if_o he_o be_v but_o sincere_a that_o those_o father_n follow_v the_o idea_n of_o plato_n concern_v the_o three_o principle_n and_o therefore_o speak_v rather_o like_o arian_n than_o orthodox_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n have_v each_o of_o they_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o essence_n whereby_o they_o be_v distinguish_v from_o each_o other_o and_o that_o the_o son_n be_v subordinate_a and_o inferior_a to_o the_o father_n both_o in_o nature_n and_o power_n as_o likewise_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v subordinate_a to_o the_o son_n if_o any_o one_o desire_n to_o see_v some_o undeniable_a proof_n of_o what_o i_o assert_v i_o refer_v he_o to_o the_o quaternio_fw-la of_o curcellaeus_n whereby_o he_o will_v be_v full_o satisfy_v the_o succeed_a father_n find_v fault_n with_o this_o notion_n bring_v into_o the_o world_n a_o new_a interpretation_n of_o the_o three_o principle_n they_o will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v subordinate_a but_o equal_a both_o in_o nature_n and_o power_n however_o they_o acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v three_o essence_n or_o collateral_a being_n if_o you_o ask_v they_o how_o they_o can_v avoid_v admit_v a_o plurality_n of_o god_n they_o will_v answer_v that_o those_o three_o being_n be_v but_o one_o god_n as_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n be_v but_o one_o man._n if_o you_o deny_v that_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n be_v but_o one_o man_n they_o will_v tell_v you_o that_o you_o be_v mistake_v because_o in_o propriety_n of_o speech_n this_o term_n man_n ought_v not_o to_o signify_v a_o individual_a as_o peter_n or_o james_n or_o john_n but_o a_o specifical_a nature_n common_a to_o they_o all_o so_o that_o tho'_o they_o be_v three_o individual_n or_o three_o person_n yet_o they_o be_v but_o one_o man_n be_v partaker_n of_o the_o same_o specifical_a common_a nature_n this_o they_o apply_v to_o their_o three_o principle_n they_o be_v indeed_o say_v they_o three_o hypostasis_n or_o person_n yet_o they_o be_v but_o one_o god_n this_o term_n god_n denote_v not_o a_o individual_a hypostasis_fw-la but_o a_o nature_n common_a to_o the_o three_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n whereby_o tho'_o they_o be_v three_o yet_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v but_o one_o god_n thus_o they_o make_v shift_v as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v it_o be_v indeed_o a_o very_a unsufficient_a way_n of_o explain_v the_o unity_n of_o god_n and_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n resolve_v the_o difficulty_n they_o make_v a_o abstract_n specifical_a god_n as_o the_o heathen_n may_v equal_o have_v do_v but_o there_o be_v still_o three_o individual_a or_o numerical_a god_n as_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v by_o abstraction_n one_o specifical_a man_n because_o they_o have_v the_o same_o specifical_a nature_n but_o however_o they_o be_v still_o three_o individual_a numerical_a men._n therefore_o the_o schoolman_n dislike_a this_o notion_n as_o favour_v polytheism_n find_v out_o a_o new_a one_o more_o agreeable_a as_o they_o think_v to_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n they_o will_v have_v the_o three_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n to_o have_v each_o of_o they_o his_o own_o essence_n and_o nature_n no_o this_o too_o plain_o destroy_v the_o unity_n of_o god_n there_o be_v say_v they_o but_o one_o divine_a essence_n right_n but_o than_o they_o must_v not_o part_v with_o three_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n therefore_o what_o be_v those_o three_o person_n they_o be_v three_o subsistence_n three_o modes_n three_o relation_n three_o i_o know_v not_o what_o be_v this_o be_v mere_a nonsense_n for_o a_o person_n be_v a_o intelligent_a be_v and_o three_o person_n must_v needs_o be_v three_o intelligent_a being_n so_o true_a it_o be_v that_o whosoever_o acknowledge_v three_o person_n in_o the_o godhead_n if_o he_o take_v the_o word_n in_o its_o proper_a sense_n must_v admit_v three_o god_n which_o the_o learned_a doctor_n can_v avoid_v who_o say_v they_o be_v three_o distinct_a mind_n three_o substantial_a being_n three_o intelligent_a being_n therefore_o unavoidable_o three_o go_n now_o be_v it_o fair_a to_o boast_v so_o much_o of_o the_o tradition_n concern_v the_o trinity_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v constant_a and_o unalterable_a in_o all_o the_o age_n of_o the_o church_n when_o the_o contrary_a appear_v to_o any_o sincere_a reader_n the_o father_n who_o live_v before_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a speak_v like_o platonic_a philosopher_n and_o arian_n the_o nicene_n father_n like_o tritheist_n and_o the_o schoolman_n like_o madman_n where_o now_o be_v that_o unchangeable_a tradition_n so_o much_o cry_v up_o consider_v the_o ridiculousness_n of_o those_o man_n who_o in_o their_o respective_a age_n set_v up_o new_a notion_n of_o the_o trinity_n i_o be_o apt_a to_o say_v contrary_a to_o averro_n his_o wish_n let_v not_o my_o soul_n be_v with_o the_o philosopher_n to_o conclude_v this_o chapter_n those_o great_a boaster_n of_o the_o pretend_v tradition_n shall_v do_v well_o to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o confute_v the_o quaternio_fw-la of_o curcellaeus_n before_o mention_v which_o when_o they_o have_v full_o and_o true_o perform_v we_o may_v perhaps_o begin_v to_o think_v of_o part_v with_o tradition_n which_o indeed_o be_v not_o the_o foundation_n whereon_o we_o build_v our_o faith_n know_v only_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v able_a to_o make_v wise_a unto_o salvation_n chap._n ii_o contain_v a_o examination_n of_o the_o doctor_n be_v answer_n to_o the_o argument_n against_o the_o trinity_n in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o unitarian_n have_v premise_v this_o general_a observation_n i_o come_v to_o examine_v what_o answer_v the_o doctor_n return_v to_o the_o argument_n allege_v against_o the_o trinity_n by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o brief_a history_n of_o the_o unitarian_n but_o i_o must_v first_o consider_v his_o reflection_n concern_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o expound_v scripture_n this_o be_v say_v he_o a_o impudent_a argument_n which_o bring_v revelation_n down_o in_o such_o sublime_a mystery_n to_o the_o level_n of_o our_o understanding_n to_o say_v such_o a_o doctrine_n can_v be_v contain_v in_o scripture_n because_o it_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n whereas_o a_o modest_a man_n will_v first_o inquire_v whether_o it_o be_v in_o scripture_n or_o not_o and_o if_o it_o he_o plain_o contain_v there_o he_o will_v conclude_v how_o vnintelligible_a soever_o it_o appear_v to_o he_o that_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n in_o it_o because_o it_o be_v teach_v in_o scripture_n p._n 141._o