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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 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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
as_o he_o represent_v it_o but_o the_o personal_a union_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n of_o christ_n to_o human_a nature_n he_o be_v not_o only_o as_o conscious_a of_o all_o the_o divine_a perfection_n in_o himself_o 41._o as_o a_o man_n be_v conscious_a of_o his_o own_o thought_n which_o yet_o by_o the_o way_n be_v absolute_o impossible_a without_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n in_o his_o own_o person_n but_o he_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v god_n the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n not_o the_o same_o person_n with_o his_o father_n but_o one_o with_o he_o be_v a_o man_n thus_o regular_o and_o constant_o inspire_v he_o will_v know_v that_o he_o be_v thus_o inspire_v and_o he_o will_v also_o know_v that_o these_o divine_a perfection_n be_v not_o in_o himself_o not_o seat_v in_o his_o own_o human_a person_n nor_o under_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o own_o will_n as_o his_o own_o natural_a power_n be_v and_o therefore_o must_v know_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o mere_a man_n still_o not_o god-man_n so_o that_o this_o constant_a and_o regular_a inspiration_n this_o uninterrupted_a presence_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o deity_n which_o be_v all_o he_o allow_v in_o this_o matter_n can_v make_v any_o person_n god-man_n this_o inspiration_n be_v not_o a_o subsist_v person_n be_v not_o the_o person_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v not_o incarnate_a by_o its_o union_n to_o man_n no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v incarnate_a in_o other_o prophet_n the_o man_n be_v the_o person_n and_o therefore_o a_o mere_a creature_n still_o though_o never_o so_o divine_o inspire_v this_o be_v such_o a_o incarnation_n as_o socinian_n themselves_o own_o in_o as_o high_a expression_n as_o the_o considerer_n can_v invent_v cerinthus_n own_v something_o more_o that_o christ_n who_o descend_v on_o jesus_n at_o his_o baptism_n be_v a_o divine_a person_n not_o a_o mere_a inspiration_n and_o rest_v on_o he_o and_o be_v most_o intimate_o unite_v to_o he_o till_o his_o crucifixion_n that_o sect_n of_o the_o noetian_o and_o sabellian_o who_o be_v call_v patripassian_n for_o they_o do_v not_o seem_v by_o the_o account_n we_o have_v of_o they_o to_o have_v be_v all_o of_o that_o mind_n do_v acknowledge_v the_o incarnation_n of_o god_n in_o a_o true_a and_o proper_a sense_n as_o the_o catholic_n church_n do_v the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n but_o then_o their_o trinity_n be_v but_o one_o proper_a single_a divine_a person_n distinguish_v by_o three_o name_n or_o personal_a character_n which_o be_v the_o express_a doctrine_n of_o the_o considerer_n their_o whole_a trinity_n be_v incarnate_a suffer_v and_o die_v in_o the_o incarnation_n and_o suffering_n of_o christ_n the_o father_n as_o well_o as_o the_o son_n as_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o divine_a person_n who_o be_v father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o if_o this_o one_o person_n be_v in_o a_o true_a and_o proper_a sense_n incarnate_a but_o this_o the_o catholic_n church_n abhor_v and_o condemn_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o patripassian_a heresy_n other_o of_o they_o be_v sabellian_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n but_o photinian_o or_o samosatenian_o that_o be_v socinian_o as_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o incarnation_n as_o athanasius_n often_o intimate_v and_o if_o i_o understand_v he_o this_o be_v the_o considerer_n way_n who_o believe_v a_o trinity_n in_o one_o single_a person_n and_o a_o inspire_a man_n for_o a_o god_n incarnate_a and_o thus_o we_o have_v lose_v the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n and_o must_v part_v with_o every_o thing_n which_o be_v peculiar_a and_o essential_a to_o christianity_n with_o they_o and_o now_o one_o will_v wonder_v after_o all_o this_o what_o he_o have_v to_o say_v more_o about_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v his_o next_o enquiry_n 41._o what_o the_o scripture_n necessary_o oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v in_o this_o point_n that_o be_v concern_v the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n though_o