christian_n to_o believe_v concern_v this_o point_n iii_o what_o ill_a consequence_n can_v attend_v such_o a_o faith_n first_o then_o i_o be_o to_o inquire_v what_o it_o be_v that_o perplex_v and_o obscure_v our_o faith_n in_o the_o holy_a trinity_n for_o before_o i_o enter_v upon_o a_o distinct_a and_o particular_a consideration_n of_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o point_v out_o some_o of_o the_o principal_a cause_n which_o have_v occasion_v so_o many_o false_a absurd_a and_o ineffectual_a exposition_n of_o it_o and_o they_o be_v these_o four_o the_o prejudice_n and_o bigotry_n of_o man_n indiscreet_o pious_a the_o vanity_n and_o design_n of_o such_o as_o value_v themselves_o upon_o invent_v new_a notion_n or_o laugh_v at_o the_o old_a one_o the_o not_o discern_v or_o consider_v the_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o our_o knowledge_n and_o last_o a_o imprudent_a choice_n of_o improper_a way_n of_o expression_n the_o two_o first_o of_o these_o have_v a_o general_a influence_n upon_o all_o religious_a controversy_n but_o be_v more_o especial_o concern_v in_o this_o for_o there_o be_v never_o more_o room_n for_o superstitious_a and_o rigorous_a imposition_n nor_o fair_a advantage_n for_o cavil_v and_o draw_v absurd_a consequence_n than_o where_o a_o mystery_n be_v the_o subject_a of_o debate_n there_o be_v some_o who_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v concern_v and_o cry_v out_o as_o if_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v overturning_a when_o any_o particular_a scheme_n or_o notion_n they_o be_v fond_a of_o be_v call_v in_o question_n on_o the_o other_o side_n i_o have_v no_o small_a reason_n to_o believe_v there_o be_v several_a who_o strike_v at_o christianity_n itself_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o bring_v down_o the_o value_n of_o mystery_n and_o indeed_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o general_a temper_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o there_o be_v more_o superstition_n and_o infidelity_n in_o the_o world_n than_o true_a religion_n for_o believe_v every_o thing_n and_o believe_v nothing_o a_o sudden_a veneration_n or_o contempt_n of_o whatsoever_o be_v propose_v to_o we_o equal_o gratify_v the_o lazy_a inclination_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o love_v a_o easy_a undisturbed_a course_n of_o thought_n and_o be_v very_o difficult_o bring_v to_o endure_v the_o labour_n of_o attention_n and_o enquiry_n nay_o of_o those_o who_o seem_v to_o have_v conquer_v this_o trouble_n there_o be_v few_o who_o lay_v themselves_o out_o in_o a_o free_a and_o impartial_a search_n of_o truth_n but_o be_v whole_o employ_v in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o some_o notion_n they_o have_v beforehand_o take_v up_o and_o be_v resolve_v to_o maintain_v they_o be_v already_o determine_v what_o to_o believe_v and_o only_o seek_v out_o argument_n to_o justify_v or_o recommend_v their_o opinion_n to_o other_o how_o far_o these_o general_a reflection_n be_v applicable_a to_o the_o present_a case_n have_v be_v hint_v already_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o discourse_n where_o it_o be_v very_o discernible_a from_o the_o way_n and_o method_n make_v use_v of_o for_o settle_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n that_o prejudice_n and_o vanity_n a_o false_a zeal_n and_o a_o ill-grounded_a contempt_n have_v have_v a_o large_a share_n in_o the_o management_n of_o this_o controversy_n another_o reason_n why_o our_o endeavour_n of_o expound_v this_o point_n have_v be_v vain_a and_o unsuccessful_a be_v the_o want_n of_o discern_v or_o consider_v the_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o our_o knowledge_n from_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o oftentimes_o we_o strive_v to_o soar_v above_o our_o pitch_n and_o imagine_v we_o understand_v some_o thing_n better_o than_o real_o we_o do_v but_o especial_o man_n of_o abstract_a think_v be_v very_o apt_a to_o deceive_v themselves_o with_o false_a idea_n and_o be_v firm_o persuade_v they_o conceive_v thing_n distinct_o which_o they_o have_v but_o a_o confuse_a notion_n of_o as_o for_o instance_n it_o have_v be_v deliver_v down_o as_o the_o constant_a faith_n of_o a_o long_a succession_n of_o eminent_a philosopher_n that_o the_o whole_a substance_n nature_n and_o essence_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v whole_o and_o entire_o in_o all_o the_o body_n consider_v together_o and_o whole_o and_o