it_o respect_v the_o direct_a revelation_n of_o god_n make_v by_o himself_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o first_o proper_a general_a end_n thereof_o let_v this_o be_v clear_o confirm_v by_o direct_a and_o positive_a divine_a testimony_n contain_v the_o declaration_n and_o revelation_n of_o god_n concern_v himself_o and_o faith_n be_v secure_v as_o to_o all_o its_o concern_v for_o it_o have_v both_o its_o proper_a formal_a object_n and_o be_v sufficient_o enable_v to_o be_v directive_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o obedience_n the_o explication_n of_o this_o doctrine_n unto_o edification_n suitable_a unto_o the_o revelation_n mention_v be_v of_o another_o consideration_n and_o two_o thing_n be_v incumbent_a on_o we_o to_o take_v care_n of_o therein_o first_o that_o what_o be_v affirm_v and_o teach_v do_v direct_o tend_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o revelation_n itself_o by_o inform_v and_o enlighten_v of_o the_o mind_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o it_o so_o far_o as_o in_o this_o life_n we_o be_v by_o divine_a assistance_n capable_a to_o comprehend_v it_o that_o be_v that_o faith_n may_v be_v increase_v strengthen_v and_o confirm_v against_o temptation_n and_o opposition_n of_o satan_n and_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o that_o we_o may_v be_v distinct_o direct_v unto_o and_o encourage_v in_o the_o obedience_n unto_o and_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o be_v require_v of_o we_o second_o that_o nothing_o be_v affirm_v or_o teach_v herein_o that_o may_v beget_v or_o occasion_v any_o undue_a apprehension_n concern_v god_n or_o our_o obedience_n unto_o he_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o best_a high_a secure_a revelation_n that_o we_o have_v of_o he_o and_o our_o duty_n these_o thing_n be_v do_v and_o secure_v the_o end_n of_o the_o declaration_n of_o this_o doctrine_n concern_v god_n be_v attain_v in_o the_o declaration_n then_o of_o this_o doctrine_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v contain_v a_o far_a explanation_n of_o the_o thing_n before_o assert_v as_o propose_v direct_o and_o in_o themselves_o as_o the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n namely_o how_o god_n be_v one_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o nature_n substance_n essence_n godhead_n or_o divineâ—_n be_v how_o be_v father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n he_o subsist_v in_o these_o three_o distinct_a person_n or_o hypostâ—sies_n and_o what_o be_v their_o mutual_a respect_n to_o each_o other_o by_o which_o as_o their_o peculiar_a property_n give_v they_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o subsistence_n they_o be_v distinguish_v one_o from_o another_o with_o sundry_a other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a necessary_a consequence_n unto_o the_o revelation_n mention_v and_o herein_o as_o in_o the_o application_n of_o all_o other_o divine_a truth_n and_o mystery_n whatever_o yea_o of_o all_o moral_a command_v duty_n use_n be_v to_o be_v make_v of_o such_o word_n and_o expression_n as_o it_o may_v be_v be_v not_o literal_o and_o formal_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o only_o be_v unto_o our_o conception_n and_o apprehension_n expository_n of_o what_o be_v so_o contain_v and_o to_o deny_v the_o liberty_n yea_o the_o necessity_n hereof_o be_v to_o deny_v all_o interpretation_n of_o the_o scripture_n all_o endeavour_n to_o express_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o understanding_n of_o one_o another_o which_o be_v in_o a_o word_n to_o render_v the_o scripture_n itself_o altogether_o useless_a for_o if_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o i_o to_o speak_v or_o write_v what_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n signify_v and_o express_v by_o they_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o i_o also_o to_o think_v or_o conceive_v in_o my_o mind_n what_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n or_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o to_o say_v be_v to_o make_v brute_n of_o ourselves_o and_o to_o frustrate_v the_o whole_a design_n of_o god_n in_o give_v unto_o we_o the_o great_a privilege_n of_o his_o word_n wherefore_o in_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n we_o may_v lawful_o nay_o we_o must_v necessary_o make_v use_n of_o other_o word_n phrase_n and_o expression_n that_o what_o be_v literal_o and_o syllabical_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o teach_v no_o other_o thing_n moreover_o whatever_o be_v so_o reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v no_o less_o true_a and_o divine_a as_o to_o whatever_o necessary_o follow_v thereon_o than_o it_o be_v as_o unto_o that_o which_o be_v principal_o reveal_v and_o direct_o express_v for_o how_o far_o soever_o the_o line_n be_v draw_v and_o extend_v from_o truth_n nothing_o can_v follow_v and_o ensue_v but_o what_o be_v true_a also_o and_o that_o in_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o truth_n with_o that_o which_o it_o be_v derive_v and_o deduce_v from_o for_o if_o the_o principal_a assertion_n be_v a_o truth_n of_o divine_a revelation_n so_o be_v also_o whatever_o be_v include_v therein_o and_o which_o may_v be_v right_o from_o thence_o collect_v hence_o it_o follow_v that_o when_o the_o scripture_n reveal_v the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v one_o god_n see_v it_o necessary_o and_o unavoidable_o follow_v thereon_o that_o they_o be_v one_o in_o essence_n wherein_o alone_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o can_v be_v one_o and_o three_o in_o their_o distinct_a subsistence_n wherein_o alone_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o can_v be_v three_o this_o be_v no_o less_o of_o divine_a revelation_n than_o the_o first_o principle_n from_o whence_o these_o thing_n follow_v these_o be_v the_o respect_n which_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n fall_v under_o the_o necessary_a method_n of_o 〈◊〉_d and_o reason_n in_o the_o beheve_n and_o declarâ—ing_v of_o it_o be_v plain_a and_o evident_a 1._o the_o revelation_n 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v to_o be_v assert_v and_o vindicate_v as_o it_o 〈◊〉_d propose_v to_o be_v believe_v for_o the_o end_v mention_v now_o this_o be_v as_o be_v declare_v that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n that_o this_o god_n be_v father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o so_o that_o the_o father_n be_v god_n so_o be_v the_o son_n so_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o be_v receive_v and_o admit_v by_o faith_n the_o explication_n of_o it_o be_v 2._o to_o be_v insist_v on_o and_o not_o take_v into_o consideration_n until_o the_o other_o be_v admit_v and_o herein_o lie_v the_o preposterous_a course_n of_o those_o who_o fallacious_o and_o captious_o go_v about_o to_o oppose_v this_o sacred_a truth_n they_o will_v always_o begin_v their_o opposition_n not_o unto_o the_o revelation_n of_o it_o but_o unto_o the_o explanation_n of_o it_o which_o be_v use_v only_o for_o far_a edification_n their_o dispute_n and_o cavil_n shall_v be_v against_o the_o trinity_n essence_n substance_n person_n personality_n respect_n property_n of_o the_o divine_a person_n with_o the_o mode_n of_o express_v these_o thing_n whilst_o the_o plain_a scriptural_a revelation_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o from_o whence_o they_o be_v but_o explanatory_a deduction_n be_v not_o speak_v to_o nor_o admit_v unto_o confirmation_n by_o this_o mean_n have_v they_o entangle_v many_o weak_a unstable_a soul_n who_o when_o they_o have_v meet_v with_o thing_n too_o high_a hard_a and_o difficult_a for_o they_o which_o in_o divine_a mystery_n they_o may_v quick_o do_v in_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o doctrine_n have_v suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v take_v off_o from_o a_o due_a consideration_n of_o the_o full_a and_o plain_a revelation_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o in_o scripture_n until_o their_o temptation_n be_v make_v strong_a and_o their_o darkness_n increase_v it_o be_v too_o late_o for_o they_o to_o return_v unto_o it_o as_o bring_v along_o with_o they_o the_o cavil_n wherewith_o they_o be_v prepossess_v rather_o than_o that_o faith_n and_o obedience_n which_o be_v require_v but_o yet_o all_o this_o while_n these_o explanation_n so_o except_v against_o be_v indeed_o not_o of_o any_o original_a consideration_n in_o this_o matter_n let_v the_o direct_a express_a revelation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n be_v firm_v they_o will_v follow_v of_o themselves_o nor_o will_v be_v except_v against_o by_o those_o who_o believe_v and_o receive_v it_o let_v that_o be_v reject_v and_o they_o will_v fall_v of_o themselves_o and_o never_o be_v contend_v for_o by_o those_o who_o do_v make_v use_n of_o they_o but_o of_o these_o thing_n we_o shall_v treat_v again_o afterward_o this_o therefore_o be_v the_o way_n the_o only_a way_n that_o we_o rational_o can_v and_o that_o which_o in_o duty_n we_o ought_v to_o proceed_v in_o and_o by_o for_o the_o assert_v and_o confirm_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n under_o consideration_n namely_o that_o we_o produce_v divine_a revelation_n or_o testimony_n wherein_o faith_n may_v safe_o rest_v and_o acquiesce_v that_o god_n be_v one_o that_o this_o one_o god_n
