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reason_n doctrine_n interpretation_n use_v 28,574 5 12.2765 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A59905 A vindication of the doctrine of the holy and ever blessed Trinity and the Incarnation of the Son of God occasioned by the Brief notes on the Creed of St. Athanasius and the Brief history of the Unitarians or Socinians and containing an answer to both / by William Sherlock. Sherlock, William, 1641?-1707. 1691 (1691) Wing S3377; ESTC R25751 172,284 293

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concern_v expound_v scripture_n by_o reason_n for_o like_a as_o we_o be_v compel_v by_o the_o christian_a verity_n to_o acknowledge_v every_o person_n by_o himself_o to_o be_v god_n and_o lord_n creed_n so_o be_v we_o forbid_v by_o the_o catholic_n religion_n to_o say_v there_o be_v three_o god_n and_o three_o lord_n by_o the_o christian_a verity_n i_o suppose_v be_v mean_v the_o sacred_a book_n which_o contain_v the_o christian_a religion_n note_n that_o be_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n but_o do_v these_o book_n and_o do_v this_o verity_n compel_v we_o to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o three_o person_n each_o of_o which_o be_v by_o himself_o supreme_a god_n and_o lord_n and_o yet_o all_o of_o they_o together_o but_o one_o god_n do_v i_o say_v the_o holy_a scripture_n compel_v we_o to_o this_o contradictory_n acknowledgement_n be_v there_o any_o text_n allege_v from_o scripture_n which_o all_o the_o unitarian_n and_o some_o or_o other_o of_o the_o most_o 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contradict_v plain_a reason_n for_o truth_n can_v never_o contradict_v itself_o what_o be_v true_a in_o revelation_n can_v never_o be_v false_a in_o reason_n and_o what_o be_v true_a by_o natural_a reason_n can_v never_o be_v false_a in_o revelation_n but_o then_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o we_o must_v be_v sure_a that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o contradiction_n it_o must_v be_v evident_a and_o express_a and_o not_o make_v out_o of_o uncertain_a consequence_n which_o many_o time_n be_v not_o owe_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n but_o to_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o own_o knowledge_n as_o to_o keep_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o present_a dispute_n natural_a reason_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v and_o can_v be_v but_o one_o supreme_a god_n the_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n and_o shall_v any_o man_n pretend_v to_o prove_v from_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v three_o god_n this_o will_v be_v a_o express_a contradiction_n to_o the_o natural_a belief_n of_o one_o 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again_o to_o make_v all_o thing_n of_o nothing_o and_o to_o reduce_v all_o thing_n to_o nothing_o again_o to_o know_v all_o thing_n past_a present_a and_o to_o come_v especial_o the_o most_o contingent_a futurity_n the_o free_a thought_n and_o counsel_n of_o man_n before_o they_o think_v they_o or_o some_o age_n before_o they_o themselves_o be_v in_o be_v without_o impose_v a_o fatal_a necessity_n on_o humane_a action_n i_o say_v the_o notion_n of_o such_o a_o be_v be_v very_o much_o above_o our_o conception_n and_o to_o a_o atheist_n who_o be_v for_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o can_v full_o comprehend_v seem_v very_o absurd_a and_o contradictious_a this_o show_v that_o man_n may_v easy_o mistake_v in_o charge_v the_o nature_n and_o notion_n of_o thing_n with_o contradiction_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v inquire_v how_o we_o may_v discover_v when_o such_o a_o appear_a contradiction_n be_v not_o real_a but_o be_v whole_o owe_v to_o our_o imperfect_a conception_n of_o thing_n i._o now_o in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o suspect_v this_o when_o it_o relate_v to_o such_o thing_n as_o all_o mankind_n agree_v we_o do_v not_o and_o can_v full_o understand_v or_o comprehend_v for_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a and_o arrogant_a presumption_n to_o say_v what_o be_v or_o what_o be_v not_o a_o contradiction_n when_o we_o confess_v we_o do_v not_o understand_v or_o comprehend_v the_o thing_n we_o speak_v of_o a_o contradiction_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n be_v what_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o be_v of_o which_o we_o speak_v now_o so_o far_o as_o we_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o any_o be_v we_o can_v certain_o tell_v what_o be_v contrary_a and_o contradiction_n to_o its_o nature_n as_o that_o accident_n shall_v subsist_v without_o their_o subject_n that_o a_o body_n shall_v be_v without_o extension_n or_o a_o organise_v body_n without_o any_o distinction_n of_o part_n that_o the_o same_o individual_a body_n shall_v be_v in_o heaven_n and_o on_o earth_n and_o in_o a_o thousand_o distant_a place_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o