the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o socinian_n controversy_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o catholic_n father_n concern_v a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n by_o william_n sherlock_n d._n d._n dean_n of_o st._n paul_n master_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n london_n print_v for_o william_n rogers_n at_o the_o sun_n against_o st._n dunstan_n church_n in_o fleetstreet_n mdcxc_o viii_o the_o preface_n i_o have_v little_a to_o say_v to_o the_o reader_n have_v sufficient_o explain_v the_o design_n of_o this_o treatise_n in_o the_o first_o section_n those_o who_o remember_v how_o this_o controversy_n have_v be_v of_o late_o manage_v may_v possible_o expect_v what_o they_o will_v not_o find_v some_o sharp_a resentment_n of_o the_o ill_a usage_n i_o have_v meet_v with_o and_o as_o sharp_a return_v but_o i_o write_v not_o to_o revenge_v myself_o but_o to_o explain_v and_o vindicate_v the_o true_o ancient_a catholic_n and_o apostolic_a faith_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n which_o require_v a_o compose_v and_o sedate_v mind_n both_o in_o the_o writer_n and_o reader_n for_o this_o reason_n i_o have_v thus_o long_o delay_v the_o publication_n of_o this_o treatise_n the_o great_a part_n of_o which_o be_v print_v two_o year_n since_o that_o those_o who_o will_v ever_o grow_v cool_a may_v have_v time_n to_o recover_v their_o temper_n and_o do_v i_o not_o hope_v that_o the_o publication_n of_o it_o at_o this_o time_n will_v tend_v more_o to_o quiet_a man_n mind_n to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o heretic_n and_o to_o secure_v the_o catholic_n faith_n than_o a_o passive_a silence_n it_o shall_v never_o see_v the_o light_n how_o much_o soever_o my_o own_o reputation_n may_v suffer_v by_o it_o but_o i_o persuade_v myself_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o of_o the_o catholic_n father_n be_v not_o at_o so_o low_a a_o ebb_n even_o in_o this_o age_n as_o to_o be_v easy_o despise_v and_o therefore_o their_o explication_n their_o argument_n their_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n of_o heretic_n will_v have_v their_o due_a weight_n and_o i_o have_v not_o go_v one_o step_n further_o i_o appeal_v to_o the_o catholic_n father_n and_o be_o content_v to_o stand_v or_o fall_v by_o their_o sentence_n i_o have_v not_o wilful_o misrepresent_v their_o sense_n in_o any_o thing_n and_o have_v take_v all_o possible_a care_v not_o to_o mistake_v it_o and_o as_o far_o as_o human_a authority_n be_v concern_v here_o i_o must_v leave_v the_o matter_n for_o i_o know_v of_o no_o further_a appeal_n the_o content_n chap._n i._n sect_n i._o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o socinian_n controversy_n and_o how_o to_o reduce_v the_o dispute_n to_o the_o original_a question_n page_n 1._o sect_n ii_o how_o to_o reduce_v this_o dispute_n concern_v the_o trinity_n to_o scripture-term_n 4_o the_o form_n of_o baptism_n the_o rule_n and_o standard_n of_o faith_n ibid._n that_o these_o name_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v more_o easy_o understand_v and_o give_v we_o a_o true_a idea_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n than_o any_o artificial_a term_n 5_o etc._n etc._n sect_n iii_o that_o the_o title_n of_o god_n attribute_v in_o scripture_n distinct_o to_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n give_v we_o the_o best_a account_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o must_v determine_v the_o signification_n of_o ecclesiastical_a word_n 12_o this_o particular_o explain_v with_o respect_n to_o those_o term_n nature_n essence_n substance_n hypostasis_fw-la existence_n subsistence_n person_n etc._n etc._n 13_o etc._n etc._n sect_n iv._o these_o name_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n prove_v the_o real_a distinction_n of_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n 20_o etc._n etc._n sect_n v._o these_o name_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n prove_v the_o unity_n sameness_n identity_n of_o nature_n and_o godhead_n explain_v at_o large_a 24_o sect_n vi_o concern_v the_o unity_n of_o god_n 33_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o catholic_n church_n believe_v in_o one_o god_n ibid._n tritheism_n a_o old_a sabellian_n and_o arian_n objection_n against_o the_o trinity_n 34_o how_o answer_v by_o the_o catholic_n father_n 37_o etc._n etc._n chap._n ii_o a_o examination_n of_o some_o consideration_n concern_v the_o trinity_n sect_n i._o concern_v the_o way_n of_o manage_v this_o controversy_n 51_o what_o way_n the_o considerer_n dislike_v 52_o etc._n etc._n what_o way_n he_o take_v viz._n consult_v scripture_n and_o natural_a sentiment_n 56_o sect_n ii_o concern_v the_o traditionary_a faith_n of_o the_o church_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n 60_o what_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v from_o whence_o we_o must_v receive_v this_o traditionary_a faith_n ibid._n what_o evidence_n we_o have_v for_o this_o tradition_n from_o the_o ancient_a heresy_n condemn_v by_o the_o catholic_n church_n 64_o of_o what_o authority_n the_o traditionary_a faith_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n ought_v to_o be_v in_o expound_v scripture_n 77_o sect_n iii_o what_o be_v sufficient_a to_o be_v believe_v concern_v the_o trinity_n 80_o his_o requisite_n to_o make_v it_o possible_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v a_o thing_n 81_o sect_n iv._o concern_v his_o state_n of_o the_o question_n that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o god_n be_v three_o different_a person_n 84_o his_o examination_n of_o these_o term_n god_n unity_n identity_n distinction_n number_n and_o person_n and_o 1._o of_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n 86_o sect_n v._o his_o notion_n and_o idea_n of_o unity_n distinction_n person_n his_o sabellian_n notion_n of_o a_o person_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o single_a person_n in_o the_o trinity_n as_o person_n signify_v proper_o a_o particular_a intelligent_a be_v 88_o this_o he_o prove_v from_o his_o notion_n of_o unity_n and_o distinction_n the_o unity_n and_o distinction_n of_o idea_n of_o principle_n and_o of_o position_n 91_o what_o he_o mean_v by_o a_o obscure_a confuse_a knowledge_n and_o a_o general_a confuse_a faith_n of_o the_o trinity_n 101_o sect_n vi_o what_o the_o scripture_n require_v we_o to_o believe_v concern_v the_o trinity_n 103_o his_fw-la sabellian_n notion_n of_o one_o god_n to_o be_v adore_v under_o three_o different_a title_n and_o character_n ibid._n his_o scripture-proof_n of_o this_o examine_v 104_o etc._n etc._n his_o attempt_n to_o reconcile_v this_o with_o god_n be_v one_o and_o three_o 108_o etc._n etc._n and_o with_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o second_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n 113_o his_o account_n of_o the_o union_n of_o god_n and_o man._n 115_o what_o end_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n serve_v not_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o speculation_n but_o as_o a_o artificial_a representation_n of_o god_n love_n to_o man_n 120_o chap._n iii_o a_o account_n of_o the_o sabellian_n heresy_n and_o by_o what_o argument_n the_o catholic_n father_n oppose_v it_o 124_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o sabellianism_n 1_o those_o who_o make_v father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v only_o three_o name_n appearance_n and_o office_n of_o the_o same_o person_n and_o here_o the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o the_o son_n be_v a_o person_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n a_o person_n but_o whether_o they_o be_v distinct_a person_n from_o the_o father_n 125_o by_o what_o argument_n the_o catholic_n father_n oppose_v this_o heresy_n 127_o 2._o that_o the_o son_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o father_n only_o as_o a_o man_n word_n be_v distinguish_v from_o himself_o 133_o and_o by_o what_o argument_n the_o catholic_n father_n oppose_v this_o heresy_n 134_o 3._o some_o make_v god_n a_o compound_n be_v and_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o one_o god_n 143_o by_o what_o argument_n the_o father_n oppose_v it_o ibid._n chap._n iu._n concern_v the_o homoousion_n or_o one_o substance_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n 150_o sect_n i._o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o homoousion_n from_o those_o misrepresentation_n which_o be_v make_v of_o it_o and_o the_o answer_n which_o be_v give_v by_o the_o nicene_n father_n to_o such_o objection_n 152_o sect_n ii_o some_o rule_n for_o expound_v the_o homoousion_n 158_o sect_n iii_o what_o the_o nicene_n father_n mean_v by_o the_o homoousion_n 163_o sect_n iv._o a_o more_o particular_a inquiry_n into_o the_o full_a signification_n of_o the_o homoousion_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o specific_a unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n 170_o sect_n v._o that_o by_o the_o homoousion_n the_o nicene_n father_n do_v not_o mere_o understand_v a_o specific_a but_o a_o natural_a unity_n and_o sameness_n of_o substance_n between_o father_n and_o son_n 180_o damascen_n distinction_n between_o one_o in_o notion_n and_o one_o in_o reality_n ibid._n this_o appear_v from_o their_o notion_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 181_o and_o the_o catholic_n father_n lie_v the_o
be_v but_o one_o god_n but_o yet_o require_v we_o to_o believe_v his_o eternal_a son_n to_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n and_o his_o eternal_a spirit_n to_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v very_o reconcilable_a with_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n for_o as_o far_o as_o revelation_n must_v decide_v this_o dispute_n we_o be_v as_o much_o oblige_v to_o believe_v that_o the_o father_n be_v god_n the_o son_n god_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n god_n as_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n those_o who_o will_v not_o acquiesce_v in_o this_o must_v appeal_v from_o scripture_n to_o natural_a reason_n which_o be_v a_o very_a absurd_a and_o impudent_a appeal_n for_o the_o plain_a sense_n of_o it_o be_v this_o that_o they_o will_v believe_v their_o own_o reason_n before_o the_o scripture_n in_o matter_n relate_v to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o unity_n which_o all_o wise_a man_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v so_o much_o above_o human_a comprehension_n that_o be_v that_o they_o know_v the_o unity_n of_o god_n better_a than_o god_n himself_o do_v or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o they_o will_v never_o believe_v any_o revelation_n to_o come_v from_o god_n or_o any_o thing_n how_o express_a soever_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o revelation_n any_o far_a than_o their_o own_o reason_n approve_v it_o of_o which_o more_o elsewhere_o and_o yet_o i_o dare_v appeal_n to_o any_o man_n of_o a_o free_a and_o unbiased_a reason_n in_o this_o cause_n what_o be_v that_o natural_a notion_n we_o have_v of_o one_o god_n be_v it_o any_o thing_n more_o than_o that_o there_o be_v and_o can_v be_v but_o one_o eternal_a self-originated_n be_v who_o be_v the_o principle_n or_o cause_n of_o all_o other_o being_n and_o do_v not_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o all_o trinitarian_n with_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n own_o this_o do_v not_o all_o the_o christian_a creed_n teach_v we_o to_o profess_v our_o faith_n in_o one_o god_n the_o father_n from_o who_o the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n receive_v their_o godhead_n thus_o far_o then_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o the_o catholic_n faith_n agree_v do_v reason_n then_o deny_v that_o god_n can_v beget_v of_o himself_o a_o eternal_a son_n his_o own_o perfect_a image_n and_o likeness_n if_o it_o do_v than_o indeed_o scripture_n and_o reason_n contradict_v each_o other_o but_o i_o believe_v these_o man_n will_v not_o pretend_v to_o prove_v from_o reason_n that_o god_n can_v not_o beget_v a_o eternal_a son_n and_o if_o this_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o reason_n as_o i_o be_o certain_a it_o never_o can_v than_o reason_n do_v not_o contradict_v scripture_n which_o teach_v we_o that_o god_n have_v a_o only_o beget_v son_n and_o if_o god_n have_v a_o only_o beget_v son_n reason_n will_v teach_v we_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n must_v be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n and_o yet_o not_o another_o god_n because_o he_o have_v one_o and_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o his_o father_n this_o be_v all_o that_o any_o christian_a need_n to_o believe_v concern_v this_o matter_n and_o all_o this_o every_o christian_a may_v understand_v and_o all_o this_o every_o one_o who_o sincere_o believe_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n do_v and_o must_v agree_v in_o those_o who_o do_v not_o i_o will_v at_o any_o time_n undertake_v to_o prove_v to_o be_v secret_a heretic_n and_o enemy_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o as_o for_o those_o who_o do_v i_o will_v never_o dispute_v with_o they_o about_o some_o term_n of_o art_n and_o the_o propriety_n of_o word_n in_o a_o matter_n which_o be_v so_o much_o above_o all_o word_n and_o form_n of_o speech_n and_o here_o i_o leave_v this_o matter_n upon_o a_o sure_a bottom_n and_o here_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o join_v issue_n with_o our_o socinian_n adversary_n our_o only_a controversy_n as_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n with_o they_o be_v whether_o the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n each_o of_o they_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n if_o we_o can_v prove_v this_o which_o have_v be_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o all_o age_n we_o need_v dispute_v no_o other_o matter_n with_o they_o nor_o can_v any_o dispute_n among_o ourselves_o give_v any_o support_n to_o their_o cause_n a_o dispute_n about_o word_n may_v look_v like_o a_o difference_n in_o faith_n when_o both_o contend_a party_n may_v mean_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o those_o must_v do_v who_o sincere_o own_o and_o believe_v that_o the_o son_n be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n and_o that_o neither_o