the_o son_n to_o be_v a_o distinct_a substantial_a person_n this_o dispute_v we_o hear_v nothing_o of_o but_o the_o only_a dispute_n be_v concern_v the_o consubstantiality_n of_o the_o son_n with_o the_o father_n and_o that_o prove_v that_o they_o do_v own_o the_o son_n to_o be_v a_o substantial_a person_n for_o be_v he_o not_o in_o a_o true_a proper_a sense_n a_o person_n and_o a_o substantial_a person_n he_o can_v not_o be_v consubstantial_a with_o the_o father_n nay_o sy_n austin_n express_o tell_v we_o that_o arius_n agree_v with_o the_o catholic_n against_o the_o sabellian_o 5._o in_o make_v the_o son_n a_o distinct_a person_n from_o the_o father_n and_o if_o so_o the_o catholic_n teach_v that_o the_o son_n be_v as_o distinct_a a_o person_n as_o arius_n do_v though_o not_o a_o separate_a and_o create_a person_n as_o he_o do_v now_o when_o arius_n will_v have_v reduce_v christ_n into_o the_o number_n of_o creature_n though_o he_o make_v he_o the_o first_o and_o most_o excellent_a creature_n create_v before_o the_o world_n and_o god_n minister_n in_o make_v the_o world_n as_o like_v to_o god_n as_o a_o creature_n can_v possible_o be_v but_o not_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o god_n the_o catholic_n church_n will_v not_o bear_v this_o but_o in_o a_o most_o venerable_a synod_n collect_v from_o most_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n condemn_v this_o as_o contrary_a to_o the_o faith_n always_o receive_v and_o own_a in_o their_o several_a church_n thus_o far_o at_o least_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n be_v sacred_a and_o venerable_a and_o the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o all_o these_o several_a church_n be_v a_o more_o certain_a proof_n of_o the_o apostolic_a faith_n than_o all_o the_o wit_n and_o subtlety_n of_o arius_n for_o wit_n may_v patronize_v new_a error_n but_o can_v prove_v that_o to_o be_v the_o ancient_a apostolic_a faith_n which_o the_o church_n have_v never_o receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n nor_o ever_o hear_v of_o before_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o very_a sensible_a proof_n what_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n till_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a and_o consequent_o what_o that_o faith_n be_v which_o the_o church_n receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o this_o abundant_o satisfy_v i_o that_o whatever_o loose_a expression_n we_o may_v meet_v with_o in_o some_o of_o the_o father_n before_o the_o arian_n controversy_n be_v start_v and_o manage_v with_o great_a art_n and_o subtilty_n though_o i_o know_v of_o none_o but_o what_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o very_a orthodox_n sense_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v not_o arian_n nor_o intend_v any_o such_o thing_n in_o what_o they_o say_v for_o have_v arianism_n be_v the_o traditionary_a faith_n of_o the_o church_n it_o must_v have_v be_v know_v to_o be_v so_o and_o then_o how_o come_v the_o church_n to_o be_v so_o strange_o alarm_v at_o the_o first_o news_n of_o it_o or_o what_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o those_o venerable_a father_n and_o confessor_n in_o that_o great_a council_n who_o either_o do_v not_o know_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n or_o do_v so_o horrible_o prevaricate_v in_o the_o condemnation_n of_o arius_n when_o they_o have_v no_o other_o apparent_a interest_n or_o temptation_n to_o do_v so_o but_o a_o warm_a and_o hearty_a zeal_n for_o the_o true_o ancient_a and_o apostolic_a faith_n it_o be_v certain_a arius_n never_o pretend_v catholic_n tradition_n for_o his_o opinion_n but_o undertake_v to_o reform_v the_o catholic_n faith_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o philosophy_n and_o to_o reconcile_v it_o to_o scripture_n by_o new-coined_a interpretation_n though_o in_o this_o he_o fail_v and_o find_v the_o great_a athanasius_n a_o over-match_n for_o he_o it_o be_v not_o with_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v with_o art_n and_o science_n of_o human_a invention_n which_o may_v be_v improve_v in_o every_o age_n by_o great_a wit_n or_o new_a observation_n but_o faith_n depend_v upon_o revelation_n not_o invention_n and_o we_o can_v no_o more_o make_v a_o new_a catholic_n faith_n by_o the_o power_n of_o wit_n and_o reason_n than_o we_o can_v write_v a_o true_a history_n of_o what_o the_o apostle_n do_v and_o teach_v out_o of_o our_o own_o invention_n without_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o ancient_a record_n man_n may_v do_v such_o thing_n if_o they_o please_v but_o one_o will_v be_v heresy_n and_o the_o other_o a_o romance_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o bold_a and_o brave_a attempt_n of_o secinus_fw-la and_o his_o disciple_n they_o be_v so_o modest_a indeed_o as_o not_o to_o pretend_v antiquity_n to_o be_v on_o their_o side_n they_o can_v find_v no_o other_o antiquity_n for_o themselves_o but_o in_o cerinthus_n and_o ebion_n who_o separate_v from_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o be_v reject_v by_o they_o and_o it_o do_v not_o seem_v very_o modest_a to_o set_v up_o such_o man_n as_o these_o against_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n the_o socinian_o who_o know_v very_o well_o what_o the_o charge_n of_o novelty_n signify_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n that_o a_o new_a faith_n be_v but_o another_o name_n for_o new_a heresy_n though_o they_o reject_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o catholic_n tradition_n of_o the_o faith_n from_o the_o apostolic_a age_n yet_o they_o appeal_v to_o scripture_n and_o natural_a sentiment_n as_o the_o great_a and_o best_a antiquity_n in_o opposition_n to_o apostolic_a tradition_n this_o be_v our_o considerer_n way_n which_o he_o prefer_v before_o a_o traditionary_a faith_n and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o socinian_o may_v oppose_v it_o to_o a_o traditionary_a faith_n and_o if_o we_o must_v always_o expound_v scripture_n by_o our_o natural_a sentiment_n this_o author_n have_v best_a consider_v whether_o he_o can_v prove_v a_o trinity_n by_o natural_a reason_n or_o fair_o reconcile_v the_o natural_a notion_n of_o one_o god_n with_o the_o catholic_n faith_n of_o the_o trinity_n or_o of_o three_o each_o of_o who_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n from_o the_o mere_a principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n for_o if_o he_o can_v he_o must_v not_o in_o his_o way_n find_v a_o trinity_n in_o scripture_n but_o of_o this_o more_o hereafter_o 3._o let_v we_o now_o in_o opposition_n to_o this_o pretence_n consider_v of_o what_o authority_n the_o traditionary_a faith_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n ought_v to_o be_v in_o expound_v scripture_n the_o holy_a scripture_n at_o least_o in_o pretence_n be_v allow_v on_o all_o hand_n to_o be_v a_o complete_a and_o authentic_a rule_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o question_n be_v since_o man_n differ_v so_o much_o in_o expound_v scripture_n what_o be_v the_o safe_a rule_n to_o expound_v scripture_n by_o whether_o the_o traditionary_a faith_n of_o the_o church_n or_o our_o natural_a sentiment_n or_o natural_a reason_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o we_o must_v learn_v the_o critical_a sense_n of_o every_o text_n from_o catholic_n tradition_n for_o we_o have_v not_o in_o all_o point_v such_o a_o traditionary_a exposition_n of_o scripture_n though_o even_o in_o this_o respect_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o catholic_n father_n have_v unanimous_o agree_v in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o most_o material_a text_n relate_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n and_o the_o divinity_n and_o incarnation_n of_o christ._n they_o sometime_o indeed_o allege_v such_o text_n especial_o out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o our_o modern_a critic_n will_v not_o allow_v to_o be_v proper_a and_o apposite_a but_o even_o this_o show_n what_o their_o faith_n be_v and_o yet_o these_o very_a exposition_n which_o have_v be_v so_o ancient_o and_o unanimous_o receive_v though_o they_o may_v appear_v at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n too_o force_v and_o mystical_a have_v too_o sacred_a and_o venerable_a a_o authority_n to_o be_v wanton_o reject_v we_o may_v learn_v from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n what_o mysterious_a and_o hide_a sense_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n such_o as_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a we_o shall_v never_o have_v find_v in_o they_o have_v not_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n explain_v their_o meaning_n and_o the_o near_a any_o writer_n be_v to_o the_o apostolic_a age_n the_o more_o they_o be_v addict_v to_o these_o mystical_a interpretation_n which_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o learn_v it_o from_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o but_o this_o be_v not_o what_o i_o now_o intend_v my_o present_a argument_n reach_v no_o far_a than_o this_o that_o if_o we_o can_v learn_v what_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n concern_v the_o holy_a trinity_n and_o the_o divinity_n and_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n have_v always_o be_v then_o 1._o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a to_o conclude_v that_o they_o
be_v but_o one_o god_n but_o yet_o require_v we_o to_o believe_v his_o eternal_a son_n to_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n and_o his_o eternal_a spirit_n to_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v very_o reconcilable_a with_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n for_o as_o far_o as_o revelation_n must_v decide_v this_o dispute_n we_o be_v as_o much_o oblige_v to_o believe_v that_o the_o father_n be_v god_n the_o son_n god_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n god_n as_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n those_o who_o will_v not_o acquiesce_v in_o this_o must_v appeal_v from_o scripture_n to_o natural_a reason_n which_o be_v a_o very_a absurd_a and_o impudent_a appeal_n for_o the_o plain_a sense_n of_o it_o be_v this_o that_o they_o will_v believe_v their_o own_o reason_n before_o the_o scripture_n in_o matter_n relate_v to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o unity_n which_o all_o wise_a man_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v so_o much_o above_o human_a comprehension_n that_o be_v that_o they_o know_v the_o unity_n of_o god_n better_a than_o god_n himself_o do_v or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o they_o will_v never_o believe_v any_o revelation_n to_o come_v from_o god_n or_o any_o thing_n how_o express_a soever_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o revelation_n any_o far_a than_o their_o own_o reason_n approve_v it_o of_o which_o more_o elsewhere_o and_o yet_o i_o dare_v appeal_n to_o any_o man_n of_o a_o free_a and_o unbiased_a reason_n in_o this_o cause_n what_o be_v that_o natural_a notion_n we_o have_v of_o one_o god_n be_v it_o any_o thing_n more_o than_o that_o there_o be_v and_o can_v be_v but_o one_o eternal_a self-originated_n be_v who_o be_v the_o principle_n or_o cause_n of_o all_o other_o being_n and_o do_v not_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o all_o trinitarian_n with_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n own_o this_o do_v not_o all_o the_o christian_a creed_n teach_v we_o to_o profess_v our_o faith_n in_o one_o god_n the_o father_n from_o who_o the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n receive_v their_o godhead_n thus_o far_o then_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o the_o catholic_n faith_n agree_v do_v reason_n then_o deny_v that_o god_n can_v beget_v of_o himself_o a_o eternal_a son_n his_o own_o perfect_a image_n and_o likeness_n if_o it_o do_v than_o indeed_o scripture_n and_o reason_n contradict_v each_o other_o but_o i_o believe_v these_o man_n will_v not_o pretend_v to_o prove_v from_o reason_n that_o god_n can_v not_o beget_v a_o eternal_a son_n and_o if_o this_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o reason_n as_o i_o be_o certain_a it_o never_o can_v than_o reason_n do_v not_o contradict_v scripture_n which_o teach_v we_o that_o god_n have_v a_o only_o beget_v son_n and_o if_o god_n have_v a_o only_o beget_v son_n reason_n will_v teach_v we_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n must_v be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n and_o yet_o not_o another_o god_n because_o he_o have_v one_o and_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o his_o father_n this_o be_v all_o that_o any_o christian_a need_n to_o believe_v concern_v this_o matter_n and_o all_o this_o