but_o be_v this_o impudence_n to_o say_v transubstantiation_n can_v be_v contain_v in_o scripture_n because_o it_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n i_o hope_v not_o well_o then_o if_o the_o trinity_n imply_v no_o less_o contradiction_n than_o transubstantiation_n why_o can_v we_o say_v that_o it_o can_v be_v contain_v in_o scripture_n we_o say_v transubstantiation_n can_v be_v find_v in_o scripture_n because_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a contradiction_n to_o our_o reason_n but_o if_o the_o trinity_n be_v also_o a_o plain_a contradiction_n to_o our_o reason_n why_o shall_v we_o be_v allow_v to_o say_v that_o it_o can_v be_v contain_v in_o scripture_n i_o think_v both_o consequence_n be_v right_a but_o say_v the_o author_n a_o modest_a man_n will_v first_o inquire_v whether_o it_o be_v in_o scripture_n or_o not_o but_o we_o have_v already_o make_v such_o a_o inquiry_n and_o can_v find_v the_o trinity_n in_o scripture_n we_o never_o can_v read_v there_o that_o there_o be_v three_o person_n in_o one_o numerical_a god_n indeed_o how_o can_v we_o we_o may_v as_o well_o find_v there_o that_o the_o bread_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v transubstantiate_v into_o christ_n body_n but_o he_o go_v on_o and_o if_o it_o be_v plain_o contain_v there_o he_o shall_v conclude_v how_o vnintelligible_a soever_o it_o appear_v to_o he_o that_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n in_o it_o because_o it_o be_v teach_v in_o scripture_n i_o beg_v the_o author_n pardon_n there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o vnintelligible_a and_o contradiction_n he_o shall_v not_o have_v say_v how_o unintelligible_a soever_o but_o how_o contradiction_n soever_o and_o thus_o his_o word_n ought_v to_o run_v he_o shall_v conclude_v how_o contradiction_n soever_o it_o appear_v to_o he_o that_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n in_o it_o because_o it_o be_v teach_v by_o scripture_n i_o perceive_v the_o author_n find_v it_o too_o harsh_a to_o say_v that_o how_o contradiction_n soever_o a_o thing_n appear_v to_o be_v that_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n in_o it_o because_o it_o be_v teach_v by_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o he_o put_v the_o word_n vnintelligible_a instead_o of_o the_o word_n contradiction_n in_o effect_n we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o every_o unintelligible_a thing_n contain_v in_o scripture_n be_v a_o contradiction_n we_o acknowledge_v the_o resurrection_n plain_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n do_v imply_v no_o contradiction_n
the_o title_n of_o god_n therefore_o because_o god_n be_v most_o certain_o a_o person_n no_o body_n can_v doubt_v that_o the_o father_n be_v a_o person_n as_o for_o the_o son_n the_o same_o gospel_n often_o say_v he_o be_v a_o man_n every_o man_n be_v a_o person_n the_o son_n be_v a_o man_n must_v be_v also_o a_o person_n but_o it_o be_v quite_o otherways_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o the_o scripture_n call_v it_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o power_n be_v a_o faculty_n not_o a_o person_n act_n 10._o 38._o god_n have_v anoint_v jesus_n of_o nazareth_n with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o power_n luke_n 1._o 35._o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v come_v upon_o thou_o and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o high_a shall_v overshadow_v thou_o what_o be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o high_a in_o these_o text_n be_v the_o explication_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n again_o act_v 6._o 5._o they_o choose_v stephen_n a_o man_n full_a of_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n ver._n 8._o and_o stephen_n full_a of_o faith_n and_o of_o power_n do_v great_a wonder_n here_o again_o the_o holy_a ghost_n at_o ver_fw-la 5._o be_v explain_v by_o power_n at_o ver_fw-la 8._o he_o say_v further_a he_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o search_v the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o he_o who_o know_v all_o thing_n in_o god_n must_v be_v a_o know_a mind_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o must_v explain_v the_o text_n to_o which_o he_o allude_v 1_o cor._n 2._o 10_o 11._o and_o which_o he_o cite_v too_o pag._n 192._o ver._n 10._o but_o god_n have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n for_o the_o spirit_n search_v all_o thing_n yea_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n the_o apostle_n speak_v here_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n its_o precept_n and_o promise_n which_o before_o be_v hide_v but_o now_o be_v reveal_v to_o man_n as_o appear_v by_o ver_fw-la 7_o 8_o 9_o he_o mean_v this_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o apostle_n these_o doctrine_n this_o formerly_z hide_v wisdom_n by_o his_o inspiration_n for_o this_o spirit_n or_o inspiration_n in_o we_o search_v out_o i._n e._n find_v or_o discover_v these_o deep_a or_o hide_a thing_n of_o god_n deep_a i_o say_v and_o hide_v not_o to_o we_o but_o to_o the_o world_n and_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o world_n the_o apostle_n illustrate_v his_o discourse_n with_o a_o comparison_n ver_fw-la 11._o what_o man_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n save_v the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n which_o be_v in_o he_o even_o so_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n know_v no_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v as_o no_o man_n know_v the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o human_a life_n but_o by_o his_o own_o spirit_n or_o mind_n so_o no_o man_n know_v these_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o by_o god_n spirit_n or_o inspiration_n whereby_o he_o be_v enable_v to_o know_v they_o this_o interpretation_n perfect_o agree_v with_o what_o follow_v at_o ver_fw-la 12._o now_o we_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v free_o give_v we_o of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o this_o place_n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o translate_v no_o man_n must_v either_o be_v understand_v exclusive_o of_o god_n or_o so_o as_o to_o include_v god_n also_o if_o it_o include_v god_n too_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n or_o three_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o father_n and_o son_n be_v altogether_o ignorant_a of_o they_o which_o consequence_n i_o be_o sure_a they_o will_v not_o allow_v but_o if_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v no_o man_n here_o as_o most_o certain_o it_o do_v than_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o man_n who_o have_v receive_v that_o spirit_n or_o inspiration_n by_o assistance_n whereof_o he_o may_v attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o most_o secret_a counsel_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n