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say_v the_o socinian_o all_o this_o be_v unintelligible_a and_o impossible_a to_o be_v believe_v unless_o we_o can_v believe_v without_o understand_v the_o term_n this_o considerer_n assert_v the_o premise_n he_o have_v best_o consider_v again_o how_o he_o will_v avoid_v the_o conclusion_n another_o socinian_n topick_n be_v contradiction_n and_o this_o our_o considerer_n make_v another_o requisite_a to_o the_o possibility_n of_o believe_v that_o the_o thing_n do_v not_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n to_o our_o former_a knowledge_n that_o be_v to_o any_o natural_a idea_n and_o here_o he_o learned_o dispute_v against_o believe_a contradiction_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o require_v we_o to_o believe_v contradiction_n 13._o but_o if_o instead_o of_o all_o this_o he_o have_v only_o say_v that_o god_n can_v reveal_v such_o plain_a and_o evident_a
dispute_n among_o themselves_o which_o their_o common_a adversary_n be_v so_o apt_a to_o improve_v into_o scepticism_n infidelity_n or_o heresy_n and_o therefore_o for_o a_o conclusion_n i_o shall_v only_o take_v a_o brief_a review_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o father_n concern_v this_o article_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n and_o apply_v it_o in_o a_o few_o word_n to_o our_o socinian_n adversary_n the_o faith_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n but_o this_o one_o god_n be_v a_o father_n who_o have_v a_o eternal_a son_n and_o a_o eternal_a spirit_n in_o the_o essential_a unity_n of_o the_o same_o undivided_a and_o undiversify_v godhead_n and_o this_o be_v the_o faith_n which_o all_o the_o catholic_n father_n have_v own_v and_o teach_v in_o their_o several_a age_n the_o whole_a christian_a church_n baptise_n as_o our_o saviour_n command_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 and_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n to_o believe_v in_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n a_o plain_a simple_a faith_n can_v man_n have_v be_v content_v to_o believe_v god_n concern_v himself_o let_v our_o socinian_n adversary_n tell_v we_o what_o there_o be_v absurd_a impossible_a or_o contradictious_a in_o this_o faith_n will_v they_o venture_v to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v absurd_a or_o contradictious_a that_o god_n shall_v have_v a_o son_n no_o in_o some_o sense_n they_o will_v allow_v this_o true_a they_o themselves_o believe_v in_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n they_o acknowledge_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o he_o be_v frequent_o call_v in_o scripture_n and_o that_o in_o a_o high_a sense_n than_o any_o other_o man_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o that_o he_o be_v but_o a_o man_n after_o all_o though_o advance_v by_o god_n to_o divine_a honour_n above_o all_o principality_n and_o power_n and_o make_v the_o judge_n both_o of_o the_o quick_a and_o of_o the_o dead_a and_o this_o they_o affirm_v to_o be_v all_o that_o the_o scripture_n mean_v in_o call_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o present_a dispute_n they_o know_v that_o the_o catholic_n church_n believe_v otherwise_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n beget_v of_o his_o father_n before_o all_o world_n god_n of_o god_n very_a god_n of_o very_a god_n and_o they_o know_v also_o that_o thus_o the_o catholic_n father_n expound_v those_o text_n which_o concern_v the_o sonship_n and_o divinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o they_o can_v but_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v very_o capable_a of_o such_o a_o exposition_n nay_o that_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o put_v any_o other_o sense_n upon_o many_o text_n and_o the_o only_a reason_n why_o they_o reject_v these_o catholic_n exposition_n be_v the_o pretend_a absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n here_o then_o we_o join_v issue_n with_o they_o and_o desire_v they_o to_o show_v we_o what_o be_v impossible_a or_o contradictious_a in_o this_o faith_n that_o there_o be_v something_o incomprehensible_a in_o this_o mystery_n that_o be_v something_o which_o we_o have_v no_o natural_a adequate_a idea_n of_o we_o ready_o acknowledge_v with_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n and_o some_o of_o our_o adversary_n grant_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v 16._o whereof_o we_o have_v no_o idea_n and_o than_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o very_o unreasonable_a to_o add_v but_o we_o be_v no_o way_n concern_v nor_o can_v we_o reason_n or_o discourse_n about_o those_o thing_n whereof_o we_o have_v no_o idea_n for_o the_o direct_a contrary_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o more_o natural_a consequence_n that_o if_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o reveal_v such_o thing_n to_o we_o of_o which_o we_o have_v no_o idea_n we_o be_v concern_v and_o oblige_v to_o believe_v they_o for_o if_o they_o may_v be_v true_a they_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o faith_n though_o they_o want_v the_o evidence_n of_o natural_a idea_n but_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o dispute_v this_o now_o but_o refer_v they_o to_o the_o bishop_n of_o worcester_n '_o s_o answer_n to_o mr._n lock_v '_o s_z second_o letter_n and_o to_o a_o late_a sermon_n and_o its_o vindication_n concern_v the_o danger_n of_o corrupt_v the_o faith_n by_o philosophy_n what_o i_o have_v now_o to_o say_v be_v of_o another_o nature_n viz._n that_o we_o have_v a_o idea_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n and_o such_o a_o idea_n as_o contain_v nothing_o absurd_a impossible_a or_o contradictious_a in_o it_o that_o very_a idea_n which_o i_o have_v so_o large_o explain_v one_o absolute_a divinity_n with_o two_o eternal_a essential_a procession_n in_o the_o unity_n and_o identity_n of_o nature_n the_o eternal_a father_n eternal_a self-originated_n mind_n with_o his_o eternal_a word_n his_o eternal_a son_n and_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n of_o father_n and_o son_n this_o be_v that_o idea_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o it_o and_o which_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v always_o teach_v every_o man_n may_v understand_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o jargon_n and_o nonsense_n and_o i_o think_v i_o have_v sufficient_o vindicate_v it_o from_o tritheism_n and_o contradiction_n and_o have_v no_o more_o to_o say_v of_o that_o nature_n till_o i_o hear_v what_o they_o have_v to_o object_v against_o what_o be_v already_o say_v and_o when_o they_o come_v to_o consider_v this_o matter_n again_o as_o man_n that_o shall_v certain_o be_v call_v to_o a_o account_n for_o it_o in_o this_o world_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o next_o i_o hope_v they_o will_v see_v reason_n to_o grow_v out_o of_o conceit_n with_o their_o own_o philosophy_n about_o emanation_n and_o procession_n a_o priority_n of_o time_n and_o priority_n of_o nature_n self-existence_n and_o necessary_a existence_n and_o such_o like_a arian_n objection_n which_o be_v make_v and_o answer_v many_o age_n since_o and_o which_o they_o may_v find_v sufficient_o answer_v in_o this_o treatise_n this_o bring_v back_o the_o dispute_n to_o scripture_n where_o the_o last_o appeal_n must_v lie_v in_o all_o such_o matter_n without_o appeal_n for_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n to_o natural_a idea_n and_o philosophy_n and_o if_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o catholic_n father_n be_v of_o any_o authority_n with_o these_o man_n i_o have_v already_o show_v how_o they_o expound_v scripture_n which_o will_v always_o be_v a_o venerable_a authority_n to_o modest_a man_n and_o sober_a christian_n how_o much_o soever_o it_o be_v despise_v by_o heretic_n but_o it_o be_v time_n to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o this_o treatise_n we_o may_v consider_v their_o exposition_n of_o scripture_n some_o other_o time_n the_o end_n dr_n sherlocâ—_n dean_n of_o st._n paul_n vindication_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n three_o edition_n quarto_o apology_n for_o write_v against_o