every_o christian_a may_v understand_v and_o all_o this_o every_o one_o who_o sincere_o believe_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n do_v and_o must_v agree_v in_o those_o who_o do_v not_o i_o will_v at_o any_o time_n undertake_v to_o prove_v to_o be_v secret_a heretic_n and_o enemy_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o as_o for_o those_o who_o do_v i_o will_v never_o dispute_v with_o they_o about_o some_o term_n of_o art_n and_o the_o propriety_n of_o word_n in_o a_o matter_n which_o be_v so_o much_o above_o all_o word_n and_o form_n of_o speech_n and_o here_o i_o leave_v this_o matter_n upon_o a_o sure_a bottom_n and_o here_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o join_v issue_n with_o our_o socinian_n adversary_n our_o only_a controversy_n as_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n with_o they_o be_v whether_o the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n each_o of_o they_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n if_o we_o can_v prove_v this_o which_o have_v be_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o all_o age_n we_o need_v dispute_v no_o other_o matter_n with_o they_o nor_o can_v any_o dispute_n among_o ourselves_o give_v any_o support_n to_o their_o cause_n a_o dispute_n about_o word_n may_v look_v like_o a_o difference_n in_o faith_n when_o both_o contend_a party_n may_v mean_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o those_o must_v do_v who_o sincere_o own_o and_o believe_v that_o the_o son_n be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n and_o that_o neither_o of_o they_o be_v the_o father_n nor_o each_o other_o and_o therefore_o those_o different_a explication_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n which_o the_o socinian_o of_o late_o have_v so_o much_o triumph_v in_o and_o make_v more_o and_o great_a than_o real_o they_o be_v and_o more_o senseless_a too_o by_o their_o false_a representation_n can_v do_v they_o no_o real_a service_n among_o wise_a man_n though_o it_o may_v help_v to_o amuse_v the_o ignorant_a if_o any_o man_n have_v subtle_o distinguish_v away_o the_o catholic_n faith_n they_o may_v take_v they_o to_o themselves_o and_o increase_v their_o party_n by_o they_o but_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n as_o i_o hope_v it_o be_v not_o it_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o catholic_n faith_n that_o some_o man_n open_o oppose_v it_o and_o other_o at_o least_o in_o some_o man_n opinion_n do_v secret_o undermine_v it_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o guard_v the_o christian_a faith_n against_o all_o inconvenient_a or_o dangerous_a explication_n which_o seem_v to_o approach_v near_o heresy_n if_o this_o be_v do_v with_o due_a christian_a temper_n and_o moderation_n but_o i_o hope_v the_o dispute_n of_o the_o trinitarian_n be_v not_o so_o irreconcilable_a but_o that_o they_o will_v all_o unite_v against_o a_o pestilent_a and_o insolent_a heresy_n which_o now_o promise_v itself_o glorious_a success_n only_o from_o their_o private_a quarrel_n chap._n ii_o a_o examination_n of_o some_o consideration_n concern_v the_o trinity_n sect_n i._o concern_v the_o way_n of_o manage_v this_o controversy_n before_o i_o put_v a_o end_n to_o this_o discourse_n it_o will_v contribute_v very_o much_o to_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v and_o give_v a_o clear_a notion_n of_o the_o use_n of_o it_o to_o apply_v these_o principle_n to_o the_o examination_n of_o a_o late_a treatise_n entitle_v some_o consideration_n concern_v the_o trinity_n the_o author_n i_o know_v not_o he_o write_v with_o temper_n and_o though_o he_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o find_v fault_n he_o do_v it_o civil_o and_o therefore_o he_o ought_v to_o meet_v with_o civil_a usage_n and_o so_o he_o shall_v from_o i_o as_o far_o as_o the_o bare_a censure_n of_o his_o principle_n will_v admit_v i_o be_v i_o confess_v startle_v at_o the_o first_o entrance_n to_o find_v he_o own_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o these_o point_n concern_v the_o trinity_n 1._o for_o if_o after_o the_o most_o perfect_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o we_o must_v ever_o expect_v and_o the_o universal_a tradition_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n for_o above_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n this_o faith_n be_v still_o uncertain_a it_o be_v time_n to_o leave_v off_o all_o inquiry_n about_o it_o as_o for_o the_o many_o absurd_a and_o blasphemous_a exposition_n that_o have_v be_v make_v of_o this_o doctrine_n if_o by_o they_o he_o mean_v the_o ancient_a heresy_n which_o infest_a the_o church_n they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o render_v our_o faith_n uncertain_a that_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v he_o anon_o the_o very_a condemnation_n of_o those_o heresy_n by_o the_o catholic_n church_n give_v we_o a_o more_o certain_a account_n what_o the_o true_a catholic_n faith_n be_v i_o agree_v with_o he_o that_o the_o warm_a and_o indiscreet_a management_n of_o contrary_a party_n have_v be_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o religion_n among_o unthinking_a people_n who_o hence_o conclude_v the_o uncertainty_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o it_o concern_v good_a man_n to_o remove_v this_o prejudice_n by_o distinguish_v the_o catholic_n faith_n from_o the_o dispute_n about_o ecclesiastical_a word_n and_o the_o catholic_n sense_n of_o they_o and_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v this_o may_v be_v do_v and_o then_o the_o faith_n be_v secure_a notwithstanding_o these_o dispute_n and_o as_o for_o any_o other_o offence_n or_o scandal_n let_v those_o look_v to_o it_o who_o either_o give_v or_o take_v it_o this_o considerer_n dislike_v all_o the_o way_n and_o method_n which_o have_v hitherto_o be_v take_v to_o compose_v these_o dispute_n 1._o he_o
socinian_o and_o i_o be_v glad_a to_o find_v they_o censure_v and_o reject_v but_o wonder_v how_o they_o come_v to_o be_v number_v among_o those_o man_n who_o have_v labour_v in_o this_o good_a design_n of_o explain_v the_o trinity_n 2._o and_o reconcile_a the_o dispute_n about_o it_o well_o all_o these_o method_n have_v prove_v ineffectual_a let_v we_o then_o to_o omit_v other_o matter_n inquire_v what_o course_n our_o considerer_n take_v to_o make_v himself_o a_o fit_a and_o competent_a judge_n of_o this_o controversy_n take_v the_o account_n of_o it_o in_o his_o own_o word_n i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o deliver_v myself_o from_o prejudice_n and_o confusion_n of_o term_n and_o to_o speak_v just_o and_o intelligible_o 9_o and_o not_o be_v yet_o prepossess_v in_o favour_n of_o any_o particular_a explication_n the_o better_a to_o preserve_v my_o freedom_n of_o examine_v the_o subject_a in_o hand_n i_o have_v purposely_o forbear_v to_o search_v the_o father_n schoolman_n or_o fratres_n poloni_n or_o read_v over_o any_o late_a treatise_n concern_v this_o controversy_n while_o i_o be_v compose_v the_o present_a essay_n resolve_v to_o consult_v nothing_o but_o scripture_n and_o my_o own_o natural_a sentiment_n and_o draw_v all_o my_o reflection_n from_o thence_o take_v only_o such_o which_o easy_o and_o without_o constraint_n offer_v themselves_o thus_o des_n cartes_n make_v a_o new_a philosophy_n and_o this_o be_v the_o best_a way_n that_o can_v be_v think_v of_o to_o make_v a_o new_a faith_n this_o have_v a_o appearance_n of_o great_a indifferency_n and_o impartiality_n but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n when_o man_n boast_v in_o this_o as_o a_o virtue_n and_o attainment_n and_o a_o excellent_a disposition_n of_o mind_n for_o the_o examination_n of_o matter_n of_o faith_n i_o never_o in_o my_o life_n yet_o see_v any_o one_o example_n to_o the_o contrary_a but_o that_o when_o man_n who_o have_v be_v educate_v in_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o tolerable_o instruct_v in_o the_o meaning_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o can_v persuade_v themselves_o to_o be_v thus_o perfect_o indifferent_a whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a but_o this_o indifference_n be_v owe_v to_o a_o secret_a bias_n and_o inclination_n to_o infidelity_n or_o heresy_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o pretend_v such_o a_o absolute_a freedom_n of_o judgement_n without_o be_v perfect_o indifferent_a which_o side_n be_v true_a or_o false_a for_o if_o we_o wish_v and_o desire_v to_o find_v one_o side_n of_o the_o question_n true_a and_o the_o other_o false_a this_o be_v a_o bias_n and_o our_o judgement_n be_v not_o equal_o poise_v and_o certain_o in_o matter_n of_o such_o vast_a consequence_n as_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o especial_o that_o great_a fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n such_o a_o indifferency_n as_o this_o be_v can_v never_o recommend_v either_o a_o author_n or_o his_o write_n to_o sober_a christian_n will_v this_o considerer_n than_o own_o that_o it_o be_v indifferent_a to_o he_o when_o he_o undertake_v this_o design_n whether_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n shall_v upon_o examination_n appear_v true_a or_o false_a if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o socinian_o will_v tell_v he_o that_o he_o have_v not_o preserve_v a_o freedom_n of_o judgement_n and_o then_o he_o do_v well_o in_o not_o consult_v the_o fratres_n poloni_n for_o he_o have_v condemn_v they_o without_o hear_v or_o if_o he_o be_v persuade_v concern_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v it_o indifferent_a to_o he_o whether_o the_o sabellian_n or_o arian_n or_o true_a catholic_n notion_n of_o a_o trinity_n contain_v in_o the_o nicene_n and_o athanasian_n creed_n be_v the_o true_a faith_n that_o be_v be_v it_o indifferent_a to_o he_o whether_o the_o ancient_a heresy_n condemn_v by_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o that_o faith_n which_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v always_o own_a and_o profess_a be_v the_o true_a faith_n for_o my_o part_n i_o confess_v i_o be_o not_o thus_o indifferent_a i_o will_v never_o shut_v my_o eye_n against_o plain_a conviction_n which_o be_v all_o the_o freedom_n of_o judge_v which_o be_v allowable_a but_o my_o prejudices_fw-la be_v and_o i_o hope_v always_o will_v be_v on_o the_o side_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n no_o wise_a man_n can_v be_v thus_o indifferent_a and_o we_o shall_v find_v this_o considerer_n be_v not_o so_o very_o indifferent_a for_o the_o main_a principle_n he_o reason_n on_o be_v some_o popular_a mistake_v and_o prejudices_fw-la which_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v espouse_v without_o due_a consideration_n but_o let_v we_o allow_v he_o to_o be_v as_o free_a and_o unprejudiced_a as_o he_o please_v i_o can_v think_v that_o he_o take_v a_o good_a method_n to_o understand_v this_o sacred_a mystery_n he_o lay_v aside_o father_n schoolman_n and_o other_o late_a treatise_n concern_v this_o controversy_n and_o consult_v nothing_o but_o scripture_n and_o his_o own_o natural_a sentiment_n to_o consult_v scripture_n be_v indeed_o a_o very_a good_a way_n and_o absolute_o necessary_a in_o matter_n of_o pure_a revelation_n which_o can_v be_v certain_o know_v no_o other_o way_n but_o the_o father_n at_o least_o be_v very_o good_a guide_n and_o have_v very_o great_a authority_n in_o expound_v scripture_n and_o our_o natural_a sentiment_n otherwise_o call_v natural_a reason_n be_v a_o very_a bad_a a_o very_a dangerous_a expositor_n of_o scripture_n in_o such_o supernatural_a mystery_n and_o have_v no_o authority_n in_o these_o mattter_n and_o how_o our_o considerer_n have_v be_v mislead_v by_o his_o natural_a sentiment_n will_v soon_o appear_v a_o few_o word_n may_v serve_v for_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o considerer_n but_o since_o this_o be_v the_o great_a pretence_n of_o socinian_o and_o other_o heretic_n to_o set_v up_o scripture_n and_o natural_a reason_n against_o scripture_n and_o the_o traditionary_a faith_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o our_o considerer_n and_o some_o other_o unwary_a writer_n chime_v in_o with_o they_o it_o will_v be_v very_o necessary_a to_o show_v how_o this_o betray_v the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o make_v reason_n and_o criticism_n the_o supreme_a judge_n of_o controversy_n and_o then_o man_n may_v dispute_v on_o without_o end_n and_o believe_v at_o last_o as_o they_o please_v 10._o the_o considerer_n tell_v we_o i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v in_o a_o protestant_a country_n that_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a standard_n of_o all_o necessary_a reveal_v truth_n neither_o in_o the_o present_a case_n be_v there_o any_o room_n for_o a_o traditionary_a