explain_v it_o in_o the_o very_a next_o verse_n the_o author_n grant_v that_o charity_n may_v be_v say_v to_o suffer_v long_o and_o to_o be_v kind_a because_o a_o charitable_a man_n do_v so_o then_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n may_v be_v say_v to_o know_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n because_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o that_o be_v spiritual_a as_o st._n paul_n style_v he_o ver._n 15._o he_o that_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v so_o this_o vorstius_n right_o understand_v in_o his_o note_n upon_o this_o place_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n say_v he_o we_o must_v understand_v that_o spirit_n which_o be_v give_v we_o of_o god_n that_o be_v ourselves_o as_o spiritual_a thus_o john_n 3._o 6._o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n say_v our_o saviour_n be_v spirit_n this_o i_o hope_v may_v be_v enough_o to_o clear_v the_o sense_n of_o this_o text._n but_o the_o author_n can_v allow_v of_o power_n and_o inspiration_n distinct_a from_o god_n and_o yet_o not_o god_n for_o what_o be_v faculty_n in_o we_o be_v person_n in_o god_n if_o this_o be_v true_a then_o there_o be_v more_o than_o three_o person_n in_o the_o godhead_n for_o power_n be_v a_o faculty_n in_o we_o and_o be_v in_o god_n too_o it_o must_v be_v another_o person_n in_o he_o thus_o not_o only_a wisdom_n and_o love_n but_o power_n also_o be_v person_n in_o god_n nay_o there_o be_v three_o know_a mind_n in_o the_o godhead_n each_o of_o which_o be_v `_o god_n as_o the_o author_n tell_v we_o it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o the_o father_n only_o have_v wisdom_n love_n and_o power_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n must_v have_v they_o too_o else_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v god_n but_o if_o wisdom_n love_n and_o power_n be_v faculty_n in_o we_o aught_o to_o be_v person_n in_o god_n then_o there_o be_v nine_o person_n at_o the_o least_o in_o god_n viz._n wisdom_n love_n and_o power_n in_o the_o father_n who_o be_v a_o infinite_a mind_n distinct_a from_o the_o son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n wisdom_n love_n and_o power_n in_o the_o son_n who_o be_v a_o infinite_a mind_n distinguish_v from_o the_o father_n and_o holy_a ghost_n wisdom_n love_n and_o power_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o be_v a_o infinite_a mind_n distinct_a from_o the_o father_n and_o son_n moreover_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o son_n be_v a_o person_n because_o he_o be_v the_o father_n reflex_n knowledge_n but_o the_o son_n be_v a_o infinite_a and_o most_o perfect_a mind_n be_v undoubted_o able_a to_o reflect_v upon_o his_o own_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n and_o thus_o as_o well_o as_o the_o father_n to_o beget_v a_o son_n and_o this_o second_o son_n in_o the_o trinity_n may_v by_o the_o same_o mean_n and_o reason_n beget_v another_o and_o so_o onward_o to_o infinity_o thus_o according_a to_o this_o maxim_n that_o what_o be_v faculty_n in_o we_o be_v person_n in_o god_n there_o may_v be_v nay_o there_o must_v be_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o person_n in_o god_n apage_z this_o be_v certain_a say_v he_o all_o personal_a act_n belong_v to_o a_o person_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o have_v any_o personal_a act_n we_o must_v conclude_v be_v a_o person_n unless_o we_o know_v by_o some_o other_o mean_n that_o it_o be_v no_o person_n and_o then_o that_o prove_v the_o expression_n to_o be_v figurative_a but_o we_o know_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v no_o person_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v affirm_v that_o whenever_o personal_a act_n be_v ascribe_v to_o it_o it_o be_v to_o be_v figurative_o take_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o god_n we_o most_o certain_o know_v because_o the_o scripture_n plain_o tell_v we_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n the_o father_n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o a_o create_a person_n be_v make_v probable_a by_o several_a place_n of_o scripture_n which_o teach_v we_o that_o it_o be_v god_n power_n and_o inspiration_n by_o explain_v the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o put_v one_o for_o the_o other_o according_a to_o these_o two_o principle_n which_o the_o scripture_n afford_v we_o viz._n that_o the_o father_n only_o be_v god_n and_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v god_n power_n we_o dare_v affirm_v that_o when_o personal_a act_n be_v ascribe_v to_o it_o it_o be_v a_o figurative_a expression_n thus_o we_o can_v easy_o conceive_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n may_v be_v say_v to_o work_v miracle_n pag._n 190._o to_o raise_v the_o dead_a to_o comfort_v to_o convince_v to_o sanctify_v the_o church_n to_o dwell_v in_o the_o church_n because_o god_n by_o his_o power_n work_v miracle_n raise_v the_o
dead_a comfort_n convince_v sanctify_v and_o dwell_v in_o the_o church_n thus_o we_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v no_o person_n only_o because_o personal_a act_n be_v sometime_o figurative_o attribute_v to_o that_o which_o be_v no_o person_n as_o this_o author_n mistake_v but_o have_v prove_v by_o scripture_n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v no_o person_n we_o say_v that_o personal_a act_n be_v figurative_o ascribe_v to_o it_o as_o they_o be_v to_o charity_n wisdom_n and_o other_o thing_n both_o in_o scripture_n and_o in_o profane_a author_n and_o in_o common_a familiar_a speech_n 2._o the_o second_o argument_n against_o the_o spirit_n be_v be_v god_n be_v this_o a_o manifest_a distinction_n be_v make_v as_o between_o god_n and_o christ_n so_o also_o between_o god_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n or_o power_n and_o inspiration_n of_o god_n so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o spirit_n shall_v be_v god_n himself_o to_o this_o our_o author_n answer_v pag._n 191._o this_o holy_a spirit_n be_v either_o a_o divine_a subsist_v person_n or_o nothing_o but_o a_o name_n if_o this_o spirit_n be_v a_o divine_a virtue_n or_o power_n as_o he_o will_v have_v it_o than_o it_o be_v not_o distinct_a from_o god_n but_o be_v god_n himself_o as_o the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n tho'_o they_o may_v be_v distinguish_v from_o each_o other_o yet_o they_o can_v be_v any_o thing_n distinct_a from_o the_o mind_n but_o be_v the_o mind_n itself_o and_o therefore_o if_o the_o spirit_n as_o he_o say_v be_v represent_v in_o scripture_n as_o so_o distinct_a from_o god_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v be_v god_n himself_o then_o he_o must_v be_v a_o distinct_a divine_a person_n and_o not_o the_o mere_a power_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o distinct_a from_o god_n himself_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v neither_o a_o