but_o when_o the_o comforter_n be_v come_v who_o i_o will_v send_v unto_o you_o from_o the_o father_n even_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o father_n he_o shall_v testify_v of_o i_o now_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o distinction_n lie_v in_o their_o mutual_a relation_n one_o to_o another_o so_o it_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o those_o distinct_a act_n and_o operation_n whereby_o the_o distinction_n itself_o be_v clear_o manifest_v and_o confirm_v and_o these_o act_n as_o be_v say_v be_v either_o such_o as_o where_o one_o of_o they_o be_v the_o object_n of_o another_o act_n or_o such_o as_o have_v the_o creature_n for_o their_o object_n â—_o the_o first_o sort_n be_v testify_v unto_o psalm_n 110._o 1._o john_n 1._o 18._o chap._n 5._o 20._o chap._n 17._o 5._o 1_o cor._n 2._o 10_o 11._o prov._n 8._o 21_o 22._o most_o of_o which_o place_n have_v be_v before_o recite_v they_o which_o thus_o know_v each_o other_o love_v each_o other_o delight_n in_o each_o other_o must_v needs_o be_v distinct_a and_o so_o be_v they_o represent_v unto_o our_o faith_n and_o for_o the_o other_o sort_n of_o act_n the_o scripture_n be_v full_a of_o the_o expression_n of_o they_o see_v gen._n 19_o 24._o zachariah_n 2._o 8._o joh._n 5._o 17._o 1_o cor._n 12._o 7_o 8_o 9_o 1_o cor._n 8._o 9_o our_o conclusion_n from_o the_o whole_a be_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o full_o express_v in_o the_o scripture_n than_o this_o sacred_a truth_n be_v that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v divine_a distinct_a intelligent_a voluntary_a omnipotent_a principle_n of_o operation_n and_o work_v which_o whosoever_o think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n must_v believe_v and_o concern_v other_o in_o this_o discourse_n we_o be_v not_o solicitous_a this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v first_o propose_v namely_o to_o manifest_v what_o be_v express_o reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n concern_v god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n so_o as_o that_o we_o may_v due_o believe_v in_o he_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o he_o enjoy_v communion_n with_o he_o walk_v in_o his_o love_n and_o fear_n and_o so_o come_v at_o length_n to_o be_v bless_v with_o he_o for_o evermore_o nor_o do_v faith_n for_o its_o security_n establishment_n and_o direction_n absolute_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o any_o far_a exposition_n or_o explanation_n of_o these_o thing_n or_o the_o use_n of_o any_o term_n not_o consecrate_v to_o the_o present_a service_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o whereas_o it_o may_v be_v various_o assault_v by_o the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n and_o oppose_v by_o the_o subtle_a sophism_n of_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o whereas_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n to_o grow_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n by_o a_o explicit_a apprehension_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o do_v believe_v so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o they_o this_o doctrine_n have_v in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n be_v explain_v and_o teach_v in_o and_o by_o such_o expression_n term_n and_o proposition_n as_o far_a declare_v what_o be_v necessary_o include_v in_o it_o or_o consequent_a unto_o it_o with_o a_o exclusion_n of_o such_o thing_n notion_n and_o apprehension_n as_o be_v neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o this_o i_o shall_v brief_o manifest_v and_o then_o vindicate_v the_o whole_a from_o some_o exception_n and_o so_o close_a this_o dissertation_n that_o god_n be_v one_o be_v declare_v and_o prove_v now_o this_o oneness_n can_v respect_v nothing_o but_o the_o nature_n be_v substance_n or_o essence_n of_o god_n god_n be_v one_o in_o this_o respect_n some_o of_o these_o word_n indeed_o be_v not_o use_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o whereas_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o importance_n and_o signification_n and_o none_o of_o they_o include_v any_o thing_n of_o imperfection_n they_o be_v proper_o use_v in_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n there_o be_v mention_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o godhead_n of_o god_n rom._n 1._o 20._o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n and_o of_o his_o nature_n by_o exclude_v they_o from_o be_v object_n of_o our_o worship_n who_o be_v not_o god_n by_o nature_n gal._n 4._o 8._o now_o this_o natural_a godhead_n of_o god_n be_v his_o substance_n or_o essence_n with_o all_o the_o holy_a divine_a excellency_n which_o natural_o and_o necessary_o appertain_v thereunto_o such_o be_v eternity_n immensity_n omnipotency_n life_n infinite_a holiness_n goodness_n and_o the_o like_a this_o one_o nature_n substance_n or_o essence_n be_v the_o nature_n substance_n or_o essence_n of_o god_n as_o god_n be_v the_o nature_n essence_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o spirit_n one_o and_o the_o same_o absolute_o in_o and_o unto_o each_o of_o they_o for_o none_o can_v be_v god_n as_o they_o be_v reveal_v to_o be_v but_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o divine_a nature_n or_o be_v herein_o consist_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n second_o the_o distinction_n which_o the_o scripture_n reveal_v between_o father_n son_n and_o spirit_n be_v that_o whereby_o they_o be_v three_o â—â—pâ—stasis_n or_o person_n distinct_o subsist_v in_o the_o same_o divine_a essence_n or_o be_v now_o a_o divine_a person_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o divine_a essence_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o a_o especial_a property_n subsist_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n as_o in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o father_n there_o be_v the_o divine_a essence_n and_o be_v with_o its_o property_n of_o beget_v the_o son_n subsist_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n as_o the_o father_n and_o because_o this_o person_n have_v the_o whole_a divine_a nature_n all_o the_o essential_a property_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v in_o that_o person_n the_o wisdom_n the_o understanding_n of_o god_n the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o immensity_n of_o god_n be_v in_o that_o person_n not_o as_o that_o person_n but_o as_o the_o person_n be_v god_n the_o like_a be_v to_o be_v say_v of_o the_o person_n of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n hereby_o each_o person_n have_v the_o understanding_n the_o will_n and_o power_n of_o god_n become_v a_o distinct_a principle_n of_o operation_n and_o yet_o all_o their_o act_n ad_fw-la extra_fw-la be_v the_o act_n of_o god_n they_o be_v undivided_a and_o be_v all_o the_o work_n of_o one_o of_o the_o self_n same_o god_n and_o these_o thing_n do_v not_o only_o necessary_o follow_v but_o be_v direct_o include_v in_o the_o revelation_n make_v concern_v god_n and_o his_o subsistence_n in_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v indeed_o very_a many_o other_o thing_n that_o be_v teach_v and_o dispute_v about_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n as_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o eternal_a generaâ—â—on_n of_o the_o son_n of_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o procession_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o difference_n of_o it_o from_o the_o generation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o the_o mutual_a in-being_a of_o the_o person_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o unity_n in_o the_o same_o substance_n or_o essence_n the_o nature_n of_o their_o personal_a subsistence_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o property_n whereby_o they_o be_v mutual_o distinguish_v all_o which_o be_v true_a and_o defensible_a against_o all_o the_o sophism_n of_o the_o adversary_n of_o this_o truth_n yet_o because_o the_o distinct_a apprehension_n of_o they_o and_o their_o accurate_a expression_n be_v not_o necessary_a unto_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v our_o guide_n and_o principle_n in_o and_o unto_o religious_a worship_n and_o obedience_n they_o need_v not_o here_o be_v insist_v on_o nor_o be_v those_o brief_a explication_n themselves_o before_o mention_v so_o propose_v as_o to_o be_v place_v immediate_o in_o the_o same_o rank_n or_o order_n with_o the_o original_a revelation_n before_o infisted_a on_o but_o only_o be_v press_v as_o proper_a expression_n of_o what_o be_v reveal_v to_o increase_v our_o light_n and_o further_o our_o edification_n and_o although_o they_o can_v rational_o be_v oppose_v or_o deny_v nor_o ever_o be_v by_o any_o but_o such_o as_o deny_v and_o oppose_v the_o thing_n themselves_o as_o reveal_v yet_o they_o that_o do_v so_o deny_v or_o oppose_v they_o be_v to_o be_v require_v positive_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o deny_v or_o disapprove_v the_o oneness_n of_o the_o deity_n or_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o father_n or_o son_n or_o holy_a ghost_n in_o particular_a be_v not_o god_n before_o they_o be_v allow_v to_o speak_v one_o word_n against_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o truth_n concern_v they_o for_o either_o they_o grant_v the_o revelation_n declare_v and_o contend_v for_o or_o they_o do_v not_o if_o they_o do_v let_v that_o concession_n be_v first_o lay_v down_o namely_o that_o
the_o father_n son_n and_o spirit_n be_v one_o god_n and_o then_o let_v it_o be_v debate_v whether_o they_o be_v one_o in_o substance_n and_o three_o in_o person_n or_o how_o else_o the_o matter_n be_v to_o be_v state_v if_o they_o deny_v it_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a madness_n to_o dispute_v of_o the_o manner_n of_o any_o thing_n and_o the_o way_n of_o express_v it_o whilst_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v deny_v to_o have_v a_o be_v for_o of_o that_o which_o be_v not_o there_o be_v neither_o manner_n property_n adjunct_n nor_o effect_n let_v then_o such_o person_n as_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n be_v ready_a to_o attempt_v with_o their_o sophistry_n and_o to_o amuse_v with_o cavil_n about_o person_n substance_n subsistence_n and_o the_o like_a desire_v to_o know_v of_o they_o what_o it_o be_v that_o they_o will_v be_v at_o what_o will_v they_o deny_v what_o will_v they_o disapprove_v be_v it_o that_o god_n be_v one_o or_o that_o the_o father_n be_v god_n or_o the_o son_n or_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v so_o if_o they_o deny_v or_o oppose_v either_o of_o these_o they_o have_v testimony_n and_o instance_n of_o divine_a revelation_n or_o may_v have_v in_o a_o readiness_n to_o confound_v the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o emissary_n if_o they_o will_v not_o do_v so_o if_o they_o refuse_v it_o then_o let_v they_o know_v that_o it_o be_v most_o foolish_a and_o unreasonable_a to_o contend_v about_o expression_n and_o explanation_n of_o any_o thing_n or_o doctrine_n about_o the_o manner_n respect_n or_o relation_n of_o any_o thing_n until_o the_o thing_n itself_o or_o doctrine_n be_v plain_o confess_v or_o deny_v if_o this_o they_o refuse_v as_o general_o they_o do_v and_o will_v which_o i_o speak_v upon_o sufficient_a experience_n and_o will_v not_o be_v induce_v to_o deal_v open_o proper_o and_o