of_o they_o be_v the_o father_n nor_o each_o other_o and_o therefore_o those_o different_a explication_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n which_o the_o socinian_o of_o late_o have_v so_o much_o triumph_v in_o and_o make_v more_o and_o great_a than_o real_o they_o be_v and_o more_o senseless_a too_o by_o their_o false_a representation_n can_v do_v they_o no_o real_a service_n among_o wise_a man_n though_o it_o may_v help_v to_o amuse_v the_o ignorant_a if_o any_o man_n have_v subtle_o distinguish_v away_o the_o catholic_n faith_n they_o may_v take_v they_o to_o themselves_o and_o increase_v their_o party_n by_o they_o but_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n as_o i_o hope_v it_o be_v not_o it_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o catholic_n faith_n that_o some_o man_n open_o oppose_v it_o and_o other_o at_o least_o in_o some_o man_n opinion_n do_v secret_o undermine_v it_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o guard_v the_o christian_a faith_n against_o all_o inconvenient_a or_o dangerous_a explication_n which_o seem_v to_o approach_v near_o heresy_n if_o this_o be_v do_v with_o due_a christian_a temper_n and_o moderation_n but_o i_o hope_v the_o dispute_n of_o the_o trinitarian_n be_v not_o so_o irreconcilable_a but_o that_o they_o will_v all_o unite_v against_o a_o pestilent_a and_o insolent_a heresy_n which_o now_o promise_v itself_o glorious_a success_n only_o from_o their_o private_a quarrel_n chap._n ii_o a_o examination_n of_o some_o consideration_n concern_v the_o trinity_n sect_n i._o concern_v the_o way_n of_o manage_v this_o controversy_n before_o i_o put_v a_o end_n to_o this_o discourse_n it_o will_v contribute_v very_o much_o to_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v and_o give_v a_o clear_a notion_n of_o the_o use_n of_o it_o to_o apply_v these_o principle_n to_o the_o examination_n of_o a_o late_a treatise_n entitle_v some_o consideration_n concern_v the_o trinity_n the_o author_n i_o know_v not_o he_o write_v with_o temper_n and_o though_o he_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o find_v fault_n he_o do_v it_o civil_o and_o therefore_o he_o ought_v to_o meet_v with_o civil_a usage_n and_o so_o he_o shall_v from_o i_o as_o far_o as_o the_o bare_a censure_n of_o his_o principle_n will_v admit_v i_o be_v i_o confess_v startle_v at_o the_o first_o entrance_n to_o find_v he_o own_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o these_o point_n concern_v the_o trinity_n 1._o for_o if_o after_o the_o most_o perfect_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o we_o must_v ever_o expect_v and_o the_o universal_a tradition_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n for_o above_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n this_o faith_n be_v still_o uncertain_a it_o be_v time_n to_o leave_v off_o all_o inquiry_n about_o it_o as_o for_o the_o many_o absurd_a and_o blasphemous_a exposition_n that_o have_v be_v make_v of_o this_o doctrine_n if_o by_o they_o he_o mean_v the_o ancient_a heresy_n which_o infest_a the_o church_n they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o render_v our_o faith_n uncertain_a that_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v he_o anon_o the_o very_a condemnation_n of_o those_o heresy_n by_o the_o catholic_n church_n give_v we_o a_o more_o certain_a account_n what_o the_o true_a catholic_n faith_n be_v i_o agree_v with_o he_o that_o the_o warm_a and_o indiscreet_a management_n of_o contrary_a party_n have_v be_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o religion_n among_o unthinking_a people_n who_o hence_o conclude_v the_o uncertainty_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o it_o concern_v good_a man_n to_o remove_v this_o prejudice_n by_o distinguish_v the_o catholic_n faith_n from_o the_o dispute_n about_o ecclesiastical_a word_n and_o the_o catholic_n sense_n of_o they_o and_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v this_o may_v be_v do_v and_o then_o the_o faith_n be_v secure_a notwithstanding_o these_o dispute_n and_o as_o for_o any_o other_o offence_n or_o scandal_n let_v those_o look_v to_o it_o who_o either_o give_v or_o take_v it_o this_o considerer_n dislike_v all_o the_o way_n and_o method_n which_o have_v hitherto_o be_v take_v to_o compose_v these_o dispute_n 1._o he_o
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 understand_v better_o hereafter_o but_o his_o deny_v a_o traditionary_a faith_n be_v very_o extraordinary_a for_o if_o we_o can_v prove_v from_o the_o most_o authentic_a record_n what_o the_o constant_a belief_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v be_v especial_o in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n of_o it_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o traditionary_a faith_n nor_o be_v it_o the_o less_o traditionary_a because_o the_o father_n and_o ancient_a writer_n sound_v their_o exposition_n of_o the_o trinity_n whole_o upon_o scripture_n for_o if_o this_o be_v true_a than_o we_o have_v a_o traditionary_a faith_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o a_o traditionary_a exposition_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o reason_n and_o proof_n of_o that_o faith_n both_o in_o one_o which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o great_a authority_n and_o safe_a guide_n than_o mere_a scripture_n and_o our_o natural_a sentiment_n and_o though_o protestant_n allow_v scripture_n to_o be_v the_o only_a standard_n of_o faith_n yet_o he_o may_v have_v remember_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n require_v we_o to_o expound_v scripture_n as_o the_o ancient_a father_n expound_v it_o but_o this_o whole_o be_v a_o mistake_n for_o the_o primitive_a father_n plead_v tradition_n as_o well_o as_o scripture_n against_o the_o ancient_a heretic_n as_o two_o distinct_a but_o agree_v testimony_n as_o this_o author_n may_v have_v know_v will_v he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o have_v consult_v irenaeus_n and_o tertullian_n de_fw-fr praescriptionibus_fw-la with_o divers_a other_o what_o he_o mean_v by_o a_o plain_a revelation_n i_o can_v tell_v it_o make_v it_o somewhat_o plain_o to_o know_v what_o the_o catholic_n faith_n have_v always_o be_v and_o what_o the_o catholic_n interpretation_n of_o scripture_n have_v always_o be_v which_o be_v the_o plain_a and_o strong_a answer_n to_o wit_n and_o criticism_n and_o natural_a sentiment_n when_o they_o contradict_v this_o traditionary_a faith_n but_o to_o discourse_v this_o matter_n more_o particular_o i_o shall_v
inquire_v 1._o what_o that_o catholic_n church_n be_v from_o whence_o we_o must_v receive_v this_o traditionary_a faith_n 2._o what_o evidence_n we_o have_v of_o this_o tradition_n concern_v the_o trinity_n in_o the_o catholic_n church_n 3._o of_o what_o authority_n this_o aught_o reasonable_o to_o be_v in_o expound_v scripture_n sect_n ii_o concern_v the_o traditionary_a faith_n of_o the_o church_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n first_o then_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o that_o catholic_n church_n be_v from_o whence_o we_o must_v receive_v this_o traditionary_a faith_n now_o since_o christ_n give_v the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o plant_v church_n to_o his_o apostle_n those_o only_o must_v be_v reckon_v the_o true_a apostolic_a church_n from_o which_o we_o must_v receive_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n which_o be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o by_o apostolic_a man_n and_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o they_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o prove_v any_o doctrine_n to_o be_v the_o true_a primitive_a faith_n that_o it_o be_v preach_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o apostolic_a church_n which_o be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o receive_v their_o faith_n from_o they_o for_o that_o only_o be_v the_o primitive_a and_o apostolic_a faith_n and_o therefore_o though_o arian_n and_o socinian_o can_v prove_v their_o heresy_n to_o be_v as_o ancient_a as_o the_o apostolic_a age_n as_o we_o grant_v something_o like_o they_o be_v this_o do_v not_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o apostolic_a church_n and_o this_o be_v very_o visible_a in_o those_o day_n what_o these_o church_n be_v which_o be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o they_o and_o be_v very_o visible_a still_o in_o the_o most_o authentic_a record_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o heretic_n which_o spring_v up_o in_o that_o age_n separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o apostle_n and_o thereby_o make_v a_o visible_a distinction_n between_o the_o true_a apostolic_a church_n and_o heretical_a conventicle_n and_o in_o after-age_n they_o either_o separate_v themselves_o or_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n this_o st._n john_n account_v a_o great_a advantage_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o a_o infallible_a proof_n of_o false_a doctrine_n and_o heresy_n as_o it_o certain_o be_v at_o that_o time_n for_o if_o the_o apostle_n teach_v the_o true_a faith_n those_o who_o separate_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o preach_v another_o gospel_n which_o they_o never_o learn_v from_o they_o must_v be_v heretic_n 1_o joh._n 2.18_o 19_o little_a child_n it_o be_v the_o last_o time_n and_o as_o you_o have_v hear_v that_o antichrist_n shall_v come_v even_o now_o there_o be_v many_o antichrist_n whereby_o we_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o last_o time_n they_o go_v out_o from_o we_o but_o they_o be_v not_o of_o we_o for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v of_o we_o they_o no_o doubt_n will_v have_v continue_v with_o we_o but_o they_o go_v out_o that_o they_o may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v not_o all_o of_o we_o the_o separation_n of_o heretic_n in_o that_o age_n be_v a_o visible_a renounce_v the_o apostolic_a faith_n and_o communion_n and_o therefore_o how_o many_o heresy_n soever_o start_v up_o it_o be_v still_o visible_a where_o the_o apostolic_a faith_n and_o tradition_n be_v preserve_v and_o this_o be_v of_o admirable_a use_n to_o preserve_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n sincere_a and_o uncorrupt_a for_o have_v these_o heretic_n continue_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o apostle_n and_o apostolic_a church_n and_o secret_o propagate_v their_o heresy_n and_o infect_v great_a number_n of_o christian_n without_o divide_v into_o distinct_a and_o opposite_a communion_n it_o will_v have_v be_v a_o great_a dispute_n in_o the_o next_o age_n which_o have_v be_v the_o true_a apostolic_a faith_n when_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n which_o all_o their_o time_n live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o apostle_n shall_v preach_v contrary_a doctrine_n and_o pretend_v with_o equal_a confidence_n apostolic_a tradition_n which_o the_o great_a heretic_n may_v very_o plausible_o have_v do_v have_v they_o always_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o apostle_n but_o they_o go_v out_o from_o we_o say_v st._n john_n that_o they_o may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v not_o all_o of_o we_o that_o the_o world_n may_v know_v how_o to_o distinguish_v between_o catholic_n christian_n and_o heretic_n and_o between_o the_o true_a catholic_n faith_n and_o the_o corrupt_a innovation_n of_o perverse_a man_n and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n to_o this_o day_n why_o we_o shall_v keep_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n sincere_a and_o uncorrupt_a and_o not_o set_v our_o door_n open_a for_o arian_n and_o socinian_o and_o all_o sort_n of_o heretic_n to_o mix_v with_o we_o for_o though_o since_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n have_v bâ—en_v so_o break_v and_o divide_v by_o schism_n and_o faction_n and_o heresy_n it_o be_v no_o proof_n of_o the_o true_a apostolic_a faith_n mere_o that_o it_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o such_o a_o church_n though_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n still_o vain_o pretend_v to_o such_o authority_n yet_o it_o will_v soon_o ruin_v the_o christian_a church_n and_o the_o christian_a faith_n to_o have_v no_o distinction_n preserve_v between_o true_a apostolic_a church_n and_o the_o apostolic_a faith_n and_o the_o conventicle_n of_o heretic_n the_o impure_a offspring_n of_o cerinthus_n and_o ebion_n of_o photinus_n or_o arius_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o abhor_v that_o accommodating-design_n which_o some_o man_n have_v express_v so_o warm_a a_o zeal_n for_o to_o comprehend_v away_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n in_o some_o loose_a general_a expression_n without_o any_o particular_a determine_a sense_n and_o to_o purge_v our_o liturgy_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o savour_v of_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n that_o arian_n and_o socinian_o may_v join_v in_o communion_n with_o we_o which_o be_v a_o plausible_a pretence_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o christian_a charity_n and_o communion_n to_o betray_v the_o christian_a faith_n not_o express_o to_o renounce_v it_o but_o to_o bury_v it_o in_o silence_n as_o a_o useless_a and_o church-dividing_a dispute_n i_o be_o satisfy_v this_o holy_a faith_n can_v never_o be_v confute_v but_o can_v these_o man_n prevail_v it_o may_v soon_o be_v lost._n but_o to_o return_v this_o be_v a_o sure_a foundation_n for_o our_o inquiry_n into_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n to_o know_v what_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v for_o otherwise_o we_o may_v mistake_v old_a heresy_n for_o the_o primitive_a faith_n but_o those_o church_n which_o be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o apostolical_a man_n and_o receive_v their_o faith_n from_o they_o and_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o they_o be_v the_o true_a primitive_a and_o apostolic_a church_n and_o their_o faith_n be_v the_o true_a primitive_a apostolic_a faith_n and_o what_o that_o be_v justin_n martyr_n and_o irenaeus_n assure_v we_o the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o what_o their_o faith_n be_v as_o to_o all_o these_o three_o divine_a person_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o write_n of_o those_o ancient_a father_n who_o preserve_v the_o succession_n and_o communion_n of_o these_o apostolic_a church_n but_o this_o be_v not_o what_o i_o intend_v at_o present_a but_o from_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o those_o ancient_a heresy_n which_o be_v reject_v and_o condemn_v by_o the_o apostolic_a church_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o appear_v can_v not_o be_v the_o apostolic_a faith_n these_o heretic_n separate_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o apostolic_a church_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o receive_v their_o faith_n from_o they_o nor_o do_v they_o pretend_v to_o this_o while_o the_o apostle_n live_v though_o they_o forge_v new_a gospel_n and_o act_n and_o revelation_n for_o they_o when_o they_o be_v dead_a and_o thus_o all_o the_o heresy_n of_o simon_n magus_n menander_n cerinthus_n ebion_n valentinus_n and_o all_o those_o other_o division_n and_o subdivision_n of_o heretic_n who_o deny_v or_o corrupt_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n or_o his_o incarnation_n be_v all_o reject_v from_o the_o apostolical_a faith_n for_o these_o heretic_n do_v not_o receive_v their_o doctrine_n from_o the_o apostle_n and_o apostolic_a church_n as_o they_o themselves_o own_v by_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o apostolic_a church_n and_o these_o church_n give_v testimony_n against_o their_o corruption_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v know_v and_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o other_o confutation_n of_o they_o if_o we_o allow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o
