the_o dean_n of_o st._n paul_n apology_n for_o write_v against_o socinian_o etc._n etc._n imprimatur_fw-la geo._n royse_n r._n r_o mo_z in_o christo_fw-la patri_fw-la ac_fw-la dom._n dom._n johan_n archiep._n cant._n à _fw-la sacris_fw-la dome_v jan._n 17._o 1692_o 3._o a_o apology_n for_o write_v against_o socinian_o in_o defence_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n and_o incarnation_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o late_a earnest_n and_o compassionate_a suit_n for_o forbearance_n to_o the_o learned_a writer_n of_o some_o controversy_n at_o present_a by_o william_n sherlock_n d._n d._n dean_n of_o st._n paul_n master_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o their_o majesty_n london_n print_v for_o will._n rogers_n at_o the_o sun_n over-against_o st._n dunstan_n church_n in_o fleet_n street_n 1693._o a_o apology_n for_o write_v against_o socinian_o etc._n etc._n after_o a_o long_a silence_n and_o patient_a expectation_n what_o the_o learned_a writer_n of_o 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know_v his_o mind_n that_o it_o be_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o reformation_n not_o to_o dispute_v though_o it_o be_v for_o the_o most_o important_a truth_n sure_o our_o reformer_n be_v not_o so_o much_o against_o dispute_v but_o if_o these_o dissension_n be_v so_o great_a a_o blemish_n to_o the_o reformation_n who_o fault_n be_v it_o they_o who_o dissent_v from_o the_o truth_n or_o they_o who_o defend_v it_o this_o be_v a_o very_a plain_a case_n for_o no_o body_n will_v oppose_v the_o truth_n if_o no_o body_n teach_v it_o the_o urge_v too_o strict_a a_o union_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n beget_v dissension_n that_o be_v to_o require_v a_o open_a and_o undisguised_a profession_n of_o our_o baptismal_a faith_n in_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n as_o the_o term_n of_o christian_a communion_n be_v the_o criminal_a cause_n of_o our_o dissension_n well_o what_o shall_v we_o do_v then_o renounce_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o trinity_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o peace_n this_o he_o dare_v not_o say_v for_o that_o will_v pull_v off_o his_o disguise_n but_o christianity_n must_v be_v leave_v in_o that_o latitude_n and_o simplicity_n wherein_o it_o be_v deliver_v 2._o by_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n this_o have_v be_v a_o good_a proposal_n will_v he_o have_v tell_v we_o what_o this_o latitude_n and_o simplicity_n be_v for_o i_o be_o for_o no_o other_o faith_n than_o what_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v but_o i_o will_v glad_o know_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o the_o latitude_n of_o faith_n for_o if_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v such_o a_o broad_a faith_n must_v we_o not_o believe_v the_o whole_a breadth_n of_o it_o or_o have_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n leave_v it_o at_o liberty_n to_o believe_v what_o we_o like_v and_o to_o let_v the_o rest_n alone_o to_o believe_v that_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v one_o supreme_a eternal_a god_n or_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o either_o alone_a be_v the_o true_a god_n the_o son_n a_o mere_a man_n 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faith_n unless_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v leave_v it_o indifferent_a whether_o we_o believe_v what_o be_v true_a or_o what_o be_v false_a what_o they_o have_v teach_v we_o or_o what_o we_o like_v better_a ourselves_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n he_o leave_v we_o to_o guess_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o faith_n he_o be_v very_o angry_a with_o the_o school-doctor_n as_o worse_a enemy_n to_o christianity_n than_o either_o heathen_a philosopher_n or_o persecute_v 2._o emperor_n pray_v what_o hurt_n have_v they_o do_v i_o suppose_v he_o mean_v the_o corruption_n of_o christianity_n with_o those_o barbarous_a term_n of_o person_n nature_n essence_n subsistence_n consubstantiality_n etc._n etc._n which_o will_v not_o suffer_v heretic_n to_o lie_v conceal_v under_o scripture-phrase_n but_o why_o must_v the_o schoolman_n bear_v all_o the_o blame_n of_o this_o why_o do_v he_o not_o accuse_v the_o ancient_a father_n and_o council_n from_o who_o the_o 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dispute_v the_o bound_n of_o their_o authority_n but_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o