rational_o but_o will_v keep_v to_o their_o cavil_n and_o sophism_n about_o term_n and_o expression_n all_o far_a debate_n or_o conference_n with_o they_o may_v just_o and_o aught_o both_o conscientious_o and_o rational_o to_o be_v refuse_v and_o reject_v for_o these_o sacred_a mystery_n of_o god_n and_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o light_o to_o be_v make_v the_o subject_n of_o man_n contest_v and_o disputation_n but_o as_o we_o deal_v before_o in_o particular_a so_o here_o i_o shall_v give_v instance_n of_o the_o sophistical_a exception_n that_o be_v use_v against_o the_o whole_a of_o this_o doctrine_n and_o that_o with_o respect_n unto_o some_o late_a collection_n and_o representation_n of_o they_o from_o whence_o they_o be_v take_v up_o and_o use_v by_o many_o who_o seem_v not_o to_o understand_v the_o word_n phrase_n and_o expression_n themselves_o which_o they_o make_v use_v of_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o they_o say_v in_o general_a be_v how_o can_v these_o thing_n be_v how_o can_v three_o be_v one_o and_o one_o be_v three_o every_o person_n have_v its_o own_o substance_n and_o therefore_o if_o there_o be_v three_o person_n there_o must_v be_v three_o substance_n and_o so_o three_o go_n answ._n 1._o every_o person_n have_v distinct_o its_o own_o substance_n for_o the_o one_o substance_n of_o the_o deity_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o each_o person_n so_o it_o be_v still_o but_o one_o but_o each_o person_n have_v not_o its_o own_o distinct_a substance_n because_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o all_o be_v the_o same_o as_o have_v be_v prove_v 2._o they_o say_v that_o if_o each_o person_n be_v god_n than_o each_o person_n be_v infinite_a and_o there_o be_v three_o person_n there_o must_v be_v three_o infinite_n answ._n this_o follow_v not_o in_o the_o least_o for_o each_o person_n be_v infinite_a as_o he_o be_v god_n alâ—_n divine_a property_n such_o as_o to_o be_v infinite_a be_v belong_v not_o to_o the_o person_n on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o personality_n but_o on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o nature_n which_o be_v one_o for_o they_o be_v all_o natural_a property_n but_o they_o say_v if_o each_o person_n be_v god_n and_o that_o god_n subsist_v in_o three_o person_n then_o in_o each_o person_n there_o be_v three_o person_n or_o go_n answ._n the_o collusion_n of_o this_o sophism_n consist_v in_o that_o expression_n be_v god_n and_o that_o god_n in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v intend_v in_o the_o latter_a a_o singular_a person_n place_v the_o word_n intelligible_o and_o they_o be_v thus_o if_o each_o person_n be_v god_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n subsist_v in_o three_o person_n then_o in_o each_o person_n there_o be_v three_o person_n and_o then_o the_o folly_n of_o it_o will_v be_v evident_a but_o they_o far_o infer_v that_o if_o we_o deny_v the_o person_n to_o be_v infinite_a than_o a_o infinite_a be_v have_v a_o finite_a mode_n of_o subsist_v and_o so_o i_o know_v not_o what_o supposition_n they_o make_v hence_o that_o see_v there_o be_v not_o three_o infinite_n than_o the_o father_n son_n and_o spirit_n be_v three_o finites_n that_o make_v up_o a_o infinite_a the_o pitiful_a weakness_n of_o this_o cavil_v be_v open_a to_o all_o for_o finite_a and_o infinite_a be_v property_n and_o adjunct_n of_o being_n and_o not_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o subsistence_n of_o any_o thing_n the_o nature_n of_o each_o person_n be_v infinite_a and_o so_o be_v each_o person_n because_o of_o that_o nature_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o subsistence_n finite_a and_o infinite_a can_v be_v predicate_v or_o speak_v no_o far_o than_o to_o say_v a_o infinite_a be_v do_v so_o subsist_v but_o you_o grant_v say_v they_o that_o the_o only_a true_a god_n be_v the_o father_n and_o then_o if_o christ_n be_v the_o only_a true_a god_n he_o be_v the_o father_n answ._n we_o say_v the_o only_a true_a god_n be_v father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n we_o never_o say_v the_o scripture_n never_o say_v that_o the_o father_n only_o be_v the_o true_a god_n whence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o he_o that_o be_v the_o true_a god_n be_v the_o father_n but_o we_o grant_v the_o father_n to_o be_v the_o only_a trne_n god_n and_o so_o we_o 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o son_n also_o and_o it_o do_v not_o 〈◊〉_d all_o thence_o follow_v that_o the_o son_n be_v 〈◊〉_d father_n because_o in_o say_v the_o 〈…〉_z the_o true_a god_n we_o respect_v not_o his_o paternity_n or_o his_o paternal_a relation_n to_o his_o son_n but_o his_o nature_n essence_n and_o be_v and_o the_o same_o we_o affirm_v concern_v the_o other_o person_n and_o to_o say_v that_o because_o each_o person_n be_v god_n one_o person_n must_v be_v another_o be_v to_o crave_v leave_n to_o disbelieve_v what_o god_n have_v reveal_v without_o give_v any_o reason_n at_o all_o for_o their_o so_o do_v but_o this_o sophism_n be_v borrow_v from_o another_o namely_o crellius_n who_o insist_v much_o upon_o it_o i_o shall_v upon_o his_o account_n and_o not_o on_o they_o who_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v apprehend_v understand_v little_a of_o the_o intendment_n of_o it_o remove_v it_o more_o full_o out_o of_o the_o way_n it_o be_v propose_v by_o he_o in_o way_n of_o syllogism_n thus_o the_o only_a true_a god_n be_v the_o father_n christ_n be_v the_o only_a true_a god_n therefore_o he_o be_v the_o father_n now_o this_o syllogism_n be_v ridiculous_o sophystical_a for_o in_o a_o categorical_a syllogism_n the_o major_a proposition_n be_v not_o to_o be_v particular_a nor_o equipollent_a to_o a_o particular_a for_o from_o such_o a_o proposition_n when_o any_o thing_n communicable_a to_o more_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o it_o and_o be_v restrain_v unto_o one_o particular_a nothing_o can_v be_v infer_v in_o the_o conclusion_n but_o such_o be_v this_o proposition_n here_o the_o only_a true_a god_n be_v the_o father_n it_o be_v a_o particular_a proposition_n wherein_o the_o subject_n be_v restrain_v unto_o a_o singular_a or_o individual_a predicate_v though_o in_o itself_o communicable_a to_o more_o now_o the_o proposition_n be_v â—o_o make_v particular_a the_o term_n of_o the_o subject_n or_o predicate_v be_v suppose_v reciprocal_a namely_o that_o one_o god_n and_o the_o father_n be_v the_o same_o which_o be_v false_a unless_o it_o be_v first_o prove_v that_o the_o name_n god_n be_v communicable_a to_o no_o more_o or_o no_o other_o than_o be_v the_o other_o term_n of_o father_n which_o to_o suppose_v be_v to_o beg_v the_o whole_a question_n for_o the_o only_a true_a god_n have_v a_o large_a signification_n than_o the_o term_n of_o father_n or_o son_n so_o that_o though_o the_o only_a true_a god_n be_v the_o father_n yet_o every_o one_o who_o be_v true_a god_n be_v not_o the_o father_n see_v than_o that_o the_o name_n of_o god_n here_o supply_v the_o plaâ—e_n of_o a_o species_n though_o it_o be_v singular_a absolute_o as_o it_o respect_v the_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v absolute_o singular_a and_o one_o and_o can_v be_v
be_v father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n so_o that_o the_o father_n be_v god_n so_o also_o be_v the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n likewise_o and_o as_o such_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v in_o obey_v worship_v acknowledge_v as_o the_o first_o cause_n and_o last_o end_n of_o all_o our_o lord_n and_o reward_n if_o this_o be_v not_o admit_v if_o somewhat_o of_o it_o be_v not_o particular_o deny_v we_o need_v not_o we_o have_v no_o warrant_n or_o ground_n to_o proceed_v any_o far_a or_o at_o all_o to_o discourse_v about_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n or_o the_o distinction_n of_o person_n we_o have_v not_o therefore_o any_o original_n contest_v in_o this_o matter_n with_o any_o but_o such_o as_o deny_v either_o god_n to_o be_v one_o or_o the_o father_n to_o be_v god_n or_o the_o son_n to_o be_v god_n or_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o to_o be_v if_o any_o deny_v either_o of_o these_o in_o particular_a we_o be_v ready_a to_o confirm_v it_o by_o sufficient_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n or_o clear_a and_o undeniable_a divine_a revelation_n when_o this_o be_v evince_v and_o vindicate_v we_o shall_v willing_o proceed_v to_o manifest_v that_o the_o explication_n use_v of_o this_o doctrine_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v according_a to_o truth_n and_o such_o as_o necessary_o be_v require_v by_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o this_o give_v we_o the_o method_n of_o the_o small_a ensue_a discourse_n with_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o the_o first_o thing_n which_o we_o affirm_v to_o be_v deliver_v unto_o we_o by_o divine_a revelation_n as_o the_o object_n oâ—_n ouâ—_n faith_n be_v that_o god_n be_v one_o i_o know_v that_o this_o may_v be_v uncontrollable_o evidence_v by_o the_o â—ight_n of_o reason_n itself_o unto_o as_o good_a and_o quiet_a a_o assurance_n as_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o in_o any_o of_o its_o apprehension_n whatever_o but_o i_o speak_v of_o it_o now_o as_o it_o be_v confirm_v unto_o we_o by_o divine_a revelation_n how_o this_o assertion_n of_o one_o god_n respect_v the_o nature_n essence_n or_o divine_a be_v of_o god_n shall_v be_v declare_v afterward_o at_o present_v it_o be_v enough_o to_o represent_v the_o testimony_n that_o he_o be_v one_o only_o one_o and_o because_o we_o have_v no_o difference_n with_o our_o adversary_n distinct_o about_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v only_o name_v some_o few_o of_o they_o deut._n 6._o 4._o hear_v o_o israel_n the_o lord_n our_o god_n be_v one_o lord._n a_o most_o pregnant_a testimony_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o as_o i_o shall_v elsewhere_o manifest_v the_o trinity_n itself_o in_o that_o one_o divine_a essence_n be_v here_o assert_v isa._n 44._o 6_o 8._o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n the_o king_n of_o israel_n and_o his_o redeemer_n the_o lord_n of_o host_n i_o be_o the_o first_o and_o i_o be_o the_o last_o and_o beside_o i_o there_o be_v no_o god_n be_v there_o a_o god_n beside_o i_o yea_o there_o be_v no_o god_n i_o know_v not_o any_o in_o which_o also_o