flesh_n and_o blood_n shall_v lie_v invisible_a under_o the_o species_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n that_o a_o body_n suppose_v of_o five_o or_o six_o foot_n long_o shall_v be_v conceal_v under_o the_o least_o crumb_n of_o bread_n these_o and_o such_o like_a be_v the_o manifest_a absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o we_o know_v that_o they_o be_v so_o because_o we_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o body_n and_o know_v that_o such_o thing_n be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o essential_a property_n of_o a_o body_n but_o now_o all_o man_n must_v confess_v that_o they_o have_v not_o a_o clear_a and_o comprehensive_a notion_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o essential_a property_n of_o a_o spirit_n especial_o of_o a_o infinite_a spirit_n as_o god_n be_v and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o know_v what_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o spirit_n if_o we_o know_v not_o what_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o spirit_n be_v and_o that_o man_n who_o shall_v pretend_v to_o comprehend_v all_o that_o be_v possible_a in_o a_o infinite_a nature_n be_v as_o contemptible_o ridiculous_a as_o if_o he_o shall_v challenge_v to_o himself_o infinite_a knowledge_n for_o without_o that_o no_o man_n can_v comprehend_v what_o be_v infinite_a ii_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a proof_n that_o such_o seem_a contradiction_n be_v not_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n but_o in_o our_o imperfect_a manner_n of_o conceive_v they_o when_o we_o have_v other_o evident_a proof_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v though_o we_o can_v comprehend_v it_o for_o nothing_o can_v be_v which_o involve_v a_o contradiction_n in_o its_o nature_n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v the_o contradiction_n be_v not_o real_a but_o imaginary_a as_o for_o instance_n as_o unconceivable_a as_o the_o notion_n of_o eternity_n be_v yet_o all_o mankind_n even_o atheist_n themselves_o must_v confess_v that_o something_o be_v from_o eternity_n for_o if_o ever_o there_o be_v nothing_o it_o be_v impossible_a there_o ever_o shall_v have_v be_v any_o thing_n for_o that_o which_o once_o be_v not_o can_v never_o be_v without_o a_o cause_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o difficulty_n there_o may_v be_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o eternal_a be_v we_o must_v acknowledge_v something_o eternal_a and_o that_o be_v proof_n enough_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o absurd_a or_o contradictious_a in_o the_o notion_n though_o we_o can_v comprehend_v it_o and_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o notion_n of_o a_o first_o eternal_a cause_n be_v much_o more_o easy_a and_o natural_a than_o to_o make_v either_o matter_n or_o the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o creature_n in_o it_o eternal_a whatever_o we_o can_v certain_o prove_v to_o be_v either_o by_o sense_n reason_n or_o revelation_n if_o there_o be_v any_o difficulty_n in_o conceive_v it_o we_o must_v attribute_v that_o to_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o own_o knowledge_n not_o to_o any_o absurdity_n or_o contradiction_n in_o the_o thing_n itself_o this_o show_v how_o unreasonable_a that_o method_n be_v which_o be_v take_v by_o atheist_n infidel_n and_o heretic_n to_o dispute_v against_o the_o be_v of_o any_o thing_n from_o the_o difficulty_n of_o conceive_v it_o and_o some_o pretend_a absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n in_o it_o when_o there_o be_v very_o plain_a proof_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v and_o such_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o fair_o to_o answer_v this_o be_v the_o fundamental_a miscarriage_n which_o be_v not_o owe_v to_o a_o prudent_a caution_n as_o be_v pretend_v but_o to_o wilfulness_n and_o obstinacy_n and_o pride_n of_o understanding_n or_o to_o a_o fix_a prejudice_n and_o aversion_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o such_o matter_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o only_o observe_v but_o particular_o prove_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o it_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o come_v to_o this_o one_o point_n that_o we_o may_v have_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o thing_n who_o nature_n we_o can_v conceive_v and_o comprehend_v he_o who_o will_v not_o own_o this_o contradict_v the_o sense_n and_o experience_n of_o mankind_n and_o he_o who_o confess_v this_o and_o yet_o reject_v the_o belief_n of_o that_o which_o he_o have_v good_a evidence_n for_o mere_o because_o he_o can_v conceive_v it_o be_v a_o very_a absurd_a and_o senseless_a infidel_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v very_o plain_a because_o all_o the_o way_n whereby_o the_o be_v of_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v prove_v be_v obvious_a and_o intelligible_a to_o all_o mankind_n