the_o son_n to_o be_v a_o distinct_a substantial_a person_n this_o dispute_v we_o hear_v nothing_o of_o but_o the_o only_a dispute_n be_v concern_v the_o consubstantiality_n of_o the_o son_n with_o the_o father_n and_o that_o prove_v that_o they_o do_v own_o the_o son_n to_o be_v a_o substantial_a person_n for_o be_v he_o not_o in_o a_o true_a proper_a sense_n a_o person_n and_o a_o substantial_a person_n he_o can_v not_o be_v consubstantial_a with_o the_o father_n nay_o sy_n austin_n express_o tell_v we_o that_o arius_n agree_v with_o the_o catholic_n against_o the_o sabellian_o 5._o in_o make_v the_o son_n a_o distinct_a person_n from_o the_o father_n and_o if_o so_o the_o catholic_n teach_v that_o the_o son_n be_v as_o distinct_a a_o person_n as_o arius_n do_v though_o not_o a_o separate_a and_o create_a person_n as_o he_o do_v now_o when_o arius_n will_v have_v reduce_v christ_n into_o the_o number_n of_o creature_n though_o he_o make_v he_o the_o first_o and_o most_o excellent_a creature_n create_v before_o the_o world_n and_o god_n minister_n in_o make_v the_o world_n as_o like_v to_o god_n as_o a_o creature_n can_v possible_o be_v but_o not_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o god_n the_o catholic_n church_n will_v not_o bear_v this_o but_o in_o a_o most_o venerable_a synod_n collect_v from_o most_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n condemn_v this_o as_o contrary_a to_o the_o faith_n always_o receive_v and_o own_a in_o their_o several_a church_n thus_o far_o at_o least_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n be_v sacred_a and_o venerable_a and_o the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o all_o these_o several_a church_n be_v a_o more_o certain_a proof_n of_o the_o apostolic_a faith_n than_o all_o the_o wit_n and_o subtlety_n of_o arius_n for_o wit_n may_v patronize_v new_a error_n but_o can_v prove_v that_o to_o be_v the_o ancient_a apostolic_a faith_n which_o the_o church_n have_v never_o receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n nor_o ever_o hear_v of_o before_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o very_a sensible_a proof_n what_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n till_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a and_o consequent_o what_o that_o faith_n be_v which_o the_o church_n receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o this_o abundant_o satisfy_v i_o that_o whatever_o loose_a expression_n we_o may_v meet_v with_o in_o some_o of_o the_o father_n before_o the_o arian_n controversy_n be_v start_v and_o manage_v with_o great_a art_n and_o subtilty_n though_o i_o know_v of_o none_o but_o what_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o very_a orthodox_n sense_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v not_o arian_n nor_o intend_v any_o such_o thing_n in_o what_o they_o say_v for_o have_v arianism_n be_v the_o traditionary_a faith_n of_o the_o church_n it_o must_v have_v be_v know_v to_o be_v so_o and_o then_o how_o come_v the_o church_n to_o be_v so_o strange_o alarm_v at_o the_o first_o news_n of_o it_o or_o what_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o those_o venerable_a father_n and_o confessor_n in_o that_o great_a council_n who_o either_o do_v not_o know_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n or_o do_v so_o horrible_o prevaricate_v in_o the_o condemnation_n of_o arius_n when_o they_o have_v no_o other_o apparent_a interest_n or_o temptation_n to_o do_v so_o but_o a_o warm_a and_o hearty_a zeal_n for_o the_o true_o ancient_a and_o apostolic_a faith_n it_o be_v certain_a arius_n never_o pretend_v catholic_n tradition_n for_o his_o opinion_n but_o undertake_v to_o reform_v the_o catholic_n faith_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o philosophy_n and_o to_o reconcile_v it_o to_o scripture_n by_o new-coined_a interpretation_n though_o in_o this_o he_o fail_v and_o find_v the_o great_a athanasius_n a_o over-match_n for_o he_o it_o be_v not_o with_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v with_o art_n and_o science_n of_o human_a invention_n which_o may_v be_v improve_v in_o every_o age_n by_o great_a wit_n or_o new_a observation_n but_o faith_n depend_v upon_o revelation_n not_o invention_n and_o we_o can_v no_o more_o make_v a_o new_a catholic_n faith_n by_o the_o power_n of_o wit_n and_o reason_n than_o we_o can_v write_v a_o true_a history_n of_o what_o the_o apostle_n do_v and_o teach_v out_o of_o our_o own_o invention_n without_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o ancient_a record_n man_n may_v do_v such_o thing_n if_o they_o please_v but_o one_o will_v be_v heresy_n and_o the_o other_o a_o romance_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o bold_a and_o brave_a attempt_n of_o secinus_fw-la and_o his_o disciple_n they_o be_v so_o modest_a indeed_o as_o not_o to_o pretend_v antiquity_n to_o be_v on_o their_o side_n they_o can_v find_v no_o other_o antiquity_n for_o themselves_o but_o in_o cerinthus_n and_o ebion_n who_o separate_v from_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o be_v reject_v by_o they_o and_o it_o do_v not_o seem_v very_o modest_a to_o set_v up_o such_o man_n as_o these_o against_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n the_o socinian_o who_o know_v very_o well_o what_o the_o charge_n of_o novelty_n signify_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n that_o a_o new_a faith_n be_v but_o another_o name_n for_o new_a heresy_n though_o they_o reject_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o catholic_n tradition_n of_o the_o faith_n from_o the_o apostolic_a age_n yet_o they_o appeal_v to_o scripture_n and_o natural_a sentiment_n as_o the_o great_a and_o best_a antiquity_n in_o opposition_n to_o apostolic_a tradition_n this_o be_v our_o considerer_n way_n which_o he_o prefer_v before_o a_o traditionary_a faith_n and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o socinian_o may_v oppose_v it_o to_o a_o traditionary_a faith_n and_o if_o we_o must_v always_o expound_v scripture_n by_o our_o natural_a sentiment_n this_o author_n have_v best_a consider_v whether_o he_o can_v prove_v a_o trinity_n by_o natural_a reason_n or_o fair_o reconcile_v the_o natural_a notion_n of_o one_o god_n with_o the_o catholic_n faith_n of_o the_o trinity_n or_o of_o three_o each_o of_o who_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n from_o the_o mere_a principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n for_o if_o he_o can_v he_o must_v not_o in_o his_o way_n find_v a_o trinity_n in_o scripture_n but_o of_o this_o more_o hereafter_o 3._o let_v we_o now_o in_o opposition_n to_o this_o pretence_n consider_v of_o what_o authority_n the_o traditionary_a faith_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n ought_v to_o be_v in_o expound_v scripture_n the_o holy_a scripture_n at_o least_o in_o pretence_n be_v allow_v on_o all_o hand_n to_o be_v a_o complete_a and_o authentic_a rule_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o question_n be_v since_o man_n differ_v so_o much_o in_o expound_v scripture_n what_o be_v the_o safe_a rule_n to_o expound_v scripture_n by_o whether_o the_o traditionary_a faith_n of_o the_o church_n or_o our_o natural_a sentiment_n or_o natural_a reason_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o we_o must_v learn_v the_o critical_a sense_n of_o every_o text_n from_o catholic_n tradition_n for_o we_o have_v not_o in_o all_o point_v such_o a_o traditionary_a exposition_n of_o scripture_n though_o even_o in_o this_o respect_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o catholic_n father_n have_v unanimous_o agree_v in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o most_o material_a text_n relate_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n and_o the_o divinity_n and_o incarnation_n of_o christ._n they_o sometime_o indeed_o allege_v such_o text_n especial_o out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o our_o modern_a critic_n will_v not_o allow_v to_o be_v proper_a and_o apposite_a but_o even_o this_o show_n what_o their_o faith_n be_v and_o yet_o these_o very_a exposition_n which_o have_v be_v so_o ancient_o and_o unanimous_o receive_v though_o they_o may_v appear_v at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n too_o force_v and_o mystical_a have_v too_o sacred_a and_o venerable_a a_o authority_n to_o be_v wanton_o reject_v we_o may_v learn_v from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n what_o mysterious_a and_o hide_a sense_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n such_o as_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a we_o shall_v never_o have_v find_v in_o they_o have_v not_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n explain_v their_o meaning_n and_o the_o near_a any_o writer_n be_v to_o the_o apostolic_a age_n the_o more_o they_o be_v addict_v to_o these_o mystical_a interpretation_n which_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o learn_v it_o from_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o but_o this_o be_v not_o what_o i_o now_o intend_v my_o present_a argument_n reach_v no_o far_a than_o this_o that_o if_o we_o can_v learn_v what_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n concern_v the_o holy_a trinity_n and_o the_o divinity_n and_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n have_v always_o be_v then_o 1._o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a to_o conclude_v that_o they_o
receive_v this_o doctrine_n from_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o those_o church_n which_o be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n receive_v their_o faith_n from_o they_o and_o always_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o they_o 2._o this_o make_v it_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o this_o very_a faith_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o i_o suppose_v no_o man_n question_n but_o that_o the_o apostle_n teach_v the_o same_o faith_n by_o write_v which_o they_o do_v by_o preach_v and_o then_o this_o be_v a_o demonstration_n against_o all_o such_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n as_o contradict_v the_o catholic_n faith_n whatever_o fine_a colour_n wit_n and_o criticism_n may_v give_v they_o nay_o 3._o it_o be_v a_o certain_a proof_n that_o these_o primitive_a christian_n who_o receive_v these_o inspire_a write_n from_o the_o apostle_n which_o now_o make_v up_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v believe_v that_o the_o same_o faith_n which_o the_o apostle_n and_o apostolical_a man_n have_v teach_v they_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n be_v contain_v in_o their_o write_n for_o they_o can_v not_o possible_o have_v believe_v both_o what_o the_o apostle_n teach_v and_o what_o they_o write_v if_o their_o preach_a and_o write_n have_v contradict_v each_o other_o we_o know_v what_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v and_o we_o know_v they_o receive_v these_o apostolical_a write_n with_o the_o profound_a veneration_n as_o a_o inspire_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o have_v we_o no_o other_o presumption_n of_o it_o but_o this_o we_o may_v safe_o conclude_v that_o they_o find_v the_o same_o faith_n in_o these_o write_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v before_o teach_v they_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n but_o beside_o this_o we_o find_v that_o all_o the_o catholic_n writer_n appeal_v to_o the_o scripture_n and_o prove_v their_o faith_n from_o they_o and_o the_o authority_n of_o such_o man_n who_o be_v so_o near_o the_o fountain_n of_o apostolic_a tradition_n must_v be_v very_o venerable_a 4._o i_o shall_v only_o add_v this_o that_o since_o we_o know_v what_o the_o catholic_n faith_n be_v and_o how_o the_o catholic_n father_n expound_v scripture_n if_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n will_v natural_o and_o easy_o admit_v that_o sense_n much_o more_o if_o they_o will_v not_o admit_v any_o other_o sense_n without_o great_a force_n and_o violence_n let_v any_o man_n judge_v which_o be_v most_o safe_a and_o reasonable_a to_o expound_v scripture_n as_o the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o catholic_n father_n expound_v it_o and_o as_o the_o scripture_n most_o easy_o and_o natural_o expound_v itself_o or_o to_o force_v new_a sense_n and_o old_a heresy_n upon_o scripture_n which_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v always_o reject_v and_o condemn_v this_o i_o hope_v may_v satisfy_v our_o considerer_n that_o he_o do_v very_o ill_o in_o reject_v a_o traditionary_a faith_n and_o venture_v to_o expound_v scripture_n by_o his_o natural_a sentiment_n which_o be_v a_o very_a unsafe_a rule_n in_o matter_n of_o pure_a revelation_n of_o which_o