ancient_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o if_o he_o understand_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a and_o true_o apostolic_a church_n which_o he_o threaten_v these_o unruly_a presbyter_n with_o no_o better_a than_o he_o do_v k._n edw._n vi.'s_n reformation_n which_o he_o suppose_v to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o body_n of_o the_o bishop_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o presbyter_n or_o else_o i_o know_v not_o how_o he_o apply_v it_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o do_v no_o great_a good_a nor_o hurt_n only_o i_o can_v tell_v he_o one_o thing_n that_o have_v he_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o k._n edw.'s_n reform_v bishop_n they_o will_v have_v reform_v he_o out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o have_v teach_v he_o another_o sort_n of_o compassionate_a suit_n than_o this_o he_o conclude_v with_o a_o heavy_a charge_n upon_o myself_o and_o dr._n wallis_n for_o he_o mention_n none_o else_o as_o if_o we_o have_v recede_v 13._o from_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v even_o in_o our_o own_o church_n about_o the_o holy_a trinity_n do_v we_o then_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v three_o person_n and_o one_o god_n no_o our_o business_n be_v to_o prove_v it_o and_o explain_v and_o vindicate_v it_o but_o he_o think_v we_o explain_v it_o otherwise_o than_o it_o have_v be_v former_o explain_v and_o yet_o that_o very_o account_v he_o give_v we_o of_o it_o out_o of_o mr._n hooker_n be_v own_v by_o myself_o and_o particular_o explain_v by_o my_o hypothesis_n he_o have_v give_v we_o no_o just_a occasion_n to_o vindicate_v ourselves_o because_o he_o have_v not_o vouchsafe_v to_o tell_v we_o why_o he_o dislike_v either_o of_o we_o he_o have_v cite_v some_o break_a passage_n out_o of_o my_o vindication_n about_o three_o eternal_a mind_n which_o be_v essential_o one_o eternal_a mind_n and_o what_o be_v the_o hurt_n of_o this_o be_v not_o every_o divine_a person_n who_o be_v god_n a_o mind_n and_o a_o eternal_a mind_n be_v not_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o the_o eternal_a and_o uncreated_a word_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n a_o eternal_a and_o uncreated_a mind_n be_v not_o the_o substantial_a word_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n a_o mind_n be_v not_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n which_o search_v the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n a_o mind_n and_o if_o i_o can_v give_v any_o possible_a account_n how_o three_o eternal_a mind_n shall_v be_v essential_o one_o do_v not_o this_o at_o least_o prove_v that_o there_o may_v be_v three_o divine_a person_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n and_o shall_v i_o have_v be_v mistake_v in_o this_o account_n as_o i_o believe_v i_o be_o not_o must_v i_o therefore_o be_v charge_v with_o recede_v from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o for_o dr._n wallis_n he_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v against_o he_o but_o his_o calling_n the_o divine_a person_n somewhat_v with_o which_o he_o have_v very_o profane_o ridicule_v the_o litany_n which_o i_o give_v a_o account_n before_o and_o now_o can_v any_o man_n tell_v what_o opinion_n this_o melancholy_a stander-by_n have_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n he_o dare_v not_o speak_v out_o but_o give_v very_o broad_a sign_n what_o he_o will_v be_v at_o he_o discourage_v all_o man_n from_o defend_v these_o doctrine_n declare_v that_o all_o new_a attempt_n can_v satisfy_v the_o old_a difficulty_n which_o he_o declare_v to_o be_v unsatisfiable_a and_o unsoluble_a that_o when_o 7._o we_o have_v move_v every_o stone_n authority_n must_v define_v it_o and_o yet_o this_o authority_n extend_v no_o far_a than_o to_o a_o negative_a belief_n which_o he_o say_v be_v all_o that_o can_v reasonable_o be_v require_v of_o man_n of_o such_o mystery_n as_o they_o can_v understand_v and_o thus_o far_o he_o profess_v himself_o bind_v by_o our_o church_n article_n for_o peace_n sake_n and_o this_o be_v his_o faith_n 6._o of_o the_o trinity_n not_o to_o believe_v it_o but_o only_o not_o to_o oppose_v it_o he_o complain_v of_o the_o scholastic_a cramp_a term_n of_o 2._o three_o person_n and_o one_o god_n and_o think_v the_o unity_n of_o 6._o three_o person_n in_o one_o essence_n to_o be_v only_o a_o more_o orthodox_n phrase_n so_o that_o he_o leave_v we_o no_o word_n to_o express_v this_o doctrine_n by_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v