but_o the_o nature_n of_o most_o thing_n be_v very_o dark_a and_o obscure_a and_o such_o as_o the_o wise_a man_n know_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v certain_o know_v that_o a_o great_a many_o thing_n be_v who_o nature_n and_o essential_a property_n we_o can_v conceive_v as_o to_o show_v this_o particular_o 1._o the_o proof_n that_o any_o thing_n be_v be_v either_o from_o sense_n from_o reason_n or_o from_o revelation_n what_o be_v evident_a to_o sense_n be_v evident_a to_o all_o man_n who_o have_v their_o sense_n what_o be_v plain_o prove_v by_o reason_n and_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a proof_n if_o it_o be_v not_o plain_a be_v plain_a to_o all_o man_n who_o can_v use_v their_o reason_n and_o what_o be_v plain_o reveal_v every_o man_n may_v know_v who_o can_v read_v and_o understand_v the_o scripture_n the_o be_v and_o nature_n of_o thing_n be_v know_v very_o different_a way_n and_o the_o be_v of_o thing_n not_o only_o may_v but_o most_o common_o be_v know_v without_o know_v their_o nature_n any_o man_n may_v know_v the_o first_o but_o few_o man_n in_o any_o measure_n can_v know_v the_o second_o whoever_o have_v his_o sense_n about_o he_o know_v that_o there_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o he_o see_v hear_v or_o feel_v but_o the_o philosophy_n of_o nature_n be_v not_o learn_v by_o sense_n reason_n will_v convince_v we_o by_o some_o visible_a and_o sensible_a effect_n that_o there_o be_v some_o invisible_a cause_n without_o inform_v we_o distinct_o what_o the_o nature_n and_o power_n of_o such_o cause_n be_v and_o god_n may_v and_o do_v reveal_v many_o thing_n to_o we_o which_o we_o either_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o full_o comprehend_v or_o the_o nature_n of_o which_o he_o do_v not_o think_v fit_a particular_o to_o explain_v to_o we_o and_o in_o all_o these_o case_n we_o may_v certain_o know_v that_o thing_n be_v without_o understand_v the_o nature_n and_o philosophy_n of_o they_o 2._o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o wonder_n to_o meet_v with_o any_o thing_n who_o nature_n we_o do_v not_o perfect_o understand_v that_o i_o know_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n which_o we_o do_v perfect_o understand_v it_o be_v agree_v by_o all_o man_n whoever_o consider_v this_o matter_n that_o
though_o not_o separate_v from_o the_o other_o divine_a person_n then_o at_o least_o the_o godhead_n of_o each_o person_n must_v be_v as_o distinct_a as_o their_o person_n be_v and_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v three_o distinct_a though_o not_o separate_v go_n i_o answer_v by_o no_o mean_n we_o must_v allow_v each_o person_n to_o be_v a_o god_n but_o each_o distinct_a person_n be_v not_o a_o distinct_a god_n there_o be_v but_o one_o godhead_n which_o can_v no_o more_o be_v distinguish_v than_o it_o can_v be_v divide_v from_o itself_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o each_o divine_a person_n be_v this_o one_o numerical_a god_n have_v the_o whole_a entire_a godhead_n in_o himself_o and_o the_o same_o one_o numerical_a godhead_n be_v in_o they_o all_o thus_o each_o divine_a person_n be_v god_n and_o all_o of_o they_o but_o the_o same_o one_o god_n as_o i_o explain_v it_o before_o this_o one_o supreme_a god_n be_v father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n three_o person_n and_o one_o god_n now_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n with_o all_o their_o divine_a attribute_n and_o perfection_n except_v their_o personal_a property_n which_o the_o school_n call_v the_o modi_n subsistendi_fw-la that_o one_o be_v the_o father_n the_o other_o the_o son_n the_o other_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o can_v be_v communicate_v to_o each_o other_o be_v whole_a and_o entire_a in_o each_o person_n by_o a_o mutual_a consciousness_n each_o person_n feel_v the_o other_o person_n in_o himself_o all_o their_o essential_a wisdom_n power_n goodness_n justice_n as_o he_o feel_v himself_o and_o this_o make_v they_o essential_o one_o as_o i_o have_v prove_v at_o large_a now_o if_o the_o whole_a trinity_n be_v in_o each_o divine_a person_n by_o such_o a_o intimate_a and_o essential_a union_n we_o must_v confess_v each_o person_n to_o be_v god_n if_o the_o whole_a trinity_n be_v god_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v but_o one_o trinity_n one_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n who_o be_v essential_o one_o by_o a_o mutual_a consciousness_n it_o be_v certain_a all_o these_o three_o divine_a person_n can_v be_v but_o one_o god_n for_o wherever_o you_o begin_v to_o reckon_v there_o be_v but_o three_o and_o these_o three_o be_v one_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o father_n and_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o son_n by_o this_o mutual_a consciousness_n we_o true_o affirm_v the_o son_n to_o be_v god_n as_o have_v all_o the_o divine_a perfection_n of_o the_o whole_a trinity_n in_o himself_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n we_o affirm_v