entire_o in_o every_o single_a particle_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v a_o notion_n which_o at_o first_o view_n have_v a_o great_a appearance_n of_o truth_n and_o clearness_n and_o be_v such_o as_o the_o understanding_n ready_o close_v with_o but_o if_o we_o will_v strict_o and_o distinct_o examine_v ourselves_o what_o we_o mean_v by_o those_o term_n i_o believe_v we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o give_v but_o a_o very_a obscure_a account_n of_o our_o opinion_n and_o at_o last_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v we_o understand_v no_o more_o than_o this_o by_o they_o that_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o all_o the_o operation_n perform_v in_o the_o body_n but_o so_o it_o sometime_o happen_v that_o we_o be_v transport_v too_o far_o in_o our_o inquiry_n after_o hide_a truth_n till_o we_o be_v lose_v in_o speculation_n and_o vain_o think_v to_o fathom_n the_o depth_n of_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n without_o consider_v the_o shortness_n of_o our_o time_n whereas_o we_o ought_v rather_o to_o examine_v and_o find_v out_o the_o bound_n of_o our_o thought_n know_v the_o just_a extent_n and_o compass_n of_o our_o understanding_n and_o then_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o what_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o without_o desire_v to_o know_v more_o than_o we_o can_v or_o pretend_v to_o know_v more_o than_o we_o do_v but_o further_a the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n have_v suffer_v very_o much_o by_o the_o discourse_n make_v about_o it_o upon_o another_o account_n and_o that_o be_v that_o some_o of_o the_o author_n of_o such_o discourse_n have_v imprudent_o make_v choice_n of_o improper_a way_n of_o expression_n either_o perplex_v plain_a revelation_n too_o much_o with_o philosophical_a term_n and_o nicety_n or_o expose_v the_o faith_n to_o contempt_n by_o homely_a indecent_a simile_n and_o disproportionate_a comparison_n now_o to_o keep_v clear_a of_o all_o those_o rock_n i_o have_v discover_v other_o to_o have_v split_v upon_o i_o have_v endeavour_v what_o i_o can_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 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 2._o and_o thus_o have_v clear_v the_o way_n and_o remove_v every_o thing_n which_o i_o think_v may_v obstruct_v or_o misguide_v my_o inquiry_n i_o come_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o consider_v the_o doctrine_n itself_o and_o faithful_o and_o impartial_o to_o examine_v 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 for_o certain_o he_o believe_v enough_o and_o can_v in_o reason_n be_v tax_v for_o a_o narrow_a defective_a faith_n who_o believe_v as_o much_o as_o be_v require_v of_o he_o for_o the_o better_a proceed_n in_o which_o enquiry_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o this_o as_o a_o evident_a truth_n which_o every_o man_n will_v grant_v i_o that_o nothing_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v 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 but_o here_o i_o will_v be_v understand_v as_o to_o the_o last_o part_n of_o the_o assertion_n only_o of_o such_o matter_n which_o be_v know_v to_o we_o no_o other_o way_n than_o by_o revelation_n for_o in_o several_a other_o case_n i_o confess_v we_o may_v be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v mere_o upon_o humane_a testimony_n nay_o even_o revelation_n itself_o as_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n claim_v our_o assent_n upon_o no_o high_a a_o ground_n but_o further_a i_o shall_v take_v this_o for_o grant_v too_o 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 instance_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
themselves_o sufficient_a to_o show_v what_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n be_v for_o who_o but_o one_o that_o believe_v that_o christ_n be_v god_n can_v say_v with_o st._n paul_n i_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n that_o strengthen_v i_o or_o with_o st._n stephen_n at_o the_o instant_n of_o death_n cry_v out_o lord_n jesus_n receive_v my_o spirit_n from_o these_o and_o many_o other_o text_n it_o seem_v plain_a to_o i_o that_o christ_n be_v worship_v and_o acknowledge_v as_o god_n and_o that_o therefore_o he_o ought_v so_o to_o be_v worship_v and_o acknowledge_v we_o have_v all_o the_o same_o reason_n to_o believe_v as_o we_o have_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a the_o establishment_n of_o a_o false_a