time_n to_o say_v nothing_o about_o it_o it_o be_v a_o controversy_n which_o expose_v our_o liturgy_n and_o be_v not_o only_o unprofitable_a but_o corruptive_a of_o and_o prejudicial_a and_o injurious_a to_o our_o common_a devotion_n so_o dangerous_a 17._o be_v it_o to_o pray_v to_o the_o holy_a bless_a and_o glorious_a trinity_n three_o person_n and_o one_o god_n but_o then_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n he_o careful_o practise_v that_o forbearance_n which_o he_o persuade_v other_o to_o towards_o his_o learned_a writer_n of_o the_o socinian_n controversy_n though_o they_o be_v the_o assailant_n never_o persuade_v they_o to_o forbear_v expose_v and_o ridicul_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n which_o will_v have_v provoke_v his_o indignation_n have_v he_o any_o reverence_n for_o the_o holy_a trinity_n and_o a_o god_n incarnate_a but_o only_o think_v by_o the_o charm_n of_o a_o negative_a faith_n that_o they_o may_v be_v require_v quiet_o to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o public_a determination_n 10._o he_o tell_v we_o over_o and_o over_o how_o unseasonable_a and_o dangerous_a it_o be_v to_o meddle_v with_o such_o high_a matter_n or_o to_o offer_v at_o any_o explication_n of_o what_o be_v incomprehensible_a but_o it_o be_v no_o fault_n in_o they_o to_o talk_v of_o absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n in_o what_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v nay_o he_o all_o along_o insinuate_v that_o these_o absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n which_o they_o charge_v upon_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n be_v unsatisfiable_a and_o unsoluble_a he_o bestow_v high_a encomium_n upon_o these_o enemy_n of_o the_o faith_n but_o speak_v with_o wonderful_a contempt_n of_o those_o who_o defend_v it_o as_o far_o as_o he_o dare_v the_o father_n and_o council_n be_v out_o of_o his_o reach_n but_o the_o master_n of_o the_o sentence_n and_o the_o schoolman_n and_o all_o modern_a undertaker_n must_v feel_v his_o displeasure_n to_o defend_v the_o trinity_n expose_v our_o liturgy_n and_o corrupt_v our_o common_a devotion_n but_o to_o ridicule_n it_o make_v they_o very_o pious_a and_o devout_a men._n god_n preserve_v his_o church_n from_o wolf_n in_o sheep_n clothing_n and_o now_o have_v vindicate_v our_o ancient_a right_n and_o liberty_n which_o the_o church_n always_o challenge_v of_o defend_v the_o true_o catholic_n and_o apostolic_a faith_n from_o the_o assault_n of_o heretic_n i_o shall_v apply_v myself_o as_o i_o have_v leisure_n to_o the_o defence_n of_o my_o vindication_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o everblessed_n trinity_n and_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o end_n earnest_a suit_n p._n 1._o p._n 2._o p._n 2._o p._n 3._o p._n 3._o p._n 16._o p._n 3._o p._n 4._o p._n 5_o page_n 7._o page_n 7._o page_n 8._o page_n 8._o page_n 9_o see_v the_o vindication_n of_o the_o defence_n of_o dr._n stillingfleet_n unreasonableness_n of_o separation_n pag._n 256_o etc._n etc._n page_n 11._o page_n 13._o page_n 7._o page_n 6._o page_n 2._o page_n 6._o page_n 17._o page_z 9_o 10._o
man_n shall_v believe_v as_o he_o please_v and_o no_o man_n concern_v himself_o to_o confute_v heresy_n or_o to_o divide_v the_o church_n with_o dispute_n which_o be_v the_o true_a latitude_n our_o author_n seem_v to_o aim_v at_o and_o then_o he_o may_v believe_v as_o he_o please_v too_o but_o pray_v why_o shall_v we_o not_o write_v against_o the_o socinian_o especial_o when_o they_o be_v the_o aggressor_n and_o without_o any_o provocation_n publish_v and_o disperse_v the_o most_o impudent_a and_o scandalous_a libel_n against_o the_o christian_a faith_n he_o will_v give_v we_o some_o very_a wise_a reason_n for_o this_o by_o and_o by_o when_o he_o come_v to_o be_v plain_a and_o succinct_a in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o must_v take_v such_o as_o we_o can_v meet_v with_o he_o be_v afraid_a peâ—â—le_n shall_v lose_v all_o reverence_n for_o the_o litany_n shall_v we_o go_v on_o to_o vindicate_v the_o doctrine_n 3._o of_o the_o trinity_n in_o unity_n i_o shall_v not_o easy_o have_v apprehend_v this_o and_o possible_o some_o of_o the_o common_a people_n may_v have_v be_v as_o dull_a as_o myself_o have_v he_o not_o take_v care_n before_o he_o part_v for_o fear_v no_o body_n else_o shall_v observe_v it_o to_o teach_v people_n to_o ridicule_n the_o trinity_n in_o their_o prayer_n dr._n wallis_n will_v not_o undertake_v to_o say_v what_o a_o