the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v god_n but_o the_o natural_a order_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v to_o reckon_v from_o the_o father_n as_o the_o fountain_n of_o the_o deity_n that_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v one_o god_n for_o the_o son_n and_o holy_a spirit_n be_v in_o the_o father_n not_o only_o by_o a_o mutual_a consciousness_n as_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n be_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o as_o in_o their_o cause_n if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v and_o the_o ancient_a father_n be_v not_o afraid_a to_o speak_v so_o as_o in_o their_o root_n their_o origine_fw-la their_o fountain_n from_o whence_o they_o receive_v the_o communication_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n and_o godhead_n the_o son_n by_o eternal_a generation_n be_v god_n of_o god_n light_a of_o light_n the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o eternal_a procession_n from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n thus_o all_o these_o divine_a person_n be_v natural_o unite_v in_o the_o father_n who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o all_o essential_o in_o each_o other_o by_o a_o mutual_a consciousness_n which_o make_v each_o person_n god_n and_o all_o one_o and_o the_o same_o god_n without_o any_o show_n of_o contradiction_n sect_n v._o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o school_n concern_v the_o distinction_n of_o person_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o essence_n in_o the_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n consider_v and_o reconcile_v to_o the_o forego_n explication_n of_o it_o this_o notion_n of_o the_o union_n of_o the_o divine_a person_n in_o one_o numerical_a essence_n by_o a_o mutual_a consciousness_n to_o each_o other_o be_v so_o very_a plain_n and_o give_v so_o easy_a and_o intelligible_a a_o account_n both_o of_o the_o phrase_n of_o scripture_n and_o all_o other_o difficulty_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n that_o this_o alone_a be_v sufficient_a to_o reconcile_v any_o man_n to_o it_o but_o i_o be_o very_o sensible_a how_o afraid_a man_n be_v and_o not_o without_o reason_n of_o any_o new_a explication_n of_o so_o venerable_a a_o mystery_n and_o such_o a_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n as_o this_o be_v and_o therefore_o i_o must_v ward_v this_o blow_n as_o well_o as_o i_o can_v and_o remove_v the_o prejudice_n of_o novelty_n and_o innovation_n now_o if_o it_o appear_v that_o i_o have_v advance_v no_o new_a proposition_n but_o have_v confine_v myself_o to_o the_o receive_a faith_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n if_o that_o explication_n i_o have_v give_v of_o it_o contain_v nothing_o new_a but_o what_o be_v universal_o acknowledge_v though_o possible_o not_o in_o express_a term_n apply_v to_o that_o purpose_n i_o use_v it_o for_o if_o that_o explication_n i_o have_v give_v be_v very_o consistent_a with_o nay_o be_v the_o true_a interpretation_n of_o that_o account_n the_o ancient_n give_v of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n i_o hope_v it_o will_v not_o be_v think_v a_o unpardonable_a novelty_n if_o i_o have_v express_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o other_o word_n which_o give_v we_o a_o more_o clear_a and_o distinct_a apprehension_n of_o it_o and_o to_o satisfy_v all_o man_n that_o it_o be_v so_o i_o shall_v compare_v what_o i_o have_v now_o say_v concern_v the_o distinction_n of_o person_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o essence_n in_o the_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o school_n i._o to_o begin_v then_o with_o the_o distinction_n of_o person_n i_o have_v not_o indeed_o trouble_v my_o reader_n with_o the_o different_a signification_n of_o essence_n and_o hypostasis_fw-la substance_n subsistence_n person_n existence_n nature_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v term_n very_o different_o use_v by_o greek_a and_o latin_a father_n in_o this_o dispute_n and_o have_v very_o much_o obscure_v this_o doctrine_n instead_o of_o explain_v it_o but_o i_o plain_o assert_v that_o as_o the_o father_n be_v a_o eternal_a and_o infinite_a mind_n so_o the_o son_n be_v a_o eternal_a and_o infinite_a mind_n distinct_a from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v a_o eternal_a and_o infinite_a mind_n distinct_a both_o from_o father_n and_o son_n which_o every_o body_n can_v understand_v without_o any_o skill_n in_o logic_n or_o metaphysic_n and_o this_o be_v no_o new_a notion_n but_o the_o constant_a doctrine_n both_o of_o the_o father_n and_o school_n three_o person_n signify_v three_o who_o be_v infinite_a in_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n and_o all_o other_o perfection_n which_o belong_v to_o a_o mind_n now_o no_o man_n who_o acknowledge_v a_o trinity_n of_o person_n ever_o deny_v that_o the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v intelligent_a being_n or_o mind_n when_o