faith_n for_o beside_o that_o all_o the_o father_n and_o ancient_a writer_n ground_n their_o exposition_n of_o the_o trinity_n whole_o upon_o scripture_n i_o can_v conceive_v that_o the_o subject_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o plain_a revelation_n as_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v more_o full_o in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n what_o this_o last_o clause_n mean_n we_o shall_v understand_v better_o hereafter_o but_o his_o deny_v a_o traditionary_a faith_n be_v very_o extraordinary_a for_o if_o we_o can_v prove_v from_o the_o most_o authentic_a record_n what_o the_o constant_a belief_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v be_v especial_o in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n of_o it_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o traditionary_a faith_n nor_o be_v it_o the_o less_o traditionary_a because_o the_o father_n and_o ancient_a writer_n sound_v their_o exposition_n of_o the_o trinity_n whole_o upon_o scripture_n for_o if_o this_o be_v true_a than_o we_o have_v a_o traditionary_a faith_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o a_o traditionary_a exposition_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o reason_n and_o proof_n of_o that_o faith_n both_o in_o one_o which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o great_a authority_n and_o safe_a guide_n than_o mere_a scripture_n and_o our_o natural_a sentiment_n and_o though_o protestant_n allow_v scripture_n to_o be_v the_o only_a standard_n of_o faith_n yet_o he_o may_v have_v remember_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n require_v we_o to_o expound_v scripture_n as_o the_o ancient_a father_n expound_v it_o but_o this_o whole_o be_v a_o mistake_n for_o the_o primitive_a father_n plead_v tradition_n as_o well_o as_o scripture_n against_o the_o ancient_a heretic_n as_o two_o distinct_a but_o agree_v testimony_n as_o this_o author_n may_v have_v know_v will_v he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o have_v consult_v irenaeus_n and_o tertullian_n de_fw-fr praescriptionibus_fw-la with_o divers_a other_o what_o he_o mean_v by_o a_o plain_a revelation_n i_o can_v tell_v it_o make_v it_o somewhat_o plain_o to_o know_v what_o the_o catholic_n faith_n have_v always_o be_v and_o what_o the_o catholic_n interpretation_n of_o scripture_n have_v always_o be_v which_o be_v the_o plain_a and_o strong_a answer_n to_o wit_n and_o criticism_n and_o natural_a sentiment_n when_o they_o contradict_v this_o traditionary_a faith_n but_o to_o discourse_v this_o matter_n more_o particular_o i_o shall_v
receive_v this_o doctrine_n from_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o those_o church_n which_o be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n receive_v their_o faith_n from_o they_o and_o always_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o they_o 2._o this_o make_v it_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o this_o very_a faith_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o i_o suppose_v no_o man_n question_n but_o that_o the_o apostle_n teach_v the_o same_o faith_n by_o write_v which_o they_o do_v by_o preach_v and_o then_o this_o be_v a_o demonstration_n against_o all_o such_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n as_o contradict_v the_o catholic_n faith_n whatever_o fine_a colour_n wit_n and_o criticism_n may_v give_v they_o nay_o 3._o it_o be_v a_o certain_a proof_n that_o these_o primitive_a christian_n who_o receive_v these_o inspire_a write_n from_o the_o apostle_n which_o now_o make_v up_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v believe_v that_o the_o same_o faith_n which_o the_o apostle_n and_o apostolical_a man_n have_v teach_v they_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n be_v contain_v in_o their_o write_n for_o they_o can_v not_o possible_o have_v believe_v both_o what_o the_o apostle_n teach_v and_o what_o they_o write_v if_o their_o preach_a and_o write_n have_v contradict_v each_o other_o we_o know_v what_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v and_o we_o know_v they_o receive_v these_o apostolical_a write_n with_o the_o profound_a veneration_n as_o a_o inspire_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o have_v we_o no_o other_o presumption_n of_o it_o but_o this_o we_o may_v safe_o conclude_v that_o they_o find_v the_o same_o faith_n in_o these_o write_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v before_o teach_v they_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n but_o beside_o this_o we_o find_v that_o all_o the_o catholic_n writer_n appeal_v to_o the_o scripture_n and_o prove_v their_o faith_n from_o they_o and_o the_o authority_n of_o such_o man_n who_o be_v so_o near_o the_o fountain_n of_o apostolic_a tradition_n must_v be_v very_o venerable_a 4._o i_o shall_v only_o add_v this_o that_o since_o we_o know_v what_o the_o catholic_n faith_n be_v and_o how_o the_o catholic_n father_n expound_v scripture_n if_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n will_v natural_o and_o easy_o admit_v that_o sense_n much_o more_o if_o they_o will_v not_o admit_v any_o other_o sense_n without_o great_a force_n and_o violence_n let_v any_o man_n judge_v which_o be_v most_o safe_a and_o reasonable_a to_o expound_v scripture_n as_o the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o catholic_n father_n expound_v it_o and_o as_o the_o scripture_n most_o easy_o and_o natural_o expound_v itself_o or_o to_o force_v new_a sense_n and_o old_a heresy_n upon_o scripture_n which_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v always_o reject_v and_o condemn_v this_o i_o hope_v may_v satisfy_v our_o considerer_n that_o he_o do_v very_o ill_o in_o reject_v a_o traditionary_a faith_n and_o venture_v to_o expound_v scripture_n by_o his_o natural_a sentiment_n which_o be_v a_o very_a unsafe_a rule_n in_o matter_n of_o pure_a revelation_n of_o which_o mere_a natural_a reason_n be_v no_o competent_a judge_n sect_n iii_o what_o be_v sufficient_a to_o be_v believe_v concern_v the_o trinity_n thus_o far_o i_o fear_v our_o considerer_n have_v be_v a_o little_a unfortunate_a or_o if_o it_o do_v not_o prove_v a_o misfortune_n to_o he_o in_o form_v his_o notion_n of_o a_o trinity_n his_o luck_n be_v better_a than_o his_o choice_n 10._o let_v we_o proceed_v to_o his_o next_o enquiry_n what_o be_v sufficient_a for_o christian_n to_o believe_v concern_v the_o trinity_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o in_o this_o case_n what_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v what_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o question_n be_v i_o can_v well_o tell_v nor_o why_o he_o make_v sufficient_a and_o necessary_a all_o one_o for_o at_o least_o they_o be_v not_o always_o so_o that_o be_v sufficient_a which_o be_v enough_o for_o any_o man_n to_o believe_v that_o be_v strict_o necessary_a which_o every_o man_n must_v believe_v but_o let_v he_o take_v his_o own_o way_n he_o quit_v the_o term_n sufficient_a and_o inquire_v what_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v whereas_o in_o many_o case_n that_o which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o all_o may_v not_o be_v sufficient_a for_o some_o i_o shall_v much_o rather_o have_v inquire_v how_o much_o may_v be_v know_v concern_v this_o glorious_a mystery_n than_o how_o little_o will_v serve_v the_o turn_n which_o argue_v no_o great_a zeal_n for_o it_o well_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v concern_v the_o trinity_n he_o answer_v nothing_o but_o 1._o what_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o 2._o what_o be_v plain_o reveal_v here_o we_o begin_v to_o see_v what_o the_o effect_n be_v of_o consult_v nothing_o but_o scripture_n and_o natural_a sentiment_n i_o hope_v he_o mean_v honest_o in_o this_o but_o if_o he_o do_v he_o express_v himself_o very_o incautious_o for_o these_o two_o condition_n be_v very_o ill_o put_v together_o when_o apply_v to_o matter_n of_o revelation_n plain_o reveal_v have_v be_v enough_o in_o all_o reason_n unless_o he_o will_v insinuate_v that_o what_o be_v plain_o reveal_v may_v be_v impossible_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o that_o how_o plain_a soever_o the_o revelation_n be_v man_n must_v judge_v of_o the_o possibility_n of_o the_o thing_n by_o their_o own_o natural_a sentiment_n before_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v it_o which_o make_v natural_a reason_n not_o scripture_n the_o final_a judge_n of_o controversy_n but_o we_o must_v follow_v he_o where_o he_o lead_v we_o and_o thus_o he_o divide_v his_o whole_a work_n 1._o to_o consider_v how_o far_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o believe_v a_o trinity_n 2._o what_o the_o scripture_n require_v we_o to_o believe_v in_o this_o matter_n as_o for_o the_o first_o he_o tell_v we_o there_o be_v two_o requisite_n to_o make_v it_o possible_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v a_o thing_n 1._o that_o we_o know_v the_o term_n of_o what_o we_o be_v to_o assent_v to_o 2._o that_o it_o imply_v no_o contradiction_n to_o our_o former_a knowledge_n such_o knowledge_n i_o mean_v as_o be_v accompany_v with_o certainty_n and_o evidence_n this_o in_o some_o sense_n may_v be_v true_a but_o as_o it_o be_v thus_o loose_o and_o general_o express_v it_o be_v very_o like_o the_o socinian_n cant_n and_o sophistry_n by_o know_v the_o term_n he_o mean_v have_v distinct_a natural_a idea_n of_o what_o be_v signify_v by_o such_o term_n as_o he_o himself_o explain_v it_o 14._o i_o can_v believe_v it_o no_o far_o than_o the_o term_n of_o which_o it_o be_v make_v up_o be_v know_v and_o understand_v and_o the_o idea_n signify_v by_o they_o consistent_a so_o that_o all_o divine_a mystery_n must_v be_v examine_v by_o our_o natural_a idea_n and_o what_o we_o have_v no_o natural_a idea_n of_o we_o can_v we_o must_v not_o believe_v and_o this_o once_o for_o all_o condemn_v all_o supernatural_a faith_n or_o the_o belief_n of_o supernatural_a object_n though_o never_o so_o plain_o reveal_v for_o we_o have_v no_o natural_a idea_n of_o supernatural_a object_n and_o though_o revelation_n may_v furnish_v we_o from_o the_o resemblance_n and_o analogy_n in_o nature_n with_o some_o artificial_a idea_n this_o will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n for_o though_o they_o know_v what_o such_o term_n signify_v when_o apply_v to_o natural_a they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o signify_v when_o apply_v to_o supernatural_a object_n nor_o have_v they_o any_o idea_n to_o answer_v they_o as_o for_o instance_n we_o know_v what_o father_n and_o son_n signify_v when_o apply_v to_o man_n but_o when_o we_o say_v god_n be_v not_o only_o eternal_a himself_o but_o a_o eternal_a father_n who_o beget_v a_o eternal_a son_n these_o term_n of_o father_n and_o son_n beget_v and_o be_v beget_v must_v signify_v quite_o otherwise_o than_o they_o do_v among_o man_n something_o which_o we_o have_v no_o idea_n of_o and_o therefore_o say_v the_o socinian_o all_o this_o be_v unintelligible_a and_o impossible_a to_o be_v believe_v unless_o we_o can_v believe_v without_o understand_v the_o term_n this_o considerer_n assert_v the_o premise_n he_o have_v best_o consider_v again_o how_o he_o will_v avoid_v the_o conclusion_n another_o socinian_n topick_n be_v contradiction_n and_o this_o our_o considerer_n make_v another_o requisite_a to_o the_o possibility_n of_o believe_v that_o the_o thing_n do_v not_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n to_o our_o former_a knowledge_n that_o be_v to_o any_o natural_a idea_n and_o here_o he_o learned_o dispute_v against_o believe_a contradiction_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o require_v we_o to_o believe_v contradiction_n 13._o but_o if_o instead_o of_o all_o this_o he_o have_v only_o say_v that_o god_n can_v reveal_v such_o plain_a and_o evident_a
