sabellius_n call_v person_n but_o by_o this_o foundation_n he_o do_v not_o mean_v any_o distinct_a essence_n but_o the_o incommunicable_a property_n belong_v to_o they_o as_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n it_o be_v plain_a from_o hence_o that_o the_o necessity_n of_o assert_v three_o hypostasis_n come_v from_o thence_o that_o otherwise_o they_o can_v not_o so_o well_o distinguish_v themselves_o from_o the_o sabellian_o who_o doctrine_n they_o utter_o disow_v as_o well_o as_o arianism_n and_o judaism_n and_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o athanasius_n gregory_n nazianzen_n and_o s._n basil_n 27._o that_o they_o look_v on_o one_o as_o bad_a as_o the_o other_o and_o they_o common_o join_v judaism_n and_o sabellianism_n together_o but_o yet_o there_o arise_v difficulty_n whether_o they_o be_v to_o hold_v one_o hypostasis_fw-la or_o three_o the_o former_a insist_v on_o the_o general_o receive_v sense_n of_o hypostasis_fw-la for_o substance_n or_o essence_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v not_o hold_v three_o hypostasis_n without_o three_o distinct_a essence_n as_o the_o platonist_n and_o marcionist_n hold_v upon_o this_o a_o synod_n be_v call_v at_o alexandria_n to_o adjust_a this_o matter_n where_o both_o party_n be_v desire_v to_o explain_v themselves_o 577._o those_o who_o hold_v three_o hypostasis_n be_v ask_v whether_o they_o maintain_v three_o hypostasis_n as_o the_o arian_n do_v of_o different_a substance_n and_o separate_a subsistence_n as_o mankind_n and_o other_o creature_n be_v or_o as_o other_o heretic_n three_o principle_n or_o three_o god_n all_o which_o they_o steadfast_o deny_v then_o they_o be_v ask_v why_o they_o use_v those_o term_n they_o answer_v because_o they_o believe_v the_o holy_a trinity_n to_o be_v more_o than_o mere_a name_n and_o that_o the_o father_n and_o son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n have_v a_o real_a subsistence_n belong_v to_o they_o but_o still_o they_o hold_v but_o one_o godhead_n one_o principle_n and_o the_o son_n of_o the_o same_o substance_n with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n not_o to_o be_v a_o creature_n but_o to_o bear_v the_o same_o proper_a and_o inseparable_a essence_n with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n then_o the_o other_o side_n be_v ask_v when_o they_o assert_v but_o one_o hypostasis_fw-la whether_o they_o hold_v with_o sabellius_n or_o not_o and_o that_o the_o son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n have_v no_o essence_n or_o subsistence_n which_o they_o utter_o deny_v but_o say_v that_o their_o meaning_n be_v that_o hypostasis_fw-la be_v the_o same_o with_o substance_n and_o by_o one_o hypostasis_fw-la they_o intend_v no_o more_o but_o that_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v of_o the_o same_o individual_a substance_n for_o the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o so_o they_o hold_v but_o one_o godhead_n and_o one_o divine_a nature_n and_o upon_o these_o term_n they_o agree_v from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o notion_n of_o three_o hypostasis_n as_o it_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v so_o as_o to_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o individual_a unity_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n and_o the_o great_a rule_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v to_o keep_v in_o the_o middle_n between_o the_o doctrine_n of_o sabellius_n and_o arius_n and_o so_o by_o degree_n the_o notion_n of_o three_o hypostasis_n and_o one_o essence_n be_v look_v on_o in_o the_o eastern_a church_n as_o the_o most_o proper_a discrimination_n of_o the_o orthodox_n from_o the_o sabellian_o and_o arian_n but_o the_o latin_a church_n be_v not_o so_o easy_o bring_v to_o the_o use_n of_o three_o hypostasis_n because_o they_o know_v no_o other_o sense_n of_o it_o but_o for_o substance_n or_o essence_n and_o they_o all_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o more_o than_o one_o divine_a substance_n and_o therefore_o they_o rather_o embrace_v the_o word_n persona_fw-la and_o do_v agree_v in_o the_o name_n of_o person_n as_o most_o proper_a to_o signify_v their_o meaning_n which_o be_v that_o there_o be_v three_o which_o have_v distinct_a subsistence_n and_o incommunicable_a property_n and_o one_o and_o the_o same_o divine_a essence_n and_o since_o the_o notion_n of_o it_o be_v so_o well_o understand_v to_o signify_v such_o a_o peculiar_a sense_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o any_o shall_v scruple_n the_o use_n of_o it_o as_o to_o it_o be_v not_o be_v use_v in_o