socinian_o quarto_fw-la the_o danger_n of_o corrupt_v the_o faith_n by_o philosophy_n a_o sermon_n quarto_fw-la a_o vindication_n of_o the_o sermon_n in_o answer_n to_o some_o socinian_n remark_n a_o answer_n to_o the_o animad_fw-la version_n on_o the_o dean_n of_o st._n paul_n vindication_n of_o the_o trinity_n by_o i._n b._n a._n m._n quarto_fw-la a_o defence_n of_o the_o dean_n of_o st._n paul_n apology_n for_o write_v against_o socinian_o quarto_fw-la a_o defence_n of_o dr._n sherlock_n notion_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n quarto_fw-la the_o distinction_n between_o real_a and_o nominal_a trinitarian_n examine_v in_o answer_n to_o a_o socinian_n pamphlet_n quarto_fw-la all_o print_v for_o william_n rogers_n quâ_fw-la nec_fw-la dicuntur_fw-la ut_fw-la cogitantur_fw-la nec_fw-la cogitantur_fw-la ut_fw-la sunt_fw-la aug._n de_fw-fr trinit_fw-la l._n 5._o c._n 3._o cum_fw-la ergo_fw-la quaeritur_fw-la quid_fw-la tria_fw-la vel_fw-la quid_fw-la tres_fw-la conferimus_fw-la nos_fw-la ad_fw-la inventendum_fw-la aliquod_fw-la speciale_a well_fw-mi generale_fw-mi nomen_fw-la quo_fw-la complectamur_fw-la haec_fw-la tria_fw-la neque_fw-la occurrit_fw-la animo_fw-la quia_fw-la excedit_fw-la supereminentia_fw-la divinitatis_fw-la usitati_fw-la eloquii_fw-la facultatem_fw-la aug._n de_fw-fr trin._n l._n 7._o c._n 3._o ad_fw-la se_fw-la quip_n pater_n dicitur_fw-la persona_fw-la non_fw-la ad_fw-la filium_fw-la aut_fw-la spiritum_fw-la sanctum_fw-la aug._n de_fw-fr trin._n l._n 7._o c._n 6._o cur_n ergo_fw-la non_fw-la haec_fw-la tria_fw-la simul_fw-la unam_fw-la personam_fw-la dicimus_fw-la sicut_fw-la unam_fw-la essentiam_fw-la &_o deum_fw-la sed_fw-la tres_fw-la dicimus_fw-la personas_fw-la cum_fw-la tres_fw-la deos_fw-la aut_fw-la tres_fw-la essentias_fw-la non_fw-la dicamus_fw-la nisi_fw-la quia_fw-la volumus_fw-la vel_fw-la unum_fw-la aliquod_fw-la vocabulum_fw-la servire_fw-la huic_fw-la significationi_fw-la quâ_fw-la intelligitur_fw-la trinitas_fw-la ne_fw-la emnino_fw-la taceremus_fw-la interrogati_fw-la quid_fw-la tres_fw-la cum_fw-la tres_fw-la esse_fw-la fateremur_fw-la ibid._n
23._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 165._o l._n 17._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 188._o l._n 16._o marg_n r._n ex_fw-la iâ—demutabilis_fw-la p._n 208._o l._n 24._o identity_n p._n 216._o l._n 5._o â—_o man_n r._n man._n p._n 225._o l._n 34._o marg_n r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 230._o l._n 2._o r._n identity_n p._n 236._o l._n 14._o marg_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 245._o l._n 10._o r._n a_o angel_n p._n 304._o l._n 2._o marg_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 322._o l._n 12._o de_fw-fr trin._n l._n 2._o marg_n l._n 15._o de_fw-fr trin._n l._n 7._o &_o l._n 32_o videri_fw-la p._n 347._o l._n 14._o r._n his_o p._n 349._o l._n 12_o 13._o r._n wherever_o p_o 350_o marg_n l._n 8._o r_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o curious_a reader_n may_v observe_v â—ome_o other_o mistake_v which_o i_o hope_v will_v not_o disturb_v the_o sense_n the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o socinian_n controversy_n chap._n i._n sect_n i._o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o socinian_n controversy_n the_o unreasonableness_n of_o it_o and_o how_o to_o reduce_v the_o dispute_n to_o the_o original_a question_n the_o faith_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n be_v so_o fundamental_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o if_o christianity_n be_v worth_a contend_v for_o that_o be_v for_o if_o god_n have_v not_o a_o eternal_a son_n and_o a_o eternal_a spirit_n the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o our_o redemption_n by_o christ_n and_o of_o our_o sanctification_n by_o the_o spirit_n which_o in_o its_o consequence_n be_v the_o whole_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o distinguish_v it_o from_o all_o other_o religion_n be_v utter_o lose_v those_o various_a heresy_n relate_v to_o the_o divinity_n person_n and_o office_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o begin_v to_o appear_v even_o in_o the_o apostolic_a age_n and_o have_v ever_o since_o under_o several_a form_n and_o disguise_n disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v proof_n enough_o how_o much_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o mankind_n think_v himself_o concern_v by_o all_o possible_a mean_n to_o corrupt_v this_o faith_n and_o that_o great_a unwearied_a unconquerable_a zeal_n wherewith_o the_o catholic_n father_n have_v always_o defend_v this_o faith_n show_v of_o what_o importance_n they_o think_v it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n and_o aught_o to_o give_v no_o scandal_n to_o christian_n that_o these_o dispute_n be_v again_o revive_v among_o we_o with_o as_o much_o fury_n and_o insolence_n as_o ever_o for_o there_o never_o be_v a_o more_o unhappy_a season_n for_o the_o enemy_n to_o sow_v his_o tare_n but_o that_o which_o be_v most_o to_o be_v lament_v be_v that_o the_o lukewarmness_n of_o some_o and_o the_o intemperate_a zeal_n of_o other_o have_v give_v great_a scandal_n to_o the_o world_n and_o more_o shake_v the_o faith_n of_o christian_n than_o all_o the_o opposition_n of_o our_o adversary_n can_v have_v do_v i_o need_v say_v no_o more_o the_o case_n be_v too_o well_o know_v and_o the_o evil_a effect_n too_o visible_a among_o we_o i_o will_v make_v no_o new_a quarrel_n if_o i_o can_v help_v it_o but_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o prevent_v the_o mischief_n of_o what_o have_v already_o happen_v as_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o secure_v the_o faith_n of_o christian_n and_o to_o wrest_v those_o weapon_n out_o of_o our_o enemy_n hand_n which_o some_o profess_a friend_n have_v unwary_o furnish_v they_o with_o to_o do_v this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o restore_v this_o controversy_n to_o its_o original_a state_n and_o take_v off_o those_o vizard_n which_o make_v it_o appear_v very_o frightful_a to_o ordinary_a christian_n this_o dispute_n about_o the_o holy_a and_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n have_v of_o late_o be_v dress_v up_o anew_o with_o some_o old_a school-term_n which_o how_o proper_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v to_o give_v learned_a man_n a_o more_o distinct_a idea_n and_o conception_n of_o that_o adorable_a mystery_n only_o amuse_v common_a christian_n and_o confound_v they_o instead_o of_o teach_v they_o better_o this_o as_o it_o be_v at_o first_o occasion_v by_o heretic_n who_o deny_v or_o corrupt_v the_o christian_a faith_n which_o force_v the_o catholic_n father_n to_o use_v some_o unscriptural_a termâ—_n which_o by_o degree_n improve_v into_o great_a subtlety_n and_o disturb_v the_o church_n with_o very_o nice_a and_o wrangle_a dispute_n so_o our_o modern_a socinian_n at_o this_o day_n place_n the_o main_a strength_n of_o their_o cause_n in_o these_o dispute_n and_o think_v it_o a_o sufficient_a confutation_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n that_o the_o trinitarian_n themselves_o can_v agree_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o person_n hypostasis_fw-la substance_n nature_n essence_n nor_o in_o what_o sense_n god_n be_v one_o and_o three_o but_o advance_v very_o different_a and_o as_o they_o think_v contrary_a hypothesis_n to_o reconcile_v the_o unity_n of_o god_n with_o the_o distinction_n of_o three_o person_n in_o the_o godhead_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o what_o be_v fundamental_a in_o this_o faith_n and_o such_o metaphysical_a speculation_n as_o if_o no_o man_n can_v believe_v in_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n without_o determine_v all_o the_o dispute_n of_o the_o school_n learned_a man_n may_v dispute_v these_o matter_n and_o thing_n may_v so_o happen_v as_o to_o make_v such_o dispute_v necessary_a but_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n may_v be_v secure_v and_o heresy_n may_v be_v confute_v without_o they_o the_o faith_n be_v plain_a and_o certain_a even_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o religion_n but_o man_n may_v leap_v out_o of_o their_o depth_n where_o they_o can_v find_v no_o foot_n and_o when_o such_o question_n