worship_n be_v a_o thorough_a disproof_n of_o the_o authority_n that_o command_v it_o suppose_v therefore_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v no_o way_n of_o elude_v this_o argument_n but_o by_o give_v another_o interpretation_n to_o all_o those_o place_n which_o seem_v to_o ascribe_v divine_a honour_n to_o christ_n which_o can_v no_o otherwise_o be_v do_v than_o by_o frame_v a_o particular_a dialect_n for_o this_o purpose_n and_o give_v new_a signification_n to_o word_n when_o apply_v to_o our_o saviour_n which_o they_o never_o have_v before_o when_o use_v upon_o other_o occasion_n i_o shall_v not_o enter_v upon_o a_o particular_a proof_n of_o this_o but_o pass_v on_o to_o another_o argument_n i_o observe_v from_o scripture_n which_o give_v i_o further_a assurance_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o son_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o whole_a proposition_n before_o advance_v and_o that_o be_v the_o character_n of_o jesus_n christ_n consider_v mere_o as_o a_o man._n now_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o david_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n be_v represent_v by_o all_o the_o evangelist_n as_o have_v his_o conversation_n in_o this_o world_n with_o all_o lowliness_n and_o humility_n and_o with_o perfect_a holiness_n and_o unblameableness_n of_o life_n and_o it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a that_o a_o person_n of_o this_o character_n shall_v have_v suffer_v any_o title_n to_o have_v be_v give_v he_o any_o honour_n or_o respect_n to_o have_v be_v pay_v he_o which_o be_v not_o strict_o and_o indispensable_o due_a to_o he_o much_o less_o have_v take_v the_o honour_n and_o worship_n peculiar_a to_o god_n only_o to_o himself_o if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v infallible_o conscious_a that_o of_o a_o truth_n god_n dwell_v in_o he_o i_o can_v possible_o conceive_v that_o one_o who_o decline_v all_o appearance_n of_o grandeur_n dominion_n and_o authority_n shall_v have_v allow_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o look_v like_o worship_n or_o adoration_n or_o may_v have_v be_v mistake_v for_o it_o or_o that_o he_o who_o know_v he_o be_v believe_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o such_o a_o sense_n which_o some_o thought_n blasphemy_n will_v not_o have_v undeceive_v his_o follower_n and_o justify_v himself_o to_o his_o enemy_n have_v he_o not_o real_o be_v what_o it_o be_v blasphemy_n to_o have_v pretend_v to_o be_v if_o he_o be_v not_o i_o may_v easy_o pursue_v these_o reflection_n a_o great_a deal_n further_o and_o bring_v more_o argument_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o have_v assert_v that_o these_o name_n or_o title_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v apply_v in_o scripture_n to_o the_o one_o true_a god_n but_o i_o judge_v it_o altogether_o unnecessary_a not_o only_o because_o it_o have_v be_v full_o make_v out_o already_o in_o several_a set_v discourse_n upon_o this_o subject_a but_o because_o it_o be_v so_o plain_o and_o express_o reveal_v that_o i_o be_o very_o persuade_v every_o man_n that_o read_v will_v believe_v be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o additional_a explication_n such_o a_o belief_n be_v charge_v with_o 3._o which_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v and_o indeed_o here_o lie_v the_o whole_a difficulty_n of_o the_o matter_n the_o main_a stress_n of_o the_o controversy_n for_o that_o god_n shall_v be_v call_v father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v as_o easy_o to_o be_v believe_v as_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v call_v adonai_n elohim_n and_o jehovah_n that_o the_o same_o thing_n shall_v be_v signify_v and_o express_v by_o several_a name_n be_v no_o such_o incredible_a mystery_n but_o if_o we_o allow_v that_o these_o term_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o apply_v to_o god_n in_o scripture_n it_o be_v not_o think_v sufficient_a to_o say_v that_o these_o be_v three_o several_a name_n which_o signify_v god_n but_o we_o be_v further_o require_v to_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v one_o and_o three_o the_o same_o god_n but_o three_o different_a hypostasis_n or_o person_n and_o that_o one_o of_o these_o three_o hypostasis_n or_o person_n be_v both_o god_n and_o man._n these_o be_v the_o hard_a say_n which_o puzzle_v some_o man_n understanding_n and_o make_v they_o choose_v rather_o to_o wrest_v and_o pervert_v the_o plain_a text_n