must_v not_o think_v that_o god_n beget_v a_o son_n as_o man_n do_v by_o corporeal_a passion_n or_o division_n of_o his_o substance_n or_o that_o he_o beget_v a_o son_n without_o himself_o or_o separate_v from_o himself_o or_o that_o because_o a_o creature-father_n be_v always_o old_a than_o his_o son_n therefore_o god_n can_v beget_v a_o son_n coeternal_a with_o himself_o for_o all_o these_o circumstance_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o essential_a notion_n of_o a_o father_n but_o of_o a_o creature-father_n but_o than_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o notion_n both_o of_o father_n and_o son_n that_o the_o father_n communicate_v his_o own_o nature_n to_o the_o son_n and_o that_o the_o son_n receive_v his_o nature_n and_o be_v from_o his_o father_n that_o father_n and_o son_n do_v true_o and_o real_o subsist_v by_o themselves_o though_o they_o may_v be_v and_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o god_n the_o father_n and_o his_o son_n be_v inseparable_o unite_v to_o each_o other_o that_o the_o son_n with_o respect_n to_o his_o nature_n be_v perfect_o the_o same_o that_o his_o father_n be_v the_o son_n of_o a_o man_n as_o true_a and_o perfect_a man_n as_o his_o father_n be_v and_o therefore_o the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o true_a and_o perfect_a god_n by_o these_o argument_n the_o catholic_n father_n confute_v both_o the_o sabellian_o who_o make_v father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n but_o three_o name_n and_o the_o arian_n who_o deny_v the_o consubstantiality_n of_o the_o son_n or_o that_o he_o have_v the_o same_o nature_n with_o his_o father_n for_o both_o these_o heresy_n destroy_v the_o essential_a notion_n and_o idea_n of_o father_n and_o son_n which_o include_v in_o it_o both_o a_o real_a distinction_n and_o sameness_n of_o nature_n that_o they_o be_v as_o real_o two_o but_o infinite_o more_o one_o and_o the_o same_o than_o any_o other_o father_n and_o son_n in_o nature_n be_v now_o i_o can_v see_v but_o that_o as_o these_o name_n and_o character_n be_v better_o understand_v and_o liable_a to_o less_o dispute_n so_o they_o convey_v to_o our_o mind_n a_o more_o distinct_a conception_n of_o god_n the_o father_n and_o his_o eternal_a son_n than_o any_o other_o artificial_a term_n be_v there_o no_o controversy_n about_o nature_n essence_n person_n substance_n hypostasis_fw-la yet_o they_o immediate_o convey_v no_o idea_n of_o god_n the_o father_n and_o his_o eternal_a son_n to_o my_o mind_n much_o less_o give_v i_o a_o more_o distinct_a conception_n than_o these_o term_n father_n and_o son_n do_v for_o they_o neither_o acquaint_v i_o what_o god_n be_v nor_o what_o father_n and_o son_n be_v and_o as_o the_o school_n themselves_o assert_v can_v be_v univocal_o or_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n speak_v of_o creature_n and_o of_o god_n who_o be_v super-essential_a above_o all_o predicament_n and_o term_n of_o art_n that_o be_v nature_n essence_n substance_n hypostasis_fw-la person_n do_v not_o and_o can_v signify_v the_o same_o thing_n when_o speak_v of_o god_n as_o when_o apply_v to_o creature_n and_o this_o have_v occasion_v all_o those_o dispute_n concern_v the_o use_n and_o signification_n of_o these_o word_n when_o apply_v to_o god_n which_o indeed_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o whole_o discard_n these_o term_n which_o the_o perverseness_n and_o importunity_n of_o heretic_n have_v force_v the_o church_n to_o use_v and_o which_o have_v now_o be_v so_o long_o use_v that_o the_o ecclesiastical_a sense_n of_o these_o word_n be_v very_o well_o know_v to_o learned_a man_n if_o they_o will_v be_v content_v to_o use_v they_o in_o that_o receive_v ecclesiastical_a sense_n in_o which_o the_o catholic_n father_n have_v always_o use_v they_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o reason_n not_o to_o clog_v the_o faith_n of_o ordinary_a christian_n with_o they_o who_o be_v not_o skill_v in_o metaphysical_a and_o abstract_a notion_n and_o it_o be_v a_o reason_n to_o reduce_v the_o controversy_n as_o much_o as_o possible_o we_o can_v to_o scripture_n term_n when_o these_o artificial_a and_o metaphysical_a term_n divide_v even_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o give_v too_o just_a occasion_n to_o the_o vain_a boast_n and_o triumph_n of_o heretic_n to_o represent_v this_o matter_n plain_o i_o observe_v that_o all_o all_o those_o unscriptural_a term_n which_o the_o catholic_n father_n make_v use_v of_o for_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o adorable_a mystery_n be_v intend_v for_o no_o other_o purpose_n but_o to_o give_v we_o some_o distinct_a idea_n and_o conception_n of_o what_o the_o scripture_n teach_v concern_v the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o use_v such_o term_n as_o signify_v something_o in_o creature_n which_o bear_v some_o though_o a_o very_a imperfect_a anology_n and_o resemblance_n to_o what_o we_o be_v to_o conceive_v of_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o father_n justify_v the_o use_n of_o such_o word_n by_o show_v that_o all_o they_o mean_v by_o they_o be_v contain_v in_o scripture_n and_o reject_v any_o word_n and_o any_o such_o sense_n of_o artificial_a word_n as_o can_v be_v justify_v by_o scripture_n which_o by_o the_o way_n be_v a_o more_o infallible_a rule_n than_o all_o metaphysical_a subtlety_n to_o find_v out_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o father_n use_v such_o word_n by_o observe_v to_o what_o scripture-notion_n they_o apply_v they_o and_o how_o they_o justify_v their_o use_n from_o scripture_n when_o they_o be_v dispute_v if_o this_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o case_n as_o it_o certain_o be_v than_o the_o catholic_n faith_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o use_n of_o these_o term_n for_o it_o be_v before_o they_o for_o they_o be_v intend_v only_o to_o explain_v and_o illustrate_v the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o to_o comprise_v scripture-notion_n in_o term_n of_o art_n which_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v of_o great_a use_n and_o be_v by_o experience_n find_v to_o be_v so_o in_o the_o dispute_n with_o ancient_a heretic_n while_o the_o father_n agree_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o these_o term_n but_o when_o these_o term_n themselves_o be_v become_v the_o great_a matter_n of_o dispute_n and_o man_n who_o as_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v agree_v in_o the_o catholic_n faith_n can_v agree_v about_o the_o propriety_n and_o signification_n of_o such_o term_n nor_o how_o they_o be_v to_o be_v apply_v and_o use_v whether_o in_o the_o singular_a or_o plural_a number_n whether_o substantive_o or_o adjective_o in_o recto_fw-la or_o obliquo_fw-la and_o our_o adversary_n abuse_v such_o dispute_n to_o the_o reproach_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n as_o a_o perplex_a uncertain_a contradictious_a riddle_n and_o mystery_n which_o man_n can_v know_v nothing_o of_o or_o can_v never_o agree_v in_o it_o become_v absolute_o necessary_a at_o present_a to_o take_v this_o controversy_n out_o of_o term_n of_o art_n and_o to_o let_v our_o adversary_n see_v that_o our_o controversy_n with_o they_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o these_o dispute_n that_o it_o be_v not_o about_o the_o signification_n and_o use_v of_o such_o word_n as_o essence_n nature_n substance_n person_n etc._n etc._n but_o whether_o the_o supreme_a eternal_a self-originated_n father_n have_v not_o a_o eternal_a son_n eternal_o beget_v of_o himself_o and_o a_o eternal_a spirit_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n eternal_o proceed_v from_o they_o and_o whether_o this_o eternal_a son_n and_o eternal_a spirit_n be_v not_o true_a and_o perfect_a god_n in_o this_o all_o sincere_a trinitarian_n do_v hearty_o agree_v with_o each_o other_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o join_v issue_n upon_o this_o state_n of_o the_o controversy_n with_o all_o their_o adversary_n of_o what_o denomination_n soever_o and_o if_o we_o can_v prove_v from_o scripture_n that_o god_n have_v a_o eternal_a son_n beget_v of_o himself_o and_o that_o this_o eternal_a son_n be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n as_o the_o father_n be_v and_o that_o the_o father_n and_o son_n have_v a_o eternal_a spirit_n who_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n as_o father_n and_o son_n be_v i_o hope_v this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a confutation_n of_o socinianism_n and_o yet_o all_o this_o may_v be_v prove_v without_o concern_v ourselves_o in_o any_o metaphysical_a dispute_n and_o therefore_o such_o dispute_n as_o these_o though_o they_o give_v opportunity_n to_o our_o adversary_n to_o make_v some_o flourish_v and_o to_o cast_v mist_n before_o people_n eye_n be_v not_o of_o that_o moment_n as_o they_o will_v represent_v they_o they_o neither_o prove_v socinianism_n to_o be_v true_a nor_o the_o catholic_n faith_n of_o the_o trinity_n to_o be_v false_a or_o uncertain_a i_o do_v not_o intend_v at_o present_a to_o dispute_v this_o point_n with_o the_o socinian_o whether_o the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o there_o be_v no_o dispute_n about_o the_o father_n be_v not_o each_o of_o they_o true_a and_o perfect_a god_n this_o have_v be_v prove_v
fulâ—_n and_o adequate_a idea_n of_o god_n but_o yet_o he_o know_v which_o of_o those_o distinct_a idea_n he_o have_v in_o his_o mind_n be_v applicable_a to_o god_n and_o which_o be_v not_o but_o the_o present_a question_n do_v not_o concern_v the_o idea_n of_o god_n which_o i_o hope_v we_o be_v all_o agree_v in_o that_o god_n be_v a_o be_v infinite_o perfect_a but_o whether_o this_o name_n god_n in_o the_o question_n of_o the_o trinity_n signify_v only_o one_o who_o be_v god_n or_o one_o single_a divine_a person_n or_o whether_o this_o name_n and_o the_o perfect_a idea_n which_o belong_v to_o it_o be_v applicable_a distinct_o to_o three_o to_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n that_o each_o of_o they_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n and_o neither_o of_o they_o be_v each_o other_o and_o all_o three_o but_o one_o god_n this_o have_v be_v the_o true_a explication_n of_o the_o term_n god_n as_o apply_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n to_o have_v tell_v we_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o god_n when_o this_o name_n be_v peculiar_o attribute_v to_o the_o person_n of_o the_o father_n when_o it_o be_v attribute_v to_o each_o person_n distinct_o and_o when_o it_o be_v joint_o attribute_v to_o they_o all_o that_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v one_o god_n â—t_a be_v certain_a all_o this_o must_v be_v resolve_v into_o the_o same_o one_o divinity_n which_o be_v perfect_o in_o each_o of_o they_o and_o inseparable_o and_o indivisible_o in_o they_o all_o and_o the_o true_a state_v of_o his_o matter_n have_v be_v very_o proper_a and_o will_v have_v save_v all_o his_o other_o labour_n and_o therefore_o to_o save_v i_o some_o labour_n i_o will_v brief_o tell_v he_o how_o the_o catholic_n father_n understand_v it_o which_o be_v the_o only_a possible_a way_n i_o know_v of_o reconcile_a these_o different_a expression_n when_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o person_n of_o the_o father_n be_v in_o a_o eminent_a and_o peculiar_a manner_n the_o one_o god_n by_o this_o they_o understand_v that_o the_o father_n alone_o be_v self-originated_n and_o from_o himself_o that_o the_o whole_a divinity_n and_o godhead_n be_v original_o his_o own_o which_o he_o receive_v from_o no_o other_o which_o be_v the_o first_o and_o most_o natural_a notion_n we_o have_v of_o god_n and_o of_o one_o god_n when_o they_o say_v that_o though_o the_o father_n in_o this_o sense_n be_v the_o one_o god_n yet_o the_o son_n also_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n true_a and_o perfect_a god_n they_o ascribe_v divinity_n to_o the_o son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o account_n of_o the_o eternal_a and_o perfect_a communication_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o they_o for_o he_o who_o have_v the_o true_a divine_a nature_n be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n and_o therefore_o the_o son_n who_o be_v eternal_o beget_v of_o his_o father_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o his_o father_n and_o be_v consubstantial_a with_o he_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n but_o god_n of_o god_n and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o eternal_o proceed_v from_o father_n and_o son_n when_o they_o teach_v that_o the_o trinity_n be_v one_o god_n they_o mean_v by_o it_o that_o the_o same_o one_o divinity_n do_v subsist_v whole_a and_o entire_a indivisible_o and_o inseparable_o but_o yet_o distinct_o in_o they_o all_o as_o i_o have_v already_o explain_v it_o so_o that_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n give_v a_o account_n of_o all_o these_o expression_n why_o the_o father_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o one_o god_n and_o yet_o that_o the_o son_n be_v god_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n god_n and_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n but_o one_o god_n all_o this_o be_v teach_v in_o scripture_n and_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o i_o will_v never_o desire_v a_o better_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o any_o notion_n than_o that_o it_o take_v in_o the_o whole_a mystery_n and_o answer_n to_o every_o part_n of_o it_o which_o no_o other_o account_n i_o have_v ever_o yet_o meet_v with_o can_v do_v sect_n v._o a_o examination_n of_o his_o notion_n and_o idea_n of_o unity_n distinction_n person_n etc._n