divine_a person_n signify_v as_o distinguish_v from_o nature_n and_o essence_n only_o say_v a_o person_n be_v somewhat_o but_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o person_n he_o do_v not_o know_v this_o author_n commend_v this_o as_o ever_o hold_v to_o by_o all_o learned_a trinitarian_n for_o indeed_o all_o the_o doctor_n mean_v by_o his_o somewhat_o be_v that_o three_o person_n signify_v three_o real_a subsistence_n and_o be_v real_a thing_n not_o a_o sabellian_n trinity_n of_o mere_a name_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o very_a next_o page_n he_o teach_v his_o reader_n to_o ridicule_n the_o litany_n with_o the_o doctor_n somewhat_n o_o holy_a 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not_o defend_v this_o faith_n against_o heretic_n because_o it_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o two_o general_a council_n which_o be_v own_v by_o our_o church_n do_v athanasius_n think_v this_o a_o good_a argument_n against_o write_v and_o dispute_v against_o the_o arian_n after_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a have_v condemn_v arius_n and_o his_o doctrine_n do_v st._n basil_n gregory_n nazianzen_n nyssen_n st._n chrysostom_n st._n jerom_n st._n austin_n think_v this_o a_o good_a argument_n who_o write_v so_o large_o against_o these_o heresy_n which_o former_a council_n have_v condemn_v but_o this_o author_n think_v the_o best_a way_n be_v to_o let_v the_o matter_n stand_v upon_o this_o bottom_n of_o authority_n that_o be_v let_v heretic_n ridicule_n our_o faith_n as_o much_o as_o they_o please_v we_o must_v make_v they_o no_o other_o answer_n but_o that_o this_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o nicene_n and_o constantinopolitan_a council_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 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have_v make_v very_o sad_a work_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o intimate_o acquaint_v with_o the_o master_n of_o the_o sentence_n nor_o some_o of_o these_o modern_a writer_n but_o all_o that_o he_o mean_v be_v that_o no_o body_n can_v say_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o purpose_n for_o so_o absurd_a a_o doctrine_n as_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n and_o therefore_o he_o plain_o add_v the_o more_o man_n draw_v the_o disputacious_a saw_n the_o more_o perplex_a and_o intricate_a the_o question_n be_v and_o therefore_o the_o only_a secure_a way_n be_v to_o leave_v off_o dispute_v for_o the_o trinity_n and_o let_v socinian_o dispute_v against_o it_o by_o themselves_o but_o such_o stuff_n as_o this_o deserve_v another_o sort_n of_o answer_n than_o i_o can_v give_v it_o but_o he_o conclude_v this_o argument_n of_o unreasonableness_n 7._o very_o remarkable_o and_o last_o hereby_o our_o church_n at_o present_a and_o the_o common_a christianity_n it_o may_v be_v fear_v 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that_o they_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v man_n atheist_n but_o i_o can_v tell_v he_o a_o secret_a which_o possible_o he_o may_v be_v privy_a to_o though_o in_o great_a modesty_n he_o conceal_v his_o knowledge_n viz._n that_o atheist_n and_o deist_n man_n who_o be_v for_o no_o religion_n or_o at_o least_o not_o for_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v of_o late_a very_o zealous_a socinian_o and_o they_o be_v certain_o in_o the_o right_n of_o it_o for_o run_v down_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n and_o there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o with_o that_o a_o end_n of_o all_o reveal_v religion_n and_o as_o for_o natural_a religion_n they_o can_v make_v and_o believe_v as_o much_o or_o as_o little_a of_o it_o as_o they_o please_v and_o this_o be_v one_o reason_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a a_o better_a than_o any_o he_o have_v give_v against_o it_o why_o we_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v so_o zealous_a at_o this_o time_n in_o oppose_a 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certain_a that_o the_o fundamental_o of_o our_o faith_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o very_a sure_a foundation_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v more_o concern_v to_o understand_v and_o vindicate_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o faith_n with_o respect_n to_o fundamental_o than_o to_o dispute_v any_o less_o matter_n in_o religion_n for_o the_o roof_n must_v tumble_v if_o the_o foundation_n fail_v what_o shall_v christian_n do_v then_o when_o atheist_n infidel_n and_o heretic_n strike_v at_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o their_o faith_n ought_v not_o they_o to_o satisfy_v themselves_o that_o there_o be_v no_o force_n in_o the_o objection_n which_o be_v make_v against_o the_o faith_n or_o must_v they_o confirm_v themselves_o with_o a_o obstinate_a resolution_n to_o believe_v on_o without_o trouble_v themselves_o about_o objection_n in_o defiance_n of_o all_o the_o power_n and_o evidence_n of_o