than_o admit_v such_o seem_o inconsistent_a consequence_n here_o therefore_o i_o shall_v examine_v what_o ground_n there_o be_v in_o scripture_n for_o such_o a_o exposition_n and_o what_o we_o be_v oblige_v from_o thence_o to_o believe_v when_o we_o express_v our_o faith_n in_o this_o particular_a manner_n first_o then_o as_o to_o these_o form_n of_o expression_n that_o god_n be_v one_o and_o three_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o these_o name_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v apply_v to_o god_n in_o scripture_n in_o a_o different_a way_n from_o what_o any_o of_o his_o other_o name_n be_v for_o the_o other_o name_n of_o god_n signify_v only_o partial_a conception_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n such_o as_o self-existence_n power_n etc._n etc._n and_o be_v all_o contain_v within_o the_o same_o idea_n of_o god_n and_o so_o be_v indifferent_o use_v upon_o any_o occasion_n to_o express_v the_o whole_a idea_n of_o god_n to_o which_o they_o belong_v which_o be_v the_o same_o under_o every_o denomination_n these_o therefore_o can_v be_v the_o foundation_n of_o any_o distinction_n in_o the_o godhead_n but_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n according_a to_o our_o way_n of_o conceive_a thing_n signify_v something_o extrinsical_a and_o accessary_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o much_o as_o we_o know_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n by_o reason_n the_o whole_a idea_n of_o god_n be_v conceive_v as_o full_a and_o complete_a before_o the_o application_n of_o these_o term_n and_o though_o all_o of_o they_o are_z separately_z and_o together_o affirm_v of_o god_n yet_o each_o of_o they_o in_o so_o peculiar_a a_o manner_n that_o there_o be_v several_a occasion_n where_o when_o one_o of_o these_o term_n be_v use_v with_o relation_n to_o god_n it_o will_v be_v improper_a to_o use_v either_o of_o the_o other_o from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o these_o three_o name_n of_o god_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n must_v denote_v a_o threefold_a difference_n or_o distinction_n belong_v to_o god_n but_o such_o as_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o unity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o each_o of_o these_o name_n include_v the_o whole_a idea_n we_o have_v of_o god_n and_o something_o more_o so_o far_o as_o they_o express_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n they_o all_o adequate_o and_o exact_o signify_v the_o same_o it_o be_v the_o additional_a signification_n which_o make_v all_o the_o distinction_n betwixt_o they_o what_o particular_a kind_n or_o manner_n of_o distinction_n this_o be_v be_v not_o express_v in_o scripture_n but_o since_o the_o church_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o assign_v a_o name_n for_o it_o that_o of_o person_n seem_v to_o i_o as_o proper_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o whole_a tenor_n and_o design_n of_o the_o holy_a write_n as_o any_o other_o that_o can_v have_v be_v choose_v for_o that_o purpose_n for_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n whether_o we_o consider_v the_o primitive_a sense_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o word_n the_o general_a and_o constant_a use_n of_o they_o or_o the_o particular_a connexion_n and_o circumstance_n in_o which_o they_o be_v mention_v in_o scripture_n have_v plain_o a_o personal_a signification_n each_o of_o they_o without_o any_o figure_n of_o speech_n be_v determine_v to_o signify_v some_o intelligent_a be_v act_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v there_o relate_v there_o need_v no_o proof_n of_o this_o the_o plain_a distinction_n of_o person_n import_v by_o those_o term_n be_v the_o chief_a argument_n make_v use_v of_o to_o show_v that_o they_o can_v all_o be_v apply_v to_o god_n but_o must_v necessary_o signify_v three_o distinct_a being_n but_o that_o they_o be_v all_o apply_v to_o god_n in_o scripture_n have_v be_v prove_v already_o and_o therefore_o father_n son_n and_o
