n of_o all_o three_o divine_a person_n to_o each_o other_o make_v they_o all_o but_o one_o infinite_a god_n as_o far_o as_o consciousness_n reach_v so_o far_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o spirit_n extend_v for_o we_o know_v no_o other_o unity_n of_o a_o mind_n or_o spirit_n but_o consciousness_n in_o a_o create_a spirit_n this_o consciousness_n extend_v only_o to_o itself_o and_o therefore_o self-consciousness_n make_v it_o one_o with_o itself_o and_o divide_v and_o separate_v it_o from_o all_o other_o spirit_n but_o can_v this_o consciousness_n extend_v to_o other_o spirit_n as_o it_o do_v to_o itself_o all_o these_o spirit_n which_o be_v mutual_o conscious_a to_o each_o other_o as_o they_o be_v to_o themselves_o though_o they_o be_v distinct_a person_n will_v be_v essential_o one_o and_o this_o be_v that_o essential_a unity_n which_o be_v between_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n who_o be_v essential_o unite_v by_o a_o mutual_a consciousness_n to_o whatever_o be_v in_o each_o other_o and_o do_v by_o a_o internal_a sensation_n i_o want_v other_o word_n to_o express_v it_o feel_v each_o other_o as_o they_o do_v themselves_o and_o therefore_o be_v as_o essential_o one_o as_o a_o mind_n and_o spirit_n be_v one_o with_o itself_o 2._o this_o be_v a_o very_a plain_a and_o intelligible_a account_n of_o this_o great_a and_o venerable_a mystery_n as_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a as_o the_o notion_n of_o one_o god_n or_o of_o one_o person_n in_o the_o godhead_n the_o great_a difficulty_n of_o conceive_v a_o trinity_n of_o person_n in_o one_o infinite_a and_o undivided_a essence_n or_o substance_n arise_v from_o those_o gross_a and_o material_a idea_n we_o have_v of_o essence_n and_o substance_n when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o essence_n or_o substance_n of_o god_n or_o create_v spirit_n we_o can_v frame_v no_o idea_n of_o substance_n but_o what_o we_o have_v from_o matter_n that_o it_o be_v something_o extend_v in_o a_o triple_a dimension_n in_o length_n and_o breadth_n and_o depth_n which_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o those_o quality_n which_o inhere_o and_o subsist_v in_o it_o and_o therefore_o as_o matter_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o all_o sensible_a quality_n so_o we_o conceive_v some_o such_o substance_n of_o a_o mind_n and_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o will_n and_o understanding_n of_o thought_n and_o passion_n and_o then_o we_o find_v it_o impossible_a to_o conceive_v how_o there_o shall_v be_v three_o divine_a person_n which_o be_v all_o infinite_a without_o three_o distinct_a infinite_a substance_n each_o distinct_a infinite_a person_n have_v a_o distinct_a infinite_a substance_n of_o his_o own_o and_o if_o we_o grant_v this_o it_o seem_v a_o plain_a contradiction_n to_o say_v that_o these_o three_o distinct_a infinite_a substance_n be_v but_o one_o numerical_a infinite_a substance_n which_o be_v to_o say_v that_o three_o infinity_n be_v but_o one_o infinite_a and_o that_o three_o person_n be_v but_o one_o person_n for_o a_o person_n and_o a_o intelligent_a substance_n be_v reciprocal_a term_n and_o therefore_o three_o distinct_a person_n be_v three_o distinct_a numerical_a substance_n and_o one_o numerical_a intelligent_a substance_n be_v but_o one_o numerical_a person_n but_o this_o be_v all_o carnal_a reason_n in_o a_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n which_o conceive_v of_o a_o infinite_a mind_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o a_o body_n and_o distinguish_v between_o the_o matter_n or_o substance_n and_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n as_o it_o do_v between_o matter_n and_o quality_n and_o accident_n in_o body_n we_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o divine_a essence_n but_o that_o god_n be_v a_o infinite_a mind_n and_o if_o we_o seek_v for_o any_o other_o essence_n or_o substance_n in_o god_n but_o a_o infinite_a mind_n that_o be_v infinite_a wisdom_n power_n and_o goodness_n the_o essence_n of_o god_n though_o consider_v but_o as_o one_o numerical_a person_n be_v as_o perfect_o unintelligible_a to_o we_o as_o the_o one_o numerical_a essence_n or_o substance_n of_o three_o divine_a person_n in_o the_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n it_o be_v this_o gross_a and_o material_a imagination_n about_o the_o essence_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o deity_n which_o occasion_n all_o the_o difficulty_n about_o the_o notion_n of_o one_o god_n as_o well_o as_o of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n for_o we_o can_v