be_v ask_v as_o no_o man_n can_v certain_o answer_v it_o be_v very_o likely_a that_o they_o will_v be_v answer_v very_o different_a way_n and_o upon_o very_o different_a hypothesis_n and_o there_o be_v no_o great_a hurt_n in_o this_o neither_o while_o these_o different_a hypothesis_n be_v neither_o make_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n nor_o new_a heresy_n but_o serve_v only_o for_o hypothesis_n to_o give_v a_o probable_a answer_n to_o such_o question_n as_o ought_v never_o to_o have_v be_v ask_v and_o to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o heretic_n when_o they_o charge_v the_o catholic_n faith_n with_o nonsense_n and_o contradiction_n to_o distinguish_v right_o between_o these_o two_o will_v set_v this_o controversy_n upon_o its_o true_a ancient_a bottom_n which_o will_v spoil_v the_o triumph_n of_o our_o adversary_n and_o possible_o may_v rectify_v the_o mistake_v and_o allay_v and_o qualify_v the_o intemperate_a heat_n and_o animosity_n of_o those_o who_o a_o common_a faith_n ought_v to_o make_v friend_n sect_n ii_o how_o to_o reduce_v this_o dispute_n concern_v the_o trinity_n to_o scripture_n term_n the_o catholic_n father_n have_v always_o appeal_v to_o the_o form_n of_o baptism_n as_o the_o rule_n and_o standard_n of_o faith_n that_o as_o we_o be_v baptize_v so_o we_o must_v believe_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 this_o be_v a_o plain_a simple_a faith_n which_o every_o christian_a may_v understand_v and_o which_o every_o christian_a must_v profess_v that_o there_o be_v a_o eternal_a father_n who_o have_v a_o eternal_a son_n and_o a_o eternal_a spirit_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o inseparable_o unite_v to_o himself_o and_o that_o this_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o joint_a object_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o worship_n this_o be_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o we_o be_v concern_v to_o defend_v against_o our_o adversary_n and_o will_v man_n stick_v to_o this_o without_o engage_v in_o philosophical_a dispute_n which_o we_o know_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o and_o which_o the_o scripture_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o we_o shall_v soon_o find_v how_o weak_a and_o impotent_a all_o the_o attempt_v of_o heretic_n will_v prove_v whatever_o dispute_v there_o be_v about_o the_o signification_n of_o those_o word_n nature_n essence_n substance_n person_n hypostasis_fw-la subsistence_n relation_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v no_o dispute_n about_o the_o signification_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a spirit_n we_o have_v natural_a idea_n belong_v to_o these_o word_n when_o apply_v to_o creature_n and_o when_o god_n be_v please_v in_o scripture_n to_o represent_v himself_o to_o we_o under_o thâ—se_a character_n if_o we_o must_v understand_v any_o thing_n by_o they_o we_o can_v understand_v nothing_o else_o but_o what_o the_o word_n signify_v all_o the_o world_n over_o only_o allow_v for_o that_o infinite_a distance_n there_o be_v between_o god_n and_o creature_n which_o require_v we_o to_o abstract_n from_o all_o material_a and_o creature_n imperfection_n we_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 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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
socinian_o and_o i_o be_v glad_a to_o find_v they_o censure_v and_o reject_v but_o wonder_v how_o they_o come_v to_o be_v number_v among_o those_o man_n who_o have_v labour_v in_o this_o good_a design_n of_o explain_v the_o trinity_n 2._o and_o reconcile_a the_o dispute_n about_o it_o well_o all_o these_o method_n have_v prove_v ineffectual_a let_v we_o then_o to_o omit_v other_o matter_n inquire_v what_o course_n our_o considerer_n take_v to_o make_v himself_o a_o fit_a and_o competent_a judge_n of_o this_o controversy_n take_v the_o account_n of_o it_o in_o his_o own_o word_n i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o deliver_v myself_o from_o prejudice_n and_o confusion_n of_o term_n and_o to_o speak_v just_o and_o intelligible_o 9_o and_o not_o be_v yet_o prepossess_v in_o favour_n of_o any_o particular_a explication_n the_o better_a to_o preserve_v my_o freedom_n of_o examine_v the_o subject_a in_o hand_n i_o have_v purposely_o forbear_v to_o search_v the_o father_n schoolman_n or_o fratres_n poloni_n or_o read_v over_o any_o late_a treatise_n concern_v this_o controversy_n while_o i_o be_v compose_v the_o present_a essay_n resolve_v to_o consult_v nothing_o but_o scripture_n and_o my_o own_o natural_a sentiment_n and_o draw_v all_o my_o reflection_n from_o thence_o take_v only_o such_o which_o easy_o and_o without_o constraint_n offer_v themselves_o thus_o des_n cartes_n make_v a_o new_a philosophy_n and_o this_o be_v the_o best_a way_n that_o can_v be_v think_v of_o to_o make_v a_o new_a faith_n this_o have_v a_o appearance_n of_o great_a indifferency_n and_o impartiality_n but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n when_o man_n boast_v in_o this_o as_o a_o virtue_n and_o attainment_n and_o a_o excellent_a disposition_n of_o mind_n for_o the_o examination_n of_o matter_n of_o faith_n i_o never_o in_o my_o life_n yet_o see_v any_o one_o example_n to_o the_o contrary_a but_o that_o when_o man_n who_o have_v be_v educate_v in_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o tolerable_o instruct_v in_o the_o meaning_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o can_v persuade_v themselves_o to_o be_v thus_o perfect_o indifferent_a whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a but_o this_o indifference_n be_v owe_v to_o a_o secret_a bias_n and_o inclination_n to_o infidelity_n or_o heresy_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o pretend_v such_o a_o absolute_a freedom_n of_o judgement_n without_o be_v perfect_o indifferent_a which_o side_n be_v true_a or_o false_a for_o if_o we_o wish_v and_o desire_v to_o find_v one_o side_n of_o the_o question_n true_a and_o the_o other_o false_a this_o be_v a_o bias_n and_o our_o judgement_n be_v not_o equal_o poise_v and_o certain_o in_o matter_n of_o such_o vast_a consequence_n as_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o especial_o that_o great_a fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n such_o a_o indifferency_n as_o this_o be_v can_v never_o recommend_v either_o a_o author_n or_o his_o write_n to_o sober_a christian_n will_v this_o considerer_n than_o own_o that_o it_o be_v indifferent_a to_o he_o when_o he_o undertake_v this_o design_n whether_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n shall_v upon_o examination_n appear_v true_a or_o false_a if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o socinian_o will_v tell_v he_o that_o he_o have_v not_o preserve_v a_o freedom_n of_o judgement_n and_o then_o he_o do_v well_o in_o not_o consult_v the_o fratres_n poloni_n for_o he_o have_v condemn_v they_o without_o hear_v or_o if_o he_o be_v persuade_v concern_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v it_o indifferent_a to_o he_o whether_o the_o sabellian_n or_o arian_n or_o true_a catholic_n notion_n of_o a_o trinity_n contain_v in_o the_o nicene_n and_o athanasian_n creed_n be_v the_o true_a faith_n that_o be_v be_v it_o indifferent_a to_o he_o whether_o the_o ancient_a heresy_n condemn_v by_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o that_o faith_n which_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v always_o own_a and_o profess_a be_v the_o true_a faith_n for_o my_o part_n i_o confess_v i_o be_o not_o thus_o indifferent_a i_o will_v never_o shut_v my_o eye_n against_o plain_a conviction_n which_o be_v all_o the_o freedom_n of_o judge_v which_o be_v allowable_a but_o my_o prejudices_fw-la be_v and_o i_o hope_v always_o will_v be_v on_o the_o side_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n no_o wise_a man_n can_v be_v thus_o indifferent_a and_o we_o shall_v find_v this_o considerer_n be_v not_o so_o very_o indifferent_a for_o the_o main_a principle_n he_o reason_n on_o be_v some_o popular_a mistake_v and_o prejudices_fw-la which_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v espouse_v without_o due_a consideration_n but_o let_v we_o allow_v he_o to_o be_v as_o