a_o vindication_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n and_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n occasion_v by_o the_o brief_a note_n on_o the_o creed_n of_o st._n athanasius_n and_o the_o brief_a history_n of_o the_o unitarian_n or_o socinian_o and_o contain_v a_o answer_n to_o both_o by_o william_n sherlock_n d._n d._n master_n of_o the_o temple_n the_o second_o edition_n imprimatur_fw-la z._n isham_n r._n p._n d._n henrico_n episc._n lond._n à _fw-la sacris_fw-la jan._n 9_o 1690._o london_n print_v for_o w._n rogers_n at_o the_o sun_n over_o against_o st._n dunstan_n church_n in_o fleetstreet_n 1691._o to_o the_o reader_n i_o will_v make_v no_o apology_n for_o publish_v this_o vindication_n of_o the_o great_a and_o fundamental_a mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n for_o if_o ever_o it_o be_v necessary_a it_o be_v now_o when_o atheist_n and_o heretic_n some_o open_o some_o under_o a_o disguise_n conspire_v together_o to_o ridicule_n the_o trinity_n and_o the_o incarnation_n i_o confess_v the_o book_n be_v too_o big_a can_v i_o have_v make_v it_o less_o as_o at_o first_o i_o intend_v but_o when_o i_o be_v once_o engage_v i_o see_v a_o necessity_n of_o go_v far_o and_o i_o hope_v no_o man_n will_v have_v reason_n to_o complain_v that_o i_o have_v say_v too_o much_o but_o those_o who_o will_v find_v a_o great_a deal_n too_o much_o say_v for_o they_o to_o answer_v my_o original_a design_n be_v to_o vindicate_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n from_o those_o pretend_a absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n which_o be_v so_o confident_o charge_v on_o they_o and_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a i_o have_v do_v for_o i_o have_v give_v a_o very_a easy_a and_o intelligible_a notion_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o explain_v this_o doctrine_n intelligible_o the_o charge_n of_o contradiction_n vanish_v and_o whether_o man_n will_v believe_v this_o account_n or_o not_o they_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a and_o intelligible_a and_o if_o we_o can_v go_v no_o far_o that_o be_v enough_o in_o matter_n of_o revelation_n but_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v do_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o this_o and_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v the_o true_a scripture_n account_v of_o it_o and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o have_v vindicate_v the_o scripture_n proof_n of_o a_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n from_o the_o pitiful_a sophistry_n of_o the_o late_a socinian_n historian_n i_o have_v not_o indeed_o answer_v particular_o the_o whole_a book_n in_o order_n and_o method_n as_o it_o lie_v which_o be_v too_o tedious_a a_o work_n and_o not_o necessary_a but_o i_o have_v consider_v whatever_o be_v most_o material_a in_o it_o and_o have_v avoid_v nothing_o because_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o answer_v but_o because_o it_o need_v no_o answer_n as_o i_o be_o ready_a to_o satisfy_v the_o world_n whenever_o a_o just_a occasion_n call_v for_o it_o for_o have_v dip_v my_o pen_n in_o the_o vindication_n of_o so_o glorious_a a_o cause_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n i_o will_v never_o desert_v it_o while_o i_o can_v hold_v a_o pen_n in_o my_o hand_n i_o must_v thankful_o own_v that_o the_o write_n of_o this_o book_n have_v give_v i_o clear_a and_o more_o distinct_a notion_n of_o this_o great_a mystery_n than_o i_o have_v before_o which_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o reader_n will_v find_v some_o thing_n explain_v towards_o the_o end_n which_o i_o speak_v doubtful_o of_o at_o first_o as_o particular_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o eternal_a generation_n of_o the_o son_n and_o the_o procession_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o i_o hope_v this_o be_v a_o pardonable_a fault_n the_o writing_n this_o book_n have_v cost_v i_o many_o thought_n and_o those_o who_o have_v a_o mind_n thorough_o to_o understand_v it_o must_v not_o think_v much_o if_o it_o cost_v they_o some_o and_o if_o they_o can_v be_v content_v to_o bestow_v some_o serious_a thought_n on_o it_o it_o will_v be_v lose_v labour_n to_o read_v it_o i_o pray_v god_n give_v success_n to_o it_o and_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o those_o man_n before_o it_o be_v too_o late_a who_o be_v so_o industrious_a to_o write_v or_o disperse_v such_o brief_a note_n and_o brief_a history_n as_o be_v valuable_a for_o nothing_o but_o blasphemy_n and_o nonsense_n for_o i_o will_v be_v bold_a to_o say_v that_o socinianism_n after_o all_o its_o pretence_n to_o reason_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o stupid_a senseless_a heresy_n that_o ever_o infest_a the_o christian_a church_n the_o content_n sect_n i._o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o contradiction_n and_o how_o to_o know_v it_o page_n 1._o many_o contradiction_n pretend_v where_o there_o be_v none_o as_o in_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o spirit_n and_o of_o god_n 3_o how_o to_o discover_v when_o a_o pretend_a contradiction_n be_v not_o real_a but_o in_o our_o imperfect_a conception_n of_o thing_n 4_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o dispute_v against_o the_o be_v of_o any_o thing_n from_o the_o difficulty_n of_o conceive_v it_o 5_o what_o the_o natural_a boundary_n of_o humane_a knowledge_n be_v 9_o sect_n ii_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n contain_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o true_a belief_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n 10_o the_o dispute_n between_o the_o greek_a and_o lat._n church_n about_o the_o filioque_fw-la 17_o sect_n iii_o concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n to_o salvation_n and_o a_o brief_a history_n of_o athanasius_n 21_o that_o the_o catholic_n faith_n be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n 25_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o keep_v the_o catholic_n faith_n whole_a and_o undefiled_a 28_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o complete_a rule_n of_o faith_n do_v not_o make_v athanasius_n creed_n a_o unnecessary_a rule_n 29_o the_o great_a usefulness_n of_o ancient_a creed_n 31_o pope_n leo_n iii_o will_v not_o deny_v salvation_n to_o those_o who_o disown_v the_o filioque_fw-la 33_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o catholic_n faith_n 35_o the_o history_n of_o athanasius_n 37_o sect_n iv._o the_o catholic_n doctrine_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n and_o unity_n and_o trinity_n explain_v and_o vindicate_v from_o all_o pretend_a absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n 45_o what_o it_o be_v that_o make_v any_o substance_n numerical_o one_o 48_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o spirit_n nothing_o else_o but_o self-consciousness_n ibid._n and_o therefore_o mutual_a consciousness_n make_v three_o person_n essential_o and_o numerical_o one._n 49_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o mind_n or_o spirit_n reach_v as_o far_o as_o its_o self-consciousness_n do_v 50_o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a scripture_n notion_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n ibid._n the_o unity_n between_o father_n and_o son_n explain_v 51_o the_o union_n of_o create_a spirit_n a_o union_n in_o knowledge_n will_n and_o love_n 52_o the_o same_o union_n between_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n ibid._n but_o this_o which_o be_v only_o a_o moral_a union_n between_o creature_n be_v a_o essential_a union_n between_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n as_o it_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o mutual_a consciousness_n 55_o this_o prove_v from_o scripture_n as_o to_o the_o unity_n between_o father_n and_o son_n 56_o