etc._n and_o now_o the_o sabellian_n scene_n open_v apace_o if_o the_o heresy_n of_o sabellius_n be_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o who_o be_v god_n but_o one_o divine_a intelligent_a person_n as_o well_o as_o one_o divine_a nature_n this_o our_o considerer_n express_o own_v and_o do_v his_o endeavour_n to_o prove_v it_o absolute_o impossible_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o that_o be_v that_o the_o catholic_n faith_n assert_v and_o defend_v by_o the_o catholic_n church_n against_o sabellius_n be_v absolute_o impossible_a 20._o to_o explain_v the_o word_n person_n he_o tell_v we_o it_o signify_v one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n either_o a_o particular_a intelligent_a be_v or_o a_o office_n character_n or_o some_o such_o complex_fw-la notion_n applicable_a to_o such_o a_o be_v if_o you_o will_v know_v in_o which_o of_o these_o sense_n we_o must_v understand_v the_o word_n person_n when_o we_o say_v there_o be_v three_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n 24._o he_o tell_v we_o plain_o that_o the_o simple_a idea_n of_o god_n can_v be_v apply_v but_o to_o one_o single_a person_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n person_n as_o it_o signify_v a_o particular_a intelligent_a be_v nature_n or_o principle_n and_o that_o all_o the_o personal_a distinction_n we_o can_v conceive_v in_o the_o deity_n must_v be_v found_v on_o some_o accessary_a idea_n extrinsical_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n a_o certain_a combination_n of_o which_o idea_n make_v up_o the_o second_o notion_n signify_v by_o the_o word_n person_n and_o for_o this_o he_o appeal_v to_o natural_a sentiment_n mistake_v heresy_n for_o nature_n and_o if_o we_o fair_o and_o impartial_o examine_v our_o own_o thought_n upon_o this_o subject_a we_o shall_v find_v that_o when_o we_o name_n god_n the_o father_n we_o conceive_v the_o idea_n of_o god_n so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o conceive_v it_o as_o act_v so_o and_o so_o under_o such_o respect_n and_o relation_n and_o when_o we_o name_n god_n the_o son_n we_o conceive_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o same_o idea_n of_o god_n over_o again_o under_o different_a relation_n and_o so_o likewise_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n noetus_n praxeas_n or_o sabellius_n never_o teach_v their_o heresy_n in_o more_o express_a word_n than_o these_o and_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v now_o must_v we_o dispute_v this_o point_n over_o again_o with_o the_o considerer_n and_o confute_v a_o heresy_n which_o have_v be_v so_o early_o so_o often_o and_o so_o constant_o condemn_v by_o the_o catholic_n church_n for_o my_o part_n i_o can_v pretend_v to_o say_v nothing_o new_a which_o have_v not_o long_o since_o be_v much_o better_o say_v by_o the_o catholic_n father_n and_o therefore_o before_o we_o part_v i_o shall_v acquaint_v he_o with_o their_o judgement_n in_o the_o case_n and_o leave_v it_o to_o rest_v on_o their_o authority_n and_o reason_n but_o it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o mind_v this_o considerer_n that_o he_o have_v all_o the_o schoolman_n as_o far_o as_o i_o have_v hear_v or_o have_v opportunity_n to_o consult_v they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o catholic_n father_n against_o he_o in_o his_o notion_n of_o a_o person_n for_o they_o all_o receive_v boetius_n definition_n that_o a_o person_n be_v a_o individual_a substance_n of_o a_o rational_a nature_n or_o it_o may_v be_v the_o authority_n of_o melancthon_n may_v be_v more_o considerable_a with_o he_o who_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o church_n in_o this_o article_n of_o the_o trinity_n understand_v by_o person_n a_o individual_a intelâ—â—gentes_fw-la intelligent_a incommunicable_a substance_n and_o add_v that_o the_o ancient_a ecclesiastical_a writer_n distinguish_v between_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o essence_n or_o nature_n and_o three_o hypostasis_n that_o be_v three_z real_o subsist_v not_o commentitious_a vanish_v confuse_a but_o distinct_a particular_a intelligent_a person_n and_o the_o censure_n he_o pass_v upon_o servetus_n upon_o this_o score_n be_v very_o remarkable_a that_o fanatical_a fellow_n servetus_n play_v with_o the_o word_n person_n divinitatis_fw-la and_o contend_v that_o in_o latin_a it_o ancient_o signify_v a_o dress_n or_o habit_n or_o the_o distinction_n of_o a_o office_n as_o râ—scius_n be_v sometime_o say_v to_o act_v the_o part_n of_o achilles_n sometime_o of_o ulysses_n or_o the_o person_n of_o a_o consul_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o the_o person_n of_o a_o slave_n be_v another_o as_o cicero_z speaks_z that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a thing_n to_o maintain_v the_o character_n of_o the_o person_n of_o a_o prince_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o
have_v already_o demonstrate_v this_o that_o one_o god_n signify_v one_o single_a person_n he_o only_o prove_v that_o the_o title_n and_o character_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n belong_v to_o god_n and_o therefore_o that_o these_o term_n must_v all_o be_v so_o understand_v as_o to_o include_v the_o same_o god_n the_o one_o single_a divine_a person_n in_o their_o signification_n 30._o the_o first_o i_o think_v he_o prove_v well_o enough_o that_o these_o title_n and_o character_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n belong_v to_o god_n and_o this_o vindicate_v he_o from_o be_v a_o socinian_n but_o when_o he_o apply_v all_o these_o title_n and_o character_n to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o god_n that_o be_v in_o his_o sense_n to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o single_a person_n this_o prove_v he_o to_o be_v a_o sabellian_n for_o this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o noetus_n and_o sabellius_n that_o these_o different_a title_n and_o character_n do_v belong_v but_o to_o one_o single_a person_n who_o be_v god_n he_o prove_v that_o these_o title_n and_o character_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n do_v signify_v god_n from_o the_o form_n of_o baptism_n salutation_n and_o blessing_n go_v teach_v all_o nation_n 31._o baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v with_o you_o all_o from_o whence_o as_o he_o add_v i_o infer_v that_o all_o these_o term_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n signify_v god_n because_o i_o can_v possible_o conceive_v it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o the_o minister_n of_o it_o shall_v teach_v baptize_v or_o bless_v the_o people_n in_o any_o other_o name_n but_o god_n i_o like_v this_o argument_n very_o well_o but_o if_o it_o prove_v any_o thing_n it_o prove_v more_o than_o he_o will_v have_v it_o that_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v each_o of_o they_o by_o himself_o true_a and_o perfect_a god_n and_o not_o all_o three_o one_o single_a person_n for_o it_o seem_v altogether_o as_o absurd_a to_o teach_v baptize_v or_o bless_v in_o three_o name_n and_o title_n when_o there_o be_v but_o one_o single_a person_n signify_v by_o those_o three_o name_n and_o therefore_o his_o inference_n be_v not_o very_o plain_a 32._o that_o if_o any_o one_o of_o these_o term_n signify_v god_n they_o must_v all_o three_o signify_v god_n and_o if_o all_o three_o signify_v god_n they_o must_v all_o three_o signify_v one_o and_o the_o same_o god_n for_o god_n be_v one._n this_o be_v very_o artificial_a but_o not_o plain_a the_o consequence_n be_v plain_a that_o if_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o name_n of_o god_n they_o must_v all_o signify_v one_o god_n by_o the_o unity_n and_o sameness_n of_o nature_n because_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n but_o not_o by_o the_o unity_n of_o person_n because_o the_o scripture_n mention_n three_o each_o of_o who_o be_v god_n which_o prove_v that_o god_n be_v one_o in_o nature_n but_o three_o in_o person_n as_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v always_o believe_v as_o for_o what_o he_o add_v that_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n the_o lord_n and_o maker_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v here_o mean_v by_o the_o word_n father_n be_v a_o thing_n not_o question_v and_o therefore_o sâ—n_v and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v term_n expressive_a of_o the_o same_o divine_a nature_n may_v in_o some_o sense_n be_v allow_v if_o he_o will_v distinguish_v between_o nature_n and_o person_n but_o according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n father_n son_n and_o hâ—ly_a ghost_n be_v the_o name_n of_o three_o real_a distinct_a divine_a person_n not_o of_o one_o divine_a nature_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o one_o persâ—n_n but_o though_o we_o allow_v this_o with_o the_o catholic_n church_n that_o the_o father_n be_v the_o one_o supreme_a god_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o allow_v this_o to_o the_o considerer_n who_o will_v not_o allow_v father_n son_n or_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v name_n of_o divine_a person_n or_o to_o be_v name_n or_o relation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n consider_v as_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o he_o say_v they_o be_v extrinsical_a that_o be_v extra-essential_a idea_n title_n character_n respect_n relation_n and_o therefore_o father_n according_a to_o this_o hypothesis_n be_v not_o the_o essential_a name_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n but_o give_v to_o he_o for_o some_o extrinsical_a and_o extraessential_a reason_n be_v his_o name_n not_o by_o nature_n but_o by_o institution_n and_o then_o must_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v his_o name_n which_o the_o mere_a form_n of_o baptism_n can_v do_v for_o the_o name_n god_n be_v not_o express_v in_o it_o much_o less_o do_v it_o prove_v that_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o god_n or_o one_o single_a person_n it_o be_v evident_a indeed_o from_o other_o text_n that_o father_n be_v the_o name_n of_o god_n but_o than_o it_o be_v the_o name_n of_o god_n the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o this_o do_v prove_v that_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n have_v the_o same_o one_o divinity_n the_o same_o one_o divine_a nature_n as_o the_o very_a name_n and_o relation_n of_o father_n and_o son_n and_o spirit_n prove_v but_o sure_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o god_n the_o father_n and_o his_o son_n be_v the_o same_o one_o single_a person_n as_o well_o as_o one_o god_n for_o father_n and_o son_n all_o the_o world_n over_o signify_v two_o distinct_a person_n for_o no_o one_o person_n can_v be_v father_n and_o son_n to_o himself_o nor_o can_v the_o eternal_a subsist_v spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o same_o person_n with_o that_o god_n who_o spirit_n he_o be_v unless_o he_o allow_v that_o father_n in_o the_o form_n of_o baptism_n be_v the_o name_n of_o a_o person_n he_o can_v prove_v nothing_o from_o it_o and_o if_o father_n be_v the_o name_n of_o a_o person_n son_n and_o holy_a ghâ—st_n must_v be_v the_o name_n of_o person_n also_o and_o then_o the_o name_n and_o relation_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n necessary_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v not_o one_o single_a person_n but_o three_o person_n thus_o he_o prove_v the_o son_n to_o be_v god_n from_o that_o religious_a worship_n which_o be_v pay_v to_o he_o which_o do_v indeed_o prove_v he_o to_o be_v god_n but_o not_o the_o same_o one_o person_n with_o the_o father_n our_o considerer_n be_v much_o mistake_v if_o he_o think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o prove_v that_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o title_n and_o character_n of_o the_o same_o one_o single_a person_n who_o be_v the_o one_o god_n if_o he_o can_v prove_v that_o each_o of_o these_o name_n signify_v one_o who_o be_v god_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v if_o these_o name_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n do_v not_o signify_v person_n they_o can_v signify_v god_n for_o than_o they_o be_v not_o name_n of_o nature_n but_o something_o extrinsical_a and_o accessary_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n 37._o and_o therefore_o they_o may_v be_v the_o external_a denomination_n of_o he_o who_o be_v god_n but_o not_o the_o name_n of_o god_n consider_v as_o god_n and_o therefore_o can_v signify_v god_n because_o they_o do_v not_o signify_v the_o divine_a nature_n in_o the_o person_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n but_o something_o extrinsical_a and_o accessary_a that_o be_v something_o which_o be_v not_o essential_a and_o therefore_o which_o the_o divine_a nature_n may_v be_v without_o i_o hope_v the_o considerer_n do_v not_o think_v of_o this_o consequence_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o god_n may_v neither_o have_v be_v father_n son_n nor_o holy_a ghost_n which_o yet_o must_v be_v allow_v possible_a if_o these_o be_v mere_a extrinsical_a and_o accessary_a title_n and_o character_n nay_o this_o must_v be_v allow_v unless_o we_o will_v grant_v that_o these_o name_n signify_v three_o real_a subsist_v intelligent_a coeternal_a person_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o same_o godhead_n but_o these_o three_o person_n do_v somewhat_o puzzle_v he_o that_o god_n shall_v be_v call_v father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v as_o easy_o to_o be_v believe_v as_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v call_v adonai_n elohim_n 36._o and_o jehovah_n that_o the_o same_o thing_n shall_v be_v signify_v and_o express_v by_o several_a name_n be_v no_o such_o incredible_a mystery_n which_o still_o show_v we_o what_o it_o be_v he_o believe_v and_o will_v prove_v in_o all_o this_o that_o