scripture_n socinus_n himself_o despise_v it_o and_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v no_o good_a reason_n for_o when_o franciscus_n davides_n object_v that_o the_o term_n of_o essence_n and_o person_n be_v not_o in_o scripture_n socinus_n tell_v he_o 778._o that_o they_o expose_v their_o cause_n who_o go_v upon_o such_o ground_n and_o that_o if_o the_o sense_n of_o they_o be_v in_o scripture_n it_o be_v no_o matter_n whether_o the_o term_n be_v or_o not_o hâ—ving_v thus_o clear_v the_o notion_n of_o three_o person_n i_o return_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n about_o these_o matter_n and_o our_o unitarian_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o interpret_v scripture_n otherwise_o how_o do_v that_o appear_v they_o give_v we_o very_o little_a encouragement_n to_o follow_v their_o interpretation_n which_o be_v so_o new_a so_o force_v so_o different_a from_o the_o general_a sense_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o which_o i_o may_v say_v reflect_v so_o high_o on_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n i._n e._n by_o make_v use_n of_o such_o expression_n which_o if_o they_o do_v not_o mean_v what_o to_o honest_a and_o sincere_a mind_n they_o appear_v to_o do_v must_v be_v intend_v according_a to_o they_o to_o set_v up_o christ_n a_o mere_a man_n to_o be_v a_o god_n and_o if_o such_o a_o thought_n as_o this_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o think_v man_n it_o will_v tempt_v he_o to_o suspect_v much_o more_o as_o to_o those_o write_n then_o there_o be_v the_o least_o colour_n or_o reason_n for_o therefore_o these_o bold_a inconsiderate_a writer_n ought_v to_o reflect_v on_o the_o consequence_n of_o such_o sort_n of_o argument_n and_o if_o they_o have_v any_o regard_n to_o christianity_n not_o to_o trifle_v with_o scripture_n as_o they_o do_v but_o say_v they_o the_o question_n only_o be_v whether_o we_o ought_v to_o interpret_v scripture_n when_o it_o speak_v of_o god_n 13._o according_a to_o reason_n or_o not_o that_o be_v like_a fool_n or_o like_o wise_a man_n like_o wise_a man_n no_o doubt_n if_o they_o can_v hit_v upon_o it_o but_o they_o go_v about_o it_o as_o untoward_o as_o ever_o man_n do_v for_o be_v this_o to_o interpret_v scripture_n like_o wise_a man_n to_o take_v up_o some_o novel_a interpretation_n against_o the_o general_a sense_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n be_v this_o to_o act_v like_o wise_a man_n to_o raise_v objection_n against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n they_o can_v answer_v and_o to_o cry_v out_o of_o false_a copy_n and_o translation_n without_o reason_n and_o to_o render_v all_o place_n suspicious_a which_o make_v against_o they_o be_v this_o to_o interpret_v scripture_n like_o wise_a man_n to_o make_v our_o saviour_n affect_v to_o be_v think_v a_o god_n when_o he_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o mere_a man_n and_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n have_v not_o his_o divine_a authority_n and_o power_n confer_v upon_o he_o and_o to_o make_v his_o apostle_n set_v up_o the_o worship_n of_o a_o creature_n when_o their_o design_n be_v to_o take_v away_o the_o worship_n of_o all_o such_o who_o by_o nature_n be_v not_o god_n 14._o be_v this_o like_a wise_a man_n to_o tell_v the_o world_n that_o these_o be_v only_o such_o god_n who_o they_o have_v set_v up_o and_o god_n have_v not_o appoint_v as_o though_o there_o be_v no_o real_a idolatry_n but_o in_o give_v divine_a worship_n without_o god_n command_n chap._n viii_o the_o socinian_n sense_n of_o scripture_n examine_v but_o they_o must_v not_o think_v to_o escape_v so_o easy_o for_o such_o a_o groundless_a and_o presumptuous_a say_n that_o they_o interpret_v the_o scripture_n not_o like_a fool_n but_o like_o wise_a man_n because_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v real_o the_o main_a point_n between_o we_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v more_o careful_o examine_v the_o wise_a sense_n they_o give_v of_o the_o chief_a place_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n 1._o be_v this_o to_o interpret_v scripture_n like_o wise_a man_n to_o make_v the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n in_o one_o chapter_n and_o that_o but_o a_o short_a one_o to_o bring_v no_o less_o than_o four_o place_n out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o according_a to_o their_o sense_n not_o one_o of_o they_o prove_v that_o which_o he_o aim_v at_o viz._n that_o christ_n be_v superior_a to_o angel_n heb._n 1.5_o as_o will_v appear_v by_o the_o sense_n they_o give_v of_o