this_o make_v all_o three_o divine_a person_n coessential_a and_o coequal_a 58_o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v one_o with_o father_n and_o son_n by_o a_o mutual_a consciousness_n prove_v from_o scripture_n 64_o this_o notion_n contain_v the_o true_a orthodox_n faith_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n 66_o for_o it_o do_v not_o confound_v the_o person_n but_o make_v they_o distinct_a ibid._n nor_o divide_v the_o substance_n but_o make_v they_o numerical_o one_o 68_o this_o make_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n as_o intelligible_a as_o the_o notion_n of_o one_o god_n ibid._n the_o material_a image_n of_o substance_n confound_v our_o notion_n both_o of_o one_o god_n and_o of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n 69_o god_n must_v be_v consider_v as_o eternal_a truth_n and_o wisdom_n 70_o wisdom_n and_o truth_n a_o pure_a and_o simple_a act_n and_o contain_v all_o divine_a perfection_n 71_o three_o infinite_a mind_n must_v necessary_o be_v mutual_o conscious_a to_o each_o other_o 74_o no_o positive_a notion_n of_o infinity_o but_o only_o in_o a_o mind_n 75_o no_o infinite_a extension_n 76_o what_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o infinite_a be_v that_o it_o be_v absolute_a perfection_n 78_o that_o there_o be_v no_o absolute_a perfection_n but_o those_o of_o a_o mind_n 79_o extension_n be_v no_o perfection_n nor_o to_o be_v omnipresent_v by_o extension_n 80_o the_o same_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o a_o mind_n by_o a_o mutual_a consciousness_n may_v be_v entire_a and_o equal_a in_o three_o infinite_a mind_n 81_o this_o reconcile_v the_o
and_o what_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v two_o very_a distinct_a question_n and_o to_o apply_v what_o be_v say_v of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n become_v the_o wit_n and_o understanding_n of_o a_o heretic_n this_o be_v the_o very_a argument_n which_o the_o papist_n use_v against_o our_o author_n complete_a and_o infallible_a rule_n of_o faith_n the_o scripture_n that_o they_o do_v not_o contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n because_o they_o do_v not_o prove_v the_o great_a fundamental_a of_o the_o protestant_a faith_n that_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n which_o we_o receive_v be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n now_o what_o answer_v he_o will_v give_v to_o papist_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n let_v he_o suppose_v i_o give_v he_o the_o same_o answer_n in_o vindication_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n of_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n and_o we_o be_v right_o again_o but_o his_o part_a blow_n be_v worth_a some_o 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there_o be_v a_o very_a deep_a fetch_n in_o it_o for_o he_o will_v have_v no_o other_o creed_n but_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o divine_a infallible_a complete_a rule_n of_o faith_n which_o make_v all_o other_o creed_n unnecessary_a and_o then_o he_o can_v make_v what_o he_o please_v of_o scripture_n as_o all_o other_o heretic_n have_v do_v before_o he_o but_o let_v i_o ask_v this_o author_n whether_o to_o believe_v in_o general_a that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o complete_a rule_n of_o faith_n without_o a_o explicit_a belief_n of_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o scripture_n will_v carry_v a_o man_n to_o heaven_n there_o seem_v to_o i_o no_o great_a difference_n between_o this_o general_a faith_n in_o the_o scripture_n without_o particular_o know_v and_o believe_v what_o they_o teach_v and_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v we_o suppose_v then_o he_o will_v grant_v we_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o explicit_a belief_n of_o all_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n 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defend_v they_o with_o such_o sophistry_n as_o shall_v easy_o impose_v upon_o unlearned_a and_o unthinking_a man_n and_o the_o best_a way_n in_o this_o case_n be_v to_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o ancient_a faith_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o learn_v from_o thence_o how_o these_o article_n be_v understand_v and_o profess_v by_o they_o for_o we_o can_v but_o think_v that_o those_o who_o converse_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o do_v not_o only_o receive_v the_o scripture_n but_o the_o sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o they_o from_o the_o apostle_n or_o apostolical_a man_n understand_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n much_o better_a than_o those_o at_o a_o far_o remove_v and_o therefore_o as_o long_o as_o we_o can_v reasonable_o suppose_v this_o tradition_n to_o be_v preserve_v in_o the_o church_n their_o authority_n be_v very_o venerable_a and_o this_o give_v so_o great_a and_o venerable_a authority_n to_o some_o of_o the_o first_o general_n council_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v tertullian_n himself_o confute_v the_o heretic_n of_o his_o day_n by_o this_o argument_n from_o prescription_n or_o the_o constant_a tradition_n of_o all_o apostolic_a church_n which_o be_v certain_a and_o unquestionable_a at_o that_o time_n and_o as_o much_o as_o papist_n pretend_v to_o tradition_n we_o appeal_v to_o tradition_n for_o the_o first_o three_o or_o four_o century_n and_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n have_v as_o good_a a_o tradition_n as_o this_o as_o certain_o it_o have_v it_o be_v no_o unnecessary_a rule_n though_o we_o do_v not_o make_v it_o a_o primary_n and_o uncontrollable_a rule_n as_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v where_o there_o be_v two_o different_a sense_n put_v on_o scripture_n it_o be_v certain_o the_o safe_a to_o embrace_v that_o sense_n if_o the_o word_n will_v bear_v it_o which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n contain_v in_o the_o write_n of_o her_o doctor_n or_o ancient_a creed_n or_o such_o creed_n as_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n note_n then_o for_o take_v aught_o from_o this_o creed_n the_o whole_a greek_a church_n diffuse_v through_o so_o many_o province_n reject_v as_o heretical_a that_o period_n of_o it_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n contend_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v from_o the_o father_n only_o which_o also_o they_o clear_o and_o demonstrative_o prove_v as_o we_o shall_v see_v in_o its_o proper_a place_n and_o for_o the_o menace_n here_o of_o athanasius_n that_o they_o shall_v perish_v everlasting_o they_o laugh_v at_o it_o and_o say_v he_o be_v drink_v when_o he_o make_v that_o creed_n gennad_n schol._n arch_a bishop_n of_o constantin_n answer_n this_o addition_n of_o the_o filioque_fw-la or_o the_o holy_a ghost_n proceed_v from_o the_o father_n and_o from_o the_o son_n which_o be_v dispute_v between_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a church_n be_v no_o corruption_n of_o the_o essential_o of_o the_o christian_a faith_n about_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o nor_o do_v athanasius_n deny_v salvation_n to_o those_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o for_o he_o that_o will_v be_v save_v must_v thus_o think_v of_o the_o trinity_n do_v not_o relate_v to_o every_o particular_a word_n and_o phrase_n but_o to_o that_o doctrine_n which_o immediate_o proceed_v that_o the_o trinity_n in_o unity_n and_o unity_n in_o trinity_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v which_o the_o greek_n acknowledge_v as_o well_o as_o the_o latin_n and_o therefore_o agree_v in_o the_o substantial_o of_o faith_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o that_o i_o havereason_n for_o what_o i_o say_v appear_v from_o this_o that_o after_o the_o latin_n be_v persuade_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v proceed_v from_o the_o son_n they_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o deny_v salvation_n to_o those_o who_o