we_o may_v manifest_v that_o a_o plurality_n of_o person_n be_v include_v and_o express_v and_o although_o there_o be_v no_o more_o absolute_a and_o sacred_a truth_n than_o this_o that_o god_n be_v one_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v evince_v that_o it_o be_v no_o where_o mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o that_o either_o in_o the_o word_n themselves_o or_o the_o context_n of_o the_o place_n a_o plurality_n of_o person_n in_o that_o one_o sense_n be_v intimate_v second_o it_o be_v propose_v as_o the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o the_o father_n be_v god_n and_o herein_o as_o be_v pretend_v there_o be_v also_o a_o agreement_n between_o we_o and_o those_o who_o oppose_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n but_o there_o be_v a_o mistake_n in_o this_o matter_n their_o hypothesis_n as_o they_o call_v it_o or_o indeed_o presumptuous_a error_n cast_v all_o the_o conception_n that_o be_v give_v we_o concern_v god_n in_o the_o scripture_n into_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n for_o the_o father_n as_o he_o who_o we_o worship_v be_v often_o call_v so_o only_o with_o reference_n unto_o his_o son_n as_o the_o son_n be_v so_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o father_n he_o be_v the_o only_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n john_n 1._o 14._o but_o now_o be_v this_o son_n have_v no_o praeexistence_n in_o his_o divine_a nature_n before_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o virgin_n there_o be_v no_o god_n the_o father_n seventeen_o hundred_o year_n ago_o because_o there_o be_v no_o son_n and_o on_o this_o ground_n do_v the_o marcionite_n of_o old_a plain_o deny_v the_o father_n who_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o worship_n to_o be_v the_o god_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n who_o make_v the_o world_n and_o be_v worship_v from_o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o for_o it_o seem_v to_o follow_v that_o he_o who_o we_o worship_v be_v the_o father_n and_o on_o this_o supposition_n that_o the_o son_n have_v no_o praexistence_n unto_o his_o incarnation_n he_o be_v not_o the_o father_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n he_o be_v some_o other_o from_o he_o that_o be_v so_o reveal_v i_o know_v the_o folly_n of_o that_o inference_n yet_o how_o on_o this_o opinion_n of_o the_o sole_a existence_n of_o the_o son_n in_o time_n man_n can_v prove_v the_o father_n to_o be_v god_n let_v other_o determine_v he_o who_o abide_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n he_o have_v both_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n but_o whosoever_o transgress_v and_o abide_v not_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n he_o have_v not_o god_n 2_o john_n 9_o whoever_o deny_v christ_n the_o son_n as_o the_o son_n that_o be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n he_o lose_v the_o father_n also_o and_o the_o true_a god_n he_o have_v not_o god_n for_o that_o god_n which_o be_v not_o the_o father_n and_o which_o ever_o be_v and_o be_v not_o the_o father_n be_v not_o the_o true_a god_n hence_o many_o of_o the_o father_n even_o of_o the_o first_o writer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v force_v unto_o great_a pain_n in_o the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o father_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v he_o who_o make_v the_o world_n give_v the_o law_n speak_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o that_o against_o man_n who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n and_o this_o brutish_a apprehension_n of_o they_o arise_v from_o no_o other_o principle_n but_o this_o that_o the_o son_n have_v only_o a_o temporal_a existence_n and_o be_v not_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n but_o that_o i_o may_v not_o in_o this_o brief_a discourse_n digress_v unto_o other_o controversy_n than_o what_o lie_v direct_o before_o we_o and_o see_v the_o adversary_n of_o the_o truth_n we_o contend_v for_o do_v in_o word_n at_o least_o grant_v that_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o true_a god_n or_o the_o only_a true_a god_n i_o shall_v not_o further_o show_v the_o inconsistency_n of_o their_o hypothesis_n with_o this_o confession_n but_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o to_o we_o there_o be_v one_o god_n the_o father_n 1_o cor._n 8._o 6._o see_v john_n 17._o 3._o so_o that_o he_o who_o be_v not_o the_o father_n who_o be_v not_o so_o from_o eternity_n who_o paternity_n be_v not_o equal_o coexistent_a unto_o his_o deity_n be_v no_o god_n unto_o we_o three_o it_o be_v assert_v and_o believe_v by_o the_o church_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v god_n the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n that_o be_v he_o be_v propose_v declare_v and_o reveal_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v god_n that_o be_v to_o be_v serve_v worship_v believe_v in_o obey_v as_o god_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o own_o divine_a excellency_n and_o whereas_o we_o believe_v and_o know_v that_o he_o be_v man_n that_o he_o be_v bear_v live_v and_o die_v as_o a_o man_n it_o be_v declare_v that_o he_o be_v god_n also_o and_o that_o as_o god_n he_o do_v preexist_v in_o the_o form_n of_o god_n before_o his_o incarnation_n which_o be_v effect_v by_o voluntary_a act_n of_o his_o own_o which_o can_v not_o be_v without_o a_o preexistence_n in_o another_o nature_n this_o be_v propose_v unto_o we_o to_o be_v believe_v upon_o divine_a testimony_n and_o by_o divine_a revelation_n and_o the_o sole_a enquiry_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v whether_o this_o be_v propose_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o object_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o which_o be_v indispensible_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v let_v we_o then_o naked_o attend_v unto_o what_o the_o scripture_n assert_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o that_o in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o book_n of_o it_o in_o some_o particular_a instance_n which_o at_o present_a occur_v to_o mind_n as_o these_o that_o follow_v psalm_n
as_o nothing_o but_o they_o can_v enable_v he_o for_o be_v abundant_o prove_v by_o the_o forego_n testimony_n now_o all_o these_o concern_v a_o divine_a nature_n a_o natural_a essence_n a_o godhead_n and_o not_o such_o power_n or_o authority_n as_o a_o man_n may_v be_v exalt_v unto_o yea_o the_o ascribe_v any_o of_o they_o to_o such_o a_o one_o imply_v the_o high_a contradiction_n expressible_a three_o this_o god_n in_o authority_n and_o office_n and_o not_o by_o nature_n that_o shall_v be_v the_o object_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v a_o new_a abomination_n for_o they_o be_v divine_a essential_a excellency_n that_o be_v the_o formal_a reason_n and_o object_n of_o worship_n religious_a and_o divine_a and_o to_o ascribe_v it_o unto_o any_o one_o that_o be_v not_o god_n by_o nature_n be_v idolatry_n by_o make_v therefore_o their_o christ_n such_o a_o god_n as_o they_o describe_v they_o bring_v he_o under_o the_o severe_a commination_n of_o the_o true_a god_n jer._n 10._o 11._o the_o god_n that_o have_v not_o make_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n even_o they_o shall_v perish_v from_o the_o earth_n and_o from_o under_o these_o heaven_n that_o christ_n they_o worship_v they_o say_v be_v a_o god_n but_o they_o deny_v that_o he_o be_v that_o god_n that_o make_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n and_o so_o leave_v he_o expose_v to_o the_o threaten_n of_o he_o who_o will_v accomplish_v it_o to_o the_o uttermost_a some_o other_o general_a exception_n sometime_o they_o make_v use_v of_o which_o the_o reader_n may_v free_v himself_o from_o the_o entanglement_n of_o if_o he_o do_v but_o heed_n these_o ensue_a rule_n x._o distinction_n of_o person_n of_o which_o afterward_o it_o be_v in_o a_o infinite_a substance_n do_v no_o way_n prove_v a_o difference_n of_o essence_n between_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n where_o there_o fore_n christ_n as_o the_o son_n be_v say_v to_o be_v another_o from_o the_o father_n or_o god_n speak_v personal_o of_o the_o father_n it_o argue_v not_o in_o the_o least_o that_o he_o be_v not_o partaker_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o he_o that_o in_o one_o essence_n there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o person_n may_v be_v true_a where_o the_o substance_n be_v finite_a and_o limit_v but_o have_v no_o place_n in_o that_o which_o be_v infinite_a 2._o distinction_n and_o inequality_n in_o respect_n of_o office_n in_o christ_n do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o take_v away_o his_o equality_n and_o sameness_n with_o the_o father_n in_o respect_n of_o nature_n and_o essence_n phil._n 2._o 7_o 8._o a_o son_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o his_o father_n and_o therein_o equal_a to_o he_o may_v in_o office_n be_v his_o inferior_a his_o subject_n three_o the_o advancement_n and_o exaltation_n of_o christ_n as_o mediator_n to_o any_o dignity_n whatever_o upon_o or_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o salvation_n be_v not_o at_o all_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o essential_a honour_n dignity_n and_o worth_a which_o he_o have_v in_o himself_o as_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o though_o he_o humble_v himself_o and_o be_v exalt_v in_o office_n yet_o in_o nature_n he_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o he_o change_v not_o four_o the_o scripture_n assert_v the_o humanity_n of_o christ_n with_o the_o concerment_n thereof_o as_o his_o birth_n life_n and_o death_n do_v no_o more_o thereby_o deny_v his_o deity_n than_o by_o assert_v his_o deity_n with_o the_o essential_a property_n thereof_o they_o deny_v his_o humanity_n five_o god_n work_v in_o and_o by_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v mediator_n denote_v the_o father_n sovereign_a appointment_n of_o the_o thing_n mention_v to_o be_v do_v not_o his_o immediate_a efficiency_n in_o the_o do_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o these_o rule_n be_v propose_v a_o little_a before_o their_o due_a place_n in_o the_o method_n which_o we_o pursue_v but_o i_o think_v meet_v to_o interpose_v they_o here_o as_o contain_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o the_o