ask_v for_o or_o to_o conceive_v what_o be_v the_o place_n of_o god_n of_o the_o word_n or_o of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o if_o a_o man_n will_v deny_v that_o the_o son_n be_v or_o be_v beget_v because_o he_o can_v conceive_v nor_o find_v out_o the_o place_n of_o his_o essence_n or_o substance_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n he_o may_v deny_v that_o there_o be_v a_o father_n or_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n so_o that_o athanasius_n acknowledge_v the_o son_n to_o be_v as_o true_a and_o substantial_a a_o son_n as_o the_o father_n be_v a_o substantial_a father_n and_o that_o he_o do_v as_o perfect_o and_o complete_o subsist_v by_o himself_o as_o the_o father_n do_v but_o deny_v that_o it_o hence_o follow_v as_o the_o sabellian_o object_v that_o the_o son_n if_o he_o be_v a_o distinct_a substantial_a person_n himself_o must_v be_v divide_v and_o part_v from_o the_o substance_n of_o his_o father_n and_o that_o if_o he_o subsist_v distinct_o by_o himself_o he_o must_v subsist_v in_o a_o separate_a place_n from_o his_o father_n that_o this_o distinction_n of_o person_n and_o subsistence_n can_v be_v conceive_v without_o a_o local_a separation_n for_o he_o tell_v they_o all_z these_o mistake_v be_v owe_v to_o corporeal_a imagination_n that_o they_o conceive_v of_o god_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o body_n that_o because_o body_n can_v generate_v another_o without_o part_v and_o divide_v of_o substance_n nor_o subsist_v without_o be_v in_o some_o place_n nor_o subsist_v distinct_o without_o be_v in_o distinct_a and_o separate_a place_n therefore_o if_o god_n beget_v a_o son_n and_o this_o son_n subsist_v distinct_o by_o himself_o this_o son_n must_v go_v out_o of_o the_o divine_a substance_n and_o be_v local_o separate_v from_o god_n the_o father_n as_o a_o human_a son_n be_v from_o his_o father_n whereas_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o substance_n can_v be_v divide_v nor_o do_v god_n subsist_v in_o a_o place_n and_o therefore_o the_o son_n may_v be_v substantial_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n and_o subsist_v distinct_o by_o himself_o without_o any_o division_n of_o the_o divine_a substance_n or_o separation_n of_o place_n let_v we_o now_o proceed_v to_o a_o three_o sort_n of_o these_o heretic_n who_o do_v allow_v a_o real_a and_o substantial_a difference_n between_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n but_o make_v god_n a_o compound_n be_v but_o one_o person_n as_o well_o as_o one_o god_n and_o that_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o one_o god_n this_o st._n austin_n call_v triformis_fw-la deus_fw-la and_o tell_v we_o 74._o that_o these_o heretic_n do_v not_o allow_v the_o father_n to_o be_v perfect_a in_o himself_o nor_o the_o son_n perfect_a in_o himself_o nor_o the_o holy_a ghost_n perfect_a in_o himself_o that_o neither_o of_o these_o consider_v by_o themselves_o be_v perfect_a god_n but_o that_o all_o three_o together_o make_v one_o complete_a and_o perfect_a god_n this_o all_o the_o catholic_n father_n unanimous_o reject_v and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o composition_n in_o the_o pure_a and_o simple_a nature_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n that_o each_o person_n be_v by_o himself_o true_a and_o perfect_a god_n not_o a_o incomplete_a part_n of_o the_o deity_n thus_o athanasius_n warn_v we_o against_o this_o heresy_n 662._o which_o conceive_v the_o trinity_n like_o three_o bodily_a part_n inseparable_o unite_v to_o each_o other_o which_o he_o say_v be_v a_o ungodly_a reason_n contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o perfect_a unbodied_a being_n and_o therefore_o attribute_n the_o perfection_n of_o the_o godhead_n to_o each_o person_n who_o be_v a_o real_a trinity_n inseparable_o unite_v in_o the_o same_o form_n and_o nature_n that_o the_o father_n be_v perfect_a essence_n and_o be_v without_o any_o defect_n the_o root_n and_o fountain_n of_o the_o son_n and_o spirit_n that_o the_o son_n in_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o deity_n be_v the_o live_a word_n and_o perfect_a offspring_n of_o the_o father_n that_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o fullness_n of_o the_o son_n not_o part_n of_o another_o be_v but_o whole_a and_o entire_a in_o himself_o that_o we_o must_v conceive_v they_o inseparable_o unite_v to_o each_o other_o but_o yet_o three_o real_a subsist_v person_n in_o the_o same_o form_n and_o species_n which_o be_v original_o in_o the_o father_n shine_v in_o the_o son_n and_o be_v manifest_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o he_o add_v that_o he_o do_v not_o compound_v the_o trinity_n nor_o force_v it_o into_o a_o monad_n or_o unit_fw-la that_o be_v one_o single_a person_n to_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n nor_o conceive_v of_o god_n as_o of_o a_o man_n who_o be_v compound_v of_o three_o part_n spirit_n soul_n and_o body_n for_o such_o a_o composition_n can_v belong_v to_o a_o simple_a nature_n this_o be_v the_o constant_a language_n of_o the_o ancient_a writer_n 10._o that_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v not_o compound_v of_o part_n nor_o be_v god_n a_o compound_n be_v that_o each_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n be_v a_o complete_a and_o perfect_a person_n and_o three_o complete_a and_o perfect_a person_n can_v be_v one_o by_o composition_n as_o three_o incomplete_a part_n be_v that_o each_o person_n by_o himself_o be_v perfect_a god_n and_o perfect_a essence_n though_o when_o we_o unite_v they_o and_o number_v three_o we_o acknowledge_v but_o one_o perfect_a god_n for_o the_o deity_n be_v not_o compound_v but_o in_o three_o 13_o each_o of_o which_o be_v complete_a and_o perfect_a there_o be_v one_o perfect_a be_v without_o composition_n and_o without_o part_n that_o be_v the_o same_o one_o divine_a nature_n subsist_v distinct_o not_o by_o part_n or_o composition_n but_o whole_a and_o entire_a in_o three_o let_v we_o now_o then_o consider_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o question_n between_o these_o sabellian_o and_o the_o catholic_n father_n these_o heretic_n own_v at_o last_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v three_o distinct_a substance_n but_o not_o three_o substantial_a whole_n but_o three_o substantial_a part_n which_o by_o their_o union_n and_o composition_n make_v up_o one_o whole_a entire_a god_n the_o catholic_n father_n join_v with_o they_o so_o far_o as_o to_o own_o these_o divine_a person_n to_o be_v three_o substantial_a subsist_v person_n but_o reject_v their_o notion_n of_o a_o compound_a god_n or_o three_o part_n of_o the_o deity_n with_o the_o utmost_a abhorrence_n and_o affirm_v that_o each_o person_n be_v by_o himself_o entire_a and_o perfect_a god_n perfect_a and_o complete_a divine_a essence_n or_o substance_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o damascen_n speak_v and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o one_o god_n by_o composition_n or_o as_o one_o person_n be_v one_o god_n but_o as_o three_o complete_a and_o perfect_a person_n each_o of_o which_o be_v perfect_a god_n can_v be_v one_o god_n now_o i_o think_v after_o this_o we_o need_v not_o dispute_v what_o the_o metaphysical_a notion_n of_o person_n and_o personality_n be_v for_o a_o person_n in_o this_o sacred_a mystery_n signify_v one_o who_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n and_o therefore_o be_v whatever_o god_n be_v for_o the_o true_a and_o perfect_a definition_n of_o god_n must_v belong_v to_o every_o person_n who_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n if_o then_o we_o acknowledge_v god_n to_o be_v infinite_a substance_n mind_n life_n knowledge_n power_n every_o person_n who_o be_v god_n must_v be_v all_o this_o and_o if_o each_o person_n be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n and_o yet_o no_o one_o person_n be_v the_o other_o nor_o the_o motion_n affection_n or_o personal_a power_n nor_o part_n of_o the_o other_o than_o each_o person_n be_v distinct_o and_o by_o himself_o complete_a and_o perfect_a god_n and_o therefore_o have_v distinct_o in_o himself_o all_o those_o attribute_n and_o perfection_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o perfect_a notion_n and_o idea_n of_o god_n and_o to_o make_v any_o person_n less_o than_o what_o god_n be_v be_v to_o make_v he_o no_o god_n but_o athanasius_n have_v another_o argument_n against_o the_o sabellian_n compound_v deity_n 662._o which_o must_v put_v all_o composition_n of_o the_o deity_n for_o ever_o out_o of_o countenance_n the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o that_o god_n send_v his_o son_n and_o that_o the_o son_n send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n whereas_o be_v the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n three_o inseparable_a part_n of_o one_o compound_a deity_n how_o can_v this_o one_o god_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n send_v part_n of_o himself_o and_o one_o part_n of_o the_o same_o one_o god_n send_v another_o to_o send_v and_o to_o be_v send_v necessary_o suppose_v person_n real_o and_o substantial_o distinct_a such_o as_o can_v give_v and_o receive_v and_o execute_v command_n who_o
person_n but_o attribute_v true_a and_o perfect_a divinity_n only_o to_o the_o father_n and_o make_v the_o son_n a_o creature_n though_o the_o most_o excellent_a creature_n make_v before_o the_o world_n and_o as_o like_v to_o god_n as_o any_o creature_n can_v be_v and_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n in_o make_v the_o world_n this_o heresy_n be_v condemn_v by_o the_o first_o general_a council_n assemble_v at_o nice_a and_o if_o we_o will_v understand_v the_o nicene_n creed_n we_o must_v expound_v it_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o arian_n heresy_n without_o run_v into_o the_o other_o extreme_a of_o sabellianism_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o believe_v in_o one_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n beget_v of_o his_o father_n before_o all_o world_n god_n of_o god_n light_a of_o light_n very_o god_n of_o very_a god_n beget_v not_o make_v be_v of_o one_o substance_n with_o the_o father_n by_o who_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v wemu_v understand_v a_o son_n who_o be_v a_o distinct_a person_n from_o his_o father_n as_o the_o arian_n allow_v he_o to_o be_v but_o not_o a_o make_v or_o create_v son_n as_o they_o teach_v but_o a_o son_n by_o nature_n beget_v of_o his_o father_n substance_n and_o that_o not_o in_o time_n but_o from_o all_o eternity_n and_o therefore_o not_o a_o creature_n but_o god_n by_o nature_n true_a and_o perfect_a god_n as_o god_n of_o god_n beget_v of_o god_n and_o therefore_o of_o one_o substance_n with_o the_o father_n not_o in_o the_o sabellian_n sense_n as_o one_o substance_n be_v one_o person_n but_o as_o one_o substance_n signify_v the_o same_o nature_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o arian_n who_o make_v he_o not_o only_o a_o distinct_a person_n but_o of_o a_o different_a nature_n like_o his_o father_n but_o not_o the_o same_o not_o of_o the_o substance_n of_o his_o father_n but_o a_o new_a create_a substance_n make_v out_o of_o nothing_o as_o all_o other_o creature_n be_v the_o opposition_n of_o this_o creed_n to_o the_o arian_n heresy_n be_v certain_o the_o best_a way_n of_o expound_v it_o and_o then_o we_o find_v nothing_o in_o it_o but_o the_o true_a ancient_a catholic_n faith_n of_o the_o real_a distinction_n of_o person_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n but_o the_o present_a inquiry_n be_v what_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o homoousion_n or_o one_o substance_n of_o