believe_v otherwise_o pope_n leo_n iii_n assent_v to_o the_o definition_n of_o the_o council_n of_o aquisgrane_fw-la an._n 809._o concern_v the_o procession_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o the_o son_n and_o yet_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n allow_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v add_v to_o the_o creed_n nor_o will_v he_o deny_v salvation_n to_o those_o who_o believe_v otherwise_o but_o when_o that_o question_n be_v ask_v he_o return_v this_o answer_n 30._o that_o whosoever_o have_v subtlety_n enough_o to_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o or_o know_v it_o will_v not_o believe_v it_o can_v be_v save_v but_o there_o be_v many_o and_o this_o among_o the_o rest_n deep_a mystery_n of_o the_o holy_a faith_n which_o all_o can_v reach_v to_o some_o by_o reason_n of_o age_n other_o for_o want_n of_o understanding_n and_o therefore_o as_o we_o say_v before_o he_o that_o can_v and_o will_v can_v be_v save_v and_o therefore_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o command_v the_o constantinopolitan_a creed_n to_o be_v hang_v up_o at_o rome_n in_o a_o silver_n table_n without_o the_o addition_n of_o the_o filioque_fw-la ibid._n nor_o can_v any_o man_n tell_v when_o this_o be_v add_v to_o the_o creed_n however_o we_o never_o read_v the_o greek_n be_v anathematise_v upon_o this_o account_n ibid._n till_o pope_n vrban_n ii_o 1097._o and_o in_o the_o council_n of_o florence_n under_o eugenius_n iu._n 1438_o 9_o joseph_n the_o patriarch_n of_o constantinople_n think_v this_o controversy_n between_o the_o two_o church_n may_v be_v reconcile_v and_o the_o filioque_fw-la add_v in_o a_o sense_n very_o consistent_a with_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o greek_a church_n as_o for_o what_o he_o add_v that_o the_o greek_a church_n condemn_v this_o addition_n as_o heretical_a i_o desire_v to_o know_v what_o greek_a council_n do_v this_o vossius_fw-la he_o very_o diligent_a observer_n 44._o give_v no_o account_n of_o it_o the_o quarrel_n of_o the_o greek_n with_o the_o latin_n be_v that_o they_o undertake_v without_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o general_n council_n to_o add_v to_o the_o creed_n of_o a_o general_n council_n when_o the_o council_n of_o ephesus_n and_o chalcedon_n have_v anathematise_v those_o who_o do_v so_o and_o therefore_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o greek_n anathematise_v the_o latin_a church_n without_o declare_v the_o filioque_fw-la to_o be_v heretical_a and_o as_o that_o learned_a man_n observe_v this_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o the_o schism_n that_o the_o greek_n think_v the_o pope_n of_o rome_n and_o a_o western_a synod_n take_v too_o much_o upon_o themselves_o to_o add_v to_o the_o creed_n of_o a_o general_n council_n by_o their_o own_o authority_n without_o consult_v the_o eastern_a church_n which_o be_v equal_o concern_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o comical_a part_n be_v still_o behind_o for_o he_o say_v the_o greek_n laugh_v at_o athanasius_n be_v menace_v and_o say_v he_o be_v drink_v when_o he_o make_v the_o creed_n and_o for_o this_o he_o refer_v we_o to_o georgius_n scholarius_n or_o gennadius_n who_o be_v make_v patriarch_n of_o constantinople_n by_o mahomet_n when_o he_o have_v take_v that_o city_n i_o confess_v i_o have_v not_o read_v all_o that_o gennadius_n have_v write_v and_o know_v not_o where_o to_o find_v this_o place_n and_o he_o have_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o direct_v we_o but_o this_o i_o know_v that_o whether_o gennadius_n say_v this_o himself_o or_o only_o report_v it_o as_o the_o say_n of_o some_o foolish_a greek_n for_o i_o can_v guess_v by_o our_o author_n which_o it_o be_v whoever_o say_v it_o say_v more_o than_o be_v true_a for_o athanasius_n neither_o make_v the_o creed_n drink_v nor_o sober_a for_o as_o most_o learned_a man_n agree_v he_o never_o make_v it_o at_o all_o though_o it_o bear_v his_o name_n but_o i_o wish_v i_o can_v see_v this_o place_n in_o gennadius_n for_o i_o great_o suspect_v our_o author_n gennadius_n be_v a_o very_a unlikely_a man_n to_o say_v any_o ill_a thing_n of_o athanasius_n upon_o account_n of_o the_o filioque_fw-la who_o himself_o take_v the_o side_n of_o the_o latin_a church_n in_o this_o dispute_n and_o as_o vossius_fw-la relate_v give_v athanasius_n a_o very_a different_a and_o more_o honourable_a character_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1._o the_o great_a athanasius_n the_o preacher_n and_o confessor_n of_o truth_n but_o there_o be_v nothing_o smite_v i_o more_o than_o to_o hear_v this_o arian_n or_o socinian_n or_o whatever_o he_o be_v affirm_v that_o the_o greek_n have_v clear_o and_o demonstrative_o prove_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v from_o the_o father_n only_o for_o that_o which_o be_v prove_v clear_o and_o demonstrative_o i_o hope_v be_v true_a and_o then_o this_o alone_a be_v a_o confutation_n of_o his_o brief_a note_n for_o the_o greek_n teach_v and_o prove_v demonstrative_o as_o he_o say_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n so_o proceed_v from_o the_o father_n only_o as_o to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o substance_n and_o one_o god_n with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o catholic_n faith_n be_v this_o creed_n catholic_n faith_n be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v in_o plain_a english_a the_o faith_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n note_n now_o in_o what_o age_n be_v this_o which_o here_o follow_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o catholic_n faith_n i_o grant_v be_v so_o call_v with_o relation_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n who_o faith_n it_o be_v answer_n and_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v the_o universal_a church_n or_o all_o the_o true_a church_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v all_o but_o one_o whole_a church_n unite_v in_o christ_n their_o head_n the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o worship_n of_o christ_n make_v a_o true_a church_n and_o all_o true_a church_n be_v the_o one_o catholic_n church_n whether_o they_o be_v spread_v over_o all_o the_o world_n or_o shut_v up_o in_o any_o one_o corner_n of_o it_o as_o at_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n the_o catholic_n church_n be_v no_o where_o but_o in_o judaea_n now_o as_o no_o church_n be_v the_o catholic_n church_n of_o christ_n how_o far_o soever_o it_o have_v spread_v itself_o over_o the_o world_n unless_o it_o profess_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n no_o more_o be_v any_o faith_n the_o catholic_n faith_n how_o universal_o soever_o it_o be_v profess_v unless_o it_o be_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n nor_o do_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n cease_v to_o be_v catholic_n how_o few_o soever_o there_o be_v who_o sincere_o profess_v it_o it_o be_v downright_a popery_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o catholic_n church_n by_o its_o multitude_n or_o large_a extent_n or_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n by_o the_o vast_a number_n of_o its_o professor_n be_v there_o but_o one_o true_a church_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n because_o it_o will_v be_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n on_o earth_n and_o be_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n profess_v but_o in_o one_o such_o church_n it_o will_v be_v the_o catholic_n faith_n still_o for_o it_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o whole_a true_a church_n of_o christ_n the_o sincere_a belief_n and_o profession_n of_o which_o make_v a_o catholic_n church_n