they_o tell_v we_o which_o be_v their_o common_a language_n that_o the_o son_n be_v the_o substantial_a word_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n what_o be_v this_o else_o but_o to_o say_v that_o he_o be_v a_o intelligent_a be_v or_o infinite_a mind_n greg._n nyssen_n call_v the_o son_n or_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mind_n or_o intellect_n athanasius_n observe_v from_o our_o saviour_n word_n i_o and_o my_o father_n be_v one_o 1627._o that_o be_v signify_v two_o or_o the_o distinction_n of_o person_n as_o one_o signify_v the_o unity_n of_o essence_n for_o he_o do_v not_o say_v i_o and_o my_o father_n be_o but_o be_v one._n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o father_n be_v a_o eternal_a mind_n and_o wisdom_n the_o son_n also_o be_v a_o eternal_a but_o beget_v mind_n and_o wisdom_n as_o the_o nicene_n creed_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v god_n of_o god_n light_a of_o light_n very_a god_n of_o very_a god_n st._n austin_n in_o his_o six_o book_n of_o the_o trinity_n take_v notice_n of_o a_o common_a argument_n use_v by_o the_o orthodox_n father_n against_o the_o arian_n to_o prove_v the_o coeternity_n of_o the_o son_n with_o the_o father_n that_o if_o the_o son_n be_v the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n as_o st._n paul_n teach_v trinitate_fw-la 1_o cor._n 1._o and_o god_n be_v never_o without_o his_o wisdom_n and_o power_n the_o son_n must_v be_v coeternal_a with_o the_o father_n for_o it_o be_v distraction_n to_o say_v that_o the_o father_n be_v ever_o without_o his_o wisdom_n or_o power_n be_v
reason_n tell_v we_o that_o three_o divine_a person_n can_v be_v one_o god_n if_o my_o reason_n be_v like_o other_o man_n i_o be_o sure_a my_o reason_n say_v nothing_o at_o all_o about_o it_o do_v neither_o affirm_v nor_o deny_v it_o and_o therefore_o when_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n as_o natural_a reason_n teach_v and_o that_o this_o one_o god_n be_v three_o divine_a person_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n this_o contradict_v nothing_o which_o reason_n teach_v but_o add_v something_o which_o natural_a reason_n can_v not_o discover_v which_o be_v the_o proper_a use_n of_o revelation_n scripture_n teach_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o that_o there_o be_v three_o divine_a person_n who_o be_v this_o one_o god_n reason_n teach_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n but_o do_v not_o teach_v that_o there_o be_v three_o divine_a person_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n nor_o do_v it_o teach_v that_o there_o be_v not_o and_o therefore_o though_o the_o scripture_n teach_v more_o than_o natural_a reason_n do_v which_o i_o suppose_v may_v be_v allow_v by_o these_o adorer_n of_o reason_n yet_o it_o teach_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o what_o natural_a reason_n teach_v nay_o these_o man_n can_v not_o graft_v any_o contradiction_n upon_o it_o without_o pervert_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n as_o it_o be_v teach_v in_o scripture_n and_o have_v always_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o catholic_n church_n that_o be_v to_o find_v a_o contradiction_n their_o business_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o these_o three_o divine_a person_n each_o of_o which_o be_v god_n must_v be_v three_o distinct_a god_n and_o then_o three_o distinct_a god_n can_v be_v one_o god_n this_o i_o grant_v and_o their_o argument_n be_v unanswerable_a to_o those_o who_o own_o these_o three_o divine_a person_n to_o be_v three_o distinct_a god_n but_o what_o be_v that_o to_o we_o who_o teach_v that_o they_o be_v not_o three_o distinct_a god_n but_o one_o god_n as_o the_o scripture_n teach_v and_o the_o catholic_n church_n always_o teach_v and_o as_o of_o necessity_n we_o must_v teach_v if_o we_o believe_v a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n be_v not_o our_o faith_n for_o that_o which_o they_o make_v a_o contradiction_n be_v not_o our_o faith_n but_o a_o contradiction_n to_o our_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o to_o common_a sense_n and_o reason_n well!_o but_o if_o we_o believe_v three_o distinct_a divine_a person_n each_o of_o which_o be_v god_n we_o must_v believe_v three_o distinct_a god_n i_o hope_v not_o when_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v but_o one_o god_n yes_o whatever_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v three_o such_o distinct_a person_n must_v be_v three_o god_n now_o this_o we_o deny_v and_o challenge_v they_o to_o produce_v any_o plain_a principle_n of_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o it_o must_v be_v so_o natural_a reason_n teach_v nothing_o about_o the_o personality_n of_o the_o godhead_n it_o teach_v one_o god_n but_o whether_o this_o one_o god_n be_v one_o or_o three_o person_n it_o say_v not_o and_o therefore_o it_o may_v be_v either_o without_o contradict_v the_o natural_a notion_n we_o have_v of_o one_o god_n and_o then_o here_o be_v free_a scope_n for_o