free_a and_o unprejudiced_a as_o he_o please_v i_o can_v think_v that_o he_o take_v a_o good_a method_n to_o understand_v this_o sacred_a mystery_n he_o lay_v aside_o father_n schoolman_n and_o other_o late_a treatise_n concern_v this_o controversy_n and_o consult_v nothing_o but_o scripture_n and_o his_o own_o natural_a sentiment_n to_o consult_v scripture_n be_v indeed_o a_o very_a good_a way_n and_o absolute_o necessary_a in_o matter_n of_o pure_a revelation_n which_o can_v be_v certain_o know_v no_o other_o way_n but_o the_o father_n at_o least_o be_v very_o good_a guide_n and_o have_v very_o great_a authority_n in_o expound_v scripture_n and_o our_o natural_a sentiment_n otherwise_o call_v natural_a reason_n be_v a_o very_a bad_a a_o very_a dangerous_a expositor_n of_o scripture_n in_o such_o supernatural_a mystery_n and_o have_v no_o authority_n in_o these_o mattter_n and_o how_o our_o considerer_n have_v be_v mislead_v by_o his_o natural_a sentiment_n will_v soon_o appear_v a_o few_o word_n may_v serve_v for_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o considerer_n but_o since_o this_o be_v the_o great_a pretence_n of_o socinian_o and_o other_o heretic_n to_o set_v up_o scripture_n and_o natural_a reason_n against_o scripture_n and_o the_o traditionary_a faith_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o our_o considerer_n and_o some_o other_o unwary_a writer_n chime_v in_o with_o they_o it_o will_v be_v very_o necessary_a to_o show_v how_o this_o betray_v the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o make_v reason_n and_o criticism_n the_o supreme_a judge_n of_o controversy_n and_o then_o man_n may_v dispute_v on_o without_o end_n and_o believe_v at_o last_o as_o they_o please_v 10._o the_o considerer_n tell_v we_o i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v in_o a_o protestant_a country_n that_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a standard_n of_o all_o necessary_a reveal_v truth_n neither_o in_o the_o present_a case_n be_v there_o any_o room_n for_o a_o traditionary_a faith_n for_o beside_o that_o all_o the_o father_n and_o ancient_a writer_n ground_n their_o exposition_n of_o the_o trinity_n whole_o upon_o scripture_n i_o can_v conceive_v that_o the_o subject_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o plain_a revelation_n as_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v more_o full_o in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n what_o this_o last_o clause_n mean_n we_o shall_v 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matter_n more_o particular_o i_o shall_v
the_o apostle_n to_o be_v the_o only_a infallible_a rule_n of_o faith_n this_o be_v the_o argument_n from_o prescription_n which_o tertullian_n insist_o so_o large_o on_o and_o be_v frequent_o urge_v by_o irenaeus_n and_o other_o catholic_n writer_n which_o be_v not_o as_o some_o mistake_v it_o a_o argument_n mere_o from_o antiquity_n for_o though_o the_o true_a faith_n be_v ancient_a than_o any_o heresy_n yet_o some_o heresy_n have_v antiquity_n enough_o to_o make_v they_o venerable_a if_o that_o alone_o will_v do_v it_o but_o the_o argument_n be_v from_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o apostolic_a church_n which_o be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o have_v preserve_v a_o uninterrupted_a succession_n from_o they_o and_o all_o the_o world_n over_o teach_v the_o same_o faith_n without_o any_o material_a change_n or_o variation_n whereas_o none_o of_o these_o heresy_n how_o ancient_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v can_v pretend_v to_o such_o a_o original_a be_v never_o teach_v by_o the_o 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to_o be_v a_o man_n and_o yet_o they_o deny_v he_o to_o be_v a_o man_n and_o teach_v that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o form_n and_o apparition_n of_o a_o man_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a indication_n what_o the_o catholic_n faith_n be_v that_o christ_n be_v both_o god_n and_o man._n this_o they_o can_v not_o believe_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n will_v so_o unite_v himself_o to_o human_a nature_n as_o to_o become_v true_a and_o real_a man_n and_o yet_o they_o think_v it_o so_o evident_a that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o at_o least_o see_v that_o this_o faith_n be_v account_v so_o sacred_a that_o they_o will_v not_o venture_v to_o deny_v that_o and_o therefore_o choose_v to_o deny_v his_o humanity_n and_o make_v a_o mere_a apparition_n of_o he_o but_o then_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n cerinthus_n and_o ebion_n think_v it_o too_o evident_a to_o be_v deny_v that_o he_o be_v a_o true_a and_o real_a man_n and_o therefore_o they_o teach_v that_o jesus_n be_v a_o 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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 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that_o these_o three_o name_n of_o god_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n must_v denote_v a_o threefold_a difference_n of_o distinction_n belong_v to_o god_n i_o grant_v it_o make_v a_o distinction_n of_o name_n and_o external_a office_n and_o relation_n in_o god_n but_o no_o distinction_n of_o hypostasis_n and_o person_n which_o be_v the_o distinction_n to_o be_v show_v but_o this_o he_o absolute_o reject_v for_o it_o must_v be_v no_o other_o difference_n or_o distinction_n but_o such_o as_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o unity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n this_o we_o will_v all_o subscribe_v to_o do_v he_o mean_v honest_o but_o his_o unity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o unity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o one_o single_a person_n and_o all_o the_o distinction_n he_o will_v allow_v these_o different_a name_n to_o make_v be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o one_o single_a person_n be_v capable_a of_o for_o each_o of_o these_o name_n include_v the_o whole_a idea_n we_o have_v of_o god_n and_o something_o more_o very_o right_a if_o we_o allow_v these_o name_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v the_o name_n of_o true_a and_o proper_a divine_a person_n for_o then_o each_o of_o they_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n and_o the_o whole_a idea_n of_o god_n be_v include_v in_o each_o of_o they_o because_o the_o whole_a divine_a nature_n be_v in_o each_o of_o they_o otherwise_o neither_o of_o these_o name_n include_v the_o idea_n of_o god_n but_o only_o connote_v it_o as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v and_o what_o he_o add_v that_o as_o far_o as_o these_o name_n express_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n they_o all_o adequate_o and_o exact_o signify_v the_o same_o be_v very_o true_a also_o if_o by_o the_o same_o he_o mean_v the_o same_o nature_n not_o the_o same_o one_o single_a person_n and_o than_o what_o he_o add_v it_o be_v the_o additional_a signification_n which_o make_v all_o the_o distinction_n between_o they_o be_v very_o true_a also_o but_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v tell_v we_o what_o this_o additional_a signification_n this_o something_o more_o than_o the_o whole_a idea_n of_o god_n be_v which_o be_v include_v in_o these_o name_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o then_o we_o may_v have_v know_v what_o this_o distinction_n be_v all_o the_o additional_a signification_n that_o i_o know_v of_o be_v this_o that_o father_n signify_v god_n include_v the_o whole_a idea_n of_o god_n but_o beside_o this_o father_n when_o it_o signify_v god_n signify_v a_o self-originated_n unbegotten_a god_n who_o be_v god_n of_o himself_o and_o beget_v a_o son_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o coeternal_a with_o himself_o son_n signify_v god_n but_o beget_v god_n god_n of_o god_n the_o live_n and_o perfect_a image_n of_o his_o father_n holy_a ghost_n signify_v god_n but_o god_n proceed_v eternal_o from_o father_n and_o son_n in_o the_o unity_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o same_o divine_a nature_n and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o difference_n between_o they_o not_o a_o difference_n of_o nature_n but_o a_o distinction_n of_o true_a real_a proper_a person_n the_o considerer_n seem_v to_o allow_v this_o 38._o that_o person_n be_v a_o proper_a name_n for_o this_o distinction_n for_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n have_v plain_o a_o personal_a signification_n each_o of_o they_o without_o any_o figure_n of_o speech_n be_v determine_v to_o signify_v some_o intelligent_a be_v act_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v there_o relate_v these_o word_n will_v betray_v a_o unwary_a reader_n to_o believe_v the_o considerer_n as_o orthodox_n as_o the_o nicene_n father_n and_o that_o he_o do_v acknowledge_v father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v three_o person_n without_o a_o figure_n as_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