note_n not_o in_o the_o age_n of_o athanasius_n himself_o who_o for_o this_o faith_n and_o for_o seditious_a practice_n be_v banish_v from_o alexandria_n in_o egypt_n where_o he_o be_v bishop_n no_o less_o than_o four_o time_n whereof_o the_o first_o be_v by_o constantine_n the_o great_a what_o shall_v be_v do_v unto_o thou_o thou_o lie_v tongue_n what_o impudence_n be_v this_o answer_n to_o think_v to_o shame_n the_o world_n at_o this_o time_n a_o day_n with_o such_o story_n as_o these_o when_o the_o case_n of_o athanasius_n be_v so_o well_o know_v or_o may_v be_v even_o to_o english_a reader_n who_o will_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o read_v his_o life_n write_v with_o great_a exactness_n and_o fidelity_n by_o the_o learned_a dr._n cave_n but_o when_o he_o 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he_o be_v but_o one_o christ_n he_o must_v be_v god_n and_o man_n in_o one_o person_n for_o two_o person_n make_v two_o christ_n and_o if_o the_o same_o one_o christ_n be_v both_o god_n and_o man_n than_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n continue_v distinct_a without_o any_o mixture_n or_o confusion_n he_o be_v perfect_a god_n and_o perfect_a man_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o heresy_n of_o nestorius_n and_o eutyches_n the_o first_o of_o who_o divide_v the_o person_n the_o second_o confound_v the_o nature_n the_o first_o make_v god_n and_o man_n two_o distinct_a person_n and_o two_o christ_n the_o second_o swallow_v up_o the_o humanity_n in_o god_n this_o may_v serve_v for_o a_o brief_a vindication_n of_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n that_o it_o teach_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o true_a belief_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n and_o unity_n in_o trinity_n and_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o premise_v this_o to_o 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impartial_a enquiry_n answer_n this_o i_o must_v confess_v be_v as_o artificial_a a_o introduction_n to_o these_o note_n as_o can_v have_v be_v invent_v for_o it_o make_v faith_n a_o very_a useless_a and_o heresy_n a_o very_a innocent_a and_o harmless_a thing_n and_o then_o man_n need_v not_o be_v much_o concern_v what_o they_o believe_v if_o they_o take_v care_n to_o live_v well_o the_o creed_n affirm_v that_o the_o catholic_n faith_n be_v before_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n if_o this_o be_v true_a then_o how_o virtuous_o soever_o man_n live_v they_o may_v be_v damn_v for_o heresy_n and_o this_o be_v a_o dangerous_a point_n and_o will_v make_v man_n too_o much_o afraid_a of_o heresy_n to_o trade_n in_o such_o note_n as_o these_o and_o therefore_o this_o must_v be_v confute_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o take_v off_o the_o dread_n and_o fear_n of_o heresy_n now_o can_v we_o hope_v that_o any_o thing_n shall_v escape_v the_o censure_n of_o such_o a_o critic_n who_o will_v not_o allow_v the_o catholic_n faith_n to_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n for_o if_o the_o catholic_n faith_n be_v not_o necessary_a no_o faith_n be_v and_o then_o we_o may_v be_v save_v without_o faith_n and_o yet_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o be_v justify_v and_o save_v by_o faith_n and_o if_o any_o faith_n save_v we_o i_o suppose_v it_o must_v be_v the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o then_o whoever_o do_v not_o hold_v this_o save_a catholic_n faith_n must_v be_v damn_v so_o that_o at_o best_a he_o have_v place_v this_o note_n wrong_v he_o shall_v only_o have_v oppose_v the_o necessity_n of_o athanasius_n catholic_n faith_n to_o salvation_n not_o of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n in_o general_a and_o yet_o this_o seem_v not_o to_o be_v a_o mistake_n but_o design_n for_o his_o argument_n equal_o hold_v against_o all_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o against_o athanasius_n creed_n and_o will_v serve_v a_o turk_n a_o jew_n or_o a_o pagan_a as_o well_o as_o a_o heretic_n for_o if_o what_o he_o say_v be_v true_a he_o that_o err_v in_o a_o question_n of_o faith_n after_o have_v use_v reasonable_a diligence_n to_o be_v right_o inform_v be_v in_o no_o fault_n at_o all_o how_o come_v a_o atheist_n or_o a_o infidel_n a_o turk_n or_o a_o jew_n to_o be_v in_o any_o fault_n and_o if_o they_o be_v good_a moral_a man_n and_o many_o of_o they_o be_v or_o may_v be_v so_o why_o shall_v they_o be_v damn_v for_o their_o atheism_n or_o infidelity_n for_o their_o not_o believe_v a_o god_n or_o not_o believe_v in_o christ_n at_o all_o for_o be_v not_o these_o question_n of_o faith_n whether_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n and_o whether_o christ_n be_v that_o messiah_n who_o come_v from_o god_n or_o do_v our_o author_n think_v that_o no_o atheist_n or_o infidel_n no_o unbelieving_a jew_n or_o heathen_a ever_o use_v reasonable_a diligence_n to_o be_v right_o inform_v whatever_o he_o can_v say_v against_o their_o reasonable_a diligence_n i_o doubt_v will_v be_v as_o easy_o say_v against_o the_o reasonable_a diligence_n of_o socinian_o and_o other_o heretic_n if_o you_o say_v he_o confine_v this_o to_o such_o point_n as_o have_v always_o be_v controvert_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n i_o desire_v to_o know_v a_o reason_n why_o he_o thus_o confine_v it_o for_o do_v not_o his_o reason_n equal_o extend_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n itself_o as_o to_o those_o point_n which_o have_v be_v controvert_v in_o christian_a church_n and_o why_o then_o shall_v not_o infidel_n as_o well_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o this_o principle_n as_o heretic_n but_o i_o desire_v to_o know_v what_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n have_v not_o be_v controvert_v by_o some_o heretic_n or_o other_o and_o whether_o than_o this_o do_v not_o give_v sufficient_a scope_n to_o infidelity_n to_o renounce_v all_o the_o article_n of_o our_o creed_n which_o have_v be_v deny_v or_o corrupt_v by_o some_o profess_a christian_n but_o what_o he_o will_v insinuate_v in_o this_o that_o these_o point_n of_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n have_v always_o be_v matter_n of_o controversy_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v manifest_o false_a as_o appear_v from_o all_o the_o record_n of_o the_o church_n the_o anti_n nicene_n father_n be_v of_o the_o same_o faith_n before_o the_o definition_n of_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a as_o the_o learned_a dr._n ball_n have_v abundant_o prove_v this_o be_v always_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o those_o heretic_n who_o teach_v otherwise_o either_o separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o church_n or_o be_v fling_v out_o of_o it_o and_o i_o hope_v the_o dispute_n of_o heretic_n against_o the_o catholic_n faith_n shall_v not_o be_v call_v controversy_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o i_o desire_v to_o know_v why_o that_o may_v not_o be_v the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o have_v always_o be_v matter_n of_o controversy_n have_v the_o catholic_n faith_n any_o such_o privilege_n as_o not_o to_o be_v controvert_v or_o be_v it_o a_o sufficient_a proof_n that_o nothing_o be_v a_o point_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n which_o have_v be_v dispute_v and_o controvert_v by_o some_o or_o other_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o man_n of_o perverse_a mind_n may_v dispute_v the_o most_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n then_o if_o any_o faith_n be_v necessary_a it_o may_v be_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o err_v with_o our_o reasonable_a diligence_n in_o such_o necessary_a and_o fundamental_a point_n as_o be_v and_o have_v be_v dispute_v but_o before_o i_o dismiss_v this_o point_n it_o may_v be_v convenient_a to_o instruct_v this_o author_n if_o he_o can_v use_v any_o reasonable_a diligence_n to_o understand_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o salvation_n and_o that_o before_o all_o other_o thing_n to_o