reason_n this_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v like_o man_n christianity_n have_v never_o prevail_v against_o paganism_n and_o judaisme_n upon_o these_o term_n for_o they_o have_v possession_n authority_n and_o prescription_n on_o their_o side_n which_o be_v the_o only_a reason_n and_o security_n he_o give_v we_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o trinity_n that_o the_o establish_v church_n be_v in_o 8._o possession_n of_o it_o if_o private_a christian_n then_o must_v endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v themselves_o in_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n when_o fundamental_o be_v call_v in_o question_n be_v it_o not_o the_o duty_n of_o christian_a bishop_n and_o pastor_n to_o defend_v the_o faith_n and_o to_o defend_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n from_o those_o grievous_a wolf_n st._n paul_n prophesy_v of_o be_v not_o this_o their_o proper_a work_n and_o business_n and_o when_o the_o faith_n be_v public_o oppose_v and_o scorn_v in_o print_a libel_n ought_v it_o not_o to_o be_v as_o public_o defend_v when_o heretic_n dispute_v against_o the_o faith_n must_v we_o be_v afraid_a of_o dispute_v for_o it_o for_o fear_v of_o make_v a_o controversy_n of_o fundamental_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n our_o excellent_a primate_n be_v above_o this_o fear_n and_o have_v now_o in_o the_o press_n a_o defence_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o this_o writer_n will_v persuade_v all_o man_n to_o betray_v by_o silence_n and_o i_o hope_v so_o great_a a_o example_n may_v at_o least_o prevail_v with_o he_o to_o let_v we_o dispute_v on_o without_o any_o more_o earnest_a and_o compassionate_a suit_n iii_o his_o last_o argument_n be_v the_o unseasonableness_n of_o 8._o this_o controversy_n he_o say_v all_o controversy_n be_v now_o unseasonable_a and_o i_o say_v a_o little_a more_o that_o they_o be_v always_o so_o for_o there_o be_v no_o juncture_n seasonable_a to_o broach_v heresy_n and_o to_o oppose_v the_o truth_n but_o if_o heretic_n will_v dispute_v against_o the_o truth_n unreasonable_o there_o be_v no_o 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must_v not_o unite_v in_o heresy_n those_o break_v the_o union_n who_o depart_v from_o the_o faith_n not_o those_o who_o defend_v it_o when_o heresy_n be_v broach_v the_o best_a way_n to_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o oppose_v and_o confute_v and_o shame_n heresy_n and_o heretic_n which_o will_v preserve_v the_o body_n of_o christian_n from_o be_v infect_v by_o heresy_n and_o the_o few_o there_o be_v who_o forsake_v the_o faith_n the_o great_a unity_n there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n but_o nothing_o but_o union_n of_o counsel_n and_o join_v hand_n and_o heart_n can_v preserve_v the_o reformation_n must_v we_o then_o turn_v all_o socinian_o to_o preserve_v the_o reformation_n must_v we_o renounce_v christianity_n to_o keep_v out_o popery_n this_o stander-by_n be_v misinform_v for_o socinianism_n be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o reformation_n and_o so_o inconsiderable_a and_o abhor_a a_o party_n when_o they_o stand_v by_o themselves_o that_o all_o party_n who_o own_o any_o religion_n will_v join_v counsel_n and_o hand_n and_o heart_n to_o renounce_v they_o but_o what_o he_o will_v insinuate_v be_v that_o we_o shall_v never_o join_v against_o a_o common_a enemy_n who_o success_n will_v endanger_v the_o reformation_n while_o there_o be_v any_o religious_a dispute_n among_o we_o i_o hope_v he_o be_v mistake_v or_o else_o we_o shall_v certain_o be_v conquer_v by_o france_n for_o twenty_o such_o compassionate_a suit_n as_o this_o will_v never_o make_v we_o all_o of_o a_o mind_n and_o whether_o we_o dispute_v or_o not_o if_o we_o differ_v as_o much_o as_o if_o we_o do_v dispute_v and_o be_v as_o zealous_a for_o the_o interest_n of_o a_o party_n the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o but_o he_o have_v unwary_o confess_v a_o great_a truth_n which_o all_o government_n ought_v