his_o passion_n and_o intercession_n to_o impart_v such_o gift_n grace_n and_o spiritual_a assistance_n as_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o render_v this_o redemption_n effectual_a to_o the_o save_n of_o much_o people_n so_o that_o god_n decree_v from_o eternity_n upon_o his_o foreknowledge_n of_o man_n fall_n that_o in_o order_n to_o redeem_v man_n he_o will_v take_v upon_o himself_o the_o distinction_n and_o office_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n saviour_n mediator_n and_o comforter_n in_o time_n and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o eternal_a distinction_n in_o the_o godhead_n well_o but_o it_o seem_v god_n do_v not_o decree_n from_o eternity_n to_o redeem_v man_n by_o his_o own_o son_n but_o by_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 that_o be_v as_o we_o have_v already_o hear_v by_o a_o inspire_a and_o deify_v man_n 1._o not_o by_o a_o god_n incarnate_a it_o be_v the_o man_n who_o be_v the_o saviour_n and_o redeemer_n though_o he_o be_v enable_v to_o this_o work_n by_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n or_o a_o constant_a regular_a inspiration_n this_o be_v downright_a socinianism_n the_o catholic_n faith_n be_v that_o it_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o redeem_v we_o though_o he_o redeem_v we_o in_o human_a nature_n but_o if_o god_n redeem_v we_o by_o a_o man_n however_o he_o be_v enable_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n why_o be_v he_o say_v to_o give_v his_o son_n for_o we_o for_o this_o divine_a power_n be_v not_o a_o person_n and_o therefore_o no_o son_n nor_o be_v the_o man_n his_o own_o and_o only_o beget_v son_n now_o this_o will_v be_v a_o difficulty_n indeed_o be_v we_o to_o understand_v god_n give_v his_o own_o son_n for_o we_o in_o a_o proper_a literal_a sense_n but_o this_o be_v nothing_o but_o figure_n and_o representation_n if_o we_o believe_v the_o considerer_n 44._o his_o word_n be_v these_o thus_o when_o god_n be_v please_v to_o represent_v his_o love_n to_o mankind_n in_o the_o high_a image_n of_o nature_n that_o of_o a_o father_n sacrifice_v a_o only-begotten_a son_n the_o exact_a transcript_n and_o resemblance_n of_o himself_o perfect_o innocent_a and_o obedient_a to_o his_o will_n in_o all_o thing_n we_o be_v to_o believe_v that_o god_n do_v thus_o sacrifice_v his_o son_n as_o he_o assure_v we_o he_o do_v no_o but_o that_o by_o the_o suffering_n and_o death_n of_o christ_n god_n have_v give_v great_a proof_n of_o his_o love_n towards_o we_o than_o any_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o do_v to_o another_o and_o that_o such_o a_o action_n of_o a_o earthly_a parent_n suggest_v the_o near_a and_o like_a conception_n we_o can_v possible_o frame_v of_o what_o our_o heavenly_a father_n have_v do_v for_o we_o though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v it_o come_v infinite_o short_a of_o express_v the_o riches_n and_o fullness_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o love_a kindness_n it_o do_v so_o indeed_o to_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v actual_o give_v his_o own_o eternal_a and_o only-begotten_a son_n for_o we_o as_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o he_o have_v be_v a_o much_o near_o and_o true_a conception_n of_o what_o god_n have_v do_v for_o we_o and_o infinite_o exceed_v all_o earthly_a comparison_n abraham_n offering_n his_o son_n isaac_n at_o god_n command_n be_v a_o image_n and_o figure_n but_o a_o typical_a figure_n of_o it_o but_o it_o be_v a_o type_n without_o a_o antitype_n if_o christ_n be_v not_o as_o true_o and_o proper_o the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o isaac_n be_v the_o son_n of_o abraham_n but_o if_o we_o will_v believe_v the_o considerer_n the_o scripture_n do_v not_o oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v this_o if_o we_o do_v but_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v as_o good_a to_o we_o as_o if_o he_o have_v sacrifice_v his_o only_a son_n for_o we_o we_o need_v not_o believe_v that_o he_o do_v sacrifice_v his_o son_n i_o have_v no_o patience_n to_o proceed_v any_o further_o if_o this_o be_v true_a there_o be_v a_o 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and_o this_o i_o ready_o grant_v and_o he_o may_v ibid._n if_o he_o have_v please_v have_v transcribe_v half_a st._n hilary_n de_fw-fr trinitate_fw-la &_o de_fw-la synodis_fw-la to_o the_o same_o purpose_n and_o this_o be_v so_o universal_o the_o doctrine_n of_o all_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a father_n that_o there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n in_o multiply_a authority_n to_o this_o purpose_n and_o i_o dare_v appeal_n to_o any_o man_n who_o be_v competent_o skill_a in_o these_o matter_n and_o will_v impartial_o examine_v the_o testimony_n petavius_n have_v produce_v for_o the_o singularity_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n whether_o the_o most_o pertinent_a of_o they_o all_o prove_v any_o more_o than_o this_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o father_n without_o the_o least_o alteration_n or_o diversity_n be_v communicate_v whole_a and_o perfect_a without_o any_o division_n or_o separation_n of_o substance_n to_o the_o son_n of_o which_o more_o present_o not_o that_o the_o same_o singular_a nature_n and_o substance_n which_o be_v the_o person_n of_o the_o father_n be_v also_o the_o person_n of_o the_o son_n which_o make_v the_o father_n and_o son_n to_o be_v but_o one_o person_n as_o well_o as_o one_o nature_n and_o substance_n but_o so_o one_o that_o the_o one_o nature_n substance_n and_o divinity_n which_o be_v the_o father_n be_v whole_o and_o perfect_o the_o same_o in_o the_o son_n except_v this_o that_o one_o be_v the_o father_n and_o the_o other_o the_o son_n which_o be_v not_o the_o unity_n of_o singularity_n which_o be_v proper_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o person_n but_o the_o unity_n of_o identity_n and_o sameness_n which_o be_v the_o unity_n of_o one_o individual_a nature_n which_o be_v common_a to_o more_o than_o one_o i_o do_v intend_v to_o transcribe_v all_o the_o quotation_n of_o petavius_n which_o he_o have_v allege_v to_o this_o purpose_n but_o yet_o i_o will_v give_v such_o a_o general_a view_n of_o they_o as_o may_v satisfy_v any_o impartial_a reader_n as_o to_o this_o point_n not_o to_o confute_v petavius_n who_o as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v reject_v the_o sabellian_n singularity_n but_o to_o undeceive_v those_o who_o mistake_v petavius_n and_o the_o school_n too_o as_o will_v appear_v more_o hereafter_o i_o shall_v only_o premise_v that_o it_o have_v become_v the_o learning_n and_o acuteness_n of_o petavius_n to_o have_v reconcile_v the_o father_n with_o themselves_o for_o they_o be_v wise_a man_n and_o true_a reasoner_n and_o know_v very_o well_o what_o a_o contradiction_n mean_v and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v not_o easy_o to_o believe_v that_o they_o perpetual_o contradict_v themselves_o he_o acknowledge_v and_o prove_v that_o the_o catholic_n father_n do_v teach_v a_o specific_a unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n 13._o that_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n have_v one_o divinity_n as_o peter_z james_n and_o john_n have_v one_o human_a nature_n and_o he_o allege_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o same_o father_n to_o prove_v the_o singularity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n that_o it_o