divine_a subsist_v person_n nor_o a_o mere_a name_n in_o order_n to_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o i_o must_v observe_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n signify_v in_o scripture_n sometime_o the_o power_n of_o god_n sometime_o the_o effect_n of_o that_o power_n or_o all_o miraculous_a extraordinary_a gift_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n we_o read_v luke_o 1._o 35._o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v come_v upon_o thou_o and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o high_a shall_v overshadow_v thou_o here_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n signify_v the_o power_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o effect_v the_o miraculous_a conception_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o the_o latter_a sense_n we_o read_v gal._n 3._o 5._o he_o therefore_o that_o minister_v to_o you_o the_o spirit_n and_o work_v miracle_n among_o you_o do_v he_o it_o by_o the_o work_v of_o the_o law_n or_o by_o the_o hear_n of_o faith_n here_o the_o spirit_n be_v plain_o mean_v of_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n bestow_v upon_o the_o first_o christian_n and_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n question_n be_v this_o whether_o the_o galatian_n have_v be_v endue_v with_o that_o spirit_n and_o those_o extraordinary_a gift_n by_o submit_v to_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n of_o moses_n or_o only_o upon_o their_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v only_o a_o attribute_n of_o god_n and_o so_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a name_n nor_o be_v it_o a_o divine_a subsist_v person_n which_o to_o say_v be_v ridiculous_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o attribute_n this_o attribute_n may_v be_v distinguish_v from_o god_n in_o such_o manner_n as_o attribute_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v distinguish_v that_o be_v god_n may_v be_v say_v to_o act_v by_o his_o power_n as_o he_o be_v say_v to_o act_v by_o his_o wisdom_n but_o he_o say_v if_o this_o spirit_n be_v a_o divine_a virtue_n or_o power_n than_o it_o be_v not_o distinct_a from_o god_n but_o be_v god_n himself_o i_o answer_v if_o this_o be_v all_o our_o author_n contend_v for_o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n or_o power_n of_o god_n be_v god_n in_o such_o sense_n as_o other_o virtue_n and_o faculty_n of_o god_n may_v be_v call_v god_n himself_o the_o socinian_o never_o deny_v it_o and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o his_o argument_n prove_v second_o he_o ought_v to_o know_v the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v not_o distinct_a from_o god_n as_o one_o person_n from_o another_o but_o be_v distinguish_v from_o god_n as_o his_o attribute_n this_o be_v easy_a and_o plain_a and_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n and_o scripture_n and_o be_v a_o full_a answer_n to_o what_o he_o add_v in_o these_o word_n a_o power_n which_o be_v distinct_a from_o god_n and_o be_v not_o god_n himself_o as_o he_o say_v the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v if_o it_o have_v any_o personal_a act_n must_v be_v a_o distinct_a person_n and_o if_o these_o personal_a act_n be_v such_o as_o be_v proper_a only_o to_o god_n it_o must_v be_v a_o distinct_a divine_a person_n he_o go_v on_o he_o say_v this_o spirit_n be_v the_o inspiration_n of_o god_n be_v it_o so_o this_o inspiration_n then_o be_v either_o within_o god_n himself_o or_o without_o he_o in_o his_o creature_n who_o have_v this_o inspiration_n if_o it_o be_v within_o god_n himself_o it_o must_v be_v a_o person_n or_o else_o it_o can_v be_v distinct_a from_o god_n and_o a_o divine_a person_n unless_o any_o thing_n be_v in_o god_n which_o be_v not_o god_n if_o this_o inspiration_n be_v without_o god_n in_o the_o creature_n who_o be_v inspire_v by_o he_o how_o be_v it_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n must_v be_v in_o god_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n be_v in_o a_o man_n i_o answer_v if_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o god_n be_v a_o person_n than_o there_o must_v be_v as_o many_o person_n in_o the_o godhead_n as_o there_o be_v attribute_n or_o immanent_a act_n in_o god_n which_o to_o say_v be_v too_o senseless_a and_o ridiculous_a to_o need_v confutation_n god_n inspiration_n as_o it_o be_v a_o act_n be_v in_o god_n as_o it_o be_v a_o effect_n it_o be_v in_o creature_n and_o be_v call_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n because_o it_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o that_o spirit_n energy_n or_o power_n which_o god_n use_v to_o make_v his_o will_n know_v to_o man_n by_o inward_a suggestion_n or_o inspiration_n he_o desire_v to_o know_v pag._n 192._o how_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n differ_v from_o his_o gift_n and_o grace_n i_o answer_v as_o the_o cause_n from_o its_o effect_n so_o that_o there_o be_v diversity_n of_o gift_n but_o the_o same_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 4._o the_o same_o cause_n produce_v several_a effect_n out_o of_o the_o same_o power_n spring_v several_a gift_n 3._o the_o next_o argument_n be_v the_o spirit_n be_v obtain_v of_o god_n by_o our_o prayer_n therefore_o itself_o be_v not_o god_n this_o he_o pretend_v to_o answer_v by_o his_o old_a sophism_n that_o one_o divine_a person_n may_v send_v and_o give_v another_o which_o have_v be_v already_o confute_v he_o add_v the_o spirit_n give_v himself_o and_o be_v ask_v of_o himself_o for_o the_o divine_a person_n in_o the_o trinity_n do_v not_o act_v separately_z but_o as_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n give_v the_o spirit_n so_o the_o holy_a spirit_n give_v himself_o in_o the_o same_o individual_a act._n but_o how_o can_v this_o be_v the_o same_o individual_a act_n the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n say_v he_o send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v himself_o can_v send_v another_o and_o give_v one_o self_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o act_n farther_n if_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n can_v act_v separately_z when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v himself_o father_n and_o son_n must_v give_v themselves_o too_o or_o else_o it_o will_v not_o be_v the_o same_o individual_a act._n but_o be_v it_o so_o this_o will_v not_o be_v make_v peculiar_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o only_o be_v say_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v give_v and_o obtain_v of_o god_n but_o the_o thing_n be_v plain_a and_o easy_a if_o by_o the_o spirit_n we_o understand_v god_n power_n and_o inspiration_n which_o with_o their_o effect_n be_v communicate_v to_o those_o that_o pray_v for_o they_o chap._n vi_o 4._o the_o next_o argument_n be_v against_o a_o trinity_n of_o person_n in_o the_o godhead_n which_o say_v the_o historian_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o whole_a scripture_n for_o that_o speak_v of_o god_n but_o as_o one_o person_n and_o speak_v of_o he_o and_o to_o he_o by_o singular_a pronoun_n such_o as_o i_o thou_o me_n he_o etc._n etc._n he_o cite_v also_o heb._n 1._o 2._o where_o christ_n be_v call_v the_o express_a image_n of_o god_n person_n our_o author_n return_v this_o answer_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o person_n of_o who_o the_o son_n be_v call_v the_o express_a image_n be_v the_o