holy_a ghost_n may_v be_v consider_v as_o person_n or_o personal_a character_n which_o do_v not_o imply_v any_o distinction_n of_o be_v or_o nature_n the_o greek_n be_v suppose_v to_o have_v mean_v the_o same_o by_o hypostasis_n as_o we_o do_v by_o person_n this_o word_n be_v sometime_o the_o very_a translation_n of_o the_o other_o and_o if_o so_o there_o be_v the_o same_o ground_n for_o the_o use_n of_o both_o but_o if_o they_o mean_v any_o thing_n else_o they_o can_v hardly_o have_v so_o good_a warrant_n for_o it_o from_o revelation_n now_o that_o one_o of_o these_o person_n or_o hypostasis_n shall_v be_v both_o god_n and_o man_n there_o be_v this_o foundation_n in_o the_o scripture_n for_o he_o who_o be_v there_o call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v certain_o appear_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n be_v in_o all_o respect_n sin_n only_o except_v true_o and_o proper_o man_n as_o his_o birth_n necessity_n suffering_n and_o death_n sufficient_o testify_v it_o be_v certain_a also_o that_o the_o same_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o be_v make_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n be_v affirm_v by_o st._n paul_n phil._n 3._o 7_o 8._o to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o form_n of_o god_n when_o he_o take_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n upon_o he_o but_o beside_o this_o and_o many_o other_o text_n to_o the_o same_o effect_n it_o be_v plain_a from_o what_o before_o have_v be_v prove_v that_o god_n do_v suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v worship_v and_o adore_v in_o and_o by_o the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n the_o least_o that_o can_v be_v infer_v from_o which_o be_v that_o god_n be_v more_o immediate_o and_o peculiar_o present_a in_o christ_n than_o ever_o he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v any_o where_o else_o as_o in_o the_o heaven_n jewish_a temple_n between_o the_o cherubim_n in_o prophet_n and_o holy_a man_n who_o speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n what_o create_v object_n be_v ever_o allow_v to_o intercept_v the_o worship_n pay_v to_o god_n or_o share_v with_o he_o in_o it_o be_v the_o heaven_n the_o temple_n the_o cherubin_n or_o prophet_n to_o be_v adore_v nay_o have_v not_o god_n take_v a_o particular_a care_n to_o preserve_v man_n from_o idolatry_n by_o forbid_v they_o to_o worship_v he_o in_o or_o by_o any_o sensible_a representation_n do_v not_o the_o apostle_n who_o worship_v christ_n forbid_v other_o to_o worship_n man_n of_o like_a passion_n with_o 15._o themselves_o command_v they_o to_o direct_v all_o their_o devotion_n to_o the_o live_a god_n who_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n how_o then_o can_v we_o suppose_v that_o christ_n be_v only_o a_o mere_a man_n or_o some_o other_o creature_n and_o not_o rather_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n dwell_v in_o he_o bodily_a but_o here_o it_o be_v object_v how_o can_v god_n and_o man_n be_v unite_v and_o to_o this_o i_o must_v fair_o answer_v that_o i_o can_v tell_v i_o have_v confess_v already_o in_o the_o account_n i_o have_v give_v of_o those_o notion_n of_o unity_n and_o distinction_n that_o i_o have_v not_o any_o just_a or_o distinct_a conception_n of_o the_o union_n of_o spiritual_a being_n either_o with_o body_n or_o with_o one_o another_o but_o this_o i_o will_v venture_v to_o say_v that_o i_o can_v as_o well_o conceive_v god_n and_o man_n together_o under_o one_o idea_n at_o one_o view_n as_o i_o can_v conceive_v a_o soul_n and_o body_n so_o unite_v all_o that_o i_o know_v of_o the_o union_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v that_o there_o be_v some_o intelligent_a power_n that_o make_v use_v of_o the_o organ_n of_o my_o body_n and_o act_n in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o motion_n there_o produce_v and_o i_o may_v as_o well_o consider_v god_n unite_v to_o man_n when_o he_o so_o act_v by_o the_o ministry_n and_o operation_n of_o man_n that_o the_o action_n of_o god_n seem_v convey_v to_o we_o the_o same_o way_n as_o the_o action_n of_o one_o man_n be_v to_o another_o have_v those_o who_o upon_o some_o occasion_n speak_v by_o the_o extraordinary_a assistance_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n be_v constant_o so_o direct_v and_o assist_v how_o will_v they_o have_v distinguish_v the_o motion_n of_o their_o soul_n from_o the_o impression_n of_o god_n and_o why_o then_o shall_v not_o we_o think_v such_o a_o extraordinary_a power_n as_o this_o as_o much_o unite_a to_o such_o man_n as_o that_o common_a ordinary_a power_n we_o call_v the_o soul_n be_v to_o those_o body_n in_o which_o it_o act_n and_o exert_n itself_o some_o have_v be_v of_o opinion_n that_o what_o we_o call_v the_o soul_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o constant_a regular_a inspiration_n or_o a_o determinate_a concurrence_n of_o god_n almighty_n with_o such_o and_o