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a_o contempt_n of_o the_o imperial_a order_n and_o another_o council_n be_v appoint_v at_o tyre_n which_o meet_v ann._n 335._o with_o a_o peremptory_a command_n for_o his_o appearance_n where_o he_o first_o except_v against_o the_o competency_n of_o his_o judge_n but_o that_o be_v overrule_v he_o be_v force_v to_o plead_v and_o first_o he_o be_v charge_v with_o oppression_n and_o cruelty_n particular_o towards_o ischyras_n callinicus_n and_o the_o miletian_a bishop_n but_o this_o fell_a of_o itself_o for_o want_v of_o proof_n in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o be_v accuse_v for_o have_v ravish_v a_o woman_n and_o one_o too_o who_o have_v vow_v virginity_n the_o woman_n be_v bring_v into_o the_o council_n and_o there_o own_v the_o fact_n but_o timotheus_n one_o of_o athanasius_n friend_n personate_v athanasius_n and_o ask_v the_o woman_n whether_o he_o have_v ever_o offer_v such_o violence_n to_o she_o she_o suppose_v he_o to_o have_v be_v athanasius_n roundly_o declare_v he_o to_o be_v 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without_o more_o ado_n condemn_v and_o depose_v athanasius_n from_o his_o bishopric_n and_o command_v he_o to_o go_v no_o more_o to_o alexandria_n upon_o this_o he_o withdraw_v himself_o and_o go_v to_o court_n pray_v the_o emperor_n for_o a_o more_o fair_a and_o impartial_a trial_n who_o thereupon_o send_v to_o the_o council_n then_o adjourn_v to_o jerusalem_n to_o come_v to_o constantinople_n and_o make_v good_a their_o charge_n five_o commissioner_n appear_v who_o join_v with_o some_o other_o who_o they_o can_v get_v together_o form_v a_o small_a synod_n but_o not_o dare_v to_o insist_v upon_o their_o former_a accusation_n start_v up_o a_o new_a charge_n more_o like_a to_o take_v at_o court_n viz._n that_o he_o have_v threaten_v to_o stop_v the_o emperor_n fleet_n that_o yearly_o transport_v corn_n from_o alexandria_n to_o constantinople_n which_o be_v as_o true_a and_o as_o probable_a a_o story_n as_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n but_o they_o tell_v this_o with_o such_o confidence_n and_o urge_v the_o ill_a consequence_n of_o it_o so_o home_o upon_o the_o emperor_n that_o they_o prevail_v with_o he_o to_o banish_v athanasius_n to_o trier_n in_o germany_n if_o this_o short_a story_n do_v not_o make_v our_o author_n blush_v he_o be_v possess_v with_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o the_o tyrian_a father_n but_o to_o proceed_v he_o be_v also_o condemn_v in_o his_o own_o life_n time_n by_o six_o council_n as_o a_o heretic_n and_o seditious_a person_n of_o these_o council_n that_o at_o milan_n consist_v of_o three_o hundred_o bishop_n and_o that_o of_o ariminum_n of_o five_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o the_o great_a convention_n of_o bishop_n that_o ever_o be_v this_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n against_o he_o and_o his_o doctrine_n occasion_v that_o famous_a proverb_n athanasius_n against_o all_o the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o world_n against_o athanasius_n answer_n this_o be_v all_o sham._n i_o grant_v athanasius_n be_v condemn_v by_o several_a arian_n conventicle_n which_o he_o profane_o call_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o his_o own_o life_n time_n but_o i_o deny_v that_o he_o be_v condemn_v as_o a_o heretic_n or_o that_o he_o be_v condemn_v for_o his_o faith_n we_o have_v see_v the_o account_n of_o his_o condemnation_n by_o the_o council_n of_o tyre_n already_o and_o for_o what_o pretend_a crime_n he_o be_v condemn_v without_o the_o least_o mention_n of_o his_o heresy_n for_o if_o this_o author_n understand_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o story_n of_o those_o time_n he_o must_v know_v that_o though_o the_o arian_n cause_n be_v vigorous_o and_o furious_o promote_v yet_o it_o be_v do_v more_o covert_o since_o that_o fatal_a blow_n which_o be_v give_v it_o by_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a who_o authority_n be_v too_o sacred_a to_o be_v easy_o bear_v down_o and_o therefore_o they_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o unsettle_v the_o nicene_n faith_n nay_o pretend_a to_o own_o it_o though_o they_o do_v not_o like_o the_o word_n homoousios_a and_o therefore_o form_v various_a creed_n as_o they_o pretend_v to_o the_o same_o sense_n without_o that_o litigious_a word_n which_o show_v that_o it_o be_v not_o time_n of_o day_n for_o they_o to_o accuse_v athanasius_n of_o heresy_n but_o of_o such_o other_o crime_n as_o may_v condemn_v and_o depose_v he_o and_o remove_v he_o out_o of_o the_o way_n that_o he_o may_v not_o hinder_v their_o design_n thus_o in_o the_o council_n at_o antioch_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o constantius_n 341_o the_o old_a calumny_n be_v revive_v against_o athanasius_n and_o he_o depose_v again_o after_o he_o have_v be_v restore_v by_o constantine_n the_o young_a and_o george_n the_o cappadocian_n a_o man_n of_o mean_a birth_n base_a education_n and_o worse_a temper_n for_o they_o can_v find_v no_o better_a man_n that_o will_v accept_v it_o be_v advance_v to_o the_o patriarchal_a chair_n but_o all_o this_o while_n he_o be_v charge_v with_o no_o heresy_n in_o faith_n but_o that_o his_o return_n to_o alexandria_n have_v occasion_v great_a trouble_n and_o sorrow_n there_o and_o the_o effusion_n of_o much_o blood_n that_o be_v condemn_v by_o a_o synod_n and_o not_o restore_v again_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o synod_n he_o re-assumed_n his_o chair_n again_o contrary_a to_o the_o canon_n etc._n etc._n upon_o this_o athanasius_n flee_v to_o rome_n where_o in_o a_o synod_n of_o western_a bishop_n he_o be_v absolve_v and_o restore_v to_o communion_n contrary_a to_o the_o earnest_a solicitation_n of_o the_o council_n of_o antioch_n anno_fw-la 347_o a_o council_n of_o eastern_a and_o western_a bishop_n be_v call_v at_o sardica_n where_o the_o eastern_a bishop_n who_o be_v most_o of_o they_o arian_n or_o favourer_n of_o that_o party_n refuse_v to_o join_v with_o they_o of_o the_o west_n and_o act_v in_o a_o separate_a assembly_n and_o have_v bring_v with_o they_o count_n musonianus_n and_o hesychius_n a_o officer_n of_o the_o
imperial_a palace_n to_o countenance_n and_o promote_v their_o proceed_n and_o have_v bespatter_v athanasius_n with_o all_o the_o ill_a thing_n they_o have_v former_o charge_v he_o with_o and_o try_v in_o vain_a to_o delay_v the_o sentence_n of_o the_o western_a bishop_n they_o proceed_v synodical_o to_o condemn_v and_o depose_v he_o together_o with_o several_a other_o principal_a bishop_n of_o the_o catholic_n party_n of_o all_o which_o they_o publish_v a_o encyclical_a or_o decretal_a epistle_n wherein_o they_o give_v a_o large_a account_n of_o their_o whole_a proceed_n the_o western_a bishop_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n after_o a_o large_a and_o particular_a examination_n of_o athanasius_n case_n and_o all_o matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v to_o he_o acquit_v and_o restore_v he_o and_o have_v hear_v the_o complaint_n make_v to_o the_o synod_n from_o all_o part_n concern_v the_o grievance_n they_o lie_v under_o from_o the_o arian_n faction_n they_o particular_o condemn_v and_o depose_v the_o chief_a head_n of_o that_o party_n and_o banish_v they_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o faithful_a publish_v a_o account_n of_o what_o they_o have_v do_v in_o several_a synodical_a letter_n thus_o far_o it_o be_v pretty_a well_o with_o athanasius_n for_o all_o the_o church_n of_o god_n do_v not_o condemn_v he_o if_o he_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o eastern_a bishop_n in_o a_o schismatical_a conventicle_n