he_o have_v be_v careful_a all_o along_o never_o to_o use_v this_o term_n incarnation_n as_o be_v sensible_a that_o all_o he_o say_v about_o god-man_n will_v not_o reach_v the_o catholic_n notion_n of_o incarnation_n when_o i_o meet_v with_o this_o enquiry_n i_o be_v in_o hope_n that_o there_o be_v something_o behind_o to_o unsay_v all_o that_o he_o have_v hitherto_o say_v for_o if_o what_o he_o have_v already_o say_v be_v true_a it_o be_v certain_a the_o scripture_n require_v we_o to_o believe_v nothing_o about_o they_o but_o upon_o examination_n i_o find_v that_o the_o question_n be_v fallacious_o state_v and_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o it_o be_v what_o the_o scripture_n oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v instead_o of_o what_o have_v hitherto_o pass_v for_o the_o true_a catholic_n faith_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n i_o shall_v not_o dispute_v this_o point_n with_o he_o now_o to_o show_v what_o he_o mean_v will_v be_v confutation_n enough_o 42._o we_o must_v not_o he_o say_v look_v upon_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n as_o a_o nice_a abstract_a speculation_n design_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o understand_n but_o as_o a_o plain_a revelation_n of_o god_n love_n and_o good_a will_n towards_o man_n and_o a_o great_a motive_n and_o incitement_n to_o piety_n than_o ever_o we_o have_v before_o this_o doctrine_n be_v deliver_v this_o we_o grant_v that_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v not_o design_v mere_o for_o speculation_n but_o for_o practice_n but_o yet_o all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n be_v matter_n of_o speculation_n and_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o must_v be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o practice_n or_o else_o the_o revelation_n of_o it_o be_v of_o no_o use_n at_o all_o the_o question_n than_o be_v whether_o we_o must_v not_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n or_o how_o much_o we_o must_v believe_v of_o they_o must_v we_o not_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v in_o a_o true_a and_o proper_a sense_n a_o eternal_a and_o only-begotten_a son_n beget_v from_o eternity_n of_o his_o own_o substance_n his_o true_a perfect_a live_v subsist_v image_n must_v we_o not_o believe_v that_o this_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n do_v in_o a_o true_a proper_a notion_n become_v man_n by_o unite_n human_a nature_n to_o his_o own_o person_n and_o that_o in_o human_a nature_n he_o suffer_v and_o die_v for_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n true_o no_o if_o i_o understand_v he_o all_o this_o be_v a_o nice_a abstract_a speculation_n and_o a_o very_a perplex_v exercise_n of_o our_o understand_n and_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o understand_v no_o more_o by_o god_n give_v his_o own_o son_n to_o die_v for_o we_o but_o his_o love_n and_o gâ—od_n will_v to_o mankind_n as_o it_o be_v a_o great_a motive_n and_o excitement_n to_o piety_n but_o how_o can_v we_o learn_v god_n love_n and_o good_a will_n to_o mankind_n from_o this_o doctrine_n if_o it_o be_v not_o true_a if_o god_n have_v no_o eternal_a son_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o give_v his_o eternal_a son_n to_o become_v man_n and_o to_o suffer_v and_o die_v for_o we_o the_o gospel_n prove_v the_o great_a love_n of_o god_n to_o sinner_n by_o the_o incarnation_n death_n and_o suffering_n of_o his_o son_n that_o if_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v this_o doctrine_n strict_o and_o literal_o true_a we_o lose_v the_o gospel_n proof_n of_o god_n love_n to_o sinner_n and_o of_o the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o sacrifice_n to_o expiate_v our_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o power_n of_o his_o intercession_n as_o the_o eternal_a only-begotten_a and_o well-beloved_a son_n of_o god_n but_o our_o considerer_n will_v not_o allow_v this_o these_o title_n and_o relation_n must_v be_v chief_o consider_v with_o reference_n to_o the_o great_a work_n of_o man_n salvation_n but_o must_v they_o not_o be_v consider_v as_o three_o distinct_a proper_a person_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n who_o have_v their_o distinct_a part_n and_o office_n in_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n no_o but_o distinct_a relation_n and_o office_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o single_a divine_a person_n who_o be_v the_o one_o supreme_a