mere_a natural_a reason_n be_v no_o competent_a judge_n sect_n iii_o what_o be_v sufficient_a to_o be_v believe_v concern_v the_o trinity_n thus_o far_o i_o fear_v our_o considerer_n have_v be_v a_o little_a unfortunate_a or_o if_o it_o do_v not_o prove_v a_o misfortune_n to_o he_o in_o form_v his_o notion_n of_o a_o trinity_n his_o luck_n be_v better_a than_o his_o choice_n 10._o let_v we_o proceed_v to_o his_o next_o enquiry_n what_o be_v sufficient_a for_o christian_n to_o believe_v concern_v the_o trinity_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o in_o this_o case_n what_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v what_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o question_n be_v i_o can_v well_o tell_v nor_o why_o he_o make_v sufficient_a and_o necessary_a all_o one_o for_o at_o least_o they_o be_v not_o always_o so_o that_o be_v sufficient_a which_o be_v enough_o for_o any_o man_n to_o believe_v that_o be_v strict_o necessary_a which_o every_o man_n must_v believe_v but_o let_v he_o take_v his_o own_o way_n he_o quit_v the_o term_n sufficient_a and_o inquire_v what_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v whereas_o in_o many_o case_n that_o which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o all_o may_v not_o be_v sufficient_a for_o some_o i_o shall_v much_o rather_o have_v inquire_v how_o much_o may_v be_v know_v concern_v this_o glorious_a mystery_n than_o how_o little_o will_v serve_v the_o turn_n which_o argue_v no_o great_a zeal_n for_o it_o well_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v concern_v the_o trinity_n he_o answer_v nothing_o but_o 1._o what_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o 2._o what_o be_v plain_o reveal_v here_o we_o begin_v to_o see_v what_o the_o effect_n be_v of_o consult_v nothing_o but_o scripture_n and_o natural_a sentiment_n i_o hope_v he_o mean_v honest_o in_o this_o but_o if_o he_o do_v he_o express_v himself_o very_o incautious_o for_o these_o two_o condition_n be_v very_o ill_o put_v together_o when_o apply_v to_o matter_n of_o revelation_n plain_o reveal_v have_v be_v enough_o in_o all_o reason_n unless_o he_o will_v insinuate_v that_o what_o be_v plain_o reveal_v may_v be_v impossible_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o that_o how_o plain_a soever_o the_o revelation_n be_v man_n must_v judge_v of_o the_o possibility_n of_o the_o thing_n by_o their_o own_o natural_a sentiment_n before_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v it_o which_o make_v natural_a reason_n not_o scripture_n the_o final_a judge_n of_o controversy_n but_o we_o must_v follow_v he_o where_o he_o lead_v we_o and_o thus_o he_o divide_v his_o whole_a work_n 1._o to_o consider_v how_o far_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o believe_v a_o trinity_n 2._o what_o the_o scripture_n require_v we_o to_o believe_v in_o this_o matter_n as_o for_o the_o first_o he_o tell_v we_o there_o be_v two_o requisite_n to_o make_v it_o possible_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v a_o thing_n 1._o that_o we_o know_v the_o term_n of_o what_o we_o be_v to_o assent_v to_o 2._o that_o it_o imply_v no_o contradiction_n to_o our_o former_a knowledge_n such_o knowledge_n i_o mean_v as_o be_v accompany_v with_o certainty_n and_o evidence_n this_o in_o some_o sense_n may_v be_v true_a but_o as_o it_o be_v thus_o loose_o and_o general_o express_v it_o be_v very_o like_o the_o socinian_n cant_n and_o sophistry_n by_o know_v the_o term_n he_o mean_v have_v distinct_a natural_a idea_n of_o what_o be_v signify_v by_o such_o term_n as_o he_o himself_o explain_v it_o 14._o i_o can_v believe_v it_o no_o far_o than_o the_o term_n of_o which_o it_o be_v make_v up_o be_v know_v and_o understand_v and_o the_o idea_n signify_v by_o they_o consistent_a so_o that_o all_o divine_a mystery_n must_v be_v examine_v by_o our_o natural_a idea_n and_o what_o we_o have_v no_o natural_a idea_n of_o we_o can_v we_o must_v not_o believe_v and_o this_o once_o for_o all_o condemn_v all_o supernatural_a faith_n or_o the_o belief_n of_o supernatural_a object_n though_o never_o so_o plain_o reveal_v for_o we_o have_v no_o natural_a idea_n of_o supernatural_a object_n and_o though_o revelation_n may_v furnish_v we_o from_o the_o resemblance_n and_o analogy_n in_o nature_n with_o some_o artificial_a idea_n this_o will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n for_o though_o they_o know_v what_o such_o term_n signify_v when_o apply_v to_o natural_a they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o signify_v when_o apply_v to_o supernatural_a object_n nor_o have_v they_o any_o idea_n to_o answer_v they_o as_o for_o instance_n we_o know_v what_o father_n and_o son_n signify_v when_o apply_v to_o man_n but_o when_o we_o say_v god_n be_v not_o only_o eternal_a himself_o but_o a_o eternal_a father_n who_o beget_v a_o eternal_a son_n these_o term_n of_o father_n and_o son_n beget_v and_o be_v beget_v must_v signify_v quite_o otherwise_o than_o they_o do_v among_o man_n something_o which_o we_o have_v no_o idea_n of_o and_o therefore_o 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
term_n can_v belong_v for_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o create_a nature_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v have_v no_o idea_n of_o it_o it_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a in_o this_o case_n that_o we_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a notion_n of_o one_o substance_n and_o three_o hypostasis_n in_o the_o essential_a unity_n and_o distinction_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n three_o subsist_v relation_n in_o one_o individual_a essence_n and_o substance_n though_o when_o we_o abstract_o consider_v these_o term_n of_o one_o substance_n and_o three_o hypostasis_n we_o can_v form_v no_o consistent_a notion_n or_o idea_n of_o it_o and_o now_o let_v our_o socinian_n adversary_n who_o talk_v so_o loud_o of_o absurdity_n contradiction_n nonsense_n false_a count_a and_o tritheism_n try_v their_o skill_n to_o make_v good_a these_o charge_n against_o the_o divine_a subsist_v relation_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o same_o individual_a essence_n sect_n ix_o a_o more_o particular_a inquiry_n into_o the_o difference_n between_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o nature_n and_o person_n with_o a_o account_n of_o some_o catholic_n form_n of_o speech_n relate_v to_o the_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n but_o since_o one_o nature_n and_o essence_n and_o three_o hypostasis_n or_o person_n be_v the_o catholic_n language_n and_o necessary_a to_o guard_v the_o faith_n from_o those_o two_o extreme_n of_o sabellianism_n and_o arianism_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o consider_v how_o to_o apply_v these_o ecclesiastical_a term_n to_o the_o three_o and_o one_o in_o the_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n and_o here_o be_v i_o so_o dispose_v i_o may_v enter_v into_o a_o very_a large_a and_o perplex_a dispute_n but_o my_o design_n as_o far_o as_o possible_o i_o can_v attain_v it_o be_v only_o to_o explain_v what_o the_o catholic_n father_n mean_v by_o these_o term_n and_o to_o give_v a_o plain_a and_o sensible_a notion_n of_o they_o and_o after_o what_o i_o have_v already_o so_o large_o discourse_v concern_v nature_n and_o hypostasis_fw-la i_o have_v little_o more_o to_o do_v than_o to_o compare_v they_o together_o and_o to_o show_v in_o what_o the_o catholic_n father_n place_v this_o distinction_n and_o as_o nothing_o be_v of_o great_a consequence_n than_o right_o to_o understand_v this_o matter_n so_o nothing_o require_v great_a caution_n nor_o great_a application_n of_o mind_n whosoever_o be_v conversant_a in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n must_v acknowledge_v it_o not_o only_o reasonable_a but_o necessary_a to_o distinguish_v between_o their_o faith_n and_o their_o philosophy_n their_o faith_n which_o they_o receive_v srom_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o universal_a tradition_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v plain_a and_o simple_a and_o the_o same_o in_o all_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n who_o have_v a_o eternal_a son_n and_o a_o eternal_a spirit_n that_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v each_o of_o they_o by_o himself_o true_a and_o perfect_a god_n and_o all_o but_o one_o god_n which_o be_v a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n and_o unity_n in_o trinity_n that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o true_a and_o proper_a sense_n three_o and_o one_o this_o be_v the_o catholic_n faith_n wherein_o they_o all_o agree_v but_o then_o those_o philosophical_a term_n which_o the_o importunity_n of_o heretic_n who_o corrupt_v either_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o unity_n or_o trinity_n force_v they_o to_o use_v in_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o mystery_n be_v of_o a_o different_a consideration_n these_o have_v not_o always_o be_v the_o same_o nor_o have_v all_o agree_v in_o they_o and_o the_o wise_a man_n have_v own_v great_a impropriety_n in_o they_o all_o when_o apply_v to_o this_o sacred_a mystery_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v otherwise_o for_o that_o infinite_a difference_n and_o diversity_n there_o be_v between_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n nay_o all_o create_a nature_n can_v never_o admit_v of_o any_o common_a term_n proper_a to_o express_v both_o the_o most_o perfect_a creature_n bear_v only_o some_o imperfect_a analogy_n and_o resemblance_n to_o what_o we_o conceive_v of_o god_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o apply_v such_o word_n and_o term_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o be_v borrow_v from_o creature_n and_o we_o have_v no_o other_o we_o must_v understand_v they_o only_o by_o way_n of_o analogy_n and_o accommodation_n and_o when_o we_o expound_v such_o term_n as_o be_v use_v by_o the_o catholic_n father_n in_o such_o a_o accommodate_v sense_n we_o must_v apply_v they_o no_o further_o than_o that_o particular_a matter_n they_o intend_v to_o represent_v by_o they_o i_o have_v already_o shâ—wn_v this_o in_o several_a particular_a passage_n relate_v to_o the_o homoousion_n but_o now_o i_o be_o more_o particular_o to_o consider_v the_o difference_n between_o essence_n and_o hypostasis_fw-la and_o i_o shall_v only_o show_v how_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n stand_v what_o have_v occasion_v this_o difficulty_n what_o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o controversy_n be_v and_o how_o we_o may_v form_v some_o sensible_a notion_n of_o this_o distinction_n and_o if_o i_o shall_v mistake_v in_o so_o nice_a a_o point_n as_o this_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v be_v a_o pardonable_a mistake_n while_o i_o make_v no_o change_n in_o the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o intend_v it_o only_o as_o a_o essay_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o silence_n or_o qualify_v the_o dispute_n about_o word_n the_o greek_a father_n attribute_v all_o the_o heresy_n relate_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n 3._o to_o this_o one_o mistake_n that_o essence_n and_o hypostasis_fw-la be_v the_o same_o for_o than_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o essence_n in_o the_o bless_a trinity_n there_o must_v consequent_o be_v but_o one_o hypostasis_fw-la which_o be_v sabellianism_n or_o if_o there_o be_v three_o hypostasis_n there_o must_v be_v three_o nature_n and_o essence_n either_o in_o the_o arian_n or_o tritheistick_n notion_n thus_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o incarnation_n two_o nature_n must_v be_v two_o person_n or_o hypostasis_n as_o nestorius_n teach_v or_o one_o person_n must_v be_v but_o one_o mix_v and_o compound_v nature_n too_o which_o be_v the_o heresy_n of_o eutyches_n this_o some_o father_n thought_n a_o fundamental_a error_n in_o philosophy_n introduce_v by_o aristotle_n who_o make_v the_o first_o substance_n which_o be_v the_o only_a true_a and_o proper_a substance_n 23._o to_o be_v that_o which_o be_v predicate_v of_o no_o subject_n nor_o be_v in_o any_o subject_a that_o be_v what_o we_o call_v a_o subsist_v individual_a as_o this_o man_n or_o this_o horse_n and_o therefore_o theorianus_n observe_v that_o the_o catholic_n father_n understand_v essence_n and_o hypostasis_fw-la in_o a_o very_a different_a sense_n from_o the_o greek_a philosopher_n armen_n that_o be_v by_o essence_n and_o substance_n they_o do_v not_o mean_a one_o singular_a individuum_fw-la or_o singular_a nature_n and_o substance_n as_o aristotle_n do_v but_o a_o common_a nature_n not_o a_o common_a notion_n as_o genus_fw-la or_o species_n which_o be_v aristotle_n second_o substance_n but_o a_o common_a subsist_v nature_n which_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o whole_a and_o perfect_a in_o every_o individual_a of_o the_o same_o kind_n and_o what_o aristotle_n call_v his_o first_o substance_n a_o singular_a subsist_v nature_n that_o they_o call_v hypostasis_fw-la a_o common_a subsist_v nature_n with_o its_o individuate_a character_n and_o property_n it_o be_v evident_a some_o age_n past_a before_o these_o word_n essence_n and_o hypostasis_fw-la be_v thus_o nice_o distinguish_v or_o at_o least_o before_o this_o distinction_n be_v so_o unanimous_o receive_v for_o as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v these_o word_n be_v use_v very_o promiscuous_o which_o occasion_v the_o alexandrian_a schism_n and_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v to_o i_o that_o this_o distinction_n be_v settle_v by_o athanasius_n and_o the_o bishop_n with_o he_o in_o that_o synod_n as_o some_o seem_v to_o think_v though_o soon_o after_o it_o general_o prevail_v as_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o st._n basil_n gregory_n nyssen_n st._n cyril_n of_o alexandria_n damascen_n leontius_n theorianus_n theodorus_n abucara_n ignatius_n sinaita_n and_o general_o all_o the_o catholic_n writer_n of_o the_o eutychian_a and_o severian_n age_n who_o universal_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o essence_n and_o hypostasis_fw-la differ_v as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o that_o which_o be_v universal_a differ_v from_o what_o be_v proper_a and_o singular_a now_o so_o far_o these_o father_n be_v certain_o in_o the_o right_n that_o if_o they_o must_v apply_v philosophical_a term_n to_o divine_a mystery_n which_o the_o cavil_v objection_n of_o heretic_n make_v necessary_a there_o be_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n for_o they_o to_o change_v their_o signification_n for_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o common_a to_o