to_o consider_v that_o every_o schisin_n in_o the_o church_n be_v a_o new_a party_n and_o faction_n in_o the_o state_n which_o be_v always_o troublesome_a to_o government_n when_o it_o want_v their_o help_n but_o these_o dispute_n about_o the_o trinity_n make_v sport_n for_o papist_n it_o must_v be_v dispute_v against_o the_o trinity_n then_o not_o dispute_v for_o it_o for_o they_o be_v very_a orthodox_n in_o this_o point_n and_o never_o admit_v any_o man_n to_o their_o communion_n who_o disown_v this_o faith_n or_o declare_v that_o he_o think_v it_o at_o any_o time_n unreasonable_a dangerous_a or_o unseasonable_a to_o dispute_v for_o it_o when_o it_o be_v violent_o oppose_v i_o doubt_v this_o protestant_a churchman_n have_v make_v more_o sport_n for_o papist_n than_o all_o our_o other_o dispute_n for_o it_o be_v a_o new_a thing_n for_o such_o man_n to_o plead_v for_o socinian_o but_o no_o new_a thing_n to_o dispute_v against_o they_o and_o new_a sport_n be_v always_o most_o entertain_a but_o he_o have_v himself_o start_v a_o objection_n which_o if_o he_o can_v well_o answer_v i_o can_v forgive_v he_o all_o the_o rest_n but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v what_o shall_v we_o do_v shall_v we_o tame_o by_o a_o base_a silence_n give_v up_o the_o point_n this_o be_v the_o objection_n and_o he_o answer_v there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o it_o the_o establish_v church_n be_v in_o possession_n of_o it_o and_o dispute_n will_v only_o increase_v the_o disturbance_n but_o be_v there_o no_o danger_n that_o the_o church_n may_v be_v fling_v out_o of_o possession_n and_o lose_v the_o faith_n if_o she_o do_v defend_v it_o no_o the_o adversary_n to_o the_o receive_a doctrine_n why_o not_o to_o the_o true_a faith_n can_v alter_v our_o article_n of_o religion_n but_o if_o they_o can_v make_v convert_v and_o increase_v their_o party_n they_o may_v in_o time_n change_v our_o article_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v hear_v no_o more_o of_o compassionate_a suit_n for_o forbearance_n but_o they_o can_v dispute_v everlasting_o and_o let_v they_o dispute_v on_o we_o fear_v they_o not_o but_o they_o be_v man_n subtle_a sober_a industrious_a many_o of_o they_o very_o virtuous_a and_o as_o all_o must_v say_v set_v aside_o their_o opinion_n devout_a pious_a and_o charitable_a i_o perceive_v he_o be_v very_o intimate_o acquaint_v with_o they_o though_o st._n paul_n command_v all_o christian_n to_o mark_v those_o which_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o you_o have_v learn_v and_o avoid_v they_o 16_o rom._n 17._o but_o let_v they_o be_v never_o so_o good_a man_n as_o some_o of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n be_v must_v we_o therefore_o tame_o suffer_v they_o to_o pervert_v the_o faith_n but_o they_o be_v very_o zealous_a and_o the_o press_n be_v open_a and_o they_o will_v never_o be_v silent_a they_o be_v zealous_a against_o the_o truth_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o be_v zealous_a for_o it_o they_o will_v write_v and_o print_n and_o speak_v against_o the_o truth_n and_o will_v never_o be_v silent_a and_o therefore_o we_o must_v be_v silent_a and_o neither_o write_v nor_o say_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o truth_n be_v there_o ever_o such_o a_o reason_n think_v of_o as_o this_o well!_o how_o long_o must_v we_o be_v silent_a neglect_v they_o till_o a_o fit_a time_n and_o place_n but_o why_o be_v not_o this_o as_o fit_v a_o time_n as_o ever_o we_o shall_v have_v to_o prevent_v their_o sow_a tare_n or_o to_o pluck_v they_o up_o before_o they_o have_v take_v too_o deep_a root_n can_v there_o be_v a_o fit_a time_n to_o oppose_v heresy_n and_o to_o defend_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n then_o when_o heretic_n be_v very_o bold_a and_o busy_a in_o spread_v their_o heresy_n and_o oppose_v the_o faith_n but_o when_o this_o fit_a time_n be_v come_v for_o i_o know_v not_o what_o he_o mean_v by_o a_o fit_a place_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v then_o will_v he_o then_o give_v we_o leave_v to_o write_v and_o dispute_v against_o such_o heretic_n this_o he_o will_v not_o say_v but_o then_o let_v