god_n and_o be_v all_o in_o one_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghâ—st_n saviour_n mediator_n comforter_n 43._o but_o how_o then_o can_v these_o title_n and_o relation_n signify_v a_o eternal_a distinction_n in_o the_o godhead_n a_o eternal_a fâ—tâ—â—r_n a_o eternal_a son_n and_o a_o eternal_a spirit_n when_o thâ—se_a office_n relate_v only_o to_o man_n salvation_n be_v not_o eternal_a this_o he_o resolve_v into_o the_o eternal_a purpose_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n to_o redeem_v mankind_n by_o the_o death_n and_o constant_a mediation_n of_o a_o man_n choose_v and_o enable_v for_o this_o work_n by_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n dwell_v in_o he_o and_o in_o consideration_n of_o
consubstantial_a son_n be_v a_o true_a and_o real_a son_n for_o which_o reason_n as_o he_o observe_v the_o arian_n will_v not_o allow_v the_o son_n to_o be_v consubstantial_a because_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v he_o to_o be_v a_o true_a genuine_a son_n 75._o and_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n the_o nicene_n father_n insert_v the_o homoousion_n in_o their_o creed_n but_o yet_o if_o we_o will_v right_o conceive_v of_o god_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n of_o the_o unity_n and_o distinction_n of_o the_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n we_o must_v not_o form_v our_o notion_n by_o the_o idea_n of_o substance_n and_o consubstantiality_n which_o we_o have_v no_o distinct_a conception_n of_o but_o we_o must_v learn_v their_o unity_n distinction_n and_o consubstantiality_n from_o those_o character_n the_o scripture_n give_v of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n this_o rule_n st._n ambrose_n express_o give_v we_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o son_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o the_o other_o divine_a person_n if_o we_o will_v avoid_v error_n say_v that_o father_n 40._o let_v we_o attend_v to_o those_o character_n the_o scripture_n give_v we_o to_o help_v we_o to_o understand_v what_o and_o who_o the_o son_n be_v he_o be_v call_v the_o word_n the_o son_n the_o power_n of_o god_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n all_o this_o we_o can_v understand_v and_o not_o only_a st._n ambrose_n but_o all_o the_o other_o catholic_n father_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v prove_v the_o consubstantiality_n coeternity_n coequality_n unity_n and_o distinction_n of_o father_n and_o son_n from_o these_o name_n and_o character_n which_o they_o understand_v in_o a_o true_a and_o proper_a sense_n for_o a_o live_n subsist_v son_n and_o word_n and_o power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n in_o conceive_v all_o this_o if_o we_o contemplate_v it_o in_o these_o character_n nay_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v otherwise_o of_o it_o as_o impossible_a as_o it_o be_v to_o form_v any_o notion_n at_o all_o of_o those_o philosophical_a term_n whereby_o this_o mystery_n be_v common_o represent_v when_o we_o abstract_a they_o from_o those_o sensible_a character_n and_o idea_n which_o the_o scripture_n have_v give_v we_o and_o begin_v our_o inquiry_n with_o they_o it_o will_v be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o represent_v this_o matter_n plain_o that_o every_o man_n may_v see_v what_o it_o be_v that_o obscure_v and_o perplex_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o confound_v man_n notion_n about_o it_o to_o the_o great_a scandal_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o great_a difficulty_n concern_v the_o unity_n and_o distinction_n of_o the_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n that_o they_o be_v real_o and_o distinct_o three_o and_o essential_o one_o and_o this_o be_v represent_v by_o one_o nature_n essence_n and_o substance_n and_o three_o hypostasis_n and_o yet_o hypostasis_fw-la signify_v substance_n and_o every_o divine_a hypostasis_fw-la be_v the_o whole_a divine_a essence_n and_o substance_n now_o if_o we_o immediate_o contemplate_v this_o mystery_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o substance_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o conceive_v one_o substance_n and_o three_o hypostasis_n that_o be_v in_o some_o sense_n three_o substance_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o the_o difficulty_n of_o conceive_v it_o though_o the_o form_n of_o expression_n be_v more_o catholic_n three_o each_o of_o which_o be_v the_o whole_a essence_n