he_o be_v absolve_v by_o the_o western_a council_n if_o he_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o arian_n he_o be_v absolve_v by_o the_o catholic_n but_o still_o his_o faith_n be_v no_o matter_n of_o the_o dispute_n but_o now_o the_o zeal_n of_o constantius_n reduce_v athanasius_n to_o great_a extremity_n for_o he_o lie_v at_o arles_n in_o france_n anno_fw-la 353_o a_o synod_n be_v hold_v there_o where_o all_o art_n be_v use_v to_o procure_v the_o condemnation_n of_o athanasius_n at_o least_o by_o refuse_v to_o hold_v communion_n with_o he_o to_o which_o most_o of_o the_o bishop_n yield_v and_o vincentius_n of_o capua_n himself_o the_o pope_n chief_a legate_n subscribe_v the_o condemnation_n paulinus_n of_o trier_n for_o his_o honest_a courage_n and_o constancy_n in_o refuse_v it_o be_v drive_v into_o banishment_n not_o content_v with_o this_o as_o if_o poor_a athanasius_n can_v never_o be_v often_o enough_o condemn_v anno_fw-la 355_o constantius_n go_v to_o milan_n another_o synod_n be_v call_v there_o and_o the_o catholic_n bishop_n be_v strict_o require_v to_o subscribe_v the_o condemnation_n of_o athanasius_n and_o the_o emperor_n himself_o be_v present_a in_o the_o synod_n draw_v his_o sword_n and_o fierce_o tell_v they_o that_o it_o must_v be_v so_o that_o he_o himself_o accuse_v athanasius_n and_o that_o his_o testimony_n ought_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o for_o refuse_v to_o comply_v eusebius_n vercellensis_n lucifer_n caralitanus_n and_o several_a other_o be_v send_v into_o banishment_n this_o be_v the_o council_n which_o as_o our_o author_n tell_v we_o 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speak_v that_o the_o whole_a world_n wonder_v to_o see_v itself_o arian_n by_o such_o council_n and_o by_o such_o art_n as_o these_o athanasius_n be_v condemn_v though_o he_o be_v never_o accuse_v nor_o condemn_v for_o his_o faith_n and_o that_o veneration_n the_o whole_a christian_a world_n have_v have_v ever_o since_o for_o the_o name_n of_o athasius_n be_v a_o sufficient_a vindication_n of_o his_o person_n and_o faith_n notwithstanding_o the_o ill_a usage_n he_o meet_v with_o under_o a_o arian_n emperor_n as_o for_o his_o next_o paragraph_n wherein_o he_o appeal_v to_o the_o late_a arian_n historian_n chr._n sandius_n i_o shall_v only_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o dr._n bull_n be_v answer_n and_o i_o think_v i_o be_o more_o than_o even_o with_o he_o and_o whoever_o will_v read_v and_o consider_v what_o that_o learned_a man_n have_v irrefragable_o prove_v that_o those_o father_n who_o live_v before_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a be_v yet_o of_o the_o same_o faith_n with_o the_o 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and_o whoever_o reject_v they_o whatever_o name_n he_o go_v by_o can_v be_v no_o better_o than_o a_o socinian_n in_o disguise_n but_o however_o there_o be_v no_o text_n allege_v by_o learned_a trinitarian_n but_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o some_o or_o other_o of_o his_o learned_a trinitarian_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v as_o broad_a as_o long_o but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o modern_a expositor_n which_o we_o rely_v on_o but_o their_o reason_n and_o if_o a_o learned_a trinitarian_n shall_v reject_v any_o text_n without_o reason_n or_o learning_n it_o signify_v no_o more_o to_o we_o than_o the_o exposition_n of_o a_o learned_a socinian_n when_o we_o seek_v for_o authority_n we_o go_v high_o to_o the_o primitive_a father_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o there_o we_o find_v it_o they_o not_o only_o deliver_v to_o we_o the_o traditionary_a doctrine_n of_o a_o trinity_n which_o have_v always_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o the_o traditionary_a 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father_n who_o have_v allege_v those_o text_n but_o his_o conclusion_n from_o hence_o that_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o compel_v we_o to_o acknowledge_v a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n because_o the_o unitarian_n and_o some_o or_o other_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a trinitarian_n expound_v these_o text_n to_o another_o sense_n be_v very_o pleasant_a and_o show_v what_o a_o great_a master_n of_o reason_n he_o be_v for_o his_o argument_n be_v this_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o compel_v we_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n while_o there_o be_v other_o man_n who_o expound_v the_o scripture_n to_o a_o contrary_a sense_n and_o thus_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o scripture_n compel_v we_o to_o believe_v nothing_o for_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o name_v any_o text_n which_o concern_v any_o article_n of_o faith_n how_o plain_a and_o express_v soever_o it_o be_v but_o what_o have_v be_v expound_v to_o a_o contrary_a sense_n by_o one_o heretic_n or_o other_o i_o will_v ask_v this_o author_n whether_o the_o scripture_n compel_v he_o to_o believe_v but_o one_o god_n in_o his_o sense_n of_o it_o that_o be_v but_o one_o who_o be_v god_n if_o it_o do_v not_o why_o do_v he_o believe_v it_o and_o insist_v so_o peremptory_o on_o it_o in_o defiance_n of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n and_o yet_o how_o can_v the_o scripture_n compel_v he_o to_o this_o when_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o the_o catholic_n doctor_n in_o all_o age_n have_v expound_v scripture_n to_o a_o contrary_a sense_n that_o there_o be_v three_o divine_a person_n who_o be_v this_o one_o god_n at_o this_o rate_n when_o man_n differ_v in_o their_o exposition_n of_o scripture_n the_o scripture_n do_v not_o compel_v we_o to_o believe_v either_o and_o thus_o notwithstanding_o the_o scripture_n we_o may_v believe_v nothing_o if_o the_o scripture_n have_v a_o determine_a sense_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v that_o sense_n and_o must_v answer_v it_o to_o god_n and_o to_o our_o saviour_n if_o we_o do_v not_o 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not_o that_o be_v like_o fool_n or_o like_o wise_a man_n now_o this_o be_v all_o shame_n and_o fallacy_n for_o to_o expound_v scripture_n by_o reason_n may_v signify_v two_o very_a differeent_fw-mi thing_n 1._o to_o use_v our_o own_o reason_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n 2._o to_o expound_v scripture_n in_o conformity_n to_o the_o principle_n and_o maxim_n of_o natural_a reason_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n he_o expound_v scripture_n according_a to_o reason_n who_o consider_v the_o use_n and_o propriety_n of_o word_n the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o place_n what_o go_v before_o and_o what_o follow_v and_o how_o one_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v consistent_a with_o another_o just_a in_o the_o same_o way_n as_o we_o find_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o any_o humane_a write_n and_o he_o who_o do_v not_o thus_o expound_v scripture_n by_o reason_n expound_v it_o like_o a_o fool_n that_o be_v if_o he_o put_v such_o a_o sense_n upon_o it_o as_o the_o word_n will_v not_o bear_v or_o the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o text_n will_v not_o admit_v and_o as_o no_o man_n will_v think_v of_o who_o be_v not_o prepossess_v and_o prejudice_v against_o what_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o plain_a and_o obvious_a sense_n of_o the_o text_n and_o whether_o they_o or_o we_o in_o this_o sense_n expound_v scripture_n according_a or_o contrary_a to_o reason_n like_o fool_n or_o like_o wise_a man_n shall_v be_v examine_v present_o as_o for_o the_o other_o sense_n of_o expound_v scripture_n according_a to_o reason_n that_o be_v in_o conformity_n to_o the_o principle_n and_o maxim_n of_o natural_a reason_n we_o allow_v this_o too_o so_o far_o that_o we_o must_v