resolution_n and_o answer_v of_o all_o the_o sophism_n and_o objection_n which_o the_o adversary_n use_v in_o this_o cause_n from_o the_o cloud_n of_o witness_n before_o produce_v every_o one_o where_o of_o be_v single_o sufficient_a to_o evert_v the_o socinian_n infidelity_n i_o shall_v in_o one_o of_o they_o give_v a_o infiance_fw-fr both_o of_o the_o clearness_n of_o the_o evidence_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o exception_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o put_v in_o against_o they_o as_o be_v promise_v and_o this_o be_v john_n 1._o 1_o 2_o 3._o in_o the_o beginning_n be_v the_o word_n and_o the_o word_n be_v with_o god_n and_o the_o word_n be_v god_n the_o same_o be_v in_o the_o begin_n with_o god_n 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 by_o the_o word_n here_o or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d on_o what_o account_n soever_o he_o be_v so_o call_v either_o as_o be_v the_o eternal_a word_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n or_o as_o the_o great_a revealer_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n unto_o we_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v intend_v this_o be_v on_o all_o hand_n acknowledge_v and_o the_o context_n will_v admit_v of_o no_o haesitation_n about_o it_o for_o of_o this_o word_n it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n v_o 10._o be_v reject_v by_o his_o own_o v_o 11._o be_v make_v flesh_n and_o dwell_v among_o we_o who_o glory_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o the_o father_n v_o 14._o call_v express_o jesus_n christ_n v_o 17._o the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o the_o father_n v_o 18._o the_o subject_n then_o treat_v of_o be_v here_o agree_v upon_o and_o it_o be_v no_o less_o evident_a that_o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o declare_v both_o who_o and_o what_o he_o be_v of_o who_o he_o treat_v here_o then_o if_o any_o where_o we_o may_v learn_v what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v concern_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n which_o also_o we_o may_v certain_o do_v if_o our_o mind_n be_v not_o pervert_v through_o prejudice_n whereby_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n do_v blind_a the_o mind_n of_o they_o which_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o 2_o cor._n 4._o 4._o of_o this_o word_n then_o this_o son_n of_o god_n it_o be_v affirm_v that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n and_o this_o word_n if_o it_o do_v not_o absolute_o and_o formal_o express_v eternity_n yet_o it_o do_v a_o preexistence_n unto_o the_o whole_a creation_n which_o amount_v to_o the_o same_o for_o nothing_o can_v preexist_v unto_o all_o creature_n but_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n which_o be_v eternal_a unless_o we_o shall_v suppose_v a_o creature_n before_o the_o creation_n of_o any_o but_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o this_o expression_n the_o scripture_n do_v elsewhere_o declare_v prov._n 8._o 23._o i_o be_v set_v up_o from_o everlasting_a before_o the_o beginning_n or_o ever_o the_o earth_n be_v john_n 17._o 5._o glorify_v thou_o i_o with_o thy_o own_o self_n with_o the_o glory_n which_o i_o have_v with_o thou_o before_o the_o world_n be_v both_o which_o place_n as_o they_o explain_v this_o phrase_n so_o also_o do_v they_o undeniable_o testify_v unto_o the_o eternal_a pre-existence_n of_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o in_o this_o case_n we_o prevail_v against_o our_o adversary_n if_o we_o prove_v any_o pre-existence_n of_o christ_n unto_o his_o incarnation_n which_o as_o they_o absolute_o deny_v so_o to_o grant_v it_o will_v overthrow_v their_o whole_a heresy_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o therefore_o they_o know_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o saviour_n concern_v himself_o if_o understand_v in_o a_o proper_a intelligible_a sense_n be_v perfect_o destructive_a of_o their_o pretension_n john_n 8._o 58._o before_o abraham_n be_v i_o be_o for_o although_o there_o be_v no_o proper_a sense_n in_o the_o word_n but_o a_o gross_a equivocation_n if_o the_o existence_n of_o christ_n before_o abraham_n be_v bear_v be_v not_o assert_v in_o they_o see_v he_o speak_v in_o answer_n to_o that_o objection_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o he_o be_v nâ—t_v yet_o fifty_o year_n old_a and_o so_o can_v not_o have_v see_v abraham_n nor_o abraham_n him_z and_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v present_a understand_v well_o enough_o that_o he_o assert_v a_o divine_a preexistence_n unto_o his_o be_v bear_v so_o long_o ago_o as_o that_o hereon_o after_o their_o manner_n they_o take_v up_o stone_n to_o stone_n he_o as_o suppose_v he_o to_o have_v blaspheme_v in_o assert_v his_o deity_n as_o other_o now_o do_v in_o the_o deny_v of_o it_o yet_o they_o see_v how_o fatal_a this_o preexistence_n though_o not_o here_o absolute_o
assert_v to_o be_v eternal_a will_v be_v to_o their_o cause_n they_o contend_v that_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n be_v that_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n before_o abraham_n be_v make_v the_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n a_o interpretation_n so_o absurd_a and_o sottish_a as_o never_o any_o man_n not_o infatuate_v by_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n can_v once_o admit_v and_o give_v countenance_n unto_o but_o in_o the_o beginning_n as_o absolute_o use_v be_v the_o same_o with_o from_o everlasting_a as_o it_o be_v expound_v prov._n 8._o 23._o and_o denote_v a_o eternal_a existence_n which_o be_v here_o affirm_v of_o the_o word_n the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o let_v the_o word_n beginning_n be_v restrain_v unto_o the_o subject_a matter_n treat_v of_o which_o be_v the_o creation_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o the_o praeexistence_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o divine_a nature_n unto_o the_o creation_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v plain_o reveal_v and_o inevitable_o assert_v and_o indeed_o not_o only_o the_o word_n but_o the_o discourse_n of_o these_o verse_n do_v plain_o relate_v unto_o and_o be_v expository_n of_o the_o first_o verse_n in_o the_o bible_n gen._n 1._o 1._o in_o the_o beginning_n god_n create_v heaven_n and_o earth_n there_o it_o be_v assert_v that_o in_o the_o beginning_n god_n create_v all_o thing_n here_o that_o the_o word_n be_v in_o the_o beginning_n and_o make_v all_o thing_n this_o then_o be_v the_o least_o that_o we_o have_v obtain_v from_o this_o first_o word_n of_o our_o testimony_n namely_o that_o the_o word_n or_o son_n of_o god_n have_v a_o personal_a praeexistence_n unto_o the_o whole_a creation_n in_o what_o nature_n this_o must_v be_v let_v these_o man_n of_o reason_n satisfy_v themselves_o who_o know_v that_o creator_n and_o creature_n take_v up_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o being_n one_o of_o they_o he_o must_v be_v and_o it_o may_v be_v well_o suppose_v that_o he_o be_v not_o a_o creature_n before_o the_o creation_n of_o any_o but_o second_o where_o or_o with_o who_o be_v this_o word_n in_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n with_o god_n there_o be_v no_o creature_n then_o exist_v he_o can_v be_v no_o where_o but_o with_o god_n that_o be_v the_o father_n as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o one_o of_o the_o testimony_n before_o go_v prov._n 8._o 22._o the_o lord_n possess_v i_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o way_n before_o his_o work_n of_o old_a ver_fw-la 30._o then_o be_v i_o by_o he_o as_o one_o bring_v up_o with_o he_o and_o i_o be_v daily_o his_o delight_n rejoice_v always_o before_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n this_o word_n or_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v with_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o same_o which_o our_o lord_n jesus_n assert_n concern_v himself_o john_n 3._o 13._o and_o no_o man_n say_v he_o have_v ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n even_o the_o son_n of_o man_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o so_o in_o other_o place_n he_o affirm_v his_o be_v in_o heaven_n that_o be_v with_o god_n at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o earth_n whereby_o he_o declare_v the_o immensity_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o the_o distinction_n of_o his_o person_n and_o his_o come_n down_o from_o heaven_n before_o he_o be_v incarnate_a on_o the_o earth_n declare_v his_o preexistence_n by_o both_o manifest_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o expression_n that_o in_o the_o beginning_n he_o be_v with_o god_n but_o hereunto_o they_o have_v invent_v a_o notable_a evasion_n for_o although_o they_o know_v not_o well_o what_o to_o make_v of_o the_o last_o clause_n of_o the_o word_n that_o say_v than_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n when_o he_o speak_v on_o earth_n the_o son_n of_o man_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n answerable_a to_o the_o description_n of_o god_n immensity_n do_v not_o i_o fill_v heaven_n and_o earth_n say_v the_o lord_n jer._n 23._o 27._o but_o say_v that_o he_o be_v there_o by_o heavenly_a meditation_n as_o another_o man_n may_v be_v yet_o they_o give_v a_o very_a clear_a answer_n to_o what_o must_v of_o necessâ—â—y_n be_v include_v in_o his_o descend_v from_o heaven_n namely_o his_o preexistence_n to_o his_o incarnation_n for_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o before_o his_o public_a ministry_n he_o be_v in_o his_o humane_a nature_n which_o be_v all_o they_o allow_v unto_o he_o take_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o there_o teach_v the_o gospel_n as_o the_o great_a impostor_n mahomet_n pretend_v he_o be_v teach_v his_o alcoran_n if_o you_o ask_v they_o who_o tell_v they_o so_o they_o can_v tell_v but_o thâ—y_o can_v tell_v when_o it_o be_v namely_o when_o he_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n into_o the_o wilderness_n for_o forty_o day_n after_o his_o baptism_n but_o yet_o this_o instance_n be_v subject_a to_o another_o her_o misadventure_n in_o that_o one_o of_o the_o evangelist_n plain_o affirm_v that_o he_o be_v those_o forty_o day_n in_o the_o wilderness_n with_o the_o wild_a beast_n mark_v 17._o 13._o and_o so_o sure_o not_o in_o heaven_n in_o the_o same_o nature_n by_o his_o