and_o substance_n and_o neither_o of_o they_o be_v each_o other_o we_o may_v turn_v over_o our_o mind_n as_o long_o as_o we_o please_v and_o change_v word_n and_o phrase_n but_o we_o can_v find_v no_o idea_n to_o answer_v these_o or_o any_o other_o word_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o now_o if_o instead_o of_o essence_n and_o hypostasis_fw-la we_o put_v mind_n and_o its_o word_n we_o can_v form_v a_o very_a intelligible_a notion_n of_o this_o unity_n and_o distinction_n and_o prove_v that_o unity_n of_o substance_n and_o distinction_n of_o hypostasis_n which_o we_o can_v immediate_o and_o direct_o form_v any_o notion_n of_o for_o eternal_a original_a mind_n and_o its_o live_v subsist_v word_n be_v certain_o two_o and_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v each_o other_o the_o mind_n can_v be_v its_o own_o live_a word_n nor_o the_o word_n the_o mind_n who_o word_n it_o be_v and_o yet_o we_o must_v all_o grant_v that_o eternal_a mind_n be_v the_o most_o real_a be_v essence_n substance_n and_o that_o a_o live_n subsist_v word_n be_v life_n be_v substance_n and_o the_o very_a same_o life_n and_o substance_n that_o the_o mind_n be_v and_o all_o that_o the_o mind_n be_v for_o a_o perfect_a live_a word_n can_v have_v no_o other_o life_n and_o substance_n but_o that_o of_o the_o mind_n and_o must_v be_v all_o the_o same_o that_o the_o mind_n be_v the_o eternal_a generation_n of_o the_o son_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o father_n life_n of_o life_n substance_n of_o substance_n whole_a of_o whole_a be_v impossible_a to_o be_v conceive_v as_o immediate_o apply_v to_o the_o notion_n of_o substance_n but_o the_o generation_n of_o the_o word_n whole_a of_o whole_a be_v very_o conceivable_a for_o the_o mind_n must_v beget_v its_o own_o word_n as_o we_o feel_v in_o ourselves_o and_o a_o mind_n which_o be_v perfect_a life_n and_o substance_n if_o it_o beget_v its_o word_n must_v beget_v a_o live_n subsist_v substantial_a word_n 45._o the_o perfect_a image_n of_o its_o own_o life_n and_o substance_n and_o as_o impossible_a as_o it_o be_v to_o conceive_v much_o more_o to_o express_v in_o word_n this_o mystery_n of_o the_o eternal_a generation_n yet_o the_o necessary_a relation_n between_o a_o mind_n and_o its_o word_n prove_v that_o thus_o it_o be_v we_o feel_v it_o in_o ourselves_o though_o we_o be_v as_o perfect_o ignorant_a how_o our_o mind_n beget_v its_o die_a vanish_v word_n as_o how_o the_o eternal_a mind_n beget_v a_o eternal_a living_n subsist_v word_n and_o the_o generation_n of_o the_o word_n include_v in_o it_o all_o the_o property_n of_o the_o divine_a generation_n that_o it_o be_v eternal_a for_o a_o eternal_a mind_n can_v never_o be_v without_o its_o word_n that_o it_o be_v without_o any_o corporeal_a passion_n or_o esslux_n or_o division_n beget_v in_o the_o mind_n and_o inseparable_a from_o it_o now_o if_o we_o conceive_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n of_o the_o eternal_a procession_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n can_v any_o man_n deny_v this_o to_o be_v a_o intelligible_a notion_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n though_o we_o can_v form_v no_o distinct_a idea_n of_o one_o essence_n and_o substance_n and_o three_o hypostasis_n for_o if_o we_o can_v conceive_v father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n eternal_a original_a mind_n its_o eternal_a word_n and_o eternal_a spirit_n to_o be_v essential_o one_o and_o three_o the_o catholic_n faith_n be_v secure_v though_o we_o do_v not_o so_o well_o understand_v the_o distinction_n between_o those_o abstract_n metaphysical_a term_n of_o nature_n essence_n substance_n hypostasis_fw-la especial_o when_o apply_v to_o the_o unity_n and_o distinction_n of_o the_o eternal_a godhead_n which_o be_v above_o all_o term_n of_o art_n the_o catholic_n faith_n be_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 but_o yet_o there_o be_v not_o three_o god_n but_o one_o god_n and_o this_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o divine_a relation_n give_v we_o a_o very_a intelligible_a notion_n of_o for_o we_o can_v conceive_v otherwise_o of_o the_o eternal_a mind_n its_o eternal_a word_n and_o eternal_a spirit_n but_o that_o each_o of_o they_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n and_o yet_o a_o mind_n its_o word_n and_o spirit_n can_v be_v but_o one_o and_o therefore_o but_o one_o god_n but_o one_o substance_n and_o three_o hypostasis_n be_v but_o a_o secondary_a