christ_n and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o to_o be_v baptize_v into_o john_n be_v baptism_n must_v also_o signify_v to_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o john_n john_n indeed_o make_v proselyte_n to_o the_o messiah_n but_o he_o preach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n and_o he_o who_o be_v baptize_v by_o he_o be_v baptize_v into_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o he_o and_o therefore_o whoever_o profess_v in_o his_o baptism_n to_o follow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o john_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v baptize_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o john_n or_o in_o the_o name_n of_o john_n last_o he_o ask_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o very_o absurd_a that_o the_o power_n or_o inspiration_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o a_o person_n shall_v be_v join_v in_o the_o same_o form_n with_o the_o father_n and_o son_n who_o be_v person_n i_o answer_v i_o see_v no_o absurdity_n in_o be_v baptize_v into_o the_o profession_n of_o a_o doctrine_n which_o not_o only_o come_v original_o from_o god_n the_o father_n and_o be_v reveal_v by_o his_o son_n but_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o power_n or_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o next_o and_o last_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o our_o author_n consider_v be_v the_o first_o chapter_n of_o st._n john_n gospel_n which_o say_v he_o pag._n 215._o give_v a_o glorious_a testimony_n to_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n and_o a_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o the_o incurable_a perverseness_n of_o heretic_n i_o will_v examine_v this_o high_a pretence_n and_o show_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o the_o absurdity_n of_o the_o author_n explication_n of_o this_o chapter_n 2._o the_o inconsistency_n of_o the_o trinitarian_n hypothesis_n with_o the_o context_n 3._o the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o this_o so_o much_o controvert_v place_n 1._o the_o historian_n say_v that_o the_o trinitarian_n exposition_n of_o this_o chapter_n be_v absurd_a and_o contradictious_a and_o that_o it_o be_v this_o in_o the_o beginning_n i._n e._n from_o all_o eternity_n but_o how_o say_v the_o historian_n can_v in_o the_o beginning_n be_v from_o all_o eternity_n from_o all_o eternity_n be_v before_o the_o beginning_n or_o without_o beginning_n not_o in_o the_o beginning_n to_o this_o our_o author_n reply_v that_o no_o man_n expound_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o eternity_n but_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o bold_a in_o his_o assertion_n for_o mr._n calvin_n expound_v it_o so_o he_o add_v when_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o beginning_n be_v the_o word_n we_o say_v this_o prove_v the_o eternity_n of_o the_o word_n for_o that_o which_o be_v when_o all_o thing_n begin_v which_o have_v a_o beginning_n be_v itself_o before_o the_o beginning_n and_o without_o beginning_n i_o answer_v have_v the_o evangelist_n design_v to_o teach_v we_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o word_n he_o will_v undoubted_o have_v do_v it_o by_o the_o same_o character_n that_o be_v use_v in_o scripture_n to_o express_v the_o eternity_n of_o god_n now_o this_o expression_n in_o the_o beginning_n be_v so_o far_o from_o denote_v eternity_n that_o it_o be_v never_o apply_v to_o god_n in_o that_o sense_n we_o read_v in_o scripture_n that_o in_o the_o beginning_n god_n create_v heaven_n and_o earth_n gen._n 1._o 1._o heb._n 1._o 10._o a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o in_o the_o beginning_n can_v be_v apply_v to_o he_o that_o be_v god_n but_o only_o to_o creature_n and_o as_o plain_a a_o demonstration_n that_o god_n himself_o be_v from_o all_o eternity_n for_o he_o who_o create_v all_o thing_n must_v needs_o be_v not_o only_o before_o all_o thing_n but_o from_o eternity_n but_o we_o never_o read_v god_n be_v in_o the_o beginning_n in_o all_o the_o description_n which_o the_o scripture_n afford_v we_o of_o his_o eternity_n nay_o they_o rather_o declare_v it_o or_o describe_v it_o by_o before_o the_o beginning_n psal_n 90._o 2._o before_o the_o mountain_n be_v bring_v forth_o even_o from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a thou_o be_v god_n here_o eternity_n be_v describe_v by_o before_o the_o beginning_n this_o be_v the_o scripture-notion_n of_o eternity_n therefore_o if_o st._n john_n have_v intend_v to_o show_v the_o eternity_n of_o the_o word_n he_o shall_v not_o have_v say_v in_o the_o beginning_n be_v the_o word_n but_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o god_n in_o the_o beginning_n the_o word_n create_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n nor_o will_v it_o avail_v any_o thing_n to_o say_v the_o word_n be_v so_o in_o the_o beginning_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o and_o without_o he_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n make_v that_o be_v make_v for_o as_o the_o forego_n word_n in_o the_o beginning_n be_v the_o word_n be_v no_o true_a description_n of_o eternity_n in_o scripture_n so_o neither_o be_v these_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o etc._n etc._n the_o scripture-description_n of_o the_o creation_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n here_o make_v either_o of_o the_o heaven_n or_o the_o earth_n or_o the_o sea_n which_o be_v never_o omit_v in_o the_o description_n we_o have_v in_o scripture_n of_o the_o first_o and_o true_a creation_n a_o i_o show_v before_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o insist_v long_o on_o this_o phrase_n in_o this_o place_n the_o historian_n go_v on_o be_v the_o word_n i._n e._n be_v god_n the_o son_n but_o where_o in_o scripture_n say_v he_o be_v the_o word_n call_v god_n the_o the_o son_n our_o author_n reply_v this_o word_n indeed_o be_v god_n the_o son_n but_o we_o do_v not_o paraphrase_n it_o so_o in_o this_o place_n in_o the_o beginning_n be_v god_n the_o son_n but_o in_o the_o beginning_n be_v that_o divine_a person_n who_o be_v call_v the_o word_n but_o i_o pray_v what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o for_o if_o the_o word_n be_v indeed_o god_n the_o son_n one_o may_v paraphrase_n it_o here_o in_o the_o beginning_n be_v god_n the_o son_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o