such_o motion_n and_o capacity_n of_o matter_n but_o whether_o this_o be_v so_o or_o no_o as_o most_o probable_o it_o be_v not_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o very_o plain_a from_o scripture_n that_o such_o a_o power_n which_o we_o ascribe_v to_o god_n do_v as_o constant_o and_o regular_o act_n in_o and_o through_o christ_n as_o the_o human_a soul_n be_v perceive_v to_o do_v in_o any_o other_o man_n as_o appear_v from_o his_o absolute_a security_n from_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n and_o error_n from_o his_o constant_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o design_n of_o man_n and_o the_o will_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n and_o from_o his_o readiness_n and_o ability_n to_o work_v miracle_n at_o any_o time_n and_o upon_o any_o occasion_n all_o which_o be_v manifest_a token_n of_o a_o uninterrupted_a presence_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o deity_n especial_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o calmness_n and_o evenness_n of_o spirit_n observable_a in_o our_o saviour_n entire_o free_a from_o all_o the_o transport_v of_o overrule_a impression_n it_o be_v a_o further_a argument_n that_o he_o do_v not_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n at_o time_n or_o by_o measure_n but_o be_v as_o conscious_a of_o all_o the_o divine_a perfection_n in_o himself_o as_o a_o man_n be_v conscious_a of_o his_o own_o thought_n such_o be_v the_o ground_n we_o find_v in_o scripture_n for_o those_o particular_a explication_n of_o the_o trinity_n beforementioned_a in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o be_v to_o inquire_v what_o the_o scripture_n necessary_o oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v in_o this_o point_n but_o before_o this_o question_n can_v be_v resolve_v there_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v premise_v 1._o that_o whatever_o article_n of_o faith_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n all_o person_n of_o every_o rank_n and_o condition_n be_v equal_o oblige_v to_o believe_v they_o there_o be_v not_o one_o religion_n for_o the_o peasant_n and_o another_o for_o the_o scholar_n we_o have_v the_o same_o general_a rule_n to_o walk_v by_o though_o particular_a obligation_n may_v be_v great_a or_o lesser_a few_o or_o more_o according_a to_o different_a circumstance_n and_o relation_n and_o whatever_o principle_n and_o duty_n be_v of_o general_a necessity_n aught_o to_o be_v so_o plain_o reveal_v as_o to_o be_v easy_o understand_v by_o ordinary_a capacity_n upon_o a_o fair_a and_o careful_a examination_n 2._o that_o in_o order_n to_o this_o end_n it_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o represent_v god_n in_o a_o sensible_a manner_n though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o take_v care_n to_o assure_v we_o that_o god_n be_v in_o his_o own_o nature_n a_o be_v of_o different_a perfection_n not_o conceivable_a by_o human_a understanding_n and_o be_v thus_o represent_v only_o in_o condescension_n to_o our_o weakness_n for_o the_o help_n and_o assistance_n of_o our_o devotion_n so_o that_o all_o expression_n of_o this_o kind_n where_o god_n be_v the_o subject_a be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o high_a and_o more_o spiritual_a sense_n but_o still_o with_o some_o analogy_n to_o what_o they_o proper_o and_o usual_o signify_v thus_o to_o use_v a_o common_a instance_n when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n look_v down_o and_o behold_v what_o be_v do_v among_o the_o child_n of_o man_n that_o he_o hear_v the_o cry_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o blasphemy_n of_o the_o wicked_a it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o he_o see_v as_o man_n see_v that_o he_o make_v use_v of_o any_o organ_n of_o sense_n but_o it_o be_v thus_o express_v to_o give_v we_o more_o lively_a notion_n and_o impression_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o god_n universal_a knowledge_n to_o assure_v we_o that_o god_n more_o plain_o full_o and_o infallible_o know_v whatever_n be_v do_v in_o all_o the_o earth_n than_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v those_o thing_n which_o fall_v within_o the_o reach_n of_o our_o sense_n this_o be_v premise_v it_o seem_v very_o plain_a to_o i_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v