notion_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n to_o secure_v the_o catholic_n faith_n against_o the_o sabellian_n and_o arian_n heresy_n against_o the_o sabellian_o the_o catholic_n father_n assert_v three_o hypostasis_n against_o the_o arian_n one_a substance_n and_o the_o essential_a relation_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n necessary_o prove_v both_o the_o one_o substance_n and_o three_o hypostasis_n but_o though_o one_o substance_n and_o three_o hypostasis_n be_v the_o catholic_n language_n yet_o those_o man_n begin_v at_o the_o wrong_a end_n who_o think_v to_o form_v a_o intelligible_a notion_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n from_o these_o abstract_n metaphysical_a term_n this_o be_v not_o the_o language_n of_o the_o scripture_n nor_o have_v we_o any_o idea_n to_o answer_v these_o term_n of_o one_o substance_n in_o three_o distinct_a hypostasis_n when_o we_o consider_v they_o by_o themselves_o without_o relation_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o which_o alone_o these_o
the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o socinian_n controversy_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o catholic_n father_n concern_v a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n by_o william_n sherlock_n d._n d._n dean_n of_o st._n paul_n master_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n london_n print_v for_o william_n rogers_n at_o the_o sun_n against_o st._n dunstan_n church_n in_o fleetstreet_n mdcxc_o viii_o the_o preface_n i_o have_v little_a to_o say_v to_o the_o reader_n have_v sufficient_o explain_v the_o design_n of_o this_o treatise_n in_o the_o first_o section_n those_o who_o remember_v how_o this_o controversy_n have_v be_v of_o late_o manage_v may_v possible_o expect_v what_o they_o will_v not_o find_v some_o sharp_a resentment_n of_o the_o ill_a usage_n i_o have_v meet_v with_o and_o as_o sharp_a return_v but_o i_o write_v not_o to_o revenge_v myself_o but_o to_o explain_v and_o vindicate_v the_o true_o ancient_a catholic_n and_o apostolic_a faith_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n which_o require_v a_o compose_v and_o sedate_v mind_n both_o in_o the_o writer_n and_o reader_n for_o this_o reason_n i_o have_v thus_o long_o delay_v the_o publication_n of_o this_o treatise_n the_o great_a part_n of_o which_o be_v print_v two_o year_n since_o that_o those_o who_o will_v ever_o grow_v cool_a may_v have_v time_n to_o recover_v their_o temper_n and_o do_v i_o not_o hope_v that_o the_o publication_n of_o it_o at_o this_o time_n will_v tend_v more_o to_o quiet_a man_n mind_n to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o heretic_n and_o to_o secure_v the_o catholic_n faith_n than_o a_o passive_a silence_n it_o shall_v never_o see_v the_o light_n how_o much_o soever_o my_o own_o reputation_n may_v suffer_v by_o it_o but_o i_o persuade_v myself_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o of_o the_o catholic_n father_n be_v not_o at_o so_o low_a a_o ebb_n even_o in_o this_o age_n as_o to_o be_v easy_o despise_v and_o therefore_o their_o explication_n their_o argument_n their_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n of_o heretic_n will_v have_v their_o due_a weight_n and_o i_o have_v not_o go_v one_o step_n further_o i_o appeal_v to_o the_o catholic_n father_n and_o be_o content_v to_o stand_v or_o fall_v by_o their_o sentence_n i_o have_v not_o wilful_o misrepresent_v their_o sense_n in_o any_o thing_n and_o have_v take_v all_o possible_a care_v not_o to_o mistake_v it_o and_o as_o far_o as_o human_a authority_n be_v concern_v here_o i_o must_v leave_v the_o matter_n for_o i_o know_v of_o no_o further_a appeal_n the_o content_n chap._n i._n sect_n i._o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o socinian_n controversy_n and_o how_o to_o reduce_v the_o dispute_n to_o the_o original_a question_n page_n 1._o sect_n ii_o how_o to_o reduce_v this_o dispute_n concern_v the_o trinity_n to_o scripture-term_n 4_o the_o form_n of_o baptism_n the_o rule_n and_o standard_n of_o faith_n ibid._n that_o these_o name_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v more_o easy_o understand_v and_o give_v we_o a_o true_a idea_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n than_o any_o artificial_a term_n 5_o etc._n etc._n sect_n iii_o that_o the_o title_n of_o god_n attribute_v in_o scripture_n distinct_o to_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n give_v we_o the_o best_a account_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o