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 apostle_n or_o any_o apostolical_a man_n nor_o be_v receive_v or_o own_v by_o any_o church_n plant_v by_o they_o and_o this_o be_v a_o unanswerable_a argument_n as_o long_o as_o we_o can_v reasonable_o suppose_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v preserve_v entire_a which_o it_o visible_o be_v at_o least_o till_o the_o first_o nicene_n council_n and_o during_o all_o this_o period_n have_v we_o no_o other_o way_n to_o know_v it_o we_o may_v learn_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n by_o its_o opposition_n to_o those_o heresy_n which_o it_o condemn_v 2_o dly_z and_o this_o be_v the_o only_a evidence_n which_o i_o shall_v at_o present_a insist_v on_o for_o the_o catholic_n tradition_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n for_o we_o may_v see_v the_o plain_a footstep_n of_o the_o ancient_n catholic_n tradition_n concern_v father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n in_o those_o ancient_a heresy_n simon_n magus_n be_v the_o first_o heretic_n we_o read_v of_o and_o may_v be_v very_o just_o account_v the_o father_n of_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_a heresy_n have_v lead_v the_o way_n and_o sow_v the_o seed_n and_o principle_n of_o they_o now_o if_o we_o believe_v that_o account_n which_o epiphanius_n give_v of_o he_o this_o wicked_a impostor_n pretend_v himself_o to_o be_v god_n both_o father_n and_o son_n and_o affirm_v that_o his_o lewd_a woman_n who_o be_v call_v sometime_o helena_n sometime_o selene_n be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n these_o name_n and_o distinction_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n he_o can_v not_o possible_o learn_v from_o any_o person_n but_o only_o from_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o which_o he_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o before_o his_o baptism_n he_o only_o pretend_v to_o be_v some_o great_a one_o and_o the_o delude_a people_n think_v he_o to_o be_v the_o great_a power_n of_o god_n 8._o act_n 9_o 10._o but_o when_o he_o be_v baptize_v and_o soon_o aâ—ter_v apostatise_v from_o the_o christian_a faith_n the_o devil_n who_o great_a power_n he_o be_v set_v he_o up_o for_o the_o god_n of_o the_o christian_n both_o father_n and_o son_n and_o though_o he_o blasphemous_o attribute_v these_o title_n of_o god_n the_o father_n and_o son_n to_o himself_o and_o wicked_o corrupt_v this_o faith_n by_o make_v the_o father_n and_o son_n but_o one_o person_n under_o different_a appearance_n that_o he_o appear_v to_o his_o countryman_n the_o samaritan_n as_o god_n the_o father_n and_o to_o the_o jew_n as_o the_o son_n yet_o there_o have_v be_v no_o pretence_n for_o this_o have_v not_o the_o christian_a church_n own_a jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n for_o have_v the_o father_n be_v god_n and_o the_o son_n a_o mere_a man_n it_o be_v certain_a father_n and_o son_n can_v never_o be_v the_o same_o person_n and_o beside_o the_o wickedness_n and_o impudence_n of_o the_o impostor_n in_o pretend_v himself_o to_o be_v father_n and_o son_n it_o have_v be_v ridiculous_a to_o pretend_v this_o to_o christian_n have_v he_o not_o know_v that_o the_o catholic_n faith_n teach_v the_o son_n to_o be_v true_a and_o real_a god_n as_o well_o as_o the_o father_n and_o than_o if_o he_o can_v persuade_v they_o that_o he_o be_v god_n the_o father_n he_o may_v with_o the_o same_o ease_n persuade_v they_o that_o he_o be_v god_n the_o son_n too_o under_o a_o different_a appearance_n thus_o when_o he_o pretend_v that_o his_o wicked_a strumpet_n be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o who_o he_o create_v the_o angel_n which_o create_v the_o world_n the_o very_a profanation_n of_o this_o holy_a mystery_n show_v what_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n in_o that_o age_n be_v concern_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o he_o can_v have_v no_o other_o inducement_n to_o make_v his_o woman_n who_o he_o call_v the_o holy_a ghost_n such_o a_o divine_a power_n but_o because_o he_o know_v the_o christian_a church_n believe_v the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v god_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o he_o make_v she_o to_o be_v his_o divine_a create_a intelligence_n another_o heresy_n concern_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n attribute_v divinity_n to_o he_o own_v he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n though_o not_o of_o the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n who_o they_o say_v be_v but_o a_o inferior_a angel_n but_o of_o the_o unknown_a and_o incomprehensible_a father_n and_o that_o he_o appear_v indeed_o in_o the_o world_n like_o a_o man_n but_o be_v no_o true_a and_o real_a man._n now_o what_o shall_v put_v such_o a_o wild_a conceit_n as_o this_o into_o their_o head_n have_v they_o not_o know_v this_o to_o be_v the_o catholic_n faith_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n their_o eye_n can_v not_o see_v he_o to_o be_v god_n 18._o but_o they_o see_v he_o 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 man_n and_o no_o more_o than_o a_o man_n bear_v as_o other_o man_n be_v of_o joseph_n and_o mary_n but_o than_o it_o be_v worth_a consider_v how_o they_o come_v to_o make_v this_o the_o distinguish_a doctrine_n of_o their_o sect_n that_o christ_n be_v but_o a_o mere_a man_n if_o the_o apostolic_a church_n who_o they_o oppose_v and_o from_o who_o they_o separate_v have_v not_o teach_v that_o he_o be_v more_o than_o a_o man_n that_o he_o be_v god_n as_o well_o as_o man._n be_v there_o ever_o any_o dispute_v either_o before_o or_o since_o concern_v any_o other_o man_n in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v own_v to_o be_v a_o man_n whether_o he_o be_v a_o mere_a man_n or_o not_o when_o one_o sort_n of_o heretic_n deny_v christ_n to_o be_v a_o man_n and_o another_o deny_v he_o to_o be_v god_n and_o both_o of_o they_o in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o apostolic_a faith_n it_o be_v a_o very_a strong_a presumption_n at_o least_o what_o the_o true_a catholic_n apostolic_a faith_n be_v that_o christ_n be_v both_o god_n and_o man._n and_o yet_o cerinthus_n himself_o though_o he_o make_v jesus_n to_o be_v a_o mere_a man_n own_v christ_n to_o be_v a_o divine_a person_n and_o that_o this_o christ_n descend_v on_o jesus_n at_o his_o baptism_n in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o dove_n and_o rest_v on_o he_o or_o dwell_v in_o he_o and_o wrought_v miracle_n by_o he_o but_o leave_v he_o at_o his_o crucifixion_n and_o fly_v up_o again_o to_o heaven_n so_o that_o according_a to_o cerinthus_n from_o the_o time_n that_o jesus_n be_v baptize_v till_o he_o be_v crucify_v the_o divinity_n be_v very_o near_o and_o intimate_o unite_v to_o he_o not_o that_o he_o be_v god_n and_o man_n in_o one_o person_n as_o the_o catholic_n faith_n teach_v
but_o yet_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o divine_a and_o human_a person_n though_o christ_n be_v one_o person_n and_o jesus_n another_o and_o therefore_o as_o the_o nicene_n creed_n which_o we_o find_v also_o in_o the_o ancient_a oriental_a creed_n teach_v we_o to_o believe_v in_o one_o god_n the_o father_n almighty_n maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o of_o all_o thing_n visible_a and_o invisible_a not_o to_o exclude_v christ_n from_o be_v the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n but_o in_o opposition_n to_o those_o heretic_n who_o will_v not_o allow_v the_o supreme_a god_n who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n but_o attribute_v the_o creation_n of_o this_o world_n to_o one_o or_o more_o inferior_a angel_n so_o they_o add_v and_o in_o one_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n in_o opposition_n to_o those_o who_o make_v christ_n and_o jesus_n two_o person_n and_o yet_o in_o this_o very_a heresy_n we_o may_v see_v what_o the_o ancient_n catholic_n faith_n be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v god_n and_o man_n as_o cerinthus_n himself_o own_v though_o he_o will_v not_o unite_v christ_n and_o jesus_n into_o one_o person_n nor_o make_v the_o union_n inseparable_a the_o valentinian_n heresy_n though_o dress_v up_o after_o the_o mode_n of_o the_o pagan_a theology_n be_v a_o manifest_a corruption_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o a_o more_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o divine_a mystery_n and_o we_o may_v still_o see_v the_o break_a remain_n of_o the_o catholic_n tradition_n of_o the_o trinity_n among_o they_o their_o pleroma_n by_o which_o they_o seem_v to_o understand_v the_o fullness_n of_o the_o deity_n as_o st._n paul_n use_v that_o phrase_n 2_o col._n 9_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n dwell_v in_o christ_n bodily_a i_o say_v this_o pleroma_n consist_v of_o several_a aeons_n or_o divine_a person_n which_o be_v propagate_v from_o the_o unknown_a and_o incomprehensible_a father_n in_o gradual_a descent_n and_o all_o together_o make_v up_o the_o complete_a and_o perfect_a deity_n which_o be_v more_o or_o few_o according_a to_o the_o various_a fancy_n of_o heretic_n now_o from_o these_o wild_a conceit_n we_o may_v in_o some_o measure_n learn_v what_o the_o catholic_n faith_n be_v that_o the_o godhead_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o one_o single_a and_o solitary_a person_n but_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o foecundity_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o communicate_v itself_o to_o more_o person_n than_o one_o for_o have_v it_o be_v the_o know_a and_o receive_v faith_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o person_n in_o the_o godhead_n as_o well_o as_o but_o one_o god_n there_o have_v be_v no_o pretence_n for_o these_o heretic_n who_o call_v themselves_o christian_n and_o boast_v of_o a_o more_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n to_o have_v invent_v such_o a_o number_n of_o aeons_n which_o they_o include_v within_o their_o pleroma_n as_o the_o several_a emanation_n of_o their_o deity_n and_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o most_o of_o the_o name_n which_o they_o give_v to_o their_o several_a aeons_n be_v scripture-name_n and_o title_n which_o the_o pagan_a theology_n know_v nothing_o of_o and_o which_o they_o can_v learn_v no_o where_o but_o from_o the_o christian_a church_n basilides_n i_o think_v be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o who_o give_v we_o any_o distinct_a account_n of_o these_o aeons_n which_o be_v new_o model_v by_o valentinus_n and_o other_o succeed_a heretic_n and_o his_o first_o and_o supreme_a aeon_n 24._o as_o epiphanius_n tell_v we_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o unbegotten_a one_o who_o only_o be_v the_o father_n of_o all_o and_o by_o other_o be_v call_v the_o propater_n and_o the_o unknown_a invisible_a incomprehensible_a father_n now_o though_o the_o heathen_n very_o familiar_o call_v their_o supreme_a god_n the_o father_n of_o god_n and_o man_n with_o respect_n to_o his_o create_a power_n yet_o as_o the_o notion_n of_o father_n be_v found_v in_o a_o substantial_a generation_n as_o these_o heretic_n plain_o understand_v it_o so_o it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a character_n of_o god_n under_o the_o gospel_n who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n his_o only_a beget_v son_n it_o be_v certain_a the_o first_o person_n in_o the_o godhead_n be_v never_o call_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o one_o that_o be_v unbegotten_a but_o to_o distinguish_v he_o from_o one_o who_o be_v beget_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o only_o beget_v who_o be_v god_n also_o but_o god_n oâ—_n god_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a what_o tertullian_n tell_v we_o of_o heracleon_n haeret._n that_o he_o make_v his_o first_o aeâ—n_n to_o be_v illud_fw-la quod_fw-la pronunciat_fw-la which_o some_o critic_n not_o understanding_n think_v to_o be_v a_o defect_n in_o the_o copy_n but_o the_o sense_n be_v plain_a that_o his_o first_o aeon_n be_v he_o that_o pronounce_v or_o speak_v by_o which_o he_o represent_v the_o eternal_a generation_n of_o the_o word_n so_o that_o his_o first_o aeon_n be_v the_o pronouncer_n or_o speaker_n that_o be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o eternal_a word_n which_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n be_v with_o god_n and_o be_v god_n which_o show_v that_o this_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o disguise_a corruption_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n concern_v the_o eternal_a generation_n of_o the_o word_n from_o the_o eternal_a unbegotten_a father_n to_o confirm_v this_o i_o observe_v far_o that_o most_o of_o the_o name_n which_o they_o give_v to_o their_o other_n aeons_n be_v such_o name_n title_n or_o character_n as_o the_o scripture_n give_v to_o christ_n or_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o they_o have_v multiply_v into_o so_o many_o distinct_a person_n or_o aeons_n such_o as_o the_o mind_n word_n prudence_n power_n and_o wisdom_n truth_n life_n light_n the_o only_o beget_v the_o paraclete_n and_o the_o like_a valentinus_n indeed_o as_o epiphanius_n observe_v do_v model_n his_o thirty_o aeons_n according_a to_o hesiod_n genealogy_n and_o number_n of_o god_n and_o with_o some_o manifest_a allusion_n to_o they_o but_o yet_o he_o retain_v as_o many_o scripture-name_n as_o he_o can_v the_o better_a to_o reconcile_v unwary_a people_n to_o his_o fabulous_a genealogy_n as_o the_o hide_a and_o mysterious_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a such_o fable_n shall_v ever_o have_v obtain_v any_o credit_n have_v they_o not_o be_v graft_v on_o the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o pretend_v to_o improve_v it_o with_o new_a degree_n of_o light_n and_o knowledge_n when_o these_o heresy_n be_v pretty_a well_o silence_v up_o start_n noetus_n and_o sabellius_n who_o run_v into_o the_o other_o extreme_a the_o valentinian_o have_v corrupt_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n by_o multiply_v three_o divine_a person_n into_o thirty_o aeons_n beside_o all_o their_o other_o pagan_a and_o fabulous_a conceit_n about_o they_o this_o offend_v these_o man_n as_o downright_a polytheism_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v no_o better_a and_o to_o avoid_v this_o they_o reject_v a_o trinity_n of_o real_a and_o substantial_a person_n for_o a_o trinity_n of_o name_n that_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v but_o three_o name_n of_o the_o same_o person_n who_o be_v sometime_o call_v the_o father_n at_o other_o time_n the_o son_n or_o the_o holy_a ghost_n with_o respect_n to_o his_o different_a appearance_n or_o operation_n or_o they_o make_v the_o son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n not_o two_o person_n but_o two_o personal_a attribute_n in_o god_n his_o wisdom_n or_o power_n or_o they_o make_v the_o trinity_n but_o three_o part_n of_o one_o compound_v god_n as_o a_o man_n consist_v of_o body_n soul_n and_o spirit_n which_o of_o late_o have_v be_v revive_v among_o we_o under_o different_a name_n after_o these_o man_n arise_v arius_n and_o his_o follower_n who_o out_o of_o great_a zeal_n also_o for_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n frame_v a_o new_a and_o more_o subtle_a heresy_n they_o be_v sensible_a that_o father_n and_o son_n be_v not_o two_o name_n but_o two_o real_a distinct_a person_n and_o therefore_o they_o attribute_v the_o whole_a entire_a divinity_n to_o the_o father_n and_o make_v the_o son_n not_o to_o be_v god_n by_o nature_n but_o the_o most_o perfect_a and_o excellent_a creature_n as_o perfect_a a_o image_n of_o god_n as_o any_o creature_n can_v be_v but_o not_o consubstantial_a with_o god_n nor_o coequal_a and_o coeternal_a with_o he_o all_o these_o heresy_n be_v reject_v and_o condemn_v by_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o their_o several_a age_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o appear_v and_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o this_o be_v one_o very_o good_a way_n to_o learn_v what_o the_o catholic_n faith_n be_v from_o its_o opposition_n to_o