father_n and_o son_n and_o beside_o that_o positive_a account_n the_o father_n give_v we_o of_o it_o we_o may_v learn_v this_o from_o those_o false_a gloss_n and_o interpretation_n which_o they_o reject_v and_o those_o rule_n they_o give_v for_o the_o expound_v these_o word_n sect_n i._o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o homoousion_n from_o those_o misrepresentation_n which_o be_v make_v of_o it_o and_o the_o answer_n which_o be_v give_v by_o the_o nicene_n father_n to_o such_o objection_n 1._o first_o then_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o misrepresentation_n be_v make_v of_o this_o dispute_v word_n consubstantial_a by_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o what_o answer_v the_o father_n give_v to_o such_o objection_n st._n hilary_n mention_n three_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o 4_o the_o book_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o i_o shall_v consider_v they_o in_o the_o order_n in_o which_o he_o set_v they_o down_o 1._o the_o first_o be_v that_o this_o word_n homoousion_n 4._o or_o consubstantial_a be_v no_o better_a than_o sabellianism_n that_o it_o make_v the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n to_o be_v but_o one_o by_o one_o singular_a substance_n which_o be_v infinite_a extend_v itself_o into_o the_o virgin_n be_v womb_n and_o take_v a_o body_n of_o she_o in_o that_o body_n take_v the_o name_n of_o son_n and_o thus_o they_o say_v some_o former_a bishop_n understand_v it_o and_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v reject_v as_o heretical_a which_o as_o he_o add_v be_v the_o first_o misrepresentation_n of_o the_o homoousion_n thus_o he_o observe_v in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr synodis_fw-la finem_fw-la that_o the_o father_n in_o the_o council_n of_o antioch_n which_o condemn_v paulus_n samosatenus_fw-la do_v also_o reject_v the_o homoousion_n because_o paulus_n thereby_o understand_v the_o singularity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o substance_n which_o destroy_v the_o real_a personal_a distinction_n between_o father_n and_o son_n and_o add_v that_o the_o church_n though_o it_o retain_v the_o word_n homoousion_n still_o reject_v that_o sense_n of_o it_o as_o profane_v the_o learned_a dr._n bull_n notwithstanding_o st._n hilary_n authority_n can_v believe_v that_o either_o paulus_n or_o sabellius_n do_v upon_o choice_n own_o the_o homoousion_n but_o only_o put_v a_o force_a and_o unnatural_a sense_n of_o it_o 52._o to_o favour_v their_o heresy_n and_o seem_v to_o have_v very_o good_a reason_n on_o his_o side_n but_o that_o be_v not_o the_o present_a question_n how_o perverse_o soever_o heretic_n understand_v this_o word_n the_o nicene_n father_n reject_v this_o sense_n as_o profane_v and_o heretical_a now_o if_o one_o substance_n do_v not_o signify_v one_o singular_a substance_n in_o the_o sabellian_n notion_n of_o it_o which_o leave_v only_o a_o trinity_n of_o name_n or_o mode_n instead_o of_o a_o trinity_n of_o person_n than_o three_o consubstantial_a person_n must_v signisy_n three_o substantial_a person_n who_o have_v the_o same_o nature_n and_o essence_n but_o not_o the_o same_o singular_a substance_n and_o st._n basil_n tell_v we_o 300._o that_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a acceptation_n of_o the_o word_n homoousion_n which_o be_v direct_o oppose_v to_o the_o sabellian_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o arian_n heresy_n as_o it_o destroy_v the_o identity_n of_o hypostasis_fw-la and_o give_v we_o a_o complete_a and_o perfect_a notion_n of_o distinct_a person_n for_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v not_o consubstantial_a to_o itself_o but_o to_o another_o that_o there_o must_v be_v another_o and_o another_o to_o make_v two_o that_o be_v consubstantial_a another_o objection_n against_o the_o homoousion_n be_v this_o initio_fw-la that_o to_o be_v consubstantial_a or_o of_o one_o substance_n signify_v the_o communion_n of_o two_o in_o some_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o order_n of_o nature_n before_o they_o both_o as_o if_o there_o be_v some_o prior_n substance_n or_o matter_n of_o which_o they_o both_o do_v partake_v so_o as_o to_o have_v the_o whole_a substance_n between_o they_o which_o make_v they_o consubstantial_a or_o of_o one_o substance_n both_o partake_n of_o the_o same_o be_v nature_n or_o substance_n which_o be_v before_o they_o both_o synod_n and_o therefore_o they_o reject_v the_o homoousion_n because_o it_o do_v not_o preserve_v the_o relation_n between_o the_o son_n and_o the_o father_n and_o make_v the_o father_n late_a than_o that_o substance_n or_o matter_n which_o be_v common_a to_o he_o with_o the_o son_n this_o also_o st._n hilary_n tell_v we_o the_o church_n reject_v and_o abominate_v praedicabit_fw-la for_o nothing_o can_v so_o much_o as_o in_o thought_n be_v before_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o father_n ibid._n and_o the_o relation_n between_o father_n and_o son_n signify_v to_o beget_v and_o to_o be_v beget_v not_o to_o be_v both_o make_v of_o the_o same_o substance_n 4._o a_o three_o reason_n they_o assign_v against_o this_o word_n homoousion_n be_v this_o that_o to_o be_v consubstantial_a or_o of_o one_o substance_n in_o the_o strict_a and_o proper_a acceptation_n of_o these_o word_n signify_v that_o the_o generation_n of_o the_o son_n be_v by_o the_o division_n of_o the_o father_n substance_n as_o if_o he_o be_v cut_v out_o of_o he_o and_o one_o substance_n divide_v into_o two_o person_n and_o so_o father_n and_o son_n be_v of_o one_o substance_n as_o a_o part_n cut_v out_o of_o the_o whole_a be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o that_o from_o whence_o it_o be_v take_v this_o be_v object_v against_o the_o homoousion_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o nicene_n council_n while_o this_o word_n be_v under_o debate_n which_o socrates_n give_v a_o more_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o reason_n those_o bishop_n who_o refuse_v to_o subscribe_v to_o the_o nicene_n faith_n give_v against_o the_o homoousion_n be_v this_o 8._o that_o that_o only_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v consubstantial_a which_o be_v of_o another_o either_o by_o division_n or_o by_o efflux_n and_o emanation_n or_o by_o prolation_n or_o eruption_n by_o eruption_n as_o the_o branch_n sprout_v out_o of_o the_o root_n by_o efflux_n according_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o human_a generation_n by_o division_n as_o the_o same_o mass_n of_o gold_n may_v be_v divide_v into_o two_o or_o three_o golden_a cup_n but_o the_o son_n be_v of_o the_o father_n neither_o of_o these_o way_n and_o therefore_o they_o reject_v this_o faith_n and_o ridicule_v the_o homoousion_n for_o this_o very_a reason_n eusebius_n of_o caesarea_n be_v for_o some_o time_n in_o suspense_n about_o the_o
but_o that_o the_o name_n of_o nature_n may_v be_v multiply_v when_o there_o be_v more_o who_o be_v unite_v in_o the_o same_o nature_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o we_o contradict_v this_o in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n that_o we_o acknowledge_v three_o hypostasis_n who_o have_v the_o very_a same_o nature_n without_o the_o least_o difference_n or_o diversity_n and_o yet_o teach_v that_o the_o divinity_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v but_o one_o and_o forbid_v say_v that_o there_o be_v three_o god_n now_o the_o better_a to_o understand_v the_o father_n answer_n we_o muâ—t_v observe_v that_o this_o be_v a_o arian_n objection_n against_o the_o homoousion_n or_o the_o perfect_a sameness_n indifference_n and_o equality_n of_o nature_n between_o father_n and_o son_n for_o the_o design_n of_o it_o be_v as_o st._n gregory_n himself_o observe_v to_o reduce_v they_o to_o this_o dangerous_a dilemma_n either_o to_o assert_v three_o god_n ibid._n which_o be_v unlawful_a or_o to_o deny_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v impious_a and_o absurd_a if_o they_o deny_v the_o sameness_n and_o equality_n of_o nature_n than_o the_o son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o true_a and_o perfect_a god_n consubstantial_a with_o the_o father_n or_o if_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n have_v the_o same_o one_o common_a nature_n and_o be_v perfect_o consubstantial_a than_o they_o be_v three_o god_n as_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n who_o have_v the_o same_o one_o common_a humanity_n be_v three_o man_n and_o there_o be_v the_o very_a same_o reason_n for_o call_v father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n three_o god_n that_o there_o be_v for_o calling_n peter_n james_n and_o john_n three_o man_n that_o be_v the_o same_o nature_n common_a to_o they_o all_o this_o be_v the_o objection_n st._n gregory_n be_v to_o answer_v and_o therefore_o his_o business_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v call_v three_o god_n as_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n be_v and_o may_v be_v call_v three_o man_n and_o therefore_o he_o must_v prove_v that_o they_o be_v neither_o three_o nor_o one_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n that_o three_o man_n be_v three_o and_o one_o for_o if_o they_o be_v they_o will_v be_v as_o true_o and_o proper_o three_o god_n as_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n be_v three_o man_n and_o no_o more_o one_a god_n than_o they_o be_v one_o man_n which_o have_v be_v to_o give_v up_o the_o cause_n to_o the_o arian_n instead_o of_o answer_v their_o objection_n this_o may_v satisfy_v any_o man_n that_o those_o learned_a person_n be_v very_o much_o mistake_v who_o charge_v such_o a_o sense_n upon_o this_o father_n as_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o his_o design_n for_o he_o understand_v the_o law_n of_o reason_v better_o neither_o he_o nor_o any_o other_o father_n i_o ever_o yet_o meet_v with_o assert_v that_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n be_v but_o one_o man_n or_o that_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v one_o god_n no_o otherwise_o than_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n be_v one_o man_n which_o yet_o be_v what_o have_v be_v charge_v upon_o they_o but_o do_v not_o greg._n nyssen_n say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o catachrestical_a way_n of_o speak_v 〈◊〉_d though_o become_v common_a and_o familiar_a to_o multiply_v the_o name_n of_o nature_n with_o the_o individual_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n as_o to_o say_v that_o there_o be_v many_o man_n because_o there_o be_v many_o who_o have_v the_o same_o human_a nature_n ibid._n but_o if_o we_o will_v speak_v accurate_o and_o proper_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o man_n how_o many_o soever_o have_v the_o same_o nature_n and_o do_v not_o he_o apply_v this_o to_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n and_o can_v this_o have_v any_o other_o sense_n than_o that_o the_o same_o divine_a nature_n make_v father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n but_o one_o god_n as_o the_o same_o human_a nature_n make_v all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n but_o one_o man_n the_o interpretation_n of_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v that_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v as_o much_o three_o god_n as_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n be_v three_o man_n but_o that_o it_o be_v very_o improper_a to_o call_v either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o three_o for_o they_o be_v but_o one_o by_o one_o common_a nature_n now_o this_o father_n do_v indeed_o say_v and_o so_o many_o other_o of_o they_o say_v that_o the_o name_n of_o nature_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v multiply_v with_o the_o individual_n but_o he_o be_v far_o enough_o either_o from_o say_v or_o think_v what_o he_o be_v charge_v with_o that_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n be_v not_o three_o man_n but_o one_o man_n or_o that_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v one_o god_n in_o no_o other_o sense_n but_o as_o three_o man_n be_v one_o and_o a_o due_a attendance_n to_o the_o series_n of_o the_o argument_n will_v have_v discover_v the_o falseness_n and_o absurdity_n of_o this_o imputation_n which_o therefore_o i_o shall_v brief_o explain_v the_o arian_n objection_n which_o st._n gregory_n undertake_v to_o answer_v as_o i_o observe_v before_o be_v this_o that_o since_o the_o catholic_n church_n own_v the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v consubstantial_a and_o to_o have_v the_o same_o undiversify_v nature_n they_o must_v for_o that_o reason_n be_v three_o god_n as_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n upon_o account_n of_o the_o same_o common_a