must_v determine_v the_o signification_n of_o ecclesiastical_a word_n 12_o this_o particular_o explain_v with_o respect_n to_o those_o term_n nature_n essence_n substance_n hypostasis_fw-la existence_n subsistence_n person_n etc._n etc._n 13_o etc._n etc._n sect_n iv._o these_o name_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n prove_v the_o real_a distinction_n of_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n 20_o etc._n etc._n sect_n v._o these_o name_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n prove_v the_o unity_n sameness_n identity_n of_o nature_n and_o godhead_n explain_v at_o large_a 24_o sect_n vi_o concern_v the_o unity_n of_o god_n 33_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o catholic_n church_n believe_v in_o one_o god_n ibid._n tritheism_n a_o old_a sabellian_n and_o arian_n objection_n against_o the_o trinity_n 34_o how_o answer_v by_o the_o catholic_n father_n 37_o etc._n etc._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 51_o what_o way_n the_o considerer_n dislike_v 52_o etc._n etc._n what_o way_n he_o take_v viz._n consult_v scripture_n and_o natural_a sentiment_n 56_o sect_n ii_o concern_v the_o traditionary_a faith_n of_o the_o church_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n 60_o what_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v from_o whence_o we_o must_v receive_v this_o traditionary_a faith_n ibid._n what_o evidence_n we_o have_v for_o this_o tradition_n from_o the_o ancient_a heresy_n condemn_v by_o the_o catholic_n church_n 64_o 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 77_o sect_n iii_o what_o be_v sufficient_a to_o be_v believe_v concern_v the_o trinity_n 80_o his_o requisite_n to_o make_v it_o possible_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v a_o thing_n 81_o sect_n iv._o concern_v his_o state_n of_o the_o question_n that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o god_n be_v three_o different_a person_n 84_o his_o examination_n of_o these_o term_n god_n unity_n identity_n distinction_n number_n and_o person_n and_o 1._o of_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n 86_o sect_n v._o his_o notion_n and_o idea_n of_o unity_n distinction_n person_n his_o sabellian_n notion_n of_o a_o person_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o single_a person_n in_o the_o trinity_n as_o person_n signify_v proper_o a_o particular_a intelligent_a be_v 88_o this_o he_o prove_v from_o his_o notion_n of_o unity_n and_o distinction_n the_o unity_n and_o distinction_n of_o idea_n of_o principle_n and_o of_o position_n 91_o what_o he_o mean_v by_o a_o obscure_a confuse_a knowledge_n and_o a_o general_a confuse_a faith_n of_o the_o trinity_n 101_o sect_n vi_o what_o the_o scripture_n require_v we_o to_o believe_v concern_v the_o trinity_n 103_o his_fw-la sabellian_n notion_n of_o one_o god_n to_o be_v adore_v under_o three_o different_a title_n and_o character_n ibid._n his_o scripture-proof_n of_o this_o examine_v 104_o etc._n etc._n his_o attempt_n to_o reconcile_v this_o with_o god_n be_v one_o and_o three_o 108_o etc._n etc._n and_o with_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o second_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n 113_o his_o account_n of_o the_o union_n of_o god_n and_o man._n 115_o what_o end_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n serve_v not_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o speculation_n but_o as_o a_o artificial_a representation_n of_o god_n love_n to_o man_n 120_o chap._n iii_o a_o account_n of_o the_o sabellian_n heresy_n and_o by_o what_o argument_n the_o catholic_n father_n oppose_v it_o 124_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o sabellianism_n 1_o those_o who_o make_v father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v only_o three_o name_n appearance_n and_o office_n of_o the_o same_o person_n and_o here_o the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o the_o son_n be_v a_o person_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n a_o person_n but_o whether_o they_o be_v distinct_a person_n from_o the_o father_n 125_o by_o what_o argument_n the_o catholic_n father_n oppose_v this_o heresy_n 127_o 2._o that_o the_o son_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o father_n only_o as_o a_o man_n word_n be_v distinguish_v from_o himself_o 133_o and_o by_o what_o argument_n the_o catholic_n father_n oppose_v this_o heresy_n 134_o 3._o some_o make_v god_n a_o compound_n be_v and_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o