beget_v of_o his_o father_n substance_n the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o in_o his_o own_o proper_a person_n be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n not_o a_o part_n of_o god_n but_o all_o that_o god_n be_v not_o one_o god_n as_o one_o person_n with_o the_o father_n but_o as_o have_v the_o true_a divine_a nature_n distinct_o in_o his_o own_o person_n this_o be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o the_o nicene_n consubstantiality_n be_v the_o consubstantiality_n of_o two_o real_a substantial_a person_n who_o have_v the_o same_o nature_n distinct_o subsist_v in_o each_o of_o they_o 2_o another_o rule_n for_o expound_v the_o homoousion_n be_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d &_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v equipollent_a term_n that_o to_o be_v of_o one_o substance_n and_o to_o be_v in_o all_o thing_n alike_o to_o each_o other_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n i_o know_v the_o father_n condemn_v the_o arian_n homoiousion_n for_o they_o assert_v that_o the_o son_n be_v like_o the_o father_n in_o opposition_n to_o his_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o father_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v a_o imperfect_a likeness_n and_o resemblance_n or_o indeed_o no_o likeness_n at_o all_o for_o a_o create_v and_o uncreated_a nature_n be_v at_o such_o a_o infinite_a distance_n as_o to_o have_v no_o true_a and_o real_a likeness_n to_o each_o other_o to_o be_v sure_a not_o such_o a_o likeness_n as_o there_o must_v be_v between_o a_o son_n and_o a_o father_n nay_o sometime_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v that_o likeness_n can_v be_v proper_o apply_v to_o two_o individual_a nature_n of_o the_o same_o species_n as_o to_o two_o individual_a human_a nature_n which_o be_v not_o like_a to_o each_o other_o but_o be_v the_o same_o but_o yet_o whether_o it_o be_v proper_a or_o improper_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d &_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v upon_o all_o account_n and_o every_o way_n perfect_o alike_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v very_a orthodox_n and_o therefore_o st._n hilary_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr synodis_fw-la approve_v several_a oriental_a creed_n as_o very_a orthodox_n though_o they_o leave_v out_o the_o homoousion_n because_o they_o in_o the_o most_o express_a term_n confess_v the_o perfect_a likeness_n and_o similitude_n of_o nature_n between_o father_n and_o son_n synod_n which_o they_o guard_v with_o the_o utmost_a caution_n against_o the_o perverse_a interpretation_n both_o of_o the_o sabellian_n and_o arian_n heretic_n and_o he_o dispute_v at_o large_a that_o perfect_a similitude_n be_v a_o sameness_n and_o equality_n of_o nature_n and_o call_v god_n to_o witness_v that_o before_o he_o ever_o hear_v of_o those_o word_n homoousion_n and_o homoiousion_n trin._n he_o always_o think_v that_o what_o be_v signify_v by_o both_o these_o word_n be_v the_o same_o that_o perfect_a likeness_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o sameness_n of_o nature_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v perfect_o alike_o which_o have_v not_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o this_o he_o say_v he_o learn_v from_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n before_o ever_o he_o hear_v of_o the_o nicene_n faith_n which_o he_o have_v not_o hear_v of_o till_o a_o little_a before_o he_o be_v banish_v for_o that_o faith_n this_o observation_n be_v of_o great_a use_n as_o st._n hilary_n note_n to_o confute_v sabellianism_n and_o to_o fix_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o homoousion_n for_o if_o to_o be_v consubstantial_a or_o of_o one_o nature_n signify_v a_o perfect_a likeness_n similitude_n and_o equality_n of_o nature_n consubstantiality_n must_v at_o least_o signify_v two_o who_o be_v thus_o consubstantial_a as_o likeness_n similitude_n and_o equality_n do_v and_o these_o two_o must_v have_v one_o and_o the_o same_o nature_n not_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o singularity_n and_o sabellian_n unity_n but_o of_o likeness_n and_o similitude_n that_o father_n and_o son_n be_v one_o substance_n not_o as_o one_o person_n be_v one_o with_o himself_o but_o as_o two_o person_n be_v one_o by_o a_o perfect_a likeness_n and_o similitude_n of_o nature_n which_o must_v be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o consubstantial_a if_o consubstantiality_n and_o likeness_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o same_o 3._o i_o observe_v far_o that_o the_o catholic_n father_n do_v not_o make_v the_o homoousion_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o whatever_o sense_n some_o critical_a wit_n can_v put_v on_o it_o must_v therefore_o be_v own_v for_o the_o catholic_n faith_n but_o they_o choose_v it_o as_o the_o most_o comprehensive_a word_n to_o comprise_v the_o true_a catholic_n faith_n and_o to_o detect_v the_o fraud_n of_o heretic_n they_o teach_v no_o new_a faith_n by_o this_o word_n but_o what_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v always_o teach_v but_o secure_v the_o faith_n by_o it_o against_o the_o shift_n and_o evasion_n of_o heretic_n this_o be_v the_o defence_n they_o make_v to_o the_o arian_n objection_n that_o it_o be_v a_o unscriptural_a word_n they_o confess_v the_o word_n homoousios_fw-la be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n but_o the_o faith_n express_v by_o that_o word_n be_v 2._o thus_o st._n austin_n answer_v pascentius_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o christ_n himself_o have_v teach_v we_o the_o homoousion_n where_o he_o say_v i_o be_o in_o the_o father_n and_o the_o father_n in_o i_o and_o i_o and_o my_o father_n be_v one_o and_o expound_v this_o of_o the_o unity_n dignity_n and_o equality_n of_o nature_n and_o add_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o word_n but_o the_o thing_n signify_v by_o that_o word_n which_o be_v so_o terrible_a to_o heretic_n and_o if_o they_o will_v dispute_v to_o purpose_n they_o must_v not_o reject_v the_o word_n but_o the_o doctrine_n it_o contain_v and_o thus_o laurentius_n who_o preside_v in_o that_o dispute_n give_v judgement_n in_o this_o controversy_n ibid._n that_o the_o homoousion_n be_v not_o the_o name_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o signify_v the_o equality_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o that_o though_o this_o word_n be_v not_o in_o scripture_n yet_o the_o thing_n signify_v by_o it_o be_v true_a and_o we_o must_v believe_v honourable_o of_o the_o unity_n lest_o we_o injure_v the_o trinity_n we_o may_v find_v enough_o to_o this_o purpose_n in_o athanasius_n de_fw-fr decret_a syn._n nic._n and_o elsewhere_o of_o which_o more_o present_o and_o therefore_o st._n hilary_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr synodis_fw-la which_o he_o write_v to_o some_o catholic_n bishop_n who_o be_v very_a orthodox_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o yet_o doubt_v of_o this_o word_n homoousion_n tell_v they_o finem_fw-la that_o they_o be_v to_o consider_v what_o the_o synod_n intend_v by_o that_o word_n and_o not_o reject_v the_o word_n unless_o they_o reject_v the_o faith_n teach_v by_o it_o and_o will_v profess_v those_o arian_n doctrine_n which_o the_o council_n condemn_v in_o it_o this_o be_v the_o constant_a language_n of_o the_o nicene_n and_o post_n nicene_n father_n when_o the_o dispute_n be_v concern_v the_o use_n of_o this_o word_n which_o give_v we_o this_o certain_a rule_n for_o expound_v the_o homoousion_n that_o we_o must_v understand_v it_o in_o no_o other_o sense_n than_o what_o the_o nicene_n father_n intend_v by_o it_o for_o if_o we_o do_v we_o may_v acknowledge_v the_o homoousion_n and_o yet_o deny_v the_o nicene_n faith_n what_o they_o teach_v by_o this_o word_n that_o we_o must_v own_v and_o what_o they_o reject_v by_o it_o we_o must_v reject_v and_o though_o we_o may_v fancy_v that_o this_o word_n signify_v more_o than_o what_o the_o nicene_n father_n understand_v by_o it_o as_o we_o have_v hear_v what_o perverse_a sense_n the_o heretic_n fix_v on_o it_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o a_o scriptural_a but_o a_o ecclesiastical_a word_n it_o must_v be_v expound_v to_o that_o sense_n and_o no_o other_o which_o place_v it_o in_o the_o creed_n sect_n iii_o what_o the_o nicene_n father_n mean_v by_o the_o homoousion_n and_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o a_o more_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o homoousion_n and_o what_o the_o nicene_n father_n understand_v by_o it_o eusebius_n pamphili_n who_o at_o first_o doubt_v about_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o christ_n be_v of_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o father_n and_o consubstantial_a or_o of_o one_o substance_n with_o he_o give_v a_o account_n to_o his_o coesareans_n of_o the_o reason_n which_o move_v he_o afterward_o to_o subscribe_v to_o that_o form_n of_o faith_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o letter_n to_o they_o record_v in_o socrates_n his_o ecclesiastical_a history_n he_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o do_v not_o admit_v these_o word_n without_o due_a examination_n but_o when_o he_o find_v there_o be_v nothing_o mean_v by_o they_o but_o what_o be_v true_o catholic_n and_o orthodox_n he_o comply_v for_o peace_n sake_n 8._o for_o by_o the_o son_n be_v be_v of_o his_o father_n substance_n they_o mean_v no_o more_o than_o
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
whole_a must_v be_v the_o same_o whole_a and_o in_o this_o unity_n of_o nature_n consist_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n i_o grant_v a_o whole_a of_o a_o whole_a be_v very_o unconceivable_a to_o we_o and_o so_o be_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o eternal_a self-originated_n be_v and_o of_o creation_n to_o the_o full_a as_o unconceivable_a as_o the_o eternal_a generation_n of_o a_o whole_a from_o a_o whole_a but_o this_o be_v a_o difficulty_n in_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o eternal_a generation_n not_o of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n if_o god_n beget_v a_o son_n as_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o he_o have_v a_o only_o beget_v son_n he_o must_v communicate_v his_o own_o nature_n to_o he_o and_o beside_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n that_o all_o the_o father_n have_v be_v the_o son_n be_v his_o whole_a nature_n and_o divinity_n reason_n assure_v we_o that_o god_n be_v a_o pure_a simple_a be_v without_o composition_n or_o part_n if_o he_o communicate_v his_o nature_n to_o his_o son_n he_o must_v communicate_v it_o whole_a and_o entire_a without_o division_n or_o separation_n and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o father_n and_o son_n he_o who_o beget_v and_o he_o who_o be_v beget_v be_v two_o and_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o the_o same_o whole_a divinity_n communicate_v by_o the_o father_n to_o the_o son_n be_v but_o the_o same_o one_o divinity_n and_o one_o divinity_n though_o actual_o subsist_v in_o three_o can_v be_v but_o one_o god_n not_o three_o go_n it_o be_v certain_a this_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a unity_n that_o can_v be_v between_z three_z who_o be_v true_o and_o real_o the_o same_o and_o yet_o distinct_a for_o they_o can_v nâ—ver_o be_v more_o one_o than_o to_o be_v three_o same_o be_v and_o three_o whole_n for_o the_o communication_n of_o a_o whole_a may_v make_v a_o number_n but_o can_v distinguish_v or_o multiply_v nature_n sect_n vi_o concern_v the_o unity_n of_o god_n but_o our_o socinian_n adversary_n and_o some_o who_o will_v not_o be_v think_v socinian_o have_v espouse_v such_o a_o notion_n of_o one_o god_n as_o make_v the_o faith_n of_o a_o trinity_n absolute_o irreconcilable_a with_o the_o faith_n of_o one_o god_n by_o one_o god_n they_o mean_v one_o who_o be_v god_n but_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o trinity_n own_v three_o each_o of_o who_o be_v by_o himself_o true_a and_o perfect_a god_n and_o i_o grant_v it_o be_v as_o absolute_o impossible_a to_o reconcile_v these_o two_o as_o it_o be_v to_o reconcile_v contradiction_n for_o to_o