question_n his_o fidelity_n in_o report_v however_o he_o may_v be_v unhappy_a in_o his_o explication_n 3._o tertullian_n himself_o say_v schlichtingius_n in_o other_o place_n where_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n do_v not_o mention_v the_o holy_a ghost_n 12._o and_o therefore_o this_o seem_v add_v by_o he_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o paraclete_n but_o this_o can_v be_v of_o no_o force_n to_o any_o one_o that_o consider_v that_o tertullian_n ground_n his_o doctrine_n not_o on_o any_o new_a revelation_n by_o the_o paraclete_n but_o on_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n receive_v in_o the_o church_n long_o before_o and_o upon_o the_o form_n of_o baptism_n prescribe_v by_o our_o saviour_n will_v they_o say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v there_o add_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o montanus_n his_o paraclete_n and_o in_o another_o of_o his_o book_n he_o own_v the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n to_o make_v up_o the_o trinity_n in_o unity_n 4._o wherein_o petavius_n himself_o confess_v that_o he_o assert_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n in_o a_o catholic_n manner_n although_o he_o otherwise_o speak_v hardly_o enough_o of_o he_o the_o next_o i_o shall_v mention_v be_v novatian_n who_o schlichtingius_n allow_v 30._o to_o have_v be_v before_o the_o nicene-council_n 27._o and_o our_o modern_a unitarian_n call_v he_o a_o great_a man_n whoever_o he_o be_v and_o very_o ancient_a and_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n i_o observe_v in_o he_o 1._o that_o he_o oppose_v sabellianism_n for_o before_o his_o time_n praxeas_n and_o noetus_n be_v little_o talk_v of_o especial_o in_o the_o western_a church_n but_o sabellius_n his_o name_n and_o doctrine_n be_v very_o well_o know_v by_o the_o opposition_n to_o he_o by_o the_o bishop_n of_o alexandria_n and_o rome_n 31._o he_o stick_v not_o at_o the_o call_n it_o heresy_n several_a time_n and_o dispute_v against_o it_o and_o answer_v the_o objection_n about_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n 2._o that_o he_o own_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n require_v our_o believe_v in_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n 29._o and_o assert_n the_o divine_a eternity_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o must_v hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n to_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n contain_v in_o the_o form_n of_o baptism_n for_o he_o say_v sociari_fw-la the_o authority_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n admonish_v we_o to_o believe_v not_o only_o in_o the_o father_n and_o son_n but_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n therefore_o the_o holy_a ghost_n must_v be_v consider_v as_o a_o object_n of_o faith_n join_v in_o the_o scripture_n with_o the_o other_o two_o which_o be_v no_o where_o more_o express_a than_o in_o the_o form_n of_o baptism_n which_o as_o s._n cyprian_n say_v be_v to_o be_v administer_v in_o the_o full_a confession_n of_o the_o trinity_n in_o the_o place_n already_o mention_v and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o s._n cyprian_n reject_v the_o baptism_n of_o those_o who_o deny_v the_o trinity_n at_o that_o time_n 37._o among_o who_o he_o instance_n in_o the_o patripassian_o who_o it_o seem_v be_v then_o spread_v into_o africa_n the_o dispute_n about_o the_o marcionite_n baptism_n be_v upon_o another_o ground_n for_o they_o hold_v a_o real_a trinity_n as_o appear_v by_o dionysius_n romanus_n in_o athanasius_n and_o epiphanius_n etc._n etc._n but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o they_o hold_v the_o same_o trinity_n or_o not_o s._n cyprian_n say_v that_o our_o saviour_n appoint_v his_o apostle_n to_o baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o this_o trinity_n they_o be_v to_o baptize_v do_v martion_n hold_v this_o trinity_n so_o that_o s._n cyprian_n suppose_v the_o validity_n of_o baptism_n to_o depend_v on_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o if_o he_o have_v go_v no_o far_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o he_o have_v transgress_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n but_o his_o error_n be_v that_o he_o make_v void_a baptism_n upon_o difference_n of_o communion_n and_o therein_o he_o be_v just_o oppose_v but_o the_o marcionite_n baptism_n be_v reject_v in_o the_o eastern_a church_n 47._o because_o of_o their_o doctrine_n about_o the_o trinity_n in_o the_o part_n of_o asia_n about_o ephesus_n noetus_n have_v broach_v the_o same_o doctrine_n which_o