be_v a_o exact_a perfect_a indivisible_a monad_n and_o this_o also_o they_o do_v plain_o teach_v but_o then_o he_o shall_v have_v consider_v how_o to_o have_v reconcile_v these_o two_o for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o if_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v a_o indivisible_a monad_n it_o can_v be_v a_o species_n in_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o a_o species_n and_o if_o it_o have_v any_o thing_n anolagous_n to_o a_o species_n it_o can_v be_v a_o singular_a monad_n because_o it_o must_v be_v a_o common_a nature_n which_o subsist_v in_o more_o than_o one_o and_o singularity_n be_v proper_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o person_n not_o of_o a_o common_a nature_n petavius_n be_v very_o sensible_a how_o inconsistent_a these_o two_o kind_n of_o unity_n be_v and_o yet_o that_o the_o father_n do_v most_o common_o explain_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n by_o a_o specific_a unity_n and_o do_v more_o cautious_o mention_v the_o unity_n of_o singularity_n he_o may_v have_v say_v do_v absolute_o reject_v it_o as_o st._n hilary_n do_v in_o a_o hundred_o place_n and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o much_o better_a reason_n so_o to_o qualify_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o specific_a unity_n and_o singularity_n of_o nature_n as_o to_o reconcile_v they_o to_o each_o other_o than_o to_o make_v the_o father_n contradict_v themselves_o which_o destroy_v three_o part_n of_o their_o reason_v about_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n and_o very_o much_o weaken_v the_o authoity_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n the_o apology_n which_o petavius_n make_v for_o the_o father_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n salve_v this_o matter_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o exact_a rule_n of_o philosophy_n 425._o the_o three_o divine_a person_n be_v not_o so_o of_o one_o substance_n or_o homoousion_n as_o peter_n paul_n and_o john_n and_o so_o far_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v but_o than_o what_o he_o add_v be_v a_o very_a heavy_a charge_n upon_o the_o catholic_n father_n that_o they_o teach_v this_o almost_o in_o every_o dispute_n they_o have_v with_o the_o arian_n now_o if_o this_o be_v true_a what_o apology_n can_v be_v make_v for_o they_o for_o it_o seem_v they_o confute_v the_o arian_n upon_o false_a and_o dangerous_a principle_n and_o be_v either_o ignorant_a themselves_o of_o the_o true_a catholic_n faith_n or_o do_v prevaricate_v in_o it_o but_o let_v we_o hear_v what_o excuse_v he_o make_v for_o they_o he_o say_v they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o this_o nor_o accuse_v of_o ignorance_n as_o if_o they_o understand_v nothing_o of_o the_o numerical_a unity_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n ibid._n and_o own_v no_o other_o unity_n but_o what_o be_v like_o the_o unity_n of_o human_a nature_n for_o they_o do_v know_v the_o first_o but_o very_o prudent_o use_v the_o specific_a unity_n as_o a_o example_n whereby_o to_o represent_v the_o divine_a unity_n but_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v analogous_a to_o this_o specific_a unity_n and_o may_v be_v true_o and_o proper_o represent_v by_o it_o as_o the_o best_a image_n we_o have_v in_o nature_n i_o can_v understand_v either_o the_o prudence_n or_o honesty_n of_o this_o yes_o he_o say_v they_o be_v to_o take_v care_n so_o to_o oppose_v arianism_n as_o to_o avoid_v sabellianism_n which_o otherwise_o they_o may_v easy_o slip_v into_o and_o therefore_o so_o temper_v their_o style_n as_o to_o speak_v more_o spare_o of_o that_o high_a unity_n and_o conjunction_n which_o gregory_n nyssen_n call_v a_o perfect_a monad_n lest_o they_o shall_v seem_v to_o favour_v a_o sabellian_n solitude_n and_o singularity_n but_o do_v more_o free_o use_v the_o example_n of_o a_o specific_a unity_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o confute_v the_o arian_n who_o assert_v the_o diversity_n and_o dissimilitude_n of_o nature_n between_o father_n and_o son_n which_o can_v be_v between_o those_o of_o the_o same_o kind_a and_o species_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n show_v how_o far_o they_o be_v from_o sabellianism_n that_o this_o be_v a_o very_a false_a account_n of_o the_o matter_n appear_v from_o the_o former_a section_n of_o this_o chapter_n and_o will_v appear_v more_o full_o from_o what_o be_v to_o follow_v but_o if_o it_o be_v true_a it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a scandalous_a account_n for_o the_o sum_n of_o it_o be_v this_o that_o to_o oppose_v sabellianism_n and_o arianism_n the_o ancient_a father_n advance_v a_o false_a notion_n of_o the_o divine_a unity_n and_o dissemble_v the_o true_a one_o which_o be_v no_o great_a commendation_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n that_o it_o need_v such_o art_n nor_o of_o the_o catholic_n father_n to_o use_v they_o when_o both_o these_o sort_n of_o heretic_n as_o i_o have_v often_o observe_v charge_v the_o catholic_n faith_n with_o tritheism_n and_o make_v that_o the_o very_a reason_n of_o their_o heresy_n can_v any_o man_n think_v it_o prudent_a in_o these_o father_n to_o conceal_v or_o very_o cautious_o mention_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o divine_a unity_n and_o to_o insist_v on_o a_o specific_a unity_n which_o if_o we_o believe_v petavius_n be_v no_o better_a than_o tritheism_n which_o will_v rather_o have_v confirm_v they_o in_o their_o heresy_n than_o have_v confute_v they_o these_o two_o heresy_n be_v in_o two_o extreme_n the_o catholic_n faith_n must_v be_v in_o the_o middle_n and_o the_o only_a true_a medium_fw-la between_o they_o be_v a_o real_a distinction_n of_o person_n without_o the_o least_o diversity_n of_o nature_n and_o this_o be_v what_o they_o mean_v both_o by_o their_o monad_n and_o specific_a unity_n the_o perfect_a sameness_n and_o identity_n of_o essence_n actual_o indivisible_o inseparable_o subsist_v in_o three_o a_o thrice_o subsist_v monad_n or_o individual_a essence_n or_o substance_n but_o not_o
god_n and_o creature_n so_o there_o can_v be_v no_o word_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n common_a to_o they_o but_o then_o this_o only_o require_v a_o accommodation_n of_o word_n to_o divine_a mystery_n by_o way_n of_o analogy_n and_o resemblance_n but_o not_o to_o change_v the_o language_n and_o philosophy_n of_o create_a nature_n which_o after_o all_o our_o attempt_n and_o all_o our_o art_n of_o expression_n will_v fall_v infinite_o short_a of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o give_v we_o but_o a_o very_a imperfect_a image_n of_o it_o and_o if_o by_o such_o attempt_v we_o confound_v our_o notion_n and_o idea_n of_o nature_n too_o we_o shall_v so_o much_o the_o more_o confound_v and_o perplex_v our_o idea_n of_o god_n it_o may_v help_v to_o ease_v man_n mind_n of_o some_o notion_n which_o lie_v cross_a and_o uneven_a brief_o to_o state_n this_o matter_n i_o confess_v i_o be_o not_o satisfy_v of_o that_o absolute_a necessity_n which_o some_o pretend_v of_o state_v nice_o and_o philosophical_o this_o distinction_n between_o nature_n and_o person_n in_o order_n to_o understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n this_o be_v the_o catholic_n faith_n long_a before_o this_o distinction_n be_v universal_o receive_v and_o man_n who_o understand_v little_a of_o this_o distinction_n may_v believe_v very_o orthodox_o in_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n without_o it_o nay_o the_o best_a the_o safe_a and_o easy_a way_n to_o understand_v these_o and_o all_o other_o philosophical_a term_n apply_v to_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o faith_n be_v to_o fit_v they_o to_o those_o scripture_n idea_n we_o have_v of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n each_o of_o they_o true_a and_o perfect_a god_n and_o all_o three_o but_o one_o god_n as_o i_o have_v show_v at_o large_a in_o the_o first_o chapter_n but_o since_o there_o be_v a_o very_a warm_a dispute_n about_o nature_n and_o â—erson_n and_o have_v be_v for_o many_o age_n and_o this_o distinction_n be_v become_v necessary_a to_o secure_v the_o catholic_n faith_n against_o the_o attempt_n of_o