and_o thus_o for_o fear_n we_o shall_v have_v believe_v too_o much_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o council_n which_o be_v the_o only_a bottom_n he_o will_v allow_v our_o faith_n he_o give_v they_o a_o secret_a stab_n himself_o and_o make_v their_o authority_n ridiculous_a that_o the_o several_a bishop_n declare_v what_o faith_n have_v be_v teach_v and_o receive_v in_o their_o church_n be_v true_a that_o this_o authority_n chief_o carry_v the_o point_n be_v false_a athanasius_n grow_v famous_a in_o the_o council_n for_o his_o learned_a and_o subtle_a disputation_n which_o confound_v the_o arian_n and_o what_o argument_n he_o chief_o rely_v on_o we_o may_v see_v in_o his_o work_n and_o whoever_o do_v but_o look_v into_o the_o father_n who_o write_v against_o the_o arian_n in_o those_o day_n will_v find_v that_o their_o faith_n be_v resolve_v into_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o not_o mere_o or_o chief_o into_o authority_n and_o thus_o he_o come_v to_o be_v plain_a and_o succinct_a and_o 5_o tell_v we_o that_o of_o all_o controversy_n we_o can_v touch_v upon_o at_o present_a this_o of_o the_o trinity_n be_v the_o most_o unreasonable_a the_o most_o dangerous_a and_o so_o the_o most_o unseasonable_a it_o be_v the_o most_o unreasonable_a 1._o because_o it_o be_v on_o all_o hand_n confess_v the_o deity_n be_v infinite_a unsearchable_a incomprehensible_a and_o yet_o every_o one_o who_o pretend_v to_o write_v plain_a than_o another_o on_o this_o controversy_n profess_v to_o make_v all_o comprehensible_a and_o easy_a i_o perceive_v he_o be_v well_o verse_v in_o mr._n hobbs_n divinity_n though_o i_o can_v discover_v no_o mark_n of_o his_o skill_n in_o father_n and_o council_n for_o this_o be_v mr._n hobb_n reason_n why_o we_o shall_v not_o pretend_v to_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o god_n nor_o inquire_v after_o his_o attribute_n because_o he_o have_v but_o one_o attribute_n which_o be_v that_o he_o be_v incomprehensible_a and_o as_o this_o author_n argue_v it_o be_v a_o small_a favour_n to_o request_v of_o person_n of_o learning_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v consistent_a with_o and_o not_o contradict_v themselves_o that_o be_v that_o they_o will_v not_o pretend_v to_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o god_n who_o they_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v incomprehensible_a which_o be_v to_o pretend_v to_o know_v what_o they_o confess_v can_v be_v know_v now_o i_o desire_v to_o know_v whether_o we_o may_v dispute_v about_o the_o be_v and_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o his_o essential_a attribute_n and_o perfection_n and_o vindicate_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n from_o those_o impossibility_n inconsistency_n absurdity_n which_o some_o atheistical_a philosopher_n charge_n on_o it_o notwithstanding_o that_o we_o confess_v god_n to_o be_v incomprehensible_a and_o if_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n do_v not_o signify_v that_o we_o can_v know_v nothing_o of_o god_n and_o must_v inquire_v nothing_o about_o he_o the_o trinity_n of_o divine_a person_n be_v as_o proper_a a_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o modest_a inquiry_n as_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n for_o they_o be_v both_o incomprehensible_a and_o to_o say_v that_o every_o one_o who_o pretend_v to_o write_v plain_a than_o another_o on_o this_o controversy_n profess_v to_o make_v all_o comprehensible_a and_o easy_a may_v with_o equal_a truth_n and_o authority_n be_v charge_v on_o all_o those_o who_o undertake_v to_o vindicate_v the_o notion_n and_o idea_n of_o a_o god_n or_o to_o explain_v any_o of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o perfection_n a_o finite_a mind_n can_v comprehend_v what_o be_v infinite_a but_o yet_o one_o man_n may_v have_v a_o true_a and_o more_o perfect_a notion_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n than_o another_o god_n be_v incomprehensible_a in_o heaven_n as_o well_o as_o on_o earth_n and_o yet_o angel_n and_o glorify_a spirit_n know_v god_n after_o another_o manner_n than_o we_o do_v there_o must_v be_v infinite_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n when_o the_o object_n be_v infinite_a and_o every_o new_a degree_n be_v more_o perfect_a than_o that_o below_o it_o and_o yet_o no_o creature_n can_v attain_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o all_o which_o be_v a_o perfect_a comprehension_n so_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n may_v increase_v every_o day_n and_o man_n may_v write_v plain_o about_o these_o matter_n every_o day_n without_o pretend_v to_o make_v all_o that_o be_v in_o god_n even_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n comprehensible_a and_o easy_a this_o be_v a_o spiteful_a and_o scandalous_a imputation_n and_o be_v intend_v to_o represent_v all_o those_o