beginning_n be_v that_o divine_a person_n call_v the_o word_n the_o one_o be_v as_o fit_v and_o as_o good_a sense_n as_o the_o other_o but_o it_o seem_v our_o author_n be_v ashamed_a to_o paraphrase_n the_o word_n by_o god_n the_o son_n this_o be_v a_o modesty_n in_o he_o which_o be_v but_o seldom_o find_v in_o his_o book_n histor_n the_o word_n be_v god_n i._n e._n the_o son_n be_v with_o the_o father_n answ_n it_o seem_v then_o that_o god_n in_o this_o clause_n be_v the_o father_n but_o be_v not_o the_o son_n also_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o be_v not_o he_o too_o according_a to_o trinitarian_n god_n or_o a_o god_n if_o he_o be_v why_o do_v st._n john_n only_o say_v the_o son_n be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o how_o come_v the_o father_n to_o engross_v here_o the_o title_n of_o god_n to_o the_o exclusion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o avoid_v the_o strength_n of_o this_o argument_n our_o author_n reply_v by_o god_n the_o apostle_n here_o mean_v that_o original_a mind_n and_o wisdom_n that_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a be_v who_o all_o man_n call_v god_n without_o make_v a_o distinction_n of_o person_n in_o the_o godhead_n but_o if_o god_n in_o this_o place_n do_v not_o signify_v the_o father_n only_o but_o the_o three_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n he_o shall_v not_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o apostle_n here_o mean_v that_o original_a mind_n and_o wisdom_n but_o those_o three_o mind_n who_o all_o man_n call_v god_n for_o we_o be_v teach_v all_o over_o his_o book_n that_o god_n be_v three_o infinite_a mind_n and_o consequent_o three_o wisdom_n for_o a_o infinite_a mind_n can_v be_v without_o wisdom_n neither_o shall_v he_o say_v that_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a be_v who_o all_o man_n call_v god_n but_o those_o three_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a being_n for_o he_o often_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n be_v three_o infinite_a and_o substantial_a being_n therefore_o he_o be_v three_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a being_n it_o be_v a_o plain_a contradiction_n to_o say_v in_o one_o place_n god_n be_v three_o mind_n and_o three_o being_n and_o in_o another_o that_o he_o be_v but_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o be_v furthermore_o when_o the_o evangelist_n say_v the_o word_n be_v with_o god_n if_o by_o god_n he_o mean_v not_o the_o father_n only_o but_o the_o three_o person_n who_o be_v that_o god_n this_o will_v make_v a_o very_a trifle_a sense_n for_o then_o the_o word_n be_v with_o god_n must_v signify_v they_o second_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v with_o the_o three_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o consequent_o with_o himself_o which_o be_v not_o only_a trifle_n but_o ridiculous_a the_o apostle_n add_v and_o the_o word_n be_v god_n our_o author_n to_o serve_v his_o hypothesis_n put_v here_o another_o or_o a_o new_a sense_n on_o the_o word_n god_n for_o he_o see_v it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o
a_o defence_n of_o the_o brief_a history_n of_o the_o unitarian_n against_o dr._n sherlock_n answer_n in_o his_o vindication_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n london_n print_v in_o the_o year_n m._n dc_o xci_o observation_n on_o dr._n sherlock_n answer_n to_o the_o brief_a history_n of_o the_o unitarian_n chap._n i._o contain_v some_o general_a observation_n when_o i_o see_v man_n argue_v against_o the_o trinity_n methinks_v i_o hear_v a_o papist_n inveigh_v against_o luther_n or_o calvin_n for_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o transubstantiation_n indeed_o it_o appear_v to_o i_o very_o strange_a that_o protestant_n shall_v stand_v to_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o reformation_n only_o when_o they_o serve_v their_o turn_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o part_v with_o they_o when_o they_o be_v not_o otherways_o able_a to_o defend_v a_o particular_a opinion_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o succeed_a age_n fall_v short_a of_o her_o first_o purity_n in_o respect_n of_o doctrine_n as_o well_o as_o manner_n now_o what_o other_o remedy_n can_v be_v apply_v to_o such_o a_o depravation_n than_o a_o sincere_a and_o careful_a examination_n of_o the_o point_n suspect_v of_o falsehood_n according_a to_o reason_n and_o scripture_n this_o prove_v so_o effectual_a a_o course_n that_o transubstantiation_n and_o some_o other_o canonize_v opinion_n be_v find_v to_o be_v mere_a human_a invention_n and_o according_o be_v reject_v as_o contrary_a to_o the_o two_o abovementioned_a rule_n and_o who_o can_v assure_v we_o that_o the_o reformation_n leave_v no_o error_n behind_o and_o that_o the_o trinity_n be_v such_o a_o opinion_n as_o aught_o neither_o to_o be_v doubt_v of_o nor_o to_o be_v reform_v shall_v we_o trust_v man_n bare_o on_o their_o word_n or_o be_v it_o impossible_a that_o the_o trinity_n shall_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o several_a other_o false_a opinion_n our_o principle_n therefore_o allow_v we_o to_o examine_v it_o and_o to_o inquire_v whether_o it_o be_v found_v on_o undeniable_a argument_n especial_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o it_o contradict_v reason_n and_o by_o confession_n of_o all_o trinitarian_n be_v no_o where_o set_v down_o in_o holy_a scripture_n in_o express_a word_n why_o shall_v man_n call_v we_o heretic_n and_o libertine_n because_o we_o inquire_v after_o truth_n and_o will_v have_v our_o faith_n build_v upon_o a_o solid_a foundation_n be_v the_o reformation_n so_o proper_a to_o luther_n and_o calvin_n etc._n etc._n that_o it_o ought_v no_o more_o to_o be_v think_v of_o or_o be_v those_o reformer_n so_o infallible_a that_o they_o purge_v the_o church_n from_o all_o error_n this_o i_o think_v will_v be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o prove_v let_v therefore_o no_o protestant_a be_v scandalize_v if_o have_v some_o scruple_n about_o the_o trinity_n we_o endeavour_v to_o free_v ourselves_o from_o they_o by_o a_o sincere_a inquiry_n into_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o i_o begin_v with_o reason_n and_o find_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o trinity_n do_v contradict_v it_o as_o much_o as_o transubstantiation_n according_a to_o transubstantiation_n the_o same_o numerical_a body_n may_v be_v in_o a_o million_o of_o different_a place_n at_o the_o same_o time_n according_a to_o the_o trinity_n three_o divine_a person_n that_o be_v to_o say_v three_o intelligent_a infinite_a being_n each_o of_o which_o be_v god_n make_v but_o one_o god_n i_o can_v believe_v the_o first_o because_o reason_n teach_v i_o that_o one_o numerical_a body_n can_v occupy_v or_o be_v in_o but_o one_o place_n at_o one_o time_n i_o can_v believe_v the_o other_o because_o