revelation_n and_o if_o revelation_n teach_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o that_o there_o be_v three_o divine_a person_n each_o of_o which_o in_o scripture_n have_v not_o only_o the_o title_n but_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n ascribe_v to_o they_o than_o we_o must_v of_o necessity_n believe_v a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n three_o person_n and_o one_o god_n for_o what_o the_o scripture_n affirm_v and_o reason_n do_v not_o deny_v be_v a_o proper_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o then_o their_o objection_n against_o this_o faith_n that_o these_o three_o divine_a person_n must_v be_v three_o distinct_a god_n if_o each_o of_o they_o be_v god_n be_v senseless_a and_o ridiculous_a for_o it_o be_v demonstrable_a that_o if_o there_o be_v three_o person_n and_o one_o god_n each_o person_n must_v be_v god_n and_o yet_o there_o can_v be_v three_o distinct_a god_n but_o one._n for_o if_o each_o person_n be_v not_o god_n all_o three_o can_v be_v god_n unless_o the_o godhead_n have_v person_n in_o it_o which_o be_v not_o god_n and_o if_o all_o three_o be_v but_o one_o god_n they_o can_v be_v three_o distinct_a god_n so_o that_o whoever_o believe_v the_o three_o divine_a person_n to_o be_v three_o distinct_a god_n do_v not_o believe_v a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n and_o whoever_o believe_v a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n can_v believe_v three_o distinct_a god_n and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n each_o person_n must_v be_v god_n and_o yet_o there_o can_v be_v three_o god_n but_o one_o god_n and_o now_o let_v he_o go_v look_n for_o his_o contradiction_n in_o the_o belief_n of_o three_o person_n and_o one_o god_n and_o when_o he_o have_v find_v it_o let_v i_o hear_v from_o he_o again_o so_o that_o all_o his_o absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n be_v vanish_v only_o into_o nicodemus_n his_o question_n how_o can_v these_o thing_n be_v and_o if_o i_o can_v give_v he_o no_o other_o answer_n i_o shall_v think_v it_o a_o very_a good_a one_o to_o say_v god_n know_v must_v we_o deny_v every_o thing_n that_o we_o can_v conceive_v and_o comprehend_v though_o it_o be_v express_o teach_v by_o god_n himself_o must_v we_o deny_v what_o we_o read_v in_o the_o bible_n to_o be_v there_o because_o reason_n do_v not_o teach_v it_o and_o can_v frame_v a_o adequate_a idea_n of_o it_o but_o i_o have_v not_o do_v with_o our_o author_n thus_o but_o must_v give_v he_o a_o little_a more_o about_o expound_v scripture_n according_a to_o reason_n for_o i_o affirm_v that_o natural_a reason_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o expound_v scripture_n no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v of_o expound_v any_o other_o write_v the_o true_a and_o only_a way_n to_o interpret_v any_o write_n even_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o be_v to_o examine_v the_o use_n and_o propriety_n of_o word_n and_o phrase_n the_o connexion_n scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o text_n its_o allusion_n to_o ancient_a custom_n and_o usage_n or_o dispute_n etc._n etc._n for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o good_a reason_n to_o be_v give_v for_o any_o exposition_n but_o that_o the_o word_n signify_v so_o and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o place_n and_o the_o apparent_a scope_n of_o the_o writer_n require_v it_o but_o our_o author_n as_o many_o other_o do_v seem_v to_o confound_v the_o reason_n of_o believe_v any_o doctrine_n with_o the_o rule_n of_o expound_v a_o write_n we_o must_v believe_v nothing_o that_o contradict_v the_o plain_a and_o express_v dictate_v of_o natural_a reason_n which_o all_o mankind_n agree_v in_o whatever_o pretence_n of_o revelation_n there_o be_v for_o it_o well_o say_v they_o than_o you_o must_v expound_v scripture_n so_o as_o to_o make_v it_o agree_v with_o the_o necessary_a principle_n and_o dictate_v of_o reason_n no_o say_v i_o that_o do_v not_o follow_v i_o must_v expound_v scripture_n according_a to_o the_o use_n and_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n and_o must_v not_o force_v my_o own_o sense_n on_o it_o if_o it_o will_v not_o bear_v it_o but_o suppose_v then_o that_o the_o natural_a construction_n of_o the_o word_n import_v such_o a_o sense_n as_o be_v contrary_n to_o some_o evident_a principle_n of_o reason_n then_o i_o will_v believe_v it_o how_o not_o believe_v scripture_n no_o no_o i_o will_v believe_v no_o pretend_a revelation_n which_o contradict_v the_o plain_n dictate_v of_o reason_n which_o all_o mankind_n agree_v in_o and_o be_v i_o persuade_v that_o those_o book_n which_o we_o call_v the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v so_o i_o will_v not_o believe_v they_o and_o this_o be_v a_o fair_a and_o honest_a way_n than_o to_o force_v they_o to_o speak_v what_o they_o never_o intend_v and_o what_o every_o impartial_a man_n who_o read_v they_o must_v think_v be_v never_o intend_v that_o we_o may_v believe_v