bodily_a presence_n with_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a angel_n and_o let_v i_o add_v this_o by_o the_o way_n that_o the_o interpretation_n of_o this_o place_n joh._n 1._o 1._o to_o be_v mention_v after_o ward_n and_o those_o of_o the_o two_o place_n before_o mention_v john_n 8._o 58._o chap._n 3._o 31._o faustus_n socinâ—s_v learn_v out_o of_o his_o uncle_n laelius_n paper_n as_o he_o confess_v and_o do_v more_o than_o intimate_v that_o he_o believe_v he_o have_v they_o as_o it_o be_v by_o revelation_n and_o it_o may_v be_v so_o they_o be_v indeed_o so_o force_v absurd_a and_o irrational_a that_o no_o man_n can_v ever_o fix_v upon_o they_o by_o any_o reasonable_a investigation_n but_o the_o author_n of_o this_o revelation_n if_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o parent_n by_o the_o child_n can_v be_v no_o other_o but_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n and_o darkness_n i_o suppose_v therefore_o that_o notwithstanding_o these_o exception_n christian_n will_v believe_v that_o in_o the_o begin_n the_o word_n be_v with_o god_n that_o be_v that_o the_o son_n be_v with_o the_o father_n as_o be_v frequent_o elsewhere_o declare_v but_o who_o be_v this_o word_n say_v the_o apostle_n he_o be_v god_n he_o be_v so_o with_o god_n that_o be_v the_o father_n as_o that_o he_o himself_o be_v god_n also_o god_n in_o that_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n which_o both_o nature_n and_o the_o scripture_n do_v represent_v not_o a_o god_n by_o office_n one_o exalt_v to_o that_o dignity_n which_o can_v well_o be_v pretend_v before_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n but_o as_o thomas_n confess_v he_o our_o lord_n and_o our_o god_n john_n 20._o 28._o or_o as_o paul_n express_v it_o over_o all_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o or_o the_o most_o high_a god_n which_o these_o man_n love_v to_o deny_v let_v not_o the_o infidelity_n of_o man_n excite_v by_o the_o craft_n and_o malice_n of_o satan_n sâ—ek_v for_o blind_a occasion_n and_o this_o matter_n be_v determine_v if_o the_o word_n and_o testimony_n of_o god_n be_v able_a to_o umpire_n a_o difference_n among_o the_o child_n of_o man_n here_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o our_o creed_n in_o this_o matter_n in_o the_o beginning_n the_o word_n be_v god_n and_o so_o continue_v unto_o eternity_n be_v alpha_n and_o omâ—ga_n the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o the_o lord_n god_n almighty_n and_o to_o show_v that_o he_o be_v so_o god_n in_o the_o beginning_n as_o that_o he_o be_v distinct_a one_o in_o some_o thing_n from_o god_n the_o father_n by_o who_o afterward_o he_o be_v send_v into_o the_o world_n he_o add_v ver_fw-la 2._o the_o same_o be_v in_o the_o begin_n with_o god_n father_n also_o to_o evince_v what_o he_o have_v assert_v and_o reveal_v for_o we_o to_o believe_v the_o holy_a ghost_n add_v both_o as_o a_o firm_a declaration_n of_o his_o eternal_a deity_n and_o also_o his_o immediate_a care_n of_o the_o world_n which_o how_o he_o various_o exercise_v both_o in_o a_o way_n of_o providence_n and_o grace_n he_o afterward_o declare_v verse_n 3_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o he_o be_v so_o in_o the_o beginning_n before_o all_o thing_n as_o that_o he_o make_v they_o all_o and_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o all_o that_o he_o be_v say_v to_o make_v or_o create_v be_v to_o be_v limit_v unto_o any_o certain_a sort_n of_o thing_n he_o add_v that_o without_o he_o nothing_o be_v make_v that_o be_v make_v which_o give_v the_o first_o assertion_n a_o absolute_a universality_n as_o to_o its_o subject_n and_o this_o he_o far_o describe_v v_o 10._o he_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o he_o the_o world_n that_o be_v
say_v to_o do_v in_o the_o forego_n testimony_n i_o say_v therefore_o unto_o this_o part_n of_o our_o cause_n as_o unto_o the_o other_o that_o unless_o we_o will_v cast_v off_o all_o reverence_n of_o god_n and_o in_o a_o king_n of_o atheism_n which_o as_o i_o suppose_v the_o prevail_a wickedness_n of_o this_o age_n have_v not_o yet_o arrive_v unto_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v on_o purpose_n to_o deceive_v we_o and_o to_o lead_v we_o into_o mistake_n about_o and_o misapprehension_n of_o what_o it_o propose_v unto_o we_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v a_o substance_n a_o person_n god_n yet_o distinct_a from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n for_o to_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o will_v come_v unto_o we_o that_o he_o will_v be_v our_o comforter_n that_o he_o will_v teach_v we_o lead_v we_o guide_v we_o that_o he_o speak_v of_o old_a in_o and_o by_o the_o prophet_n that_o they_o be_v move_v by_o he_o act_v by_o he_o that_o he_o search_v the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n work_v as_o he_o will_v that_o he_o appoint_v to_o himself_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n in_o a_o word_n to_o declare_v in_o place_n innumerable_a what_o he_o have_v do_v what_o he_o do_v what_o he_o will_v do_v what_o he_o say_v and_o speak_v how_o he_o act_v and_o proceed_v what_o his_o will_n be_v and_o to_o warn_v we_o that_o we_o grieve_v he_o not_o sin_v not_o against_o he_o with_o thing_n innumerable_a of_o the_o like_a nature_n and_o all_o this_o while_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v not_o a_o person_n a_o helper_n a_o comforter_n a_o searcher_n a_o willer_n but_o a_o quality_n in_o some_o especial_a operation_n of_o god_n or_o his_o power_n and_o virtue_n in_o they_o be_v to_o distract_v man_n not_o to_o instruct_v they_o and_o leave_v they_o no_o certain_a conclusion_n but_o this_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o certain_a in_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o god_n and_o of_o no_o other_o tendency_n be_v these_o and_o the_o like_a imagination_n of_o our_o adversary_n in_o this_o matter_n but_o let_v we_o brief_o consider_v what_o be_v object_v in_o general_a unto_o the_o truth_n we_o have_v confirm_v first_o they_o say_v the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v say_v to_o be_v give_v to_o be_v send_v to_o be_v bestow_v on_o man_n and_o to_o be_v promise_v unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v god_n for_o how_o can_v any_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v speak_v of_o god_n i_o answer_v as_o these_o expression_n do_v not_o prove_v he_o to_o be_v god_n nor_o do_v ever_o any_o produce_v they_o to_o that_o purpose_n yet_o they_o undeniable_o prove_v he_o to_o be_v a_o person_n or_o a_o intellingent_a voluntary_a agent_n concern_v who_o they_o be_v speak_v and_o affirm_v for_o how_o can_v the_o power_n of_o god_n or_o a_o quality_n as_o they_o speak_v be_v say_v to_o be_v send_v to_o be_v give_v to_o be_v bestow_v on_o man_n so_o that_o these_o very_a expression_n be_v destructive_a to_o their_o imagination_n second_o he_o who_o be_v god_n equal_a in_o nature_n and_o be_v with_o the_o father_n may_v be_v promise_v send_v and_o give_v with_o respect_n unto_o the_o holy_a dispensation_n and_o condescension_n wherein_o he_o have_v undertake_v the_o office_n of_o be_v our_o comforter_n and_o sanctifier_n three_o the_o communication_n distribution_n imparting_n division_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o they_o mention_v as_o they_o respect_v the_o object_n of_o they_o or_o those_o on_o who_o they_o be_v or_o be_v bestow_v denote_v only_a work_n gift_n operation_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o rule_n whereof_o be_v express_v 1_o cor._n 12._o 7._o he_o workee_v they_o in_o who_o he_o will_v and_o as_o he_o will_n and_o whether_o these_o and_o the_o like_a exception_n take_v from_o act_n and_o operation_n which_o be_v plain_o interpret_v and_o explain_v in_o sundry_a place_n of_o scripture_n and_o evident_o enough_o in_o the_o particular_a place_n where_o they_o be_v use_v be_v sufficient_a to_o impeach_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o revelation_n before_o declare_v all_o who_o have_v a_o due_a reverence_n of_o god_n his_o word_n and_o truth_n will_v easy_o understand_v and_o discern_v these_o thing_n be_v declare_v in_o the_o scripture_n concern_v the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o be_v moreover_o reveal_v and_o these_o three_o be_v one_o that_o be_v one_o god_n joint_o to_o be_v worship_v fear_v adore_a believe_v in_o and_o obey_v in_o order_n unto_o eternal_a life_n for_o although_o this_o do_v absolute_o and_o necessary_o follow_v from_o what_o be_v declare_v and_o have_v be_v speak_v concern_v the_o one_o god_n or_o oneness_n of_o the_o derty_n yet_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o by_o the_o distinct_a consideration_n of_o the_o three_o be_v take_v off_o from_o the_o one_o it_o be_v particular_o declare_v that_o these_o three_o be_v one_o that_o one_o the_o one_o and_o same_o god_n but_o whereas_o as_o be_v say_v before_o this_o can_v no_o otherwise_o be_v the_o testimony_n give_v thereunto_o be_v not_o so_o frequent_o multiply_v as_o they_o be_v unto_o those_o other_o head_n of_o this_o truth_n which_o through_o the_o craft_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o man_n may_v be_v more_o liable_a to_o exception_n but_o yet_o they_o be_v clear_a full_a and_o distinct_o sufficient_a for_o faith_n to_o acquiesce_v in_o immediate_o without_o any_o other_o exposition_n interpretation_n or_o argument_n beyond_o our_o understanding_n of_o the_o naked_a importance_n of_o the_o word_n such_o be_v they_o of_o the_o father_n the_o son_n john_n 10._o 30._o i_o and_o my_o father_n be_v one_o father_n son_n and_o spirit_n joh._n 5._o 7._o three_o that_o bare_a witness_n in_o heaven_n father_n son_n and_o spirit_n and_o these_o three_o be_v one_o mat._n 28._o 19_o baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o spirit_n for_o if_o those_o into_o who_o name_n we_o be_v baptise_a be_v not_o one_o in_o nature_n we_o be_v by_o our_o baptism_n engage_v into_o the_o service_n and_o worship_n of_o more_o god_n than_o one_o for_o as_o be_v baptise_a or_o sacred_o initiate_v into_o or_o in_o the_o name_n of_o any_o one_o do_v sacramental_o bind_v we_o unto_o a_o holy_a and_o religious_a obedience_n unto_o he_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o the_o avow_v of_o he_o as_o the_o god_n who_o we_o be_v and_o who_o we_o serve_v as_o here_o we_o be_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o