heretic_n on_o both_o side_n as_o the_o church_n have_v find_v by_o long_a experience_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o set_v this_o matter_n in_o as_o clear_v a_o light_n as_o possible_a we_o can_v and_o the_o best_a way_n i_o can_v think_v of_o to_o do_v this_o be_v 1._o to_o consider_v this_o distinction_n of_o nature_n and_o person_n in_o creature_n as_o for_o instance_n in_o a_o man_n what_o the_o distinction_n between_o nature_n and_o person_n be_v in_o man_n and_o to_o show_v which_o way_n soever_o we_o state_n this_o matter_n how_o improper_a all_o these_o notion_n be_v to_o represent_v this_o distinction_n between_o nature_n and_o person_n in_o the_o bless_a trinity_n and_o 2._o to_o show_v how_o the_o catholic_n father_n accommodate_v these_o name_n of_o essence_n and_o person_n to_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o mystery_n and_o what_o unity_n and_o what_o distinction_n they_o intend_v to_o represent_v by_o they_o 1._o as_o for_o the_o first_o if_o the_o infinite_a distance_n between_o god_n and_o creature_n will_v allow_v we_o to_o philosophize_v free_o about_o create_v nature_n without_o incur_v the_o suspicion_n of_o heresy_n i_o must_v confess_v i_o never_o can_v form_v a_o distinct_a notion_n of_o the_o difference_n between_o a_o subsist_v nature_n and_o hypostasis_fw-la or_o person_n in_o man_n but_o do_v what_o i_o can_v i_o can_v conceive_v no_o otherwise_o of_o a_o individual_a subsist_v human_a nature_n but_o as_o of_o a_o individual_a subsist_v human_n hypostasis_fw-la or_o person_n nor_o of_o a_o individual_a human_a person_n than_o as_o of_o a_o individual_a subsist_v human_a nature_n and_o i_o have_v some_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o this_o be_v not_o peculiarly_a my_o case_n for_o beside_o that_o i_o find_v other_o think_v man_n blunder_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o can_v never_o yet_o meet_v with_o a_o clear_a and_o sensible_a explication_n of_o it_o i_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o word_n which_o in_o its_o original_a institution_n signify_v this_o difference_n and_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o think_v as_o to_o create_v nature_n that_o mankind_n have_v no_o notion_n of_o that_o which_o they_o have_v no_o word_n for_o it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v that_o hypostasis_fw-la original_o signify_v essence_n and_o substance_n not_o person_n as_o distinguish_v from_o nature_n which_o be_v a_o late_a and_o a_o mere_a ecclesiastical_a use_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v confess_v that_o persona_fw-la and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v take_v from_o the_o stage_n and_o when_o they_o be_v apply_v to_o signify_v a_o true_a and_o real_a man_n they_o signify_v only_o the_o man_n himself_o not_o the_o personality_n of_o a_o man_n as_o distinguish_v from_o a_o individual_a subsist_v nature_n and_o which_o be_v much_o more_o considerable_a some_o of_o the_o father_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o confess_v that_o aristotle_n know_v no_o such_o distinction_n but_o in_o his_o philosophy_n essence_n and_o hypostasis_fw-la signify_v the_o same_o thing_n for_o nature_n and_o essence_n which_o be_v his_o first_o substance_n be_v a_o individuum_fw-la which_o subsist_v not_o as_o part_v of_o another_o but_o as_o whole_a and_o complete_a which_o the_o father_n call_v hypostasis_fw-la and_o therefore_o aristotle_n first_o substance_n and_o what_o these_o father_n call_v hypostasis_fw-la be_v in_o creature_n one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o yet_o all_o confess_v that_o no_o man_n ever_o more_o nice_o distinguish_v all_o the_o distinguishable_a notion_n in_o nature_n than_o aristotle_n do_v that_o what_o escape_v his_o observation_n must_v be_v very_o nice_a indeed_o and_o though_o st._n basil_n and_o st._n gregory_n nyssen_n and_o the_o other_o catholic_n writer_n of_o that_o age_n do_v distinguish_v between_o essence_n and_o hypostasis_fw-la that_o they_o differ_v as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o be_v common_a to_o all_o the_o individual_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n which_o be_v a_o common_a nature_n and_o what_o be_v proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o each_o individual_a and_o distinguish_v one_o man_n from_o another_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o remember_v that_o they_o quarrel_v with_o the_o greek_a philosopher_n or_o apprehend_v that_o they_o themselves_o teach_v any_o new_a philosophy_n in_o this_o point_n as_o afterward_o theorianus_n and_o other_o do_v nor_o can_v i_o see_v any_o other_o difference_n there_o be_v between_o they_o if_o candid_o interpret_v but_o only_o in_o word_n the_o short_a account_n of_o the_o matter_n be_v this_o aristotle_n first_o substance_n which_o subsist_v by_o itself_o these_o father_n as_o they_o themselves_o own_v call_v hypostasis_fw-la not_o nature_n essence_n and_o substance_n that_o be_v every_o subsist_v individuum_fw-la be_v aristotle_n nature_n essence_n and_o substance_n the_o father_n hypostasis_fw-la now_o when_o they_o mean_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o own_o that_o they_o do_v so_o so_o far_o they_o be_v agree_v in_o the_o thing_n and_o differ_v only_o in_o word_n but_o then_o these_o father_n in_o every_o hypostasis_fw-la distinguish_v between_o the_o common_a nature_n and_o such_o personal_a property_n which_o distinguish_v common_a nature_n into_o individual_n or_o be_v characteristical_a mark_n whereby_o to_o know_v one_o person_n from_o another_o now_o aristotle_n indeed_o never_o make_v such_o a_o distinction_n as_o this_o but_o yet_o all_o that_o be_v material_a in_o it_o be_v include_v in_o his_o notion_n and_o definition_n of_o substance_n for_o when_o these_o father_n distinguish_v in_o every_o hypostasis_fw-la what_o be_v common_a to_o the_o whole_a kind_a and_o what_o be_v proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o each_o individuum_fw-la they_o mean_v no_o more_o by_o it_o but_o that_o peter_n for_o instance_n consider_v as_o a_o man_n be_v perfect_o the_o same_o that_o james_n and_o john_n be_v consider_v also_o as_o man_n though_o there_o be_v something_o so_o peculiar_a to_o peter_n as_o to_o make_v he_o a_o particular_a human_a person_n and_o to_o distinguish_v he_o from_o james_n and_o john_n and_o all_o other_o man_n in_o the_o world_n now_o it_o be_v certain_a neither_o aristotle_n nor_o any_o man_n of_o sense_n will_v ever_o have_v deny_v any_o thing_n of_o all_o this_o for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v something_o wherein_o all_o man_n agree_v and_o something_o proper_a to_o every_o particular_a man._n that_o which_o be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o man_n the_o father_n call_v a_o common_a nature_n and_o so_o do_v aristotle_n a_o common_a specific_a nature_n but_o here_o be_v some_o appearance_n of_o difference_n between_o they_o which_o i_o think_v if_o right_o state_v be_v none_o at_o all_o aristotle_n make_v nature_n as_o actual_o subsist_v by_o itself_o as_o suppose_v human_a nature_n in_o peter_n or_o james_n to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d individuum_fw-la a_o particular_a singular_a