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 nay_o far_o there_o be_v those_o who_o do_v not_o scruple_n to_o say_v the_o more_o contradiction_n the_o better_a the_o great_a the_n struggle_v and_o opposition_n of_o reason_n the_o great_a be_v the_o triumph_n and_o merit_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o there_o be_v no_o likelihood_n of_o suppress_v any_o of_o our_o doubt_n or_o dispute_v in_o religion_n this_o way_n for_o beside_o the_o natural_a propension_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o strong_a and_o impatient_a desire_n we_o have_v to_o know_v as_o much_o as_o ever_o we_o can_v of_o what_o immediate_o concern_v we_o it_o be_v general_o and_o very_o just_o look_v upon_o both_o as_o the_o privilege_n and_o duty_n of_o man_n to_o inquire_v and_o examine_v before_o he_o believe_v or_o judge_n and_o never_o give_v up_o his_o assent_n to_o any_o thing_n but_o upon_o good_a and_o rational_a ground_n and_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a hard_a thing_n to_o persuade_v the_o world_n to_o stifle_v and_o restrain_v so_o many_o powerful_a motive_n of_o action_n but_o shall_v they_o be_v far_o prevail_v upon_o to_o go_v direct_o contrary_a to_o their_o reason_n it_o will_v be_v much_o more_o difficult_a to_o conquer_v the_o uneasiness_n of_o the_o reluctance_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v well_o the_o difficulty_n of_o subdue_a the_o understanding_n be_v too_o great_a to_o be_v master_v for_o a_o slight_a reflection_n will_v serve_v to_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o a_o blind_a resignation_n of_o judgement_n will_v be_v far_o more_o fatal_a to_o christianity_n than_o all_o our_o present_a division_n what_o blasphemy_n and_o contradiction_n may_v and_o have_v be_v impose_v upon_o man_n belief_n under_o the_o venerable_a name_n of_o mystery_n and_o how_o easy_a be_v villainous_a practice_n derive_v from_o a_o absurd_a faith_n this_o be_v matter_n of_o common_a observation_n and_o have_v bring_v a_o just_a scandal_n upon_o a_o large_a party_n of_o christian_n and_o give_v occasion_n to_o man_n of_o light_n undistinguish_a capacity_n to_o deny_v and_o scoff_n at_o the_o save_v truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n because_o they_o be_v accompany_v with_o a_o ridiculous_a mixture_n of_o error_n no_o doubt_n therefore_o we_o may_v and_o ought_v careful_o to_o examine_v the_o faith_n and_o principles_n we_o design_v for_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o life_n and_o endeavour_v to_o understand_v all_o our_o religion_n so_o far_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o justify_v it_o both_o to_o ourselves_o and_o unbeliever_n we_o ought_v indeed_o to_o proceed_v with_o all_o the_o caution_n and_o humility_n imaginable_a and_o take_v a_o just_a estimate_n of_o our_o task_n and_o ability_n but_o to_o deny_v we_o the_o liberty_n either_o of_o use_v or_o obey_v our_o reason_n be_v a_o suspicious_a as_o well_o as_o a_o unjust_a restraint_n 2._o there_o be_v other_o who_o call_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n a_o incomprehensible_a mystery_n and_o yet_o be_v at_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n to_o bring_v it_o down_o to_o a_o level_n with_o humane_a understanding_n and_o be_v all_o very_a earnest_n to_o have_v their_o own_o particular_a explication_n acknowledge_v as_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o number_n and_o disagreement_n of_o the_o expositor_n plain_o discover_v the_o vanity_n of_o such_o pretence_n this_o have_v prove_v so_o unsuccessful_a a_o way_n that_o instead_o of_o unite_n the_o different_a judgement_n of_o christian_n in_o one_o point_n it_o have_v break_v the_o controversy_n into_o a_o thousand_o more_o for_o zeal_n and_o opposition_n raise_v up_o a_o great_a many_o assertor_n of_o the_o common_a belief_n and_o every_o one_o look_v out_o for_o some_o new_a term_n and_o mode_n of_o speech_n which_o shall_v be_v full_a and_o more_o expressive_a than_o those_o in_o question_n the_o difference_n and_o dispute_n be_v by_o consequence_n proportionable_o multiply_v for_o the_o term_n and_o form_n of_o speech_n make_v use_v of_o be_v capable_a of_o several_a sense_n and_o each_o of_o they_o attend_v with_o other_o accessary_a idea_n mistake_v must_v necessary_o arise_v and_o divers_a new_a thought_n be_v suggest_v to_o such_o who_o head_n be_v employ_v upon_o the_o same_o subject_a and_o thus_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o defence_n and_o vindication_n of_o the_o orthodox_n faith_n produce_v more_o heresy_n wherefore_o in_o all_o such_o matter_n as_o these_o which_o be_v too_o