spirit_n so_o if_o they_o be_v not_o one_o god_n the_o blasphemous_a consequence_n before_o mention_v must_v unavoidable_o be_v admit_v which_o it_o also_o do_v upon_o the_o socinian_n principle_n who_o while_o of_o all_o other_o they_o seem_v to_o contend_v most_o for_o one_o god_n be_v indeed_o direct_a polutheist_n by_o own_v other_o with_o religious_a respect_n due_a to_o god_n alone_o which_o be_v not_o so_o once_o more_o it_o be_v reveal_v also_o that_o these_o three_o be_v distinct_a among_o themselves_o by_o certain_a peculiar_a relative_n property_n if_o i_o may_v yet_o use_v these_o term_n so_o that_o they_o be_v distinct_a live_a divine_a intelligent_a voluntary_a principle_n of_o operation_n or_o work_n and_o that_o in_o and_o by_o internal_a act_n one_o towards_o another_o and_o in_o act_n that_o outward_o respect_v the_o creation_n and_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o now_o this_o distinction_n original_o lie_v in_o this_o that_o the_o father_n beget_v the_o son_n and_o the_o son_n be_v beget_v of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n proceed_v from_o both_o of_o they_o the_o manner_n of_o these_o thing_n so_o far_o as_o they_o may_v be_v express_v unto_o our_o edification_n shall_v afterward_o be_v speak_v to_o at_o present_v it_o suffice_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n and_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o the_o distinction_n name_v be_v clear_o reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v propose_v to_o be_v its_o proper_a object_n in_o this_o matter_n psalm_n 2._o 7._o thou_o be_v my_o son_n this_o day_n have_v i_o beget_v thou_o matth._n 16._o 16._o thou_o be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n joh._n 1._o 14._o we_o see_v his_o glory_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o only_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n ver._n 18._o no_o man_n have_v see_v god_n at_o any_o time_n the_o only_o beget_v son_n which_o be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n he_o have_v reveal_v he_o john_n 5._o 26._o for_o as_o the_o father_n have_v life_n in_o himself_o so_o have_v he_o give_v to_o the_o son_n to_o have_v life_n in_o himself_o 1_o joh._n 5._o 20._o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v come_v and_o have_v give_v we_o a_o understanding_n joh._n 14._o 26._o
suppose_v that_o this_o be_v the_o first_o time_n that_o this_o doctrine_n fall_v under_o this_o imputation_n nor_o can_v it_o possible_o be_v liable_a unto_o this_o charge_n from_o any_o who_o do_v either_o understand_v it_o or_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o it_o be_v common_o oppose_v for_o there_o be_v no_o end_n of_o the_o life_n or_o death_n of_o christ_n which_o the_o socinian_o themselves_o admit_v of_o but_o it_o be_v also_o allow_v and_o assert_v in_o the_o doctrine_n now_o call_v in_o question_n do_v they_o say_v that_o he_o teach_v the_o truth_n or_o reveal_v the_o whole_a mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n concern_v his_o worship_n and_o our_o obedience_n we_o say_v the_o same_o dâ—_n they_o say_v that_o by_o his_o death_n he_o hare_n testimony_n unto_o and_o confirm_v the_o truth_n which_o he_o have_v teach_v it_o be_v also_o own_a by_o we_o do_v they_o say_v that_o in_o what_o he_o do_v and_o suffer_v he_o set_v we_o a_o example_n that_o we_o shall_v labour_v after_o conformity_n unto_o it_o be_v what_o we_o acknowledge_v and_o teach_v only_o we_o say_v that_o all_o these_o thing_n belong_v principal_o to_o his_o prophetical_a office_n but_o we_o moreover_o affirm_v and_o believe_v that_o as_o a_o priest_n or_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o sacerdotal_a office_n he_o do_v in_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n offer_v himself_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n to_o make_v atonement_n for_o our_o sin_n which_o they_o deny_v and_o that_o he_o die_v for_o we_o or_o in_o our_o stead_n that_o we_o may_v go_v free_a without_o the_o faith_n and_o acknowledgement_n whereof_o no_o part_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v be_v right_o understand_v all_o the_o end_n than_o which_o they_o themselves_o assign_v of_o the_o life_n and_o death_n of_o christ_n be_v by_o we_o grant_v and_o the_o principal_a one_o which_o give_v life_n and_o efficacy_n to_o the_o rest_n be_v by_o they_o deny_v neither_o 2._o do_v it_o fall_v under_o any_o possible_a imagination_n that_o the_o praise_v due_a unto_o god_n shall_v be_v eclipse_v hereby_o the_o love_n and_o kindness_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n fix_v principal_o and_o fundamental_o on_o his_o send_n of_o his_o only_a beget_v son_n to_o die_v for_o we_o and_o certain_o the_o great_a the_o work_n be_v that_o he_o have_v to_o do_v the_o great_a ought_v our_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o love_n and_o kindness_n to_o be_v but_o it_o be_v say_v 5._o that_o it_o represent_v the_o son_n more_o kind_a and_o compassionate_a than_o the_o father_n whereas_o if_o both_o be_v the_o same_o god_n then_o either_o the_o father_n be_v as_o love_v as_o the_o son_n or_o the_o son_n as_o angry_a as_o the_o father_n answ._n 1_o the_o scripture_n refer_v the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n unto_o two_o head_n 1._o the_o send_n of_o his_o son_n to_o die_v for_o we_o john_n 3._o 16._o rom._n 5._o 8._o 1_o john_n 4._o 8._o 2._o in_o choose_v sinner_n unto_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o his_o love_n ephes._n 1._o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o the_o love_n of_o the_o son_n be_v fix_v signal_o on_o his_o actual_a give_v himself_o to_o die_v for_o we_o gal._n 2._o 20._o ephes._n 5._o 25._o rev._n 1._o 5._o what_o balance_n these_o person_n have_v get_v to_o weigh_v these_o love_n in_o and_o to_o conclude_v which_o be_v the_o great_a or_o most_o weighty_a i_o know_v not_o 2._o although_o only_o the_o actual_a discharge_n of_o his_o office_n be_v direct_o assign_v to_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n yet_o his_o condâ—scention_n in_o take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o express_v by_o his_o mind_n ephes_n 6._o 7._o and_o the_o readiness_n of_o his_o will_n psalm_n 40._o 8._o do_v eminent_o comprise_v love_n in_o it_o also_o three_o the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n in_o send_v of_o the_o son_n be_v a_o act_n of_o his_o will_n which_o be_v a_o natural_a and_o essential_a property_n of_o god_n it_o be_v so_o far_o the_o act_n of_o the_o son_n also_o as_o he_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n though_o eminent_o and_o in_o respect_n of_o order_n it_o be_v peculiar_o the_o act_n of_o the_o father_n 4._o the_o anger_n of_o â—od_n against_o sin_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o his_o essential_a righteousness_n and_o holiness_n which_o belong_v to_o he_o as_o god_n which_o yet_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o both_o father_n and_o son_n and_o spirit_n act_v love_n towards_o sinner_n they_o say_v again_o 6._o it_o rob_v god_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o his_o son_n for_o our_o redemption_n which_o the_o scripture_n attribute_v to_o the_o unmerited_a love_n he_o have_v for_o the_o world_n in_o affirm_v the_o son_n purchase_v that_o redemption_n from_o the_o father_n by_o the_o gift_n of_o himself_o to_o god_n as_o our_o complete_a satisfaction_n answ._n 1_o it_o be_v endless_a to_o consider_v the_o improper_a and_o absurd_a expression_n which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o these_o exception_n as_o here_o the_o last_o word_n have_v no_o tolerable_a sense_n in_o they_o according_a to_o any_o principle_n whatever_o 2._o if_o the_o son_n be_v purchase_v redemption_n for_o we_o procure_v obtain_v it_o do_v rob_v god_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o his_o son_n for_o our_o redemption_n the_o holy_a ghost_n must_v answer_v for_o it_o for_o have_v obtain_v for_o we_o or_o procure_v or_o purchase_v eternal_a redemption_n be_v the_o word_n use_v by_o himself_o heb._n 9_o 14._o and_o to_o deny_v that_o he_o have_v lay_v down_o his_o life_n a_o ransom_n for_o we_o and_o to_o have_v buy_v we_o with_o a_o price_n be_v open_o to_o deny_v the_o gospel_n 2._o in_o a_o word_n the_o great_a gift_n of_o god_n consist_v in_o give_v his_o son_n to_o obtain_v redemption_n for_o we_o 3._o herein_o he_o offer_v himself_o unto_o god_n and_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o and_o if_o these_o person_n be_v offend_v herewithal_o what_o be_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v withstand_v god_n they_o say_v 7._o since_o christ_n can_v not_o pay_v what_o be_v not_o his_o own_o it_o follow_v that_o in_o the_o payment_n of_o his_o own_o the_o case_n still_o remain_v equal_o grievous_a since_o the_o debt_n be_v not_o hereby_o absolve_v or_o forgive_v but_o transfer_v only_o and_o by_o consequence_n we_o be_v no_o better_o provide_v for_o salvation_n than_o before_o owe_v that_o now_o to_o the_o son_n which_o be_v once_o owe_v to_o the_o father_n answ._n the_o looseness_n and_o dubiousness_n of_o the_o expression_n here_o use_v make_v a_o appearance_n that_o there_o be_v something_o in_o they_o when_o indeed_o there_o be_v not_o there_o be_v a_o allusion_n in_o they_o to_o a_o debt_n and_o a_o payment_n which_o be_v the_o most_o improper_a expression_n that_o be_v use_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o the_o interpretation_n thereof_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o other_o proper_a expression_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n but_o to_o keep_v to_o the_o allusion_n 1._o christ_n pay_v his_o own_o but_o not_o for_o himself_o dan._n 9_o 26._o 2._o pay_v it_o for_o we_o the_o debt_n be_v discharge_v and_o our_o actual_a discharge_n be_v to_o be_v give_v out_o according_a to_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n and_o upon_o the_o condition_n appoint_v and_o constitute_v by_o the_o father_n and_o son_n 3_o when_o a_o debt_n be_v so_o transfer_v as_o that_o one_o be_v accept_v in_o the_o room_n and_o oblige_v to_o payment_n in_o the_o stead_n of_o another_o and_o that_o payment_n be_v make_v and_o accept_v according_o all_o law_n and_o reason_n require_v that_o the_o original_a debtor_n be_v discharge_v 4._o what_o on_o this_o account_n we_o owe_v to_o the_o son_n be_v praise_n thankfulness_n and_o obedience_n and_o not_o the_o debt_n which_o he_o take_v upon_o himself_o and_o discharge_v for_o we_o when_o we_o be_v non-solvent_a by_o his_o love_n so_o that_o this_o matter_n be_v plain_a enough_o and_o not_o to_o be_v involve_v by_o such_o cloudy_a expression_n and_o incoherent_a discourse_n follow_v the_o metaphor_n of_o a_o debt_n for_o if_o god_n be_v consider_v as_o the_o creditor_n we_o all_o as_o debtor_n and_o be_v insolvent_a christ_n undertake_v out_o of_o his_o love_n to_o pay_v the_o debt_n for_o we_o and_o do_v so_o according_o which_o be_v accept_v with_o god_n it_o follow_v that_o we_o be_v to_o be_v discharge_v upon_o god_n term_n and_o under_o a_o new_a obligation_n unto_o his_o love_n who_o have_v make_v this_o satisfaction_n for_o we_o which_o we_o shall_v eternal_o acknowledge_v it_o be_v say_v 8._o it_o no_o way_n render_v man_n behold_v or_o in_o the_o least_o oblige_v to_o god_n since_o by_o their_o doctrine_n he_o will_v not_o have_v abate_v we_o nor_o do_v he_o christ_n the_o least_o farthing_n so_o that_o the_o acknowledgement_n be_v peculiar_o the_o son_n which_o destroy_v the_o whole_a current_n of_o