who_o undertake_v to_o write_v about_o the_o trinity_n and_o to_o vindicate_v the_o primitive_a faith_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n of_o heretic_n as_o a_o company_n of_o vain-conceited_n presume_v but_o ignorant_a scribbler_n who_o pretend_v to_o make_v the_o incomprehensible_a nature_n of_o god_n comprehensible_a and_o easy_a but_o the_o comfort_n be_v we_o have_v so_o good_a company_n that_o we_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v this_o charge_n without_o blush_v even_o general_a council_n and_o those_o great_a light_n of_o the_o church_n athanasius_n st._n hillary_n st._n basil_n the_o gregory_n st._n chrysostom_n st._n austin_n and_o many_o other_o beside_o all_o those_o who_o in_o all_o succeed_a age_n to_o this_o day_n have_v with_o equal_a zeal_n and_o learning_n defend_v the_o same_o cause_n and_o yet_o never_o profess_v to_o make_v all_o comprehensible_a and_o easy_a all_o that_o any_o man_n pretend_v to_o in_o vindicate_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o this_o faith_n be_v teach_v in_o scripture_n and_o that_o it_o contain_v no_o such_o absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n as_o shall_v force_v a_o wise_a man_n to_o reject_v it_o and_o either_o to_o reject_v the_o scripture_n for_o its_o sake_n or_o to_o put_v some_o strain_a and_o unnatural_a sense_n on_o scripture_n to_o reconcile_v it_o to_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o this_o i_o hope_v may_v be_v do_v by_o those_o who_o yet_o acknowledge_v the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o trinity_n in_o unity_n to_o be_v incomprehensible_a but_o here_o he_o have_v a_o very_a fair_a opportunity_n have_v he_o think_v fit_a to_o take_v it_o to_o correct_v the_o insolence_n and_o presumption_n of_o his_o learned_a writer_n of_o controversy_n who_o will_v not_o allow_v the_o divine_a nature_n to_o be_v incomprehensible_a and_o will_v not_o believe_v god_n himself_o concern_v his_o own_o nature_n beyond_o what_o their_o reason_n can_v conceive_v and_o comprehend_v who_o deny_v prescience_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o they_o deny_v the_o trinity_n because_o they_o can_v conceive_v it_o nor_o reconcile_v it_o with_o the_o liberty_n of_o human_a action_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n may_v deny_v all_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n which_o have_v something_o in_o they_o beyond_o what_o we_o can_v conceive_v especial_o a_o eternity_n without_o begin_n and_o without_o succession_n which_o be_v chargeable_a with_o more_o absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n than_o the_o trinity_n itself_o for_o a_o duration_n which_o can_v be_v measure_v and_o a_o eternal_a duration_n which_o can_v be_v measure_v and_o a_o succession_n without_o a_o beginning_n a_o second_o or_o three_o without_o a_o first_o be_v unconceivable_a to_o we_o and_o look_v like_o very_o plain_a and_o irreconcilable_a contradiction_n this_o be_v the_o true_a use_n of_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n not_o to_o stop_v all_o inquiry_n after_o god_n nor_o to_o discourage_v our_o study_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o perfection_n for_o we_o may_v know_v a_o great_a deal_n and_o may_v every_o day_n increase_v our_o knowledge_n of_o what_o be_v incomprehensible_a tho'_o we_o can_v know_v it_o all_o but_o to_o check_v the_o presumption_n of_o some_o vain_a pretender_n to_o reason_n who_o will_v not_o own_o a_o god_n nor_o believe_v any_o thing_n of_o god_n which_o their_o reason_n can_v comprehend_v which_o must_v not_o only_o make_v they_o heretic_n but_o if_o pursue_v to_o its_o just_a consequence_n must_v make_v they_o atheist_n or_o make_v such_o a_o god_n as_o no_o body_n will_v own_v or_o worship_n but_o themselves_o a_o god_n adequate_a and_o commensurate_a to_o their_o understanding_n which_o must_v be_v a_o little_a finite_a comprehensible_a god_n in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o prove_v how_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v to_o dispute_v in_o vindication_n of_o the_o trinity_n he_o observe_v again_o that_o this_o matter_n have_v be_v sufficient_o determine_v by_o due_a authority_n but_o have_v answer_v this_o once_o i_o see_v no_o need_n to_o answer_v it_o again_o to_o back_o this_o he_o add_v that_o the_o present_a issue_n show_v that_o in_o this_o world_n it_o never_o will_v be_v better_o understand_v for_o it_o seem_v as_o he_o say_v the_o master_n of_o the_o sentence_n and_o some_o modern_a writer_n