reason_n tell_v i_o that_o three_o be_v three_o and_o not_o one_o and_o that_o it_o imply_v no_o less_o a_o contradiction_n that_o three_o divine_a person_n shall_v be_v but_o one_o god_n than_o that_o one_o body_n be_v a_o million_o now_o who_o shall_v not_o scruple_n a_o opinion_n perfect_o parallel_v with_o transubstantiation_n and_o equal_o fruitful_a in_o incongruity_n and_o contradiction_n i_o come_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o examine_v whether_o the_o trinity_n be_v well_o ground_v in_o scripture_n indeed_o three_o be_v there_o mention_v the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n but_o how_o come_v man_n to_o fancy_n that_o they_o three_o be_v but_o one_o god_n who_o teach_v they_o so_o do_v the_o holy_a scripture_n plain_o say_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n yet_o there_o be_v three_o person_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o godhead_n one_o will_v think_v indeed_o that_o such_o a_o mystery_n and_o so_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o salvation_n be_v set_v down_o in_o scripture_n in_o plain_a or_o express_v word_n but_o the_o scripture_n be_v perfect_o silent_a about_o it_o there_o be_v not_o a_o word_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o bible_n of_o three_o hypostasis_n or_o person_n in_o the_o godhead_n the_o father_n be_v in_o a_o thousand_o place_n call_v god_n distinct_o from_o the_o son_n nay_o the_o only_a true_a god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v no_o where_o style_v god_n and_o the_o son_n be_v so_o call_v in_o a_o few_o place_n as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o way_n and_o in_o such_o manner_n as_o plain_o show_v that_o the_o title_n god_n be_v bestow_v on_o he_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n as_o upon_o moses_n even_o because_o of_o the_o dignity_n and_o power_n to_o which_o he_o be_v exalt_v by_o the_o father_n liberality_n indeed_o it_o can_v have_v no_o other_o meaning_n the_o holy_a scripture_n teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o if_o so_o how_o can_v the_o son_n be_v that_o one_o god_n the_o father_n of_o this_o we_o be_v sure_a by_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o christ_n be_v a_o man._n the_o gospel_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o history_n of_o christ_n birth_n life_n death_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n who_o will_v have_v think_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v account_v the_o supreme_a god_n without_o any_o such_o intimation_n from_o scripture_n nay_o against_o the_o whole_a current_n of_o it_o we_o find_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n christ_n one_o son_n of_o god_n send_v into_o the_o world_n to_o be_v the_o revealer_n of_o his_o father_n will_n and_o a_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n even_o christ_n and_o one_o holy_a ghost_n who_o distribute_v and_o work_v all_o sort_n of_o miraculous_a gift_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o father_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o one_o true_a god_n christ_n be_v only_o his_o minister_n and_o interpreter_n the_o holy_a ghost_n whether_o it_o be_v god_n power_n or_o his_o minister_a angel_n or_o angel_n the_o instrument_n which_o he_o make_v use_v of_o to_o work_v miracle_n none_o certain_o but_o man_n blind_v or_o prejudice_v can_v think_v that_o god_n minister_n and_o ambassador_n be_v god_n himself_o and_o that_o two_o so_o opposite_a being_n as_o god_n and_o christ_n shall_v be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n it_o be_v just_a as_o if_o one_o shall_v say_v there_o be_v one_o king_n william_n and_o one_o viceroy_n in_o ireland_n the_o lord_n sidney_n and_o the_o viceroy_n be_v that_o one_o king_n william_n indeed_o this_o be_v a_o doctrine_n so_o unreasonable_a and_o contradiction_n and_o so_o opposite_a to_o holy_a scripture_n that_o i_o think_v have_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o platonic_a philosophy_n the_o trinity_n shall_v never_o have_v be_v hear_v of_o i_o desire_v therefore_o the_o trinitarian_n to_o abate_v a_o little_a of_o their_o confidence_n let_v they_o examine_v with_o a_o unprejudiced_a mind_n upon_o what_o foundation_n they_o build_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o trinity_n and_o they_o will_v soon_o perceive_v how_o weak_a and_o frail_a it_o be_v let_v they_o at_o last_o confess_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o threaten_v eternal_a damnation_n to_o those_o who_o disbelieve_v a_o trinity_n and_o then_o if_o themselves_o will_v part_v with_o their_o darling_n opinion_n let_v they_o abstain_v from_o persecute_v other_o three_o trinitarian_n lay_v so_o much_o stress_n upon_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n concern_v the_o trinity_n that_o i_o think_v it_o worth_a while_n to_o undeceive_v they_o by_o show_v that_o there_o never_o be_v so_o great_a a_o variation_n in_o the_o church_n as_o about_o this_o point_n i_o shall_v divide_v into_o three_o period_n all_o the_o age_n of_o the_o church_n the_o first_o reach_n to_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a the_o second_o from_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a to_o the_o schoolman_n and_o the_o three_o from_o the_o schoolman_n to_o our_o time_n and_o one_o that_o be_v never_o so_o little_o acquaint_v with_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o three_o first_o century_n can_v deny_v
of_o natural_a reason_n do_v it_o contradict_v reason_n tell_v we_o that_o three_o god_n can_v be_v one_o god_n but_o do_v 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 be_v not_o this_o a_o admirable_a argument_n which_o consist_v only_o in_o a_o interrogation_n and_o in_o a_o mere_a denial_n of_o the_o difficulty_n propose_v in_o the_o objection_n what_o principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n do_v it_o contradict_v do_v reason_n tell_v we_o that_o three_o divine_a person_n can_v be_v one_o god_n here_o be_v the_o interrogation_n or_o query_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v yes_o it_o do_v contradict_v a_o plain_a principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n even_o this_o that_o three_o can_v be_v one_o 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 here_o be_v a_o mere_a denial_n of_o the_o difficulty_n i_o judge_v the_o author_n reason_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o weak_a and_o corrupt_a see_v it_o like_v well_o this_o falsehood_n that_o three_o be_v one_o and_o find_v no_o fault_n with_o it_o those_o unquestionable_o have_v a_o better_a sight_n and_o a_o more_o sound_a reason_n who_o discern_v it_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n that_o three_o be_v but_o one_o because_o they_o perceive_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o three_o be_v three_o time_n one_o and_o therefore_o can_v be_v only_o once_o one._n well_o say_v