multiply_v yet_o in_o respect_n of_o communication_n it_o be_v otherwise_o it_o be_v communicate_v unto_o more_o namely_o to_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v intend_v to_o be_v conclude_v from_o hence_o the_o proposition_n must_v be_v express_v according_a to_o what_o the_o subject_n require_v as_o capable_a of_o communication_n or_o attribution_n to_o more_o than_o one_o as_o thus_o who_o ever_o be_v the_o only_a true_a god_n be_v the_o father_n which_o proposition_n these_o person_n and_o their_o master_n shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v i_o have_v give_v in_o particular_a these_o stricture_n thus_o brief_o upon_o these_o empty_a sophism_n partly_o because_o they_o be_v well_o remove_v already_o and_o partly_o because_o they_o be_v mere_a exscription_n out_o of_o a_o author_n not_o long_o since_o translate_v into_o english_a unto_o who_o a_o entire_a answer_n may_v ere_o long_o be_v return_v that_o which_o at_o present_a shall_v suffice_v be_v to_o give_v a_o general_a answer_n unto_o all_o these_o cavil_v with_o all_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n which_o the_o man_n of_o these_o principle_n do_v usual_o insist_v upon_o i._o the_o thing_n they_o say_v which_o we_o teach_v concern_v the_o trinity_n be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o thereof_o they_o endeavour_v to_o give_v sundry_a instance_n wherein_o the_o sum_n of_o the_o opposition_n which_o they_o make_v unto_o this_o truth_n do_v consist_v but_o first_o i_o ask_v what_o reason_n be_v it_o that_o they_o intend_v it_o be_v their_o own_o the_o carnal_a reason_n of_o man_n by_o that_o they_o will_v judge_v of_o these_o divine_a mystery_n the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o indeed_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n wâ—ich_a be_v in_o he_o know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n a_o man_n spirit_n by_o natural_a reason_n may_v judge_v of_o natural_a thing_n but_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 1_o cor._n 2._o 11._o so_o that_o what_o we_o know_v of_o these_o thing_n we_o must_v receive_v upon_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n mere_o if_o the_o apostle_n may_v be_v believe_v and_o it_o be_v give_v unto_o man_n to_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n to_o some_o and_o not_o to_o other_o and_o unless_o it_o be_v so_o give_v they_o they_o can_v know_v they_o in_o particular_a none_o can_v know_v the_o father_n unless_o the_o son_n reveal_v he_o nor_o will_v or_o do_v or_o can_v flesh_n and_o blood_n reveal_v or_o understand_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n unless_o the_o father_n reveal_v he_o and_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o matth._n 16._o 18._o the_o way_n to_o come_v to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v that_o describe_v by_o the_o apostle_n ephes._n 3._o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o for_o this_o cause_n i_o bow_v my_o knee_n unto_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n of_o who_o the_o whole_a family_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v name_v that_o he_o will_v grant_v you_o according_a to_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o glory_n to_o be_v strengthen_v with_o might_n by_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o inner_a man_n that_o christ_n may_v dwell_v in_o your_o heart_n by_o faith_n that_o you_o be_v root_v and_o ground_v in_o love_n may_v be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v with_o all_o saint_n etc._n etc._n as_o also_o col._n 2._o 2._o that_o you_o may_v come_v unto_o all_o riches_n of_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o understanding_n to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o christ._n in_o who_o be_v hide_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n it_o be_v by_o faith_n and_o prayer_n and_o through_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v come_v to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o not_o by_o the_o carnal_a reason_n of_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n 2._o what_o reason_n do_v they_o intend_v if_o reason_n absolute_o the_o reason_n of_o thing_n we_o grant_v that_o nothing_o contrary_a unto_o it_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v but_o reason_n as_o it_o be_v in_o this_o or_o that_o man_n particular_o in_o themselves_o we_o know_v to_o be_v weak_a maim_a and_o imperfect_a and_o that_o they_o be_v and_o all_o other_o man_n extreme_o remote_a from_o a_o just_a and_o full_a comprehension_n of_o the_o whole_a reason_n of_o thing_n be_v they_o in_o such_o a_o estate_n as_o that_o their_o apprehension_n shall_v pass_v for_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o thing_n we_o know_v they_o be_v far_o from_o it_o so_o that_o though_o we_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n yet_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o a_o truth_n by_o divine_a revelation_n will_v make_v i_o embrace_v it_o although_o it_o shall_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o the_o socinian_o in_o the_o world_n reason_n in_o the_o abstract_n or_o the_o just_a measure_n of_o the_o answer_n of_o one_o thing_n unto_o another_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n but_o reason_n that_o be_v what_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v so_o or_o appear_v to_o be_v so_o unto_o this_o or_o that_o man_n especial_o in_o and_o about_o thing_n of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v of_o very_o small_a importance_n of_o none_o at_o all_o where_o it_o rise_v up_o against_o the_o express_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n and_o these_o multiply_v to_o their_o mutual_a confirmation_n and_o explanation_n 3._o many_o thing_n be_v above_o reason_n that_o be_v as_o consider_v in_o this_o or_o that_o subject_n as_o man_n which_o be_v not_o at_o all_o against_o it_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o compel_v the_o most_o curious_a enquirer_n of_o these_o day_n to_o a_o ready_a confession_n hereof_o by_o multitude_n of_o instance_n in_o thing_n finite_a and_o temporary_a and_o shall_v any_o dare_v to_o deny_v but_o it_o may_v be_v so_o in_o thing_n heavenly_a divine_a and_o spiritual_a nay_o there_o be_v no_o concernment_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n or_o his_o property_n but_o be_v absolute_o above_o the_o comprehension_n of_o our_o reason_n we_o can_v by_o search_v find_v out_o god_n we_o can_v find_v out_o the_o almighty_a to_o perfection_n 4._o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o all_o their_o objection_n and_o cavil_n against_o this_o truth_n be_v destructive_a of_o as_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o reason_n as_o be_v in_o the_o world_n they_o be_v all_o at_o best_a reduce_v to_o this_o it_o can_v be_v thus_o in_o thing_n finite_a the_o same_o be_v can_v in_o one_o respect_n be_v one_o in_o another_o three_o and_o the_o like_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v so_o in_o thing_n infinite_a all_o these_o reason_n be_v build_v upon_o this_o supposition_n that_o that_o which_o be_v finite_a can_v perfect_o comprehend_v that_o which_o be_v infinite_a a_o assertion_n absurd_a foolish_a and_o contradictory_n unto_o itself_o again_o it_o be_v the_o high_a reason_n in_o thing_n of_o pure_a revelation_n to_o captivate_v our_o understanding_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o revealer_n which_o here_o be_v reject_v so_o that_o by_o a_o loud_a specious_a pretence_n of_o reason_n these_o man_n by_o a_o little_a captious_a sophistry_n endeavour_v not_o only_o to_o countenance_v their_o unbelief_n but_o to_o evert_v the_o great_a principle_n of_o reason_n itself_o 5._o the_o objection_n these_o man_n principal_o insist_v upon_o be_v mere_o against_o the_o explanation_n we_o use_v of_o this_o doctrine_n not_o against_o the_o primitive_a revelation_n of_o it_o which_o be_v the_o principal_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o how_o preposterous_a and_o irrational_a a_o course_n of_o proceed_v it_o be_v have_v be_v declare_v 6._o it_o be_v a_o rule_n among_o philosopher_n that_o if_o a_o man_n on_o just_a ground_n and_o reason_n have_v embrace_v any_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n he_o be_v not_o to_o desert_v it_o mere_o because_o he_o can_v answer_v every_o objection_n against_o it_o for_o if_o the_o objection_n wherewith_o we_o may_v be_v entangle_v be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o weight_n and_o importance_n with_o the_o reason_n on_o which_o we_o embrace_v the_o opinion_n it_o be_v a_o madness_n to_o forego_v it_o on_o the_o account_n thereof_o and_o much_o more_o must_v this_o hold_v among_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o christian_n in_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o divine_a if_o they_o will_v let_v go_v and_o part_n with_o their_o faith_n in_o any_o truth_n because_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o answer_v distinct_o some_o objection_n that_o may_v be_v make_v against_o it_o they_o may_v quick_o find_v themselves_o dispute_v into_o atheism_n 7._o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o intimation_n make_v of_o such_o a_o expression_n and_o resemblance_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n in_o the_o very_a