they_o to_o put_v our_o own_o sense_n on_o scripture_n without_o respect_n to_o the_o use_n of_o word_n and_o to_o the_o reason_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o text_n be_v not_o to_o believe_v scripture_n but_o to_o make_v it_o be_v not_o to_o learn_v from_o scripture_n but_o to_o teach_v it_o to_o speak_v our_o language_n be_v not_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n but_o to_o make_v scripture_n submit_v to_o our_o reason_n even_o in_o such_o matter_n as_o be_v confess_o above_o reason_n as_o the_o infinite_a nature_n and_o essence_n of_o god_n be_v though_o i_o be_o never_o so_o well_o assure_v of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o any_o book_n yet_o i_o must_v expound_v it_o as_o i_o do_v other_o write_n for_o
when_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o speak_v to_o we_o in_o our_o own_o language_n we_o must_v understand_v his_o word_n just_a as_o we_o do_v when_o they_o be_v speak_v by_o man_n indeed_o when_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o it_o be_v a_o inspire_v write_v i_o lay_v it_o down_o for_o a_o principle_n that_o it_o contain_v nothing_o absurd_a and_o contradictious_a or_o repugnant_a to_o the_o receive_a principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n but_o this_o do_v not_o give_v i_o authority_n to_o expound_v the_o word_n of_o scripture_n to_o any_o other_o sense_n than_o what_o they_o will_v natural_o bear_v to_o reconcile_v they_o with_o such_o notion_n as_o i_o call_v reason_n for_o if_o one_o man_n have_v this_o liberty_n another_o may_v take_v it_o and_o the_o scripture_n will_v be_v tune_v to_o every_o man_n private_a conceit_n and_o therefore_o in_o case_n the_o plain_a sense_n of_o scripture_n contradict_v those_o notion_n i_o have_v of_o thing_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v true_a i_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n if_o it_o seem_v to_o include_v a_o contradiction_n and_o impossibility_n if_o that_o contradiction_n be_v not_o plain_a and_o notorious_a and_o in_o such_o matter_n as_o i_o be_o sure_a i_o perfect_o understand_v there_o i_o submit_v again_o and_o conclude_v it_o be_v no_o contradiction_n though_o i_o can_v comprehend_v how_o it_o be_v if_o i_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n reconcile_v it_o i_o will_v confess_v i_o do_v not_o understand_v it_o and_o will_v not_o pretend_v to_o give_v any_o sense_n of_o it_o much_o less_o to_o give_v such_o a_o sense_n of_o it_o as_o the_o word_n will_v not_o bear_v this_o show_n that_o man_n may_v pretend_v to_o expound_v scripture_n according_a to_o reason_n when_o the_o dispute_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o clash_n of_o reason_n with_o scripture_n as_o this_o author_n phrase_n it_o for_o so_o it_o be_v when_o the_o usual_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o scope_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o place_n require_v one_o sense_n and_o man_n force_v another_o sense_n on_o it_o upon_o pretence_n of_o expound_v scripture_n by_o reason_n that_o be_v to_o reconcile_v scripture_n to_o their_o preconceived_n notion_n and_o opinion_n of_o thing_n for_o what_o the_o word_n signify_v that_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o when_o they_o will_v not_o admit_v this_o sense_n because_o they_o apprehend_v it_o contrary_n to_o reason_n though_o most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o place_n that_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o controversy_n between_o scripture_n and_o reason_n my_o present_a undertake_n do_v not_o oblige_v i_o to_o examine_v all_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v allege_v by_o the_o socinian_o against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n or_o by_o other_o for_o it_o this_o be_v a_o voluminous_a work_n and_o have_v often_o be_v do_v by_o other_o and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o just_a occasion_n of_o do_v it_o again_o it_o deserve_v a_o treatise_n by_o itself_o but_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o doctrine_n itself_o which_o the_o socinian_o dislike_n more_o than_o our_o exposition_n which_o they_o can_v deny_v to_o be_v reasonable_a enough_o be_v the_o doctrine_n so_o but_o they_o must_v not_o expound_v scripture_n contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o therefore_o must_v never_o allow_v that_o the_o scripture_n teach_v such_o a_o doctrine_n which_o they_o think_v contradict_v the_o plain_a and_o self-evident_a reason_n of_o mankind_n reconcile_v man_n to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a without_o any_o far_a comment_n this_o i_o have_v now_o endeavour_v and_o i_o believe_v our_o adversary_n will_v talk_v more_o spare_o of_o absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n for_o the_o future_a and_o then_o they_o will_v loose_v the_o best_a argument_n they_o have_v against_o the_o orthodox_n exposition_n of_o scripture_n but_o yet_o i_o be_o unwilling_a to_o dismiss_v this_o argument_n without_o some_o few_o