praxea_n have_v do_v elsewhere_o for_o which_o he_o be_v call_v to_o a_o account_n and_o himself_o with_o his_o follower_n we_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n communion_n as_o epiphanius_n report_v which_o be_v another_o considerable_a testimony_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n epiphanius_n say_v 1._o he_o be_v the_o first_o who_o broach_v that_o blasphemy_n but_o theodoret_n mention_n epigonus_n and_o cleomenes_n before_o he_o it_o seem_v that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o who_o be_v public_o take_v notice_n of_o for_o it_o and_o therefore_o undergo_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n with_o his_o disciple_n when_o he_o be_v first_o summon_v to_o answer_v he_o deny_v that_o he_o assert_v any_o such_o doctrine_n because_o no_o man_n before_o he_o say_v epiphanius_n have_v vent_v such_o poison_n and_o in_o the_o beginning_n he_o say_v that_o noetus_n out_o of_o a_o spirit_n of_o contradiction_n have_v utter_v such_o thing_n as_o neither_o the_o prophet_n nor_o the_o apostle_n nor_o the_o church_n of_o god_n ever_o think_v or_o declare_v now_o what_o be_v this_o unheard_a of_o doctrine_n of_o noetus_n that_o appear_v best_a by_o noetus_n his_o answer_n upon_o his_o second_o appearance_n which_o be_v that_o he_o worship_v one_o god_n and_o know_v of_o no_o other_o who_o be_v bear_v and_o suffer_v and_o die_v for_o we_o and_o for_o this_o he_o produce_v the_o several_a place_n which_o assert_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n 2._o and_o among_o the_o rest_n one_o very_a observable_a rom._n 9.5_o of_o who_o as_o concern_v the_o flesh_n christ_n come_v who_o be_v over_o all_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o from_o whence_o he_o infer_v that_o the_o son_n and_o the_o father_n be_v the_o same_o and_o the_o same_o he_o affirm_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o from_o hence_o we_o have_v a_o evident_a proof_n that_o the_o most_o ancient_a greek_a copy_n in_o noetus_n his_o time_n which_o be_v long_o before_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a have_v god_n in_o the_o text._n epiphanius_n bring_v many_o place_n of_o scripture_n to_o prove_v the_o distinction_n of_o person_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n but_o that_o be_v not_o my_o present_a business_n but_o to_o show_v the_o general_a sense_n of_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o noetus_n be_v condemn_v by_o a_o general_a council_n but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o he_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n where_o he_o broach_v his_o doctrine_n and_o no_o other_o church_n receive_v he_o or_o condemn_v that_o church_n which_o cast_v he_o out_o which_o show_v a_o after_o consent_n to_o it_o now_o what_o be_v this_o doctrine_n of_o noetus_n the_o very_a same_o with_o that_o of_o praxea_n at_o rome_n theodoret_n say_v 3._o this_o his_o opinion_n be_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n the_o father_n who_o be_v himself_o impassable_a but_o as_o he_o take_v our_o nature_n so_o he_o be_v passable_a and_o call_v the_o son_n epiphanius_n more_o full_o 2._o that_o the_o same_o person_n be_v father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n wherein_o he_o say_v he_o plain_o contradict_v the_o scripture_n which_o attribute_v distinct_a personality_n to_o they_o and_o yet_o assert_v but_o one_o godhead_n the_o father_n have_v a_o hypostasis_fw-la of_o his_o own_o and_o so_o have_v the_o son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v but_o one_o divinity_n one_o power_n and_o one_o dominion_n for_o these_o distinct_a person_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o same_o individual_a essence_n and_o power_n but_o epiphanius_n be_v no_o ante-nicene_n father_n however_o in_o matter_n of_o antiquity_n where_o there_o be_v no_o incongruity_n in_o the_o thing_n we_o may_v make_v use_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o i_o think_v no_o one_o will_v question_v that_o noetus_n be_v condemn_v which_o be_v the_o thing_n i_o produce_v he_o to_o prove_v but_o although_o noetus_n be_v condemn_v 470._o yet_o this_o doctrine_n do_v spread_v in_o the_o eastern_a part_n for_o origen_n mention_n those_o who_o confound_v the_o notion_n of_o father_n and_o son_n and_o make_v they_o but_o one_o hypostasis_fw-la and_o distinguish_v only_o by_o thought_n and_o denomination_n this_o doctrine_n be_v oppose_v not_o only_o by_o origen_n but_o he_o have_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n concur_v with_o he_o as_o appear_v in_o the_o case_n of_o beryllus_n bishop_n of_o bostra_n who_o fall_v into_o this_o opinion_n and_o be_v reclaim_v by_o origen_n and_o eusebius_n give_v this_o