not_o expound_v scripture_n to_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o contradict_v the_o plain_a and_o express_v maxim_n of_o natural_a reason_n for_o though_o god_n reveal_v such_o thing_n to_o we_o as_o natural_a reason_n can_v not_o discover_v and_o can_v comprehend_v yet_o revelation_n can_v 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reason_n tell_v we_o that_o three_o divine_a person_n can_v be_v one_o god_n if_o my_o reason_n be_v like_o other_o man_n i_o be_o sure_a my_o reason_n say_v nothing_o at_o all_o about_o it_o do_v neither_o affirm_v nor_o deny_v it_o and_o therefore_o when_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n as_o natural_a reason_n teach_v and_o that_o this_o one_o god_n be_v three_o divine_a person_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n this_o contradict_v nothing_o which_o reason_n teach_v but_o add_v something_o which_o natural_a reason_n can_v not_o discover_v which_o be_v the_o proper_a use_n of_o revelation_n scripture_n teach_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o that_o there_o be_v three_o divine_a person_n who_o be_v this_o one_o god_n reason_n teach_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n but_o do_v not_o teach_v that_o there_o be_v three_o divine_a person_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n nor_o do_v it_o teach_v that_o there_o be_v not_o 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godhead_n it_o teach_v one_o god_n but_o whether_o this_o one_o god_n be_v one_o or_o three_o person_n it_o say_v not_o and_o therefore_o it_o may_v be_v either_o without_o contradict_v the_o natural_a notion_n we_o have_v of_o one_o god_n and_o then_o here_o be_v free_a scope_n for_o revelation_n and_o if_o revelation_n teach_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o that_o there_o be_v three_o divine_a person_n each_o of_o which_o in_o scripture_n have_v not_o only_o the_o title_n but_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n ascribe_v to_o they_o than_o we_o must_v of_o necessity_n believe_v a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n three_o person_n and_o one_o god_n for_o what_o the_o scripture_n affirm_v and_o reason_n do_v not_o deny_v be_v a_o proper_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o then_o their_o objection_n against_o this_o faith_n that_o these_o three_o divine_a person_n must_v be_v three_o distinct_a god_n if_o each_o of_o they_o be_v god_n be_v senseless_a and_o ridiculous_a 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hear_v from_o he_o again_o so_o that_o all_o his_o absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n be_v vanish_v only_o into_o nicodemus_n his_o question_n how_o can_v these_o thing_n be_v and_o if_o i_o can_v give_v he_o no_o other_o answer_n i_o shall_v think_v it_o a_o very_a good_a one_o to_o say_v god_n know_v must_v we_o deny_v every_o thing_n that_o we_o can_v conceive_v and_o comprehend_v though_o it_o be_v express_o teach_v by_o god_n himself_o must_v we_o deny_v what_o we_o read_v in_o the_o bible_n to_o be_v there_o because_o reason_n do_v not_o teach_v it_o and_o can_v frame_v a_o adequate_a idea_n of_o it_o but_o i_o have_v not_o do_v with_o our_o author_n thus_o but_o must_v give_v he_o a_o little_a more_o about_o expound_v scripture_n according_a to_o reason_n for_o i_o affirm_v that_o natural_a reason_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o expound_v scripture_n no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v of_o expound_v any_o other_o write_v the_o true_a and_o only_a way_n to_o interpret_v any_o write_n even_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o be_v to_o examine_v the_o use_n and_o propriety_n of_o word_n and_o phrase_n the_o connexion_n scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o text_n its_o allusion_n to_o ancient_a custom_n and_o usage_n or_o dispute_n etc._n etc._n for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o good_a reason_n to_o be_v give_v for_o any_o exposition_n but_o that_o the_o word_n signify_v so_o and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o place_n and_o the_o apparent_a scope_n of_o the_o writer_n require_v it_o but_o our_o author_n as_o many_o other_o do_v seem_v to_o confound_v the_o reason_n of_o believe_v any_o doctrine_n with_o the_o rule_n of_o expound_v a_o write_n we_o must_v believe_v nothing_o that_o contradict_v the_o plain_a and_o express_v dictate_v of_o natural_a reason_n which_o all_o mankind_n agree_v in_o whatever_o pretence_n of_o revelation_n there_o be_v for_o it_o well_o say_v they_o than_o you_o must_v expound_v scripture_n so_o as_o to_o make_v it_o agree_v with_o the_o necessary_a principle_n and_o dictate_v of_o reason_n no_o say_v i_o that_o do_v not_o follow_v i_o must_v expound_v scripture_n according_a to_o the_o use_n and_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n and_o must_v not_o force_v my_o own_o sense_n on_o it_o if_o it_o will_v not_o bear_v it_o but_o suppose_v then_o that_o the_o natural_a construction_n of_o the_o word_n import_v such_o a_o sense_n as_o be_v contrary_n to_o some_o evident_a principle_n of_o reason_n then_o i_o will_v believe_v it_o how_o not_o believe_v scripture_n no_o no_o i_o will_v believe_v no_o pretend_a revelation_n which_o contradict_v the_o plain_n dictate_v of_o reason_n which_o all_o mankind_n agree_v in_o and_o be_v i_o persuade_v that_o those_o book_n which_o we_o call_v the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v so_o i_o will_v not_o believe_v they_o and_o this_o be_v a_o fair_a and_o honest_a way_n than_o to_o force_v they_o to_o speak_v what_o they_o never_o intend_v and_o what_o every_o impartial_a man_n who_o read_v they_o must_v think_v be_v never_o intend_v that_o we_o may_v believe_v they_o to_o put_v our_o own_o sense_n on_o scripture_n without_o respect_n to_o the_o use_n of_o word_n and_o to_o the_o reason_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o text_n be_v not_o to_o believe_v scripture_n but_o to_o make_v it_o be_v not_o to_o learn_v from_o scripture_n but_o to_o teach_v it_o to_o speak_v our_o language_n be_v not_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n but_o to_o make_v scripture_n submit_v to_o our_o reason_n even_o in_o such_o matter_n as_o be_v confess_o above_o reason_n as_o the_o infinite_a nature_n and_o essence_n of_o god_n be_v though_o i_o be_o never_o so_o well_o assure_v of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o any_o book_n yet_o i_o must_v expound_v it_o as_o i_o do_v other_o write_n for_o
thing_n which_o be_v the_o explication_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d beget_v before_o the_o whole_a creation_n and_o therefore_o no_o part_n of_o the_o creation_n himself_o and_o by_o he_o all_o thing_n consist_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d all_o thing_n be_v not_o only_o make_v by_o he_o but_o have_v their_o subsistence_n in_o he_o as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o in_o god_n we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v that_o this_o do_v not_o relate_v to_o the_o new_a creation_n as_o the_o socinian_o will_v have_v it_o be_v very_o plain_a for_o 1._o in_o this_o sense_n christ_n if_o he_o be_v mere_a man_n be_v not_o the_o first-born_a of_o every_o new_a creature_n for_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o new_a creature_n that_o be_v true_o good_a and_o pious_a man_n before_o christ_n be_v bear_v of_o his_o virgin_n mother_n 2._o nor_o in_o this_o sense_n be_v all_o thing_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n visible_a and_o invisible_a throne_n dominion_n principality_n and_o power_n that_o be_v all_o the_o order_n of_o angel_n create_v by_o he_o for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o visible_a thing_n especial_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n when_o so_o little_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v