observation_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n this_o author_n refer_v we_o to_o the_o history_n of_o the_o unitarian_n which_o though_o it_o be_v but_o a_o little_a book_n in_o all_o sense_n be_v too_o large_a to_o be_v particular_o examine_v now_o but_o however_o i_o shall_v give_v some_o taste_n of_o it_o in_o the_o first_o letter_n the_o author_n have_v those_o text_n which_o he_o think_v overthrow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o because_o this_o may_v be_v most_o dangerous_a to_o unskilful_a reader_n i_o shall_v more_o particular_o examine_v that_o he_o reduce_v the_o scripture_n under_o several_a topic_n or_o head_n of_o argument_n 5._o 1._o if_o our_o lord_n christ_n be_v himself_o god_n there_o can_v be_v no_o person_n great_a than_o he_o none_o that_o may_v be_v call_v his_o head_n or_o god_n none_o that_o can_v in_o any_o respect_n command_v he_o now_o this_o argument_n be_v fallacious_a for_o though_o christ_n be_v god_n himself_o yet_o if_o there_o be_v three_o person_n in_o the_o godhead_n the_o equality_n and_o sameness_n of_o nature_n do_v not_o destroy_v the_o subordination_n of_o person_n a_o son_n be_v equal_a to_o his_o father_n by_o nature_n but_o inferior_a to_o he_o as_o his_o son_n if_o the_o father_n as_o i_o have_v explain_v it_o be_v original_a mind_n and_o wisdom_n the_o son_n a_o personal_a subsist_v but_o reflex_n image_n of_o his_o father_n wisdom_n though_o their_o eternal_a wisdom_n be_v equal_a and_o the_o same_o yet_o the_o original_a be_v superior_a to_o the_o image_n the_o father_n to_o the_o son_n and_o therefore_o though_o i_o know_v such_o text_n as_o he_o allege_n 17._o my_o father_n be_v great_a than_o i_o the_o head_n of_o christ_n be_v god_n i_o ascend_v to_o my_o father_n and_o your_o father_n to_o my_o god_n and_o your_o god_n be_v both_o by_o ancient_n and_o modern_a expositor_n apply_v to_o christ_n human_a nature_n yet_o i_o see_v no_o inconvenience_n in_o own_v this_o to_o be_v true_a with_o respect_n to_o his_o divine_a person_n and_o his_o relation_n to_o his_o father_n for_o the_o father_n be_v the_o head_n and_o fountain_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o the_o son_n be_v god_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o father_n may_v be_v call_v his_o god_n as_o for_o christ_n receive_v command_n from_o the_o father_n 49.14.31_o though_o this_o relate_v to_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o mediatory_a office_n and_o so_o concern_v he_o as_o god_n incarnate_a as_o by_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n will_n and_o pleasure_n yet_o i_o grant_v even_o as_o god_n he_o receive_v command_n from_o his_o father_n but_o it_o be_v no_o otherwise_o than_o as_o he_o receive_v his_o nature_n from_o he_o by_o nature_n he_o be_v the_o word_n the_o wisdom_n the_o command_n of_o the_o father_n his_o reflex_n image_n whereby_o he_o produce_v all_o the_o design_n of_o his_o own_o wisdom_n and_o counsel_n into_o act_n thus_o st._n austin_n answer_v the_o arrian_n objection_n 3._o that_o christ_n be_v but_o god_n instrument_n and_o make_v the_o world_n by_o god_n command_n let_v they_o consider_v with_o what_o other_o word_n the_o father_n command_v his_o only_a word_n but_o they_o frame_v to_o themselves_o a_o imagination_n of_o two_o near_o one_o another_o but_o separate_v by_o their_o distinct_a place_n one_o command_v another_o obey_v nor_o do_v they_o understand_v that_o the_o father_n command_v itself_o that_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v make_v be_v no_o other_o word_n of_o the_o father_n but_o that_o by_o which_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v that_o be_v the_o substantial_a word_n and_o wisdom_n and_o command_v of_o the_o father_n his_o only_o beget_v son_n 2._o if_o our_o lord_n christ_n be_v indeed_o god_n it_o can_v not_o 5._o without_o blasphemy_n be_v absolute_o and_o without_o restriction_n affirm_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v the_o creature_n the_o possession_n the_o servant_n and_o subject_a of_o god_n it_o be_v well_o he_o add_v absolute_o and_o without_o restriction_n but_o he_o have_v do_v better_a if_o he_o have_v remember_v it_o in_o his_o proof_n that_o christ_n be_v call_v a_o creature_n he_o prove_v because_o he_o be_v the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n 1._o but_o here_o he_o shall_v have_v remember_v his_o absolute_o and_o without_o restriction_n for_o he_o be_v so_o to_o the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n that_o he_o be_v the_o image_n of_o the_o invisible_a god_n and_o therefore_o no_o creature_n so_o bear_v before_o all_o creature_n 17._o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d also_o signify_v that_o by_o he_o be_v all_o thing_n create_v that_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o that_o be_v in_o earth_n visible_a and_o invisible_a whether_o they_o be_v throne_n or_o dominion_n or_o principality_n or_o power_n all_o thing_n be_v create_v by_o he_o and_o for_o he_o and_o he_o be_v before_o all_o