say_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o who_o be_v god_n and_o to_o say_v that_o there_o be_v three_o each_o of_o who_o be_v god_n be_v a_o manifest_a contradiction_n and_o yet_o without_o say_v this_o last_o we_o must_v deny_v a_o trinity_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o think_v to_o solve_v this_o with_o word_n without_o sense_n if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o who_o be_v god_n we_o must_v either_o make_v father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n three_o name_n or_o modes_n or_o manifestation_n of_o the_o same_o one_o numerical_a divine_a person_n which_o be_v the_o ancient_a explode_a anathematise_v heresy_n of_o noetus_n and_o sabellius_n or_o we_o must_v make_v the_o son_n and_o holy_a spirit_n to_o be_v mere_a creature_n if_o we_o allow_v any_o personality_n to_o they_o as_o arius_n macedonius_n paulus_n samosatenus_fw-la and_o such_o like_a heretic_n and_o our_o modern_a socinian_n do_v but_o we_o with_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o catholic_n church_n reject_v this_o notion_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n which_o be_v to_o assert_v the_o unity_n but_o to_o deny_v a_o trinity_n and_o because_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o prevail_v a_o notion_n at_o this_o time_n i_o shall_v shelter_v myself_o as_o well_o as_o i_o can_v under_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o catholic_n father_n and_o the_o catholic_n church_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n be_v always_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o appear_v from_o all_o the_o ancient_a creed_n but_o then_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v in_o one_o god_n as_o one_o god_n signify_v one_o divine_a separate_a person_n which_o be_v never_o express_v in_o any_o christian_a creed_n but_o in_o one_o god_n the_o father_n who_o have_v a_o only_o beget_v son_n and_o a_o eternal_a spirit_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o same_o godhead_n there_o be_v no_o christian_a creed_n which_o teach_v the_o belief_n of_o one_o god_n who_o be_v not_o a_o father_n and_o if_o the_o one_o god_n be_v a_o father_n he_o must_v have_v a_o son_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o substance_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n consubstantial_a with_o god_n the_o father_n must_v be_v god_n the_o son_n this_o be_v what_o tertullian_n tell_v we_o oxon._n that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n with_o his_o oeconomy_n that_o be_v with_o his_o only_a beget_v son_n and_o eternal_a spirit_n the_o catholic_n church_n so_o believe_v in_o one_o god_n as_o to_o acknowledge_v three_o person_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n each_o of_o which_o be_v true_o and_o real_o god_n ibid._n as_o they_o must_v necessary_o do_v if_o they_o believe_v a_o trinity_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n they_o be_v charge_v with_o tritheism_n or_o with_o assert_v three_o god_n because_o they_o own_v a_o trinity_n of_o divine_a substantial_a person_n real_o distinct_a from_o each_o other_o each_o of_o which_o be_v true_o and_o perfect_o god_n so_o that_o this_o be_v no_o new_a charge_n against_o the_o asserter_n of_o a_o real_a and_o substantial_a trinity_n and_o the_o ancient_a christian_n have_v no_o regard_n to_o it_o for_o tritheism_n in_o this_o objection_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o trinity_n or_o of_o three_o divine_a person_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n which_o be_v the_o true_a christian_n faith_n as_o to_o show_v this_o brief_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o real_a substantial_a trinity_n from_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n they_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v judaisme_n and_o heresy_n to_o place_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o person_n to_o teach_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o divine_a person_n as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n prax._n we_o may_v find_v enough_o to_o this_o purpose_n in_o tertullian_n against_o praxeas_n and_o athanasius_n against_o the_o sabellian_o in_o st._n hilary_n st._n austin_n and_o many_o other_o athanasius_n commend_v the_o jew_n for_o oppose_v the_o polytheism_n and_o idolatry_n of_o the_o gentile_n paris_n but_o then_o he_o charge_v they_o with_o as_o great_a impiety_n themselves_o in_o deny_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o who_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v and_o in_o accuse_v those_o of_o polytheism_n who_o worship_n the_o father_n by_o the_o son_n ibid._n and_o he_o exhort_v his_o reader_n to_o separate_v themselves_o from_o those_o judaizer_n who_o corrupt_a christianity_n with_o judaism_n who_o deny_v god_n of_o god_n and_o teach_v one_o god_n in_o the_o jewish_a notion_n of_o it_o in_o which_o he_o tax_v the_o sabellian_o who_o teach_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v like_o the_o word_n and_o wisdom_n of_o a_o man_n ibid._n within_o he_o in_o his_o heart_n and_o soul_n and_o therefore_o that_o god_n and_o his_o word_n be_v but_o one_o person_n st._n hilary_n frequent_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o corruption_n of_o the_o evangelical_n faith_n as_o he_o call_v it_o confitentium_fw-la under_o the_o pious_a profession_n of_o one_o god_n to_o deny_v the_o only_o beget_v god_n to_o deny_v christ_n to_o be_v bear_v god_n or_o to_o be_v true_a god_n but_o only_o a_o powerful_a creature_n thereby_o to_o preserve_v the_o faith_n of_o one_o god_n which_o they_o think_v the_o birth_n of_o god_n do_v overthrow_n in_o which_o he_o distinct_o charge_v the_o sabellian_o and_o arian_n the_o first_o for_o make_v god_n but_o one_o person_n for_o fear_v of_o introduce_v a_o trinity_n of_o god_n with_o a_o trinity_n of_o person_n the_o other_o for_o make_v christ_n a_o mere_a creature_n though_o the_o first_o and_o most_o powerful_a creature_n for_o fear_v of_o make_v a_o second_o god_n shall_v they_o have_v own_v he_o to_o be_v god_n of_o god_n of_o the_o same_o substance_n with_o the_o father_n in_o opposition_n to_o this_o he_o tell_v we_o what_o the_o true_a faith_n be_v 1._o which_o they_o have_v learn_v from_o divine_a revelation_n neither_o to_o preach_v two_o god_n nor_o one_o solitary_a divine_a person_n for_o so_o solus_fw-la must_v signify_v in_o this_o place_n and_o undertake_v to_o prove_v both_o from_o the_o evangelist_n and_o prophet_n that_o when_o we_o profess_v our_o faith_n in_o god_n the_o father_n and_o god_n the_o son_n we_o must_v neither_o own_o god_n the_o father_n and_o god_n the_o son_n to_o be_v one_o person_n as_o the_o
not_o only_o the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o god_n but_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o perfection_n to_o more_o person_n than_o one._n and_o this_o be_v the_o only_a answer_n that_o need_v be_v give_v and_o the_o best_a answer_n that_o can_v be_v give_v to_o this_o objection_n of_o tritheism_n for_o god_n know_v his_o own_o nature_n and_o his_o own_o unity_n best_o and_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o we_o to_o acknowledge_v god_n to_o be_v one_o as_o the_o scripture_n teach_v he_o to_o be_v one_o that_o be_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n but_o that_o this_o one_o god_n have_v a_o eternal_a only_o beget_v son_n and_o a_o eternal_a spirit_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o same_o godhead_n this_o be_v the_o account_n tertullian_n give_v we_o of_o those_o expression_n 18._o when_o the_o scripture_n assert_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o that_o there_o be_v none_o beside_o he_o for_o without_o deny_v the_o son_n we_o may_v true_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a god_n who_o son_n he_o be_v for_o though_o he_o have_v a_o son_n he_o do_v not_o lose_v his_o name_n of_o the_o one_o and_o only_a god_n when_o he_o be_v name_v without_o his_o sâ—n_n and_o so_o he_o be_v when_o what_o be_v say_v be_v appropriate_v to_o he_o as_o the_o first_o persâ—n_n for_o in_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n aâ—â—_n of_o ouâ—_n conception_n the_o father_n be_v befoâ—â—â—he_a son_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v name_v bâ—â—ore_o he_o so_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n the_o father_n and_o beside_o he_o there_o be_v no_o other_o which_o do_v not_o deny_v the_o son_n but_o another_o god_n which_o reject_v the_o multitude_n of_o false_a god_n which_o the_o heathen_n worship_v but_o the_o son_n as_o be_v inseparable_o unite_v to_o he_o be_v include_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o father_n godhead_n though_o not_o name_v which_o as_o he_o well_o observe_v he_o can_v not_o be_v without_o make_v another_o god_n of_o he_o have_v the_o father_n say_v there_o be_v no_o other_o god_n beside_o i_o except_v my_o son_n this_o have_v make_v the_o son_n another_o god_n a_o new_a separate_a divinity_n and_o will_v have_v be_v as_o improper_a as_o if_o the_o sun_n shall_v say_v there_o be_v no_o other_o sun_n beside_o i_o except_v my_o ray_n the_o sum_n of_o which_o be_v this_o that_o the_o title_n of_o the_o one_o and_o only_a god_n and_o beside_o he_o there_o be_v no_o other_o god_n do_v in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n belong_v to_o the_o father_n who_o be_v the_o one_o only_a god_n with_o his_o son_n and_o spirit_n but_o this_o do_v not_o exclude_v the_o son_n or_o spirit_n from_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n for_o they_o be_v not_o other_o god_n from_o the_o father_n but_o have_v the_o same_o divinity_n and_o be_v inseparable_o â—mited_v to_o the_o father_n and_o therefore_o be_v include_v in_o the_o â—â—ity_n of_o the_o godhead_n without_o be_v name_v whereas_o thâ—â—r_n be_v name_v will_v have_v except_v they_o out_o of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n and_o make_v other_o god_n of_o they_o and_o though_o the_o son_n when_o he_o be_v name_v alâ—ne_n 19_o be_v call_v god_n this_o do_v not_o make_v two_o god_n because_o he_o be_v god_n only_o by_o his_o unity_n with_o his_o father_n st._n hilary_n give_v much_o the_o same_o account_n of_o it_o fine_a that_o when_o the_o scripture_n teach_v that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o no_o other_o god_n beside_o he_o this_o do_v not_o exclude_v the_o son_n of_o god_n from_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n because_o the_o son_n be_v not_o another_o god_n intelligatur_fw-la he_o be_v of_o the_o same_o substance_n with_o god_n the_o father_n god_n of_o god_n and_o inseparable_o unite_v to_o he_o another_o god_n do_v not_o signify_v another_o divine_a person_n 5._o but_o another_o divinity_n another_o separate_z and_o independent_a principle_n and_o fountain_n of_o deity_n and_o beside_o this_o st._n hilary_n endeavour_v to_o prove_v at_o large_a from_o several_a text_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o this_o very_a expression_n of_o one_o god_n and_o no_o other_o beside_o he_o 4._o be_v apply_v not_o only_o to_o the_o father_n but_o to_o the_o son_n and_o be_v very_o just_o applicable_a to_o each_o of_o they_o because_o each_o of_o they_o have_v a_o personal_a and_o incommunicable_a unity_n the_o father_n be_v the_o one_o god_n and_o there_o be_v none_o beside_o he_o for_o he_o be_v the_o only_a deus_fw-la innascibilis_fw-la the_o only_a god_n who_o be_v god_n of_o himself_o without_o any_o communication_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o he_o from_o any_o other_o divine_a person_n the_o son_n be_v the_o one_o god_n and_o there_o be_v none_o beside_o he_o that_o be_v the_o deus_fw-la vnigenitus_fw-la the_o only_o beget_v god_n and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o beget_v god_n but_o he_o so_o that_o each_o of_o they_o be_v the_o one_o god_n for_o between_o one_o and_o one_o that_o be_v one_o of_o one_o there_o be_v no_o second_o nature_n of_o the_o eternal_a dâ—ity_n i_o shall_v not_o dispute_v these_o matter_n now_o which_o will_v be_v more_o proper_a in_o another_o place_n it_o be_v enough_o at_o present_a that_o we_o learn_v from_o they_o what_o sense_n these_o father_n have_v concern_v the_o unity_n of_o god_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o sâ—ngle_a person_n so_o as_o to_o exclude_v all_o other_o person_n from_o the_o name_n and_o nature_n of_o god_n but_o a_o unity_n of_o nature_n and_o principle_n that_o there_o be_v not_o two_o different_a divinity_n nor_o two_o principle_n of_o divinity_n which_o have_v no_o communication_n with_o each_o other_o but_o that_o there_o be_v one_o self-originated_n be_v who_o communicate_v his_o own_o nature_n without_o division_n and_o separation_n to_o his_o eternal_a son_n and_o by_o and_o with_o his_o son_n to_o his_o eternal_a spirit_n thus_o st._n hilary_n conclude_v this_o dispute_n that_o to_o confess_v one_o god_n but_o not_o a_o solitary_a god_n that_o be_v 5._o not_o one_o single_a solitary_a person_n be_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n which_o confess_v the_o father_n in_o the_o son_n but_o if_o out_o of_o ignorance_n of_o this_o heavenly_a mystery_n we_o pretend_v that_o one_o god_n signify_v one_o single_a divine_a person_n we_o know_v not_o god_n as_o not_o own_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n in_o god_n this_o be_v plain_a sense_n which_o every_o christian_a may_v understand_v and_o what_o every_o one_o must_v believe_v who_o will_v be_v a_o christian_n we_o must_v believe_v in_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n that_o the_o father_n be_v not_o the_o son_n nor_o the_o son_n the_o father_n nor_o the_o holy_a ghost_n either_o father_n or_o son_n and_o that_o each_o of_o these_o three_o be_v in_o himself_o as_o distinguish_v from_o the_o other_o two_o true_a and_o perfect_a god_n but_o though_o they_o be_v three_o and_o each_o of_o they_o true_a and_o perfect_a god_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o three_o god_n because_o there_o be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o divinity_n in_o they_o the_o same_o individual_a numerical_a divine_a nature_n be_v whole_a perfect_a undivided_a in_o they_o all_o original_o in_o the_o father_n by_o generation_n in_o the_o son_n and_o by_o procession_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o i_o have_v already_o explain_v it_o which_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a unity_n we_o can_v conceive_v between_o three_o whole_n or_o three_o each_o of_o which_o have_v the_o same_o whole_a undivided_a nature_n distinct_o in_o themselves_o if_o this_o will_v not_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v such_o a_o unity_n as_o be_v include_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o one_o god_n that_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o one_o god_n be_v of_o one_o only_a who_o be_v god_n which_o be_v contradictory_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o three_o each_o of_o who_o be_v in_o himself_o true_a and_o perfect_a god_n the_o answer_n the_o catholic_n father_n give_v to_o this_o as_o i_o have_v now_o show_v ought_v to_o satisfy_v all_o christian_n that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o scripture-notion_n of_o one_o god_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o who_o be_v god_n because_o the_o same_o holy_a scripture_n which_o teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n do_v also_o teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v three_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n that_o not_o only_o the_o father_n be_v god_n as_o a_o infinite_a eternal_a self-originated_n be_v and_o upon_o this_o account_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n call_v the_o one_o and_o only_a true_a god_n but_o the_o son_n also_o be_v true_a god_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n true_a god_n by_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o same_o divine_a nature_n to_o they_o now_o god_n know_v his_o own_o nature_n and_o unity_n best_o and_o if_o he_o declare_v himself_o to_o