humanity_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v three_o man_n that_o be_v that_o whether_o in_o god_n or_o man_n the_o same_o nature_n in_o three_o must_v make_v three_o individual_n of_o the_o same_o kind_a and_o species_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o same_o human_a nature_n in_o three_o make_v three_o man_n so_o the_o same_o divine_a nature_n three_o go_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o st._n gregory_n first_o observe_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o same_o common_a nature_n which_o distinguish_v and_o multiply_v individual_n no_o not_o in_o man_n peter_n james_n and_o john_n be_v not_o three_o individual_n in_o the_o species_n of_o humanity_n mere_o by_o have_v the_o same_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o force_n of_o the_o arian_n objection_n for_o what_o be_v perfect_o the_o same_o in_o all_o can_v distinguish_v or_o multiply_v they_o and_o this_o be_v plain_o all_o that_o he_o mean_v when_o he_o say_v that_o the_o name_n of_o nature_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v use_v plural_o and_o therefore_o man_n be_v the_o name_n of_o nature_n and_o signify_v the_o same_o with_o humanity_n we_o ought_v no_o more_o if_o we_o speak_v proper_o and_o philosophical_o to_o say_v three_o man_n than_o three_o humanity_n or_o three_o human_a nature_n for_o he_o prove_v that_o the_o name_n man_n do_v not_o distinguish_v one_o man_n from_o another_o nor_o can_v we_o single_v any_o particular_a man_n out_o of_o a_o crowd_n by_o that_o compellation_n for_o there_o be_v but_o one_o man_n 〈◊〉_d or_o one_o humamanity_n in_o they_o all_o that_o name_n not_o belong_v primary_o and_o immediate_o to_o the_o individual_n as_o such_o but_o to_o the_o common_a nature_n well_o but_o be_v there_o not_o individual_a man_n then_o as_o well_o as_o a_o common_a nature_n yes_o without_o doubt_n but_o they_o be_v distinguish_v and_o multiply_v not_o by_o the_o common_a nature_n which_o be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o but_o by_o such_o peculiar_a property_n as_o diversify_v and_o distinguish_v common_a nature_n ibid._n as_o it_o subsist_v separately_z in_o particular_a person_n and_o that_o make_v the_o number_n though_o nature_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o a_o perfect_a indivisible_a monad_n this_o be_v not_o mere_o to_o criticise_v upon_o word_n or_o to_o dispute_v against_o the_o common_a form_n of_o speech_n but_o to_o give_v a_o true_a philosophical_a reason_n of_o their_o different_a use_n when_o apply_v to_o god_n and_o creature_n we_o common_o call_v peter_n james_n and_o john_n three_o man_n and_o right_a enough_o but_o then_o they_o be_v not_o three_o man_n mere_o upon_o account_n of_o the_o same_o common_a humanity_n in_o they_o all_o which_o be_v the_o arian_n objection_n for_o humanity_n be_v but_o one_o in_o all_o and_o what_o be_v perfect_o one_o can_v be_v number_v to_o say_v there_o be_v three_o humanity_n all_o man_n grant_v to_o be_v absurd_a and_o yet_o it_o be_v to_o the_o full_a as_o absurd_a to_o say_v that_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n be_v three_o man_n mere_o upon_o account_n of_o the_o same_o humanity_n strict_o and_o precise_o take_v as_o to_o say_v that_o there_o be_v three_o humanity_n so_o that_o though_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n can_v not_o be_v nor_o be_v call_v three_o man_n without_o the_o same_o common_a nature_n yet_o some_o peculiar_a distinguish_a
dispute_n among_o themselves_o which_o their_o common_a adversary_n be_v so_o apt_a to_o improve_v into_o scepticism_n infidelity_n or_o heresy_n and_o therefore_o for_o a_o conclusion_n i_o shall_v only_o take_v a_o brief_a review_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o father_n concern_v this_o article_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n and_o apply_v it_o in_o a_o few_o word_n to_o our_o socinian_n adversary_n the_o faith_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n but_o this_o one_o god_n be_v a_o father_n who_o have_v a_o eternal_a son_n and_o a_o eternal_a spirit_n in_o the_o essential_a unity_n of_o the_o same_o undivided_a and_o undiversify_v godhead_n and_o this_o be_v the_o faith_n which_o all_o the_o catholic_n father_n have_v own_v and_o teach_v in_o their_o several_a age_n the_o whole_a christian_a church_n baptise_n as_o our_o saviour_n command_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n to_o believe_v in_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n a_o plain_a simple_a faith_n can_v man_n have_v be_v content_v to_o believe_v god_n concern_v himself_o let_v our_o socinian_n adversary_n tell_v we_o what_o there_o be_v absurd_a impossible_a or_o contradictious_a in_o this_o faith_n will_v they_o venture_v to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v absurd_a or_o contradictious_a that_o god_n shall_v have_v a_o son_n no_o in_o some_o sense_n they_o will_v allow_v this_o true_a they_o themselves_o believe_v in_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n they_o acknowledge_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o he_o be_v frequent_o call_v in_o scripture_n and_o that_o in_o a_o high_a sense_n than_o any_o other_o man_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o that_o he_o be_v but_o a_o man_n after_o all_o though_o advance_v by_o god_n to_o divine_a honour_n above_o all_o principality_n and_o power_n and_o make_v the_o judge_n both_o of_o the_o quick_a and_o of_o the_o dead_a and_o this_o they_o affirm_v to_o be_v all_o that_o the_o scripture_n mean_v in_o call_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o present_a dispute_n they_o know_v that_o the_o catholic_n church_n believe_v otherwise_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n beget_v of_o his_o father_n before_o all_o world_n god_n of_o god_n very_a god_n of_o very_a god_n and_o they_o know_v also_o that_o thus_o the_o catholic_n father_n expound_v those_o text_n which_o concern_v the_o sonship_n and_o divinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o they_o can_v but_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v very_o capable_a of_o such_o a_o exposition_n nay_o that_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o put_v any_o other_o sense_n upon_o many_o text_n and_o the_o only_a reason_n why_o they_o reject_v these_o catholic_n exposition_n be_v the_o pretend_a absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n here_o then_o we_o join_v issue_n with_o they_o and_o desire_v they_o to_o show_v we_o what_o be_v impossible_a or_o contradictious_a in_o this_o faith_n that_o there_o be_v something_o incomprehensible_a in_o this_o mystery_n that_o be_v something_o which_o we_o have_v no_o natural_a adequate_a idea_n of_o we_o ready_o acknowledge_v with_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n and_o some_o of_o our_o adversary_n grant_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v 16._o whereof_o we_o have_v no_o idea_n and_o than_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o very_o unreasonable_a to_o add_v but_o we_o be_v no_o way_n concern_v nor_o can_v we_o reason_n or_o discourse_n about_o those_o thing_n whereof_o we_o have_v no_o idea_n for_o the_o direct_a contrary_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o more_o natural_a consequence_n that_o if_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o reveal_v such_o thing_n to_o we_o of_o which_o we_o have_v no_o idea_n we_o be_v concern_v and_o oblige_v to_o believe_v they_o for_o if_o they_o may_v be_v true_a they_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o faith_n though_o they_o want_v the_o evidence_n of_o natural_a idea_n but_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o dispute_v this_o now_o but_o refer_v they_o to_o the_o bishop_n of_o worcester_n '_o s_o answer_n to_o mr._n lock_v '_o s_z second_o letter_n and_o to_o a_o late_a sermon_n and_o its_o vindication_n concern_v the_o danger_n of_o corrupt_v the_o faith_n by_o philosophy_n what_o i_o have_v now_o to_o say_v be_v of_o another_o nature_n viz._n that_o we_o have_v a_o idea_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n and_o such_o a_o idea_n as_o contain_v nothing_o absurd_a impossible_a or_o contradictious_a in_o it_o that_o very_a idea_n which_o i_o have_v so_o large_o explain_v one_o absolute_a divinity_n with_o two_o eternal_a essential_a procession_n in_o the_o unity_n and_o identity_n of_o nature_n the_o eternal_a father_n eternal_a self-originated_n mind_n with_o his_o eternal_a word_n his_o eternal_a son_n and_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n of_o father_n and_o son_n this_o be_v that_o idea_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o it_o and_o which_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v always_o teach_v every_o man_n may_v understand_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o jargon_n and_o nonsense_n and_o i_o think_v i_o have_v sufficient_o vindicate_v it_o from_o tritheism_n and_o contradiction_n and_o have_v no_o more_o to_o say_v of_o that_o nature_n till_o i_o hear_v what_o they_o have_v to_o object_v against_o what_o be_v already_o say_v and_o when_o they_o come_v to_o consider_v this_o matter_n again_o as_o man_n that_o shall_v certain_o be_v call_v to_o a_o account_n for_o it_o in_o this_o world_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o next_o i_o hope_v they_o will_v see_v reason_n to_o grow_v out_o of_o conceit_n with_o their_o own_o philosophy_n about_o emanation_n and_o procession_n a_o priority_n of_o time_n and_o priority_n of_o nature_n self-existence_n and_o necessary_a existence_n and_o such_o like_a arian_n objection_n which_o be_v make_v and_o answer_v many_o age_n since_o and_o which_o they_o may_v find_v sufficient_o answer_v in_o this_o treatise_n this_o bring_v back_o the_o dispute_n to_o scripture_n where_o the_o last_o appeal_n must_v lie_v in_o all_o such_o matter_n without_o appeal_n for_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n to_o natural_a idea_n and_o philosophy_n and_o if_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o catholic_n father_n be_v of_o any_o authority_n with_o these_o man_n i_o have_v already_o show_v how_o they_o expound_v scripture_n which_o will_v always_o be_v a_o venerable_a authority_n to_o modest_a man_n and_o sober_a christian_n how_o much_o soever_o it_o be_v despise_v by_o heretic_n but_o it_o be_v time_n to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o this_o treatise_n we_o may_v consider_v their_o exposition_n of_o scripture_n some_o other_o time_n the_o end_n dr_n sherlocâ—_n dean_n of_o st._n paul_n vindication_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n three_o edition_n quarto_o apology_n for_o write_v against_o socinian_o quarto_fw-la the_o danger_n of_o corrupt_v the_o faith_n by_o philosophy_n a_o sermon_n quarto_fw-la a_o vindication_n of_o the_o sermon_n in_o answer_n to_o some_o socinian_n remark_n a_o answer_n to_o the_o animad_fw-la version_n on_o the_o dean_n of_o st._n paul_n vindication_n of_o the_o trinity_n by_o i._n b._n a._n m._n quarto_fw-la a_o defence_n of_o the_o dean_n of_o st._n paul_n apology_n for_o write_v against_o socinian_o quarto_fw-la a_o defence_n of_o dr._n sherlock_n notion_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n quarto_fw-la the_o distinction_n between_o real_a and_o nominal_a trinitarian_n examine_v in_o answer_n to_o a_o socinian_n pamphlet_n quarto_fw-la all_o print_v for_o william_n rogers_n quâ_fw-la nec_fw-la dicuntur_fw-la ut_fw-la cogitantur_fw-la nec_fw-la cogitantur_fw-la ut_fw-la sunt_fw-la aug._n de_fw-fr trinit_fw-la l._n 5._o c._n 3._o cum_fw-la ergo_fw-la quaeritur_fw-la quid_fw-la tria_fw-la vel_fw-la quid_fw-la tres_fw-la conferimus_fw-la nos_fw-la ad_fw-la inventendum_fw-la aliquod_fw-la speciale_a well_fw-mi generale_fw-mi nomen_fw-la quo_fw-la complectamur_fw-la haec_fw-la tria_fw-la neque_fw-la occurrit_fw-la animo_fw-la quia_fw-la excedit_fw-la supereminentia_fw-la divinitatis_fw-la usitati_fw-la eloquii_fw-la facultatem_fw-la aug._n de_fw-fr trin._n l._n 7._o c._n 3._o ad_fw-la se_fw-la quip_n pater_n dicitur_fw-la persona_fw-la non_fw-la ad_fw-la filium_fw-la aut_fw-la spiritum_fw-la sanctum_fw-la aug._n de_fw-fr trin._n l._n 7._o c._n 6._o cur_n ergo_fw-la non_fw-la haec_fw-la tria_fw-la simul_fw-la unam_fw-la personam_fw-la dicimus_fw-la sicut_fw-la unam_fw-la essentiam_fw-la &_o deum_fw-la sed_fw-la tres_fw-la dicimus_fw-la personas_fw-la cum_fw-la tres_fw-la deos_fw-la aut_fw-la tres_fw-la essentias_fw-la non_fw-la dicamus_fw-la nisi_fw-la quia_fw-la volumus_fw-la vel_fw-la unum_fw-la aliquod_fw-la vocabulum_fw-la servire_fw-la huic_fw-la significationi_fw-la quâ_fw-la intelligitur_fw-la trinitas_fw-la ne_fw-la emnino_fw-la taceremus_fw-la interrogati_fw-la quid_fw-la tres_fw-la cum_fw-la tres_fw-la esse_fw-la fateremur_fw-la ibid._n