the_o doctor_n plead_v for_o his_o adversary_n if_o we_o believe_v three_o distinct_a divine_a person_n each_o of_o which_o be_v god_n we_o must_v believe_v three_o distinct_a go_n i_o hope_v not_o when_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v but_o one_o god_n yes_o whatever_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v three_o such_o distinct_a person_n must_v be_v three_o go_n now_o this_o we_o deny_v and_o challenge_v they_o to_o produce_v any_o plain_a principle_n of_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o it_o must_v be_v so_o natural_a reason_n teach_v nothing_o about_o the_o personality_n of_o the_o 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 he_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 there_o be_v free_a scope_n for_o revelation_n and_o if_o revelation_n teach_v 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 have_v in_o scripture_n 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 he_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 this_o objection_n against_o this_o faith_n that_o three_o distinct_a 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 i_o have_v transcribe_v this_o whole_a paragraph_n because_o it_o deserve_v some_o particular_a reflection_n 1._o i_o observe_v that_o it_o contain_v no_o positive_a proof_n but_o a_o mere_a denial_n the_o author_n be_v extreme_o confident_a and_o bold_a and_o yet_o all_o his_o reason_n may_v be_v resolve_v into_o i_o hope_v not_o and_o this_o we_o deny_v indeed_o this_o be_v a_o very_a short_a way_n of_o answer_v objection_n and_o as_o easy_a as_o to_o burn_v book_n that_o be_v unanswerable_a there_o lie_v a_o objection_n cross_v in_o his_o way_n that_o if_o we_o believe_v three_o distinct_a divine_a person_n we_o must_v believe_v three_o distinct_a go_n to_o this_o he_o answer_v i_o hope_v not_o when_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v but_o one_o god_n be_v this_o a_o direct_a confutation_n must_v we_o be_v satisfy_v with_o such_o a_o answer_n because_o trinitarian_n profess_v that_o three_o divine_a person_n be_v but_o one_o god_n do_v it_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v true_a and_o can_v be_v doubt_v of_o he_o hope_v not_o and_o he_o deny_v it_o therein_o lie_v the_o strength_n of_o his_o argument_n and_o answer_n 2._o i_o shall_v have_v add_v he_o challenge_v for_o this_o be_v his_o three_o way_n of_o confute_v objection_n he_o challenge_v we_o to_o produce_v any_o plain_a principle_n of_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o three_o distinct_a divine_a person_n must_v be_v three_o go_n but_o we_o have_v a_o plain_a principle_n of_o reason_n at_o hand_n to_o answer_v his_o challenge_n to_o wit_n that_o it_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n that_o three_o be_v but_o one._n 3._o here_o be_v a_o most_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a paradox_n as_o i_o ever_o hear_v of_o natural_a reason_n teach_v nothing_o about_o the_o personality_n of_o god_n or_o the_o 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 what_o if_o reason_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n he_o must_v be_v one_o intelligent_a be_v now_o according_a to_o reason_n we_o have_v no_o other_o idea_n of_o unity_n but_o such_o as_o we_o have_v of_o a_o man_n a_o beast_n and_o a_o tree_n therefore_o as_o reason_n teach_v that_o a_o man_n be_v one_o person_n because_o he_o be_v one_o intelligent_a be_v so_o it_o follow_v that_o according_a to_o human_a reason_n god_n be_v but_o one_o person_n be_v but_o one_o intelligent_a be_v reason_n do_v not_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n be_v different_a from_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o man_n it_o produce_v in_o our_o mind_n the_o same_o idea_n of_o both_o which_o be_v apply_v to_o god_n as_o well_o as_o to_o man_n must_v needs_o denote_v one_o person_n or_o intelligent_a be_v in_o opposition_n to_o two_o or_o three_o nay_o if_o reason_n teach_v nothing_o about_o the_o personality_n of_o the_o godhead_n which_o the_o author_n do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o prove_v what_o idea_n can_v we_o have_v of_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n by_o reason_n as_o long_o as_o we_o be_v ignorant_a whether_o god_n be_v one_o or_o three_o person_n our_o idea_n of_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v more_o imperfect_a than_o of_o any_o other_o be_v in_o that_o very_a notion_n which_o be_v so_o familiar_a to_o we_o and_o which_o god_n himself_o have_v so_o much_o urge_v viz._n his_o unity_n this_o be_v so_o false_a a_o principle_n and_o so_o contrary_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o man_n teach_v by_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n but_o do_v believe_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o he_o be_v but_o one_o person_n the_o author_n shall_v not_o have_v venture_v abroad_o such_o a_o philosophy_n contrary_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o mankind_n but_o aught_o to_o have_v keep_v it_o for_o himself_o now_o i_o find_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v perfect_o agree_v with_o reason_n this_o tell_v i_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n who_o be_v but_o one_o person_n that_o teach_v i_o the_o same_o and_o also_o that_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n christ_n be_v that_o one_o god_n both_o of_o they_o contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n 4._o he_o say_v that_o there_o be_v three_o divine_a person_n each_o of_o which_o have_v in_o scripture_n 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 but_o where_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n call_v god_n in_o scripture_n he_o be_v indeed_o call_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o never_o god_n himself_o and_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o such_o thing_n be_v ascribe_v to_o he_o as_o be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n himself_o thus_o it_o be_v ordinary_a to_o ascribe_v to_o a_o man_n courage_n what_o he_o have_v do_v himself_o and_o yet_o his_o courage_n be_v no_o person_n nor_o distinct_a from_o he_o this_o i_o say_v only_o by_o the_o way_n to_o show_v the_o strangeness_n of_o his_o consequence_n but_o i_o shall_v say_v nothing_o here_o of_o the_o son_n and_o indeed_o see_v he_o bring_v no_o particular_a instance_n of_o what_o he_o advance_v there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o insist_v any_o long_o upon_o it_o chap._n iii_o i_o come_v now_o to_o examine_v his_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o trinity_n in_o the_o brief_a history_n of_o the_o unitarian_n the_o first_o objection_n p._n 154._o if_o our_o lord_n christ_n be_v himself_o god_n there_o can_v be_v no_o person_n great_a than_o he_o none_o that_o may_v be_v call_v his_o head_n or_o god_n none_o that_o can_v in_o any_o respect_n command_v he_o let_v we_o hear_v how_o the_o