dislike_v those_o who_o be_v for_o reverence_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n 2._o without_o ever_o look_v into_o it_o at_o all_o who_o think_v it_o propose_v to_o we_o only_o as_o a_o trial_n and_o exercise_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o the_o more_o implicit_a that_o be_v the_o full_a do_v we_o express_v our_o trust_n and_o reliance_n upon_o god_n now_o if_o by_o not_o look_v into_o it_o at_o all_o he_o mean_v not_o inquire_v what_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v concern_v the_o trinity_n nor_o why_o they_o believe_v it_o this_o i_o acknowledge_v be_v a_o very_a odd_a sort_n of_o faith_n but_o i_o believe_v he_o can_v name_v any_o such_o man_n who_o avow_a principle_n this_o be_v a_o implicit_a faith_n be_v only_o meritorious_a in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o then_o a_o implicit_a faith_n be_v to_o believe_v without_o know_v what_o or_o why_o but_o these_o ignoramus_n or_o mystery-trinitarians_a as_o some_o late_a socinian_n considerer_n have_v insolent_o and_o reproachful_o call_v they_o and_o who_o our_o author_n ought_v not_o to_o have_v imitate_v never_o teach_v such_o a_o implicit_a faith_n as_o this_o much_o less_o admire_v the_o triumph_n and_o merit_n of_o faith_n in_o believe_a contradiction_n and_o the_o more_o the_o better_o under_o all_o the_o appearance_n of_o modesty_n and_o temper_n these_o be_v very_o severe_a and_o scandalous_a reflection_n upon_o some_o of_o the_o wise_a and_o great_a man_n among_o we_o and_o which_o this_o considerer_n have_v little_a reason_n for_o as_o will_v soon_o appear_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n be_v the_o most_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a faith_n and_o therefore_o a_o explicit_a knowledge_n and_o belief_n of_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o christian_a profession_n and_o thus_o all_o protestant_a divine_n teach_v and_o whatever_o voluminous_a dispute_n there_o may_v be_v about_o it_o the_o true_a christian_a faith_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v comprise_v in_o a_o 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blasphemy_n and_o contradiction_n may_v and_o have_v be_v impose_v upon_o man_n faith_n under_o the_o venerable_a name_n of_o mystery_n but_o such_o blasphemy_n and_o contradiction_n be_v never_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o present_a enquiry_n which_o only_o concern_v believe_v what_o we_o allow_v to_o be_v reveal_v without_o look_v any_o far_o into_o it_o we_o allow_v all_o man_n to_o examine_v the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o revelation_n and_o to_o examine_v what_o be_v reveal_v but_o here_o we_o must_v stop_v and_o not_o pretend_v to_o judge_v of_o what_o be_v reveal_v by_o the_o measure_n of_o human_a reason_n which_o be_v so_o inadequate_a a_o rule_n for_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a truth_n this_o be_v all_o very_a plain_a and_o if_o he_o will_v allow_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o he_o must_v confess_v that_o what_o he_o have_v say_v upon_o this_o first_o head_n be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n it_o be_v a_o very_a popular_a 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those_o heresy_n which_o the_o catholic_n church_n condemn_v and_o from_o the_o corrupt_a remain_n of_o the_o ancient_a faith_n which_o appear_v in_o they_o for_o these_o heretic_n be_v original_o christian_n and_o profess_v themselves_o christian_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o whole_o renounce_v the_o christian_a faith_n but_o graft_v their_o heresy_n on_o it_o as_o to_o confine_v myself_o to_o the_o subject_a of_o the_o present_a dispute_n what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n whether_o three_o distinct_a real_a substantial_a person_n or_o not_o each_o of_o who_o be_v distinct_o by_o himself_o true_a and_o perfect_a god_n but_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o same_o divine_a nature_n and_o godhead_n now_o that_o this_o be_v the_o receive_a faith_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n we_o may_v learn_v both_o from_o the_o valentinian_o sabellian_n and_o arian_n though_o the_o valentinian_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o have_v corrupt_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n either_o with_o the_o platonic_a philosophy_n as_o that_o itself_o have_v be_v corrupt_v by_o the_o junior_a platonist_n or_o with_o the_o pagan_a theology_n yet_o the_o propagation_n of_o their_o aeons_n in_o different_a degree_n and_o descent_n from_o the_o first_o supreme_a aeon_n the_o unbegotten_a one_o and_o the_o invisible_a and_o incomprehensible_a father_n as_o they_o style_v he_o show_v what_o they_o think_v the_o catholic_n faith_n be_v concern_v the_o eternal_a generation_n of_o the_o son_n and_o procession_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o they_o take_v to_o be_v a_o substantial_a generation_n and_o procession_n and_o according_o in_o imitation_n of_o this_o faith_n assert_v a_o substantial_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o emanation_n of_o one_o aeon_n from_o another_o and_o which_o be_v more_o none_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n who_o write_v against_o this_o heresy_n as_o far_o as_o i_o have_v observe_v ever_o quarrel_n with_o they_o upon_o this_o account_n nay_o tertullian_n though_o he_o abominate_v these_o heresy_n own_v this_o probole_fw-la or_o emanation_n in_o a_o true_a catholic_n sense_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o these_o heretic_n borrow_v this_o word_n from_o the_o catholic_n faith_n though_o they_o fit_v it_o to_o their_o heresy_n and_o challenge_v any_o man_n to_o say_v whether_o the_o divine_a word_n be_v not_o produce_v by_o the_o father_n 8._o and_o if_o it_o be_v here_z say_v he_o be_v the_o prolation_n or_o emanation_n which_o the_o true_a catholic_n faith_n own_v and_o add_v that_o the_o fault_n of_o this_o heresy_n be_v not_o their_o produce_v one_o aeon_n from_o another_o but_o that_o beside_o the_o number_n of_o their_o fictitious_a aeons_n they_o do_v separate_v these_o emanation_n and_o aeons_n from_o their_o author_n that_o the_o aeons_n know_v not_o the_o father_n nay_o desire_v to_o know_v he_o but_o can_v not_o know_v he_o and_o be_v even_o dissolve_v with_o passion_n and_o desire_n whereas_o in_o the_o catholic_n faith_n there_o be_v the_o most_o inseparable_a union_n of_o the_o son_n with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o most_o intimate_v and_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o he_o so_o that_o tertullian_n allow_v of_o a_o real_a and_o substantial_a production_n of_o the_o person_n of_o the_o son_n from_o the_o person_n of_o the_o father_n as_o the_o valentinian_o pretend_v of_o their_o aeons_n and_o assert_n that_o these_o heretic_n learn_v this_o from_o the_o catholic_n faith_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o that_o the_o church_n must_v not_o reject_v this_o probole_fw-la prolation_n or_o emanation_n in_o a_o orthodox_n catholic_n use_v of_o those_o word_n because_o heretic_n abuse_v they_o to_o countenance_v their_o own_o heresy_n as_o for_o the_o noetian_o and_o sabellian_o for_o however_o they_o explain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n whether_o by_o three_o name_n or_o three_o power_n or_o three_o part_n while_o they_o teach_v that_o the_o one_o god_n be_v but_o one_o single_a person_n the_o heresy_n be_v the_o same_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o catholic_n church_n shall_v reject_v this_o heresy_n without_o assert_v three_o distinct_a real_a substantial_a person_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n each_o of_o who_o be_v as_o true_a and_o perfect_a god_n as_o each_o of_o three_o man_n peter_n james_n and_o john_n be_v a_o true_a perfect_a distinct_a man_n though_o these_o three_o man_n be_v not_o uniâ—ed_v as_o the_o three_o divine_a person_n be_v the_o occasion_n of_o this_o heresy_n be_v that_o they_o think_v that_o three_o real_a distinct_a person_n in_o the_o godhead_n be_v three_o god_n and_o therefore_o though_o be_v profess_v christian_n and_o consequent_o baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n they_o dare_v not_o deny_v father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n yet_o neither_o will_v they_o own_o three_o divine_a person_n but_o turn_v they_o into_o three_o name_n or_o three_o part_n of_o one_o person_n which_o have_v much_o more_o sense_n in_o it_o than_o three_o modes_n though_o three_o modes_n of_o the_o same_o person_n let_v they_o call_v they_o three_o personality_n if_o they_o please_v be_v the_o same_o heresy_n if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o suppositum_fw-la as_o one_o man_n may_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o three_o or_o three_o and_o twenty_o modes_n and_o be_v but_o one_o human_a person_n still_o noetus_n and_o sabellius_n do_v certain_o apprehend_v that_o by_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n the_o catholic_n church_n understand_v three_o distinct_a substantial_a divine_a person_n or_o else_o why_o shall_v they_o charge_v they_o with_o tritheism_n upon_o this_o account_n and_o turn_v three_o person_n into_o three_o name_n or_o three_o part_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o god_n to_o avoid_v the_o imputation_n of_o three_o god_n and_o if_o this_o have_v not_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n what_o mean_v their_o zeal_n against_o this_o heresy_n for_o all_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n can_v find_v a_o medium_fw-la between_o sabellianism_n and_o three_o divine_a substantial_a person_n a_o trinity_n must_v be_v three_o somewhat_n as_o it_o have_v be_v late_o call_v and_o than_o it_o must_v either_o be_v one_o suppositum_fw-la or_o person_n under_o three_o name_n or_o three_o modes_n or_o compound_v of_o three_o part_n or_o be_v three_o distinct_a suppositum_n and_o person_n now_o if_o this_o have_v be_v the_o catholic_n faith_n that_o the_o trinity_n be_v but_o one_o suppositum_fw-la or_o person_n under_o three_o name_n or_o mode_n etc._n etc._n i_o can_v imagine_v why_o the_o catholic_n church_n shall_v have_v quarrel_v with_o these_o heretic_n or_o they_o with_o the_o catholic_n church_n unless_o they_o both_o mistake_v one_o another_o but_o if_o the_o sabellian_o and_o catholic_n understand_v themselves_o and_o each_o other_o and_o do_v intend_v to_o contradict_v each_o other_o we_o certain_o know_v what_o the_o catholic_n faith_n be_v for_o there_o be_v nothing_o contradict_v a_o noetian_a and_o sabellian_n trinity_n but_o a_o trinity_n of_o distinct_a substantial_a divine_a person_n and_o novatianus_n well_o observe_v that_o these_o heretic_n do_v acknowledge_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n that_o whoever_o christ_n be_v it_o be_v evident_a from_o those_o character_n give_v of_o he_o in_o scripture_n that_o he_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n and_o because_o the_o father_n be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n and_o christ_n true_a and_o perfect_a god_n for_o fear_v of_o own_v two_o god_n they_o make_v the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n to_o be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n 18._o the_o arian_n deny_v the_o eternal_a godhead_n of_o christ_n and_o make_v a_o creature_n of_o he_o though_o the_o most_o excellent_a creature_n the_o minister_n and_o instrument_n of_o god_n in_o make_v the_o world_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o heresy_n be_v the_o same_o viz._n for_o fear_n of_o a_o plurality_n of_o god_n shall_v they_o allow_v christ_n to_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n and_o this_o still_o be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n what_o they_o think_v the_o catholic_n faith_n to_o be_v not_o only_o that_o christ_n be_v true_a and_o real_a god_n but_o that_o he_o be_v true_o and_o real_o a_o distinct_a person_n from_o god_n the_o father_n so_o distinct_a that_o if_o they_o shall_v acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v true_a god_n he_o will_v be_v a_o second_o god_n which_o they_o think_v contradict_v the_o faith_n of_o one_o god_n well_o though_o they_o will_v not_o own_v he_o to_o be_v true_a god_n yet_o they_o own_v he_o to_o be_v a_o distinct_a person_n from_o the_o father_n as_o distinct_a as_o god_n and_o a_o creature_n be_v distinct_a do_v the_o catholic_n now_o quarrel_v with_o the_o arian_n that_o they_o have_v make_v a_o substantial_a person_n of_o the_o son_n as_o in_o reason_n tâ—ey_v aught_o to_o have_v do_v have_v thâ—y_o not_o believe_v
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