and_o thus_o a_o man_n beget_v a_o man_n in_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o likeness_n and_o the_o son_n which_o be_v beget_v be_v upon_o all_o account_n as_o much_o a_o man_n as_o he_o who_o beget_v and_o father_n and_o son_n be_v two_o man_n and_o to_o beget_v and_o to_o be_v beget_v though_o they_o prove_v their_o person_n to_o be_v distinct_a yet_o be_v but_o external_n relation_n not_o different_a manner_n of_o subsistence_n in_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o thus_o god_n do_v not_o beget_v a_o son_n which_o will_v be_v to_o beget_v a_o second_o god_n for_o to_o beget_v and_o to_o be_v beget_v when_o he_o who_o beget_v beget_v in_o a_o absolute_a sense_n all_o the_o same_o that_o he_o be_v himself_o make_v two_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v the_o personal_a character_n and_o property_n of_o the_o father_n do_v not_o only_o signify_v that_o he_o have_v no_o cause_n of_o his_o be_v and_o nature_n but_o that_o what_o he_o be_v he_o be_v absolute_o in_o himself_o have_v a_o absolute_a not_o a_o relative_n nature_n and_o subsistence_n and_o so_o consequent_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v the_o personal_a property_n of_o the_o son_n signify_v that_o his_o be_v and_o nature_n be_v relative_n not_o only_o that_o he_o receive_v his_o be_v and_o nature_n from_o his_o father_n but_o that_o he_o so_o receive_v it_o as_o to_o be_v a_o relative_n subsistence_n in_o his_o father_n nature_n and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o procession_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o to_o show_v this_o more_o particular_o god_n beget_v a_o son_n his_o own_o perfect_a image_n and_o likeness_n but_o he_o do_v not_o beget_v his_o own_o absolute_a nature_n in_o his_o son_n as_o man_n do_v though_o he_o beget_v his_o son_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o substance_n as_o for_o instance_n god_n be_v perfect_a absolute_a original_a mind_n not_o only_o as_o original_a be_v oppose_v to_o what_o have_v a_o cause_n and_o a_o beginning_n but_o as_o oppose_v to_o a_o image_n but_o god_n do_v not_o beget_v a_o absolute_a original_a mind_n in_o his_o son_n but_o only_o his_o own_o eternal_a essential_a word_n which_o be_v the_o perfect_a live_v image_n of_o eternal_a self-originated_n mind_n and_o be_v itself_o eternal_a infinite_a mind_n in_o the_o eternal_a word_n but_o be_v in_o its_o own_o proper_a character_n the_o eternal_a word_n of_o the_o eternal_a mind_n not_o original_o a_o eternal_a mind_n itself_o it_o have_v all_o the_o perfection_n of_o a_o eternal_a mind_n as_o a_o perfect_a word_n must_v of_o necessity_n have_v which_o be_v the_o perfect_a sameness_n and_o identity_n of_o nature_n but_o it_o have_v all_o these_o perfection_n not_o as_o original_a mind_n but_o as_o a_o beget_v word_n which_o be_v a_o different_a mode_n of_o subsistence_n and_o a_o sensible_a distinction_n between_o the_o eternal_a mind_n and_o its_o word_n in_o the_o perfect_a identity_n of_o nature_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o true_a and_o intelligible_a account_n of_o these_o different_a manner_n of_o subsistence_n which_o distinguish_v the_o divine_a person_n in_o the_o perfect_a unity_n of_o nature_n that_o they_o have_v all_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o same_o perfection_n but_o after_o a_o different_a manner_n which_o can_v never_o be_v understand_v in_o absolute_a nature_n and_o person_n for_o three_o man_n though_o father_n son_n and_o grandson_n have_v all_o of_o they_o human_a nature_n after_o the_o very_a same_o manner_n but_o in_o a_o absolute_a nature_n and_o relative_n essential_a procession_n this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v and_o prove_v a_o real_a distinction_n and_o perfect_a unity_n it_o be_v evident_a to_o all_o man_n that_o the_o mind_n and_o its_o word_n be_v two_o and_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a that_o life_n wisdom_n knowledge_n be_v in_o absolute_a original_a mind_n after_o another_o manner_n than_o they_o be_v in_o its_o word_n and_o yet_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o mind_n and_o its_o word_n and_o that_o essential_a relation_n that_o be_v between_o they_o make_v it_o a_o contradiction_n to_o say_v that_o any_o other_o life_n wisdom_n knowledge_n can_v be_v in_o the_o word_n than_o what_o be_v in_o the_o mind_n which_o will_v be_v to_o say_v that_o the_o word_n be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o the_o mind_n if_o it_o have_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o in_o the_o mind_n for_o a_o natural_a word_n can_v have_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v in_o the_o mind_n and_o be_v no_o far_o a_o word_n than_o it_o be_v the_o natural_a image_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o have_v all_o the_o same_o divine_a perfection_n but_o in_o a_o different_a manner_n from_o original_a mind_n and_o its_o word_n as_o eternal_o proceed_v from_o both_o this_o be_v the_o account_n which_o the_o catholic_n father_n give_v of_o the_o unity_n of_o nature_n and_o distinction_n of_o person_n in_o the_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n which_o answer_v the_o objection_n of_o our_o sabellian_n arian_n and_o socinian_n adversary_n and_o vindicate_v those_o catholic_n form_n of_o speech_n which_o they_o charge_v with_o tritheism_n contradiction_n and_o nonsense_n as_o to_o show_v this_o brief_o in_o one_o view_n for_o each_o part_n of_o it_o have_v be_v sufficient_o confirm_v already_o the_o catholic_n faith_n teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o this_o be_v demonstrable_a from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o these_o father_n for_o in_o this_o account_n i_o have_v now_o give_v there_o be_v but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d one_o absolute_a divinity_n one_o divine_a nature_n and_o therefore_o but_o one_o god_n but_o say_v our_o adversary_n one_o god_n in_o natural_a religion_n and_o according_a to_o the_o general_a sense_n of_o mankind_n signify_v one_o person_n who_o be_v god_n and_o this_o also_o in_o some_o sense_n have_v always_o be_v own_v by_o the_o catholic_n church_n that_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o absolute_a divinity_n so_o the_o person_n of_o the_o father_n who_o be_v this_o one_o absolute_a divinity_n be_v this_o one_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d there_o be_v but_o one_o person_n who_o be_v god_n in_o this_o absolute_a sense_n because_o there_o be_v but_o one_o father_n who_o as_o they_o often_o speak_v be_v the_o fountain_n of_o the_o deity_n that_o be_v of_o the_o divine_a procession_n of_o the_o son_n and_o holy_a spirit_n he_o be_v the_o whole_a absolute_a divinity_n himself_o and_o whatever_o be_v divine_a eternal_o and_o essential_o proceed_v from_o he_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n but_o at_o this_o rate_n what_o divinity_n do_v we_o leave_v for_o the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n true_o the_o very_a same_o by_o eternal_a generation_n and_o procession_n which_o be_v original_o and_o absolute_o in_o the_o father_n for_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o father_n which_o be_v in_o the_o son_n and_o holy_a spirit_n as_o the_o father_n constant_o own_o and_o as_o of_o necessity_n it_o must_v be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o this_o eternal_a generation_n and_o procession_n have_v always_o be_v own_v as_o a_o ineffable_a mystery_n which_o we_o must_v believe_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n without_o pretend_v to_o know_v how_o god_n beget_v a_o eternal_a son_n or_o how_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n proceed_v from_o father_n and_o son_n which_o we_o confess_v we_o have_v no_o notion_n of_o but_o we_o know_v likewise_o that_o this_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o reject_v this_o faith_n no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v a_o reason_n to_o reject_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o eternal_a self-originated_n be_v because_o though_o it_o be_v demonstrable_a that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o eternal_a first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n which_o have_v no_o cause_n of_o its_o own_o be_v but_o a_o eternal_a necessary_a nature_n yet_o we_o can_v no_o more_o conceive_v this_o than_o we_o can_v a_o eternal_a generation_n and_o procession_n suppose_v therefore_o without_o dispute_v that_o matter_n at_o present_a that_o god_n have_v a_o eternal_a son_n that_o eternal_a self-originated_n mind_n have_v a_o eternal_a subsist_v word_n and_o a_o eternal_a spirit_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o eternal_a word_n and_o eternal_a spirit_n must_v have_v all_o the_o same_o perfection_n of_o the_o eternal_a mind_n must_v be_v all_o that_o the_o eternal_a mind_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d except_v its_o be_v a_o absolute_a self-originated_n mind_n now_o if_o he_o be_v god_n who_o have_v the_o whole_a divine_a nature_n and_o perfection_n than_o the_o son_n be_v god_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v god_n who_o by_o eternal_a generation_n and_o procession_n have_v that_o same_o