his_o explication_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v a_o great_a piece_n of_o nonsense_n 13._o though_o it_o come_v so_o near_o to_o socinianism_n but_o how_o do_v the_o other_o antagonist_n escape_v what_o nothing_o but_o good_a word_n to_o he_o in_o this_o place_n they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o keep_v he_o in_o heart_n and_o only_o charge_v he_o with_o a_o heresy_n which_o they_o laugh_v at_o but_o in_o another_o place_n they_o set_v he_o out_o with_o such_o colour_n as_o show_v they_o intend_v only_o to_o play_v one_o upon_o the_o other_o they_o charge_v he_o not_o only_o with_o heresy_n but_o polytheism_n 24._o which_o they_o say_v be_v next_o to_o atheism_n that_o his_o vindication_n be_v a_o supercilious_a disdainful_a and_o peevish_a answer_n that_o he_o have_v neither_o humanity_n nor_o good_a manner_n leave_v 31._o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o considerable_a in_o his_o book_n but_o what_o he_o borrow_a from_o them_o these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o flower_n which_o they_o bestow_v on_o these_o person_n of_o reputation_n in_o polemic_a squabble_n as_o they_o call_v it_o which_o plain_o show_v that_o their_o aim_n be_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v to_o divide_v and_o then_o to_o expose_v we_o and_o shall_v we_o still_o go_v on_o to_o gratify_v this_o insult_a humour_n of_o they_o by_o contend_v with_o one_o another_o and_o afford_v they_o still_o new_a matter_n for_o book_n against_o both_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o their_o late_a discourse_n about_o nominal_a and_o real_a trinitarian_n which_o be_v intend_v for_o a_o rare_a show_n wherein_o the_o two_o party_n be_v represent_v as_o combat_v with_o one_o another_o and_o they_o stand_v by_o and_o triumph_v over_o these_o cadmean_a brethren_n as_o they_o call_v they_o neither_o be_v they_o the_o socinian_o only_o but_o those_o who_o despise_v all_o religion_n who_o i_o doubt_v be_v the_o far_o great_a number_n be_v very_o much_o entertain_v with_o such_o encounter_n between_o man_n of_o wit_n and_o part_n because_o they_o think_v and_o they_o do_v not_o think_v amiss_o that_o religion_n itself_o will_v be_v the_o great_a sufferer_n by_o they_o at_o last_o and_o this_o be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a but_o i_o hope_v not_o the_o most_o prevail_a party_n of_o man_n among_o we_o the_o socinian_o profess_v themselves_o christian_n and_o i_o hope_v be_v so_o especial_o if_o but_o one_o article_n of_o faith_n be_v require_v to_o make_v man_n so_o but_o i_o can_v but_o observe_v that_o in_o the_o late_a socinian_n pamphlet_n there_o be_v too_o strong_a a_o bias_n towards_o deism_n which_o consideration_n alone_o shall_v make_v we_o unite_v and_o look_v more_o narrow_o to_o their_o step_n i_o do_v not_o charge_v their_o writer_n with_o a_o profess_a design_n to_o advance_v deism_n among_o we_o but_o their_o way_n of_o manage_v their_o dispute_n be_v as_o if_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o serve_v they_o and_o such_o man_n who_o be_v enemy_n to_o all_o reveal_v religion_n can_v not_o find_v out_o better_a tool_n for_o their_o purpose_n than_o they_o be_v for_o they_o know_v very_o well_o that_o in_o such_o a_o nation_n as_o we_o which_o be_v real_o concern_v for_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n one_o way_n or_o other_o there_o be_v no_o open_v profess_v school_n of_o atheism_n but_o the_o design_n must_v be_v carry_v on_o under_o some_o show_n of_o religion_n and_o nothing_o serve_v their_o turn_n so_o well_o as_o set_v up_o natural_a religion_n in_o opposition_n to_o reveal_v for_o this_o be_v the_o way_n by_o degree_n to_o loosen_v and_o unhinge_v the_o faith_n of_o most_o man_n which_o with_o great_a reason_n be_v build_v on_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o sure_a foundation_n but_o here_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o observe_v the_o several_a step_n they_o take_v in_o order_n to_o this_o advance_v deism_n and_o how_o our_o unitarian_n have_v comply_v with_o all_o of_o they_o i._o the_o first_o point_n they_o be_v to_o gain_v be_v the_o lessen_v the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n and_o if_o this_o be_v once_o do_v they_o know_v man_n mind_n will_v be_v leave_v so_o rove_a and_o uncertain_a that_o they_o will_v soon_o fall_v into_o scepticism_n and_o infidelity_n ii_o the_o next_o be_v to_o represent_v churchman_n as_o person_n of_o interest_n and_o