big_a to_o be_v grasp_v we_o have_v better_o sit_v down_o content_v with_o what_o we_o have_v firm_a hold_n of_o than_o tire_v ourselves_o with_o vain_a endeavour_n to_o take_v in_o more_o it_o will_v certain_o be_v the_o true_a and_o the_o safe_a way_n strict_o to_o confine_v ourselves_o to_o scripture_n expression_n and_o never_o speak_v of_o supernatural_a thing_n but_o in_o the_o language_n of_o revelation_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a standard_n of_o all_o other_o word_n that_o shall_v be_v use_v on_o these_o occasion_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o shift_v the_o measure_n when_o there_o be_v never_o another_o to_o be_v find_v which_o can_n or_o aught_o to_o reach_v far_o it_o may_v however_o sometime_o be_v necessary_a to_o change_v this_o method_n and_o introduce_v new_a term_n to_o secure_v the_o true_a faith_n against_o the_o false_a interpretation_n of_o such_o as_o pervert_v scripture_n for_o if_o heretic_n will_v make_v use_n of_o new_a expression_n to_o contradict_v the_o receive_a doctrine_n we_o must_v have_v new_a term_n to_o express_v the_o same_o truth_n in_o in_o opposition_n to_o their_o heresy_n and_o in_o this_o case_n the_o church_n may_v very_o reasonable_o require_v her_o member_n to_o show_v their_o steady_a continuance_n in_o the_o ancient_a faith_n by_o the_o use_n of_o such_o term_n as_o plain_o infer_v their_o denial_n of_o any_o late_a erroneous_a invention_n set_v up_o against_o it_o 3._o there_o be_v a_o three_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n who_o pretend_v that_o there_o be_v no_o mystery_n propose_v to_o we_o as_o a_o object_n of_o faith_n and_o in_o order_n to_o make_v this_o of_o the_o trinity_n appear_v to_o be_v none_o they_o bring_v a_o cloud_n over_o the_o whole_a bible_n and_o with_o strange_a force_a criticism_n and_o allegory_n give_v the_o very_o plain_a text_n such_o a_o unusual_a mysterious_a turn_n as_o neither_o the_o language_n will_v bear_v nor_o be_v any_o way_n consistent_a with_o the_o design_n or_o character_n of_o the_o holy_a writer_n but_o this_o be_v a_o very_a odd_a preposterous_a method_n of_o explain_v scripture_n by_o darken_v a_o great_a part_n of_o it_o to_o illustrate_v the_o rest_n and_o as_o ridiculous_a a_o project_n of_o heal_a division_n as_o pull_v down_o a_o whole_a side_n of_o stand_a wall_n to_o mend_v a_o breach_n and_o after_o all_o the_o socinian_n hypothesis_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o have_v more_o of_o mystery_n and_o contradiction_n to_o natural_a reason_n in_o it_o than_o what_o be_v object_v to_o the_o catholic_n doctrine_n i_o be_o not_o for_o clog_a the_o faith_n nor_o multiply_a mystery_n yet_o we_o ought_v not_o present_o to_o deny_v what_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v but_o sober_o and_o impartial_o consider_v how_o much_o we_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v and_o how_o far_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v what_o we_o do_v not_o the_o method_n therefore_o i_o design_v to_o observe_v in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n shall_v be_v different_a from_o any_o of_o those_o now_o mention_v i_o shall_v not_o go_v about_o to_o press_v man_n to_o a_o blind_a veneration_n or_o presumptuous_a belief_n of_o any_o thing_n without_o examination_n or_o in_o defiance_n to_o reason_n i_o shall_v not_o offer_v to_o impose_v any_o new_a arbitrary_a explication_n of_o my_o own_o upon_o other_o man_n conscience_n but_o confine_v myself_o whole_o to_o the_o usual_a warrant_a form_n of_o expression_n i_o will_v not_o wrest_v and_o strain_v scripture_n to_o help_v out_o a_o private_a notion_n nor_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o betray_v the_o just_a right_n and_o privilege_n of_o our_o common_a reason_n but_o careful_o endeavour_v to_o distinguish_v how_o far_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v a_o mystery_n and_o how_o far_o a_o mystery_n may_v become_v a_o object_n of_o faith_n from_o whence_o i_o hope_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o nothing_o hard_a or_o unreasonable_a be_v require_v of_o we_o by_o our_o church_n for_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o article_n in_o order_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v rank_v all_o my_o reflection_n upon_o this_o subject_a under_o these_o three_o head_n of_o enquiry_n i._o what_o it_o be_v that_o perplex_v and_o obscure_v our_o faith_n in_o the_o trinity_n ii_o what_o be_v sufficient_a for_o