not_o new_o make_v by_o he_o and_o none_o of_o the_o invisible_a thing_n be_v new_o make_v by_o he_o good_a angel_n do_v not_o need_v it_o and_o he_o come_v not_o to_o convert_v fall_v angel_n but_o to_o destroy_v the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o judge_v they_o in_o the_o next_o 3._o nor_o in_o this_o sense_n be_v all_o thing_n make_v for_o he_o for_o he_o be_v a_o mediator_n for_o god_n to_o reduce_v mankind_n to_o their_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n to_o he_o and_o therefore_o when_o he_o have_v accomplish_v his_o work_n of_o mediation_n and_o destroy_v all_o enemy_n in_o the_o final_a judgement_n of_o the_o world_n he_o shall_v deliver_v up_o his_o kingdom_n to_o his_o father_n that_o god_n may_v be_v all_o in_o all_o of_o which_o more_o present_o 4._o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n proceed_v from_o his_o creation_n of_o the_o natural_a world_n to_o his_o mediatory_a kingdom_n which_o prove_v that_o he_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o that_o before_o and_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o body_n the_o church_n 14._o who_o be_v the_o beginning_n the_o first-born_a from_o the_o dead_a that_o in_o all_o thing_n he_o may_v have_v the_o pre-eminence_n as_o the_o maker_n of_o all_o thing_n visible_a and_o invisible_a he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v before_o all_o thing_n beget_v of_o his_o father_n before_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n as_o head_n of_o the_o church_n he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d also_o the_o beginning_n the_o first_o who_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o first_o upon_o all_o account_n before_o the_o world_n and_o the_o first-born_a from_o the_o dead_a that_o he_o be_v god_n minister_n and_o servant_n he_o prove_v by_o several_a text_n as_o that_o he_o be_v appoint_v or_o make_v which_o have_v the_o same_o sense_n by_o god_n 6._o the_o apostle_n and_o highpriest_n of_o our_o profession_n but_o here_o be_v a_o restriction_n to_o his_o be_v highpriest_n 2._o and_o therefore_o no_o danger_n of_o blasphemy_n though_o he_o be_v god_n for_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o though_o the_o jewish_a highpriest_n be_v but_o a_o man_n yet_o he_o be_v a_o type_n of_o a_o highpriest_n who_o be_v more_o than_o man_n even_o the_o eternal_a son_n and_o word_n of_o god_n as_o some_o of_o the_o learned_a jew_n acknowledge_v for_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a proper_a mediator_n and_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n as_o philo_z judoeus_fw-la often_o call_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o word_n the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o highpriest_n and_o show_v that_o the_o garment_n of_o the_o highpriest_n be_v figure_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n which_o seem_v to_o signify_v that_o the_o eternal_a word_n which_o make_v the_o world_n be_v the_o true_a highpriest_n and_o the_o story_n josephus_n tell_v of_o alexander_n look_v this_o way_n that_o when_o jaddus_n the_o highpriest_n go_v out_o to_o meet_v he_o dress_v in_o all_o his_o pontifical_a attire_n he_o approach_v he_o with_o great_a reverence_n and_o veneration_n and_o his_o captain_n wonder_v at_o it_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o that_o god_n who_o appear_v to_o he_o and_o send_v he_o upon_o that_o expedition_n and_o promise_v he_o victory_n and_o success_n appear_v to_o he_o in_o that_o very_a habit._n i_o be_o sure_a the_o apostle_n distinguish_v christ_n from_o high-priest_n take_v from_o among_o man_n and_o make_v his_o sonship_n the_o foundation_n of_o his_o priesthood_n 1._o christ_n glorify_v not_o himself_o to_o be_v make_v a_o highpriest_n which_o show_v that_o it_o be_v no_o servile_a ministry_n but_o he_o that_o say_v unto_o he_o thou_o be_v my_o son_n this_o day_n have_v i_o beget_v thou_o as_o he_o say_v also_o in_o another_o place_n 6._o thou_o be_v a_o priest_n for_o ever_o after_o the_o order_n of_o melchizedec_n and_o what_o the_o mystery_n of_o this_o melchizedecian_a priesthood_n be_v he_o explain_v 7_o hebrew_n 2.3_o that_o melchizedec_n be_v first_o by_o interpretation_n king_n of_o righteousness_n and_o after_o that_o also_o king_n of_o salem_n which_o be_v king_n of_o peace_n without_o father_n without_o mother_n without_o descent_n have_v neither_o begin_n of_o day_n nor_o end_n of_o life_n but_o make_v like_a unto_o the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o priest_n continual_o 3.23_o as_o for_o his_o next_o quotation_n that_o christ_n be_v god_n i_o know_v not_o what_o he_o mean_v by_o it_o for_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o christ_n be_v god_n son_n god_n christ_n god_n highpriest_n serve_v the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o what_o then_o therefore_o he_o be_v not_o god_n by_o no_o mean_n he_o may_v conclude_v that_o therefore_o he_o be_v not_o god_n the_o father_n because_o he_o act_v subordinate_o not_o that_o therefore_o he_o be_v not_o god_n the_o son_n his_o next_o proof_n be_v that_o god_n call_v he_o his_o servant_n by_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n but_o it_o be_v his_o servant_n in_o who_o his_o soul_n be_v well-pleased_a 18._o which_o be_v the_o peculiar_a character_n of_o his_o son_n and_o be_v that_o very_a testimony_n which_o god_n give_v to_o christ_n at_o his_o baptism_n by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n 17._o in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v his_o next_o proof_n be_v that_o he_o humble_v himself_o 8.9_o and_o become_v obedient_a which_o be_v all_o he_o cite_v but_o what_o do_v he_o prove_v from_o this_o that_o obedience_n be_v part_n of_o his_o humiliation_n and_o what_o then_o therefore_o he_o be_v not_o god_n because_o he_o voluntary_o condescend_v below_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o nature_n do_v he_o forfeit_v the_o dignity_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o plain_a case_n as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o in_o that_o place_n that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o form_n of_o god_n think_v it_o not_o robbery_n to_o be_v equal_a with_o god_n but_o make_v himself_o of_o no_o reputation_n and_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n and_o be_v make_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n and_o be_v find_v in_o fashion_n as_o a_o man_n he_o humble_v himself_o and_o become_v obedient_a unto_o death_n even_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross._n and_o this_o be_v a_o wonderful_a proof_n that_o he_o be_v not_o god_n because_o be_v in_o the_o form_n of_o god_n that_o be_v be_v god_n he_o voluntary_o condescend_v to_o the_o mean_a and_o most_o servile_a state_n of_o human_a nature_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o sinner_n but_o the_o sting_n of_o all_o be_v behind_o that_o for_o this_o submission_n and_o obedience_n he_o be_v reward_v and_o exalt_v by_o god_n and_o a_o god_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o a_o reward_n or_o exaltation_n be_v supreme_a himself_o and_o yet_o as_o it_o follow_v for_o this_o god_n have_v high_o exalt_v he_o and_o give_v he_o a_o name_n above_o every_o name_n now_o it_o seem_v very_o strange_a to_o i_o that_o christ_n advancement_n to_o the_o supreme_a government_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v make_v a_o argument_n against_o his_o be_v god_n or_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n for_o be_v it_o fit_v and_o congruous_a for_o god_n to_o make_v a_o mere_a creature_n the_o universal_a lord_n and_o sovereign_n of_o the_o world_n to_o advance_v a_o mere_a man_n above_o the_o most_o glorious_a angel_n to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o all_o principality_n and_o power_n which_o will_v be_v a_o indignity_n to_o the_o angelical_a