one_o god_n 143_o by_o what_o argument_n the_o father_n oppose_v it_o ibid._n chap._n iu._n concern_v the_o homoousion_n or_o one_o substance_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n 150_o 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 152_o sect_n ii_o some_o rule_n for_o expound_v the_o homoousion_n 158_o sect_n iii_o what_o the_o nicene_n father_n mean_v by_o the_o homoousion_n 163_o sect_n iv._o a_o more_o particular_a inquiry_n into_o the_o full_a signification_n of_o the_o homoousion_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o specific_a unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n 170_o sect_n v._o that_o by_o the_o homoousion_n the_o nicene_n father_n do_v not_o mere_o understand_v a_o specific_a but_o a_o natural_a unity_n and_o sameness_n of_o substance_n between_o father_n and_o son_n 180_o damascen_n distinction_n between_o one_o in_o notion_n and_o one_o in_o reality_n ibid._n this_o appear_v from_o their_o notion_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 181_o and_o the_o catholic_n father_n lie_v the_o
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
and_o institution_n as_o far_o as_o relate_v to_o this_o mystery_n these_o word_n person_n and_o hypostasis_fw-la be_v very_o ancient_o use_v without_o any_o definition_n to_o determine_v their_o signification_n till_o they_o become_v matter_n of_o dispute_n boetius_fw-la have_v give_v we_o a_o definition_n of_o person_n which_o have_v be_v general_o allow_v of_o ever_o since_o that_o a_o person_n be_v a_o individual_a substance_n of_o a_o rational_a nature_n let_v we_o then_o examine_v whether_o this_o definition_n can_v belong_v to_o a_o divine_a person_n to_o one_o who_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n as_o for_o substance_n boetius_fw-la tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o person_n persona_fw-la for_o a_o person_n can_v subsist_v in_o accident_n much_o less_o in_o modes_n which_o be_v less_o than_o accident_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a no_o other_o notion_n of_o person_n can_v belong_v to_o one_o who_o be_v god_n for_o a_o person_n who_o be_v god_n must_v be_v substance_n in_o the_o most_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a sense_n that_o be_v as_o i_o have_v already_o explain_v it_o perfect_a be_v and_o essence_n as_o st._n austin_n express_o tell_v we_o that_o in_o god_n 6._o to_o be_v and_o to_o be_v a_o person_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o that_o when_o we_o say_v the_o person_n of_o the_o father_n we_o mean_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o father_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o whole_a trinity_n it_o be_v certain_a st._n austin_n never_o dream_v of_o define_v a_o person_n much_o less_o a_o divine_a person_n by_o a_o mode_n for_o to_o make_v a_o person_n who_o be_v god_n and_o therefore_o the_o most_o perfect_a be_v a_o mode_n which_o if_o it_o be_v any_o thing_n be_v next_o to_o nothing_o no_o substance_n but_o a_o mere_a modification_n of_o substance_n be_v both_o new_a divinity_n and_o new_a philosophy_n unknown_a either_o to_o father_n or_o schoolman_n but_o mere_a substance_n can_v make_v a_o person_n unless_o it_o be_v a_o live_n ibid._n understanding_n substance_n the_o substance_n of_o a_o rational_a nature_n and_o this_o must_v be_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o person_n when_o apply_v to_o god_n for_o god_n be_v pure_a infinite_a mind_n and_o intellect_n the_o first_o and_o supreme_a life_n and_o intellect_n in_o who_o to_o live_v to_o understand_v and_o to_o be_v be_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o from_o st._n austin_n and_o if_o a_o divine_a person_n signify_v one_o who_o be_v god_n every_o person_n in_o the_o godhead_n be_v supreme_a absolute_a life_n and_o intellect_n and_o this_o be_v what_o we_o must_v understand_v by_o a_o person_n when_o we_o say_v that_o the_o father_n be_v a_o person_n the_o son_n a_o person_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n a_o person_n for_o no_o other_o notion_n of_o a_o person_n can_v belong_v to_o any_o one_o who_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n there_o be_v another_o term_n of_o great_a consideration_n in_o this_o definition_n which_o still_o remain_v to_o be_v explain_v and_o that_o be_v individual_a that_o a_o person_n be_v a_o individual_a substance_n of_o a_o rational_a nature_n which_o boetius_fw-la oppose_v to_o universal_a substance_n