design_n who_o maintain_v religion_n only_o because_o it_o support_v they_o and_o this_o they_o call_v priest-craâ—t_a and_o if_o they_o can_v by_o this_o mean_n take_v away_o their_o authority_n too_o the_o way_n lie_v still_o more_o open_a for_o they_o for_o it_o be_v more_o easy_a to_o make_v a_o prey_n of_o the_o flock_n when_o the_o shepherd_n be_v suspect_v only_o to_o look_v after_o their_o fleece_n since_o such_o a_o suspicion_n take_v away_o all_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o their_o guide_n and_o they_o know_v very_o well_o how_o little_a other_o will_v be_v able_a to_o defend_v themselves_o iii_o another_o step_n be_v to_o magnify_v the_o deist_n as_o man_n of_o probity_n and_o good_a sense_n that_o assert_v the_o just_a liberty_n of_o mankind_n against_o that_o terrible_a thing_n call_v priest-craft_n and_o that_o will_v rescue_v religion_n from_o false_a gloss_n and_o absurd_a notion_n take_v up_o from_o the_o school_n and_o teach_v in_o the_o university_n on_o purpose_n to_o keep_v under_o those_o principle_n of_o universal_a liberty_n as_o to_o opinion_n which_o those_o of_o free_a mind_n endeavour_v to_o promote_v but_o especial_o they_o be_v great_a enemy_n to_o all_o mystery_n of_o faith_n as_o unreasonable_a imposition_n on_o those_o of_o more_o refine_a understand_n and_o of_o clear_a and_o distinct_a perception_n as_o they_o have_v learn_v to_o express_v themselves_o these_o they_o account_v intolerable_a usurpation_n on_o man_n of_o such_o elevation_n as_o themselves_o for_o mystery_n be_v only_o for_o the_o mob_n and_o not_o for_o person_n of_o such_o noble_a capacity_n iv._o the_o last_o thing_n be_v to_o represent_v all_o religion_n as_o indifferent_a since_o they_o agree_v in_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n especial_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v but_o according_a to_o the_o different_a invention_n of_o man_n the_o skill_n of_o the_o contriver_n and_o the_o several_a humour_n and_o inclination_n of_o mankind_n these_o be_v the_o chief_a mystery_n of_o deism_n in_o our_o age_n for_o even_o deism_n have_v its_o mystery_n and_o it_o be_v itself_o a_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n which_o i_o be_o afraid_a be_v too_o much_o work_v already_o among_o we_o and_o will_v be_v more_o if_o no_o effectual_a stop_n be_v put_v to_o it_o i_o call_v it_o deism_n because_o that_o name_n obtain_v now_o as_o more_o plausible_a and_o modish_a for_o atheism_n be_v a_o rude_a unmannerly_a word_n and_o expose_v man_n to_o the_o rabble_n and_o make_v person_n shun_v the_o company_n and_o avoid_v the_o conversation_n and_o deal_v with_o such_o who_o be_v note_v for_o it_o and_o this_o will_v be_v a_o mighty_a prejudice_n to_o they_o as_o to_o their_o interest_n in_o this_o world_n which_o they_o have_v reason_n to_o value_v but_o to_o be_v a_o deist_n seem_v to_o be_v only_o a_o set_n up_o for_o have_v more_o wit_n than_o to_o be_v cheat_v by_o the_o priest_n and_o impose_v upon_o by_o the_o common_a form_n of_o religion_n which_o serve_v well_o enough_o for_o ordinary_a people_n that_o want_v sense_n and_o be_v not_o skill_v in_o demonstration_n but_o the_o deist_n be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o see_v through_o all_o these_o thing_n and_o therefore_o this_o name_n gain_v a_o reputation_n among_o all_o such_o as_o hate_v religion_n but_o know_v not_o how_o otherwise_o to_o distinguish_v themselves_o from_o process_v atheist_n which_o they_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v take_v for_o although_o if_o they_o be_v press_v home_o very_o few_o among_o they_o will_v sincere_o own_v any_o more_o than_o a_o series_n of_o cause_n without_o any_o intellectual_a perfection_n which_o they_o call_v god_n a_o strange_a god_n without_o wisdom_n goodness_n justice_n or_o providence_n but_o i_o be_o now_o to_o show_v how_o in_o all_o these_o point_v the_o present_a unitarian_n have_v be_v very_o serviceable_a to_o they_o in_o the_o book_n which_o they_o have_v late_o publish_v and_o disperse_v both_o in_o city_n and_o country_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n they_o have_v be_v already_o just_o expose_v for_o undermine_v the_o authority_n of_o s._n john_n gospel_n by_o muster_v up_o all_o the_o argument_n of_o the_o old_a heretic_n against_o it_o 5._o and_o give_v no_o answer_n to_o they_o and_o what_o defence_n have_v they_o since_o make_v for_o themselves_o no_o other_o but_o this_o very_a trifle_a one_o that_o they_o repeat_v their_o reason_n but_o do_v not_o affirm_v they_o 47._o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o if_o they_o be_v true_a why_o do_v
they_o not_o affirm_v they_o if_o they_o be_v false_a why_o do_v they_o not_o answer_v they_o be_v this_o do_v like_o those_o who_o believe_v the_o gospel_n of_o s._n john_n to_o be_v divine_a to_o produce_v all_o the_o argument_n they_o can_v meet_v with_o against_o it_o and_o never_o offer_v to_o show_v the_o weakness_n and_o vnreasonableness_n of_o they_o do_v not_o this_o look_n like_o a_o design_n to_o furnish_v the_o deist_n with_o such_o argument_n as_o they_o can_v meet_v with_o against_o it_o especial_o when_o they_o say_v that_o s._n john_n do_v not_o oppose_v they_o why_o then_o be_v these_o argument_n produce_v against_o his_o gospel_n man_n do_v not_o use_v to_o dispute_v against_o their_o friend_n nor_o to_o tell_v the_o world_n what_o all_o people_n have_v say_v against_o they_o and_o give_v not_o a_o word_n of_o answer_n in_o vindication_n of_o they_o but_o they_o say_v the_o modern_a unitarian_n allow_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o other_o piece_n of_o s._n john_n a_o very_a great_a favour_n indeed_o to_o allow_v of_o they_o but_o how_o far_o as_o of_o divine_a authority_n not_o a_o word_n of_o that_o but_o as_o ancient_a book_n which_o they_o think_v it_o not_o fit_a for_o they_o to_o dispute_v against_o 10._o but_o if_o the_o ancient_a ebionite_n be_v their_o predecessor_n as_o they_o affirm_v they_o can_v allow_v none_o but_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o the_o hebrew_n and_o must_v reject_v the_o rest_n and_o all_o s._n paul_n epistle_n and_o in_o truth_n they_o make_v he_o argue_v so_o little_a to_o the_o purpose_n that_o they_o must_v have_v a_o very_a mean_a opinion_n of_o his_o write_n but_o of_o these_o thing_n in_o the_o discourse_n itself_o as_o to_o churchman_n no_o profess_a deist_n can_v express_v themselves_o more_o spiteful_o than_o they_o have_v do_v and_o that_o against_o those_o to_o who_o they_o profess_v the_o great_a respect_n what_o then_o will_v they_o say_v of_o the_o rest_n they_o say_v in_o general_a 13._o that_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o worldling_n to_o mercenary_a spirit_n to_o the_o timorous_a and_o ambitious_a in_o a_o word_n to_o all_o such_o as_o prefer_v not_o god_n before_o all_o other_o whether_o person_n or_o consideration_n to_o believe_v as_o they_o will_v have_v it_o but_o although_o the_o word_n be_v general_a yet_o any_o one_o that_o look_v into_o they_o may_v sâ—eâ—_n find_v that_o they_o be_v intend_v for_o such_o churchman_n who_o have_v write_v against_o their_o opinion_n and_o the_o insinuation_n be_v that_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o worldly_a interest_n they_o will_v own_v they_o to_o be_v in_o the_o right_n whereas_o i_o be_o full_o persuade_v that_o they_o have_v no_o way_n to_o defend_v their_o opinion_n but_o to_o reject_v the_o scripture_n and_o declare_v themselves_o deist_n and_o as_o long_o as_o we_o retain_v a_o just_a veneration_n for_o the_o scripture_n we_o can_v be_v of_o no_o other_o opinion_n because_o we_o look_v on_o their_o interpretation_n as_o unreasonable_a new_a force_v and_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o circumstance_n of_o place_n and_o the_o main_a scope_n and_o tenor_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o their_o introduction_n to_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o late_a archbishops_n sermon_n about_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n show_v their_o temper_n sufficient_o as_o to_o all_o churchman_n he_o be_v the_o person_n they_o profess_v to_o esteem_v and_o reverence_n above_o all_o other_o and_o confess_v that_o he_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o air_n and_o language_n of_o a_o father_n 43._o which_o at_o lest_o deserve_v a_o little_a more_o dutiful_a language_n from_o they_o but_o some_o man_n fondness_n for_o their_o opinion_n break_v all_o bound_n of_o civility_n and_o decency_n for_o present_o after_o mention_v the_o archbishop_n and_o other_o bishop_n who_o have_v write_v against_o they_o they_o say_v it_o signify_v nothing_o to_o the_o case_n that_o they_o be_v great_a pensioner_n of_o the_o world_n 44._o for_o it_o be_v certain_a we_o have_v a_o mighty_a propensity_n to_o believe_v as_o be_v for_o our_o turn_n and_o interest_n and_o soon_o after_o that_o their_o opposer_n be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o such_o fatal_a biasses_n that_o their_o doctrine_n be_v the_o more_o to_o be_v suspect_v because_o it_o be_v they_o for_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v because_o they_o must_v the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o all_o this_o be_v that_o the_o late_a archbishop_n as_o well_o as_o the_o rest_n be_v a_o mere_a self-interested_n man_n which_o none_o who_o know_v either_o the_o outside_n or_o inside_n of_o lambeth_n can_v ever_o imagine_v that_o if_o he_o be_v real_o against_o they_o as_o none_o can_v think_v otherwise_o who_o know_v he_o so_o well_o and_o so_o long_o as_o i_o do_v it_o only_o show_v what_o a_o strange_a power_n interest_n have_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o churchman_n but_o what_o bias_n be_v it_o which_o make_v he_o write_v with_o that_o strength_n and_o judgement_n against_o their_o opinion_n let_v we_o set_v aside_o all_o title_n of_o respect_n and_o honour_n as_o they_o desire_v let_v reason_n be_v compare_v with_o reason_n and_o his_o argument_n with_o their_o answer_n and_o it_o will_v be_v soon_o find_v that_o the_o advantage_n which_o he_o have_v be_v not_o from_o any_o other_o dignity_n than_o that_o of_o a_o clear_a judgement_n and_o a_o much_o strong_a way_n of_o reason_v whereas_o their_o answer_n be_v such_o as_o may_v well_o be_v suppose_v to_o come_v from_o those_o who_o have_v some_o such_o bias_n that_o they_o must_v at_o least_o seem_v to_o answer_v what_o in_o truth_n they_o can_v not_o as_o have_v be_v full_o make_v appear_v in_o the_o vindication_n of_o he_o to_o which_o no_o reply_n have_v be_v give_v although_o other_o treatise_n of_o they_o have_v come_v out_o since_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o that_o answer_n they_o say_v 65._o that_o they_o do_v not_o expect_v that_o their_o answer_n shall_v satisfy_v we_o and_o in_o truth_n they_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o reason_n to_o think_v so_o but_o what_o reason_n do_v they_o give_v for_o it_o a_o very_a kind_n one_o no_o doubt_n because_o prepossession_n and_o interest_n have_v take_v hold_v of_o we_o as_o though_o we_o be_v man_n of_o such_o mean_a and_o mercenary_a spirit_n as_o to_o believe_v according_a to_o prepossession_n without_o reason_n and_o to_o act_v only_o as_o serve_v our_o present_a interest_n but_o we_o never_o make_v mean_a address_n to_o infidel_n to_o show_v how_o near_o our_o principle_n come_v to_o they_o nor_o make_v parallel_n between_o the_o trinity_n and_o transubstantiation_n as_o some_o do_v and_o defend_v they_o as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v when_o popery_n be_v uppermost_a but_o enough_o of_o this_o 3._o we_o have_v see_v how_o much_o they_o have_v gratify_v the_o deist_n by_o represent_v churchman_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n let_v we_o now_o see_v in_o what_o manner_n they_o treat_v the_o deist_n it_o be_v with_o another_o sort_n of_o language_n and_o which_o argue_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a kindness_n to_o they_o in_o one_o place_n they_o say_v that_o the_o deist_n be_v most_o well-natured_n man_n 21._o and_o man_n of_o probity_n and_o understanding_n in_o effect_n that_o they_o be_v sincere_a honest-hearted_a man_n who_o do_v good_a by_o the_o impulse_n of_o their_o natural_a religion_n honesty_n and_o good_a conscience_n which_o have_v great_a influence_n upon_o they_o what_o another_o sort_n of_o character_n be_v this_o from_o that_o of_o the_o great_a and_o in_o their_o opinion_n the_o best_a of_o our_o clergy_n this_o must_v proceed_v from_o some_o intimacy_n and_o familiarity_n with_o they_o and_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o imagine_v from_o hence_o that_o they_o be_v upon_o very_o good_a term_n with_o one_o another_o because_o they_o must_v be_v unitarian_n if_o they_o believe_v a_o god_n at_o all_o but_o where_o else_o be_v these_o honest_a conscientious_a deist_n to_o be_v find_v it_o be_v rare_a indeed_o for_o other_o to_o find_v any_o one_o that_o reject_v christianity_n out_o of_o pure_a conscience_n and_o that_o act_n by_o principle_n of_o sincere_a virtue_n i_o never_o yet_o can_v meet_v with_o such_o nor_o hear_v of_o those_o that_o have_v and_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v the_o reason_n on_o which_o such_o conscientious_a man_n proceed_v for_o true_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n be_v those_o which_o recommend_v christianity_n to_o i_o for_o without_o they_o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n will_v be_v far_o more_o unaccountable_a than_o now_o they_o be_v and_o suppose_v they_o i_o see_v no_o incongruity_n in_o they_o i._n e._n that_o there_o be_v a_o just_a and_o holy_a god_n and_o a_o wise_a providence_n and_o a_o future_a state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n and_o that_o god_n design_n to_o bring_v mankind_n