ibid._n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o abstract_a notion_n of_o generical_a or_o specific_a substance_n which_o have_v no_o real_a and_o actual_a subsistence_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o proper_o substance_n id._n but_o only_o the_o idea_n of_o substance_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o person_n neither_o for_o substance_n and_o person_n be_v only_o in_o singular_n and_o individual_n which_o subsist_v by_o themselves_o thus_o human_a nature_n consider_v in_o general_a as_o common_a to_o all_o mankind_n have_v no_o actual_a subsistence_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o a_o human_a person_n but_o it_o subsist_v only_o in_o particular_a man_n and_o that_o make_v every_o particular_a man_n a_o human_a person_n for_o the_o person_n of_o the_o man_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o man_n himself_o and_o so_o st._n austin_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v in_o the_o holy_a trinity_n the_o person_n of_o the_o father_n be_v the_o father_n himself_o and_o the_o person_n of_o the_o son_n be_v the_o son_n himself_o and_o if_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v three_o they_o must_v be_v three_o person_n for_o each_o of_o they_o be_v himself_o and_o not_o the_o other_o and_o three_o self_n be_v three_o person_n i_o and_o thou_o and_o he_o be_v personal_a pronoun_n i_o myself_o thou_o thyself_o he_o himself_o by_o which_o argument_n the_o catholic_n father_n prove_v against_o the_o sabellian_o that_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v three_o person_n by_o these_o personal_a pronoun_n which_o the_o scripture_n apply_v to_o they_o as_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o himself_o in_o the_o first_o person_n i_o and_o my_o father_n of_o his_o father_n in_o the_o second_o person_n i_o thank_v thou_o o_o father_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o three_o person_n when_o he_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n shall_v come_v now_o i_o and_o thou_o and_o he_o must_v signify_v three_o distinct_a person_n or_o three_o self_n person_n indeed_o as_o st._n austin_n observe_v be_v not_o a_o relative_n term_n but_o be_v speak_v ad_fw-la se_fw-la of_o the_o thing_n itself_o for_o if_o person_n be_v a_o relative_n then_o as_o we_o say_v the_o father_n be_v the_o father_n of_o his_o son_n so_o we_o must_v say_v the_o person_n of_o the_o father_n be_v the_o person_n of_o the_o son_n which_o be_v absurd_a but_o yet_o person_n must_v be_v praedicat_v plural_o according_a to_o the_o number_n of_o self_n for_o as_o many_o self_n as_o there_o be_v so_o many_o person_n be_v there_o for_o self_n make_v number_n because_o one self_o be_v not_o another_o three_o singular_a intelligent_a self_n singulares_fw-la intelligentes_fw-la as_o melancton_n call_v they_o be_v the_o proper_a notion_n of_o three_o person_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v three_o person_n if_o each_o of_o they_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n for_o god_n be_v certain_o himself_o if_o the_o father_n be_v god_n the_o father_n himself_o be_v god_n if_o the_o son_n be_v god_n the_o son_n himself_o be_v god_n if_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n himself_o be_v god_n this_o be_v the_o plain_a express_a doctrine_n of_o scripture_n and_o what_o every_o man_n may_v understand_v and_o what_o every_o one_o who_o believe_v a_o trinity_n must_v profess_v and_o no_o man_n needs_o believe_v more_o sect_n iv._o these_o name_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n prove_v the_o real_a distinction_n of_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n ii_o these_o name_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n especial_o when_o the_o name_n god_n be_v attribute_v to_o each_o of_o they_o that_o the_o father_n be_v god_n the_o son_n god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n god_n prove_v a_o real_a and_o substantial_a distinction_n between_o they_o for_o these_o be_v opposite_a relation_n which_o can_v meet_v in_o the_o same_o subject_a for_o a_o father_n can_v be_v father_n to_o himself_o but_o to_o his_o son_n nor_o can_v a_o son_n be_v son_n to_o himself_o but_o to_o his_o father_n nor_o can_v the_o holy_a ghost_n proceed_v from_o himself_o nor_o in_o this_o sense_n be_v his_o own_o spirit_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o father_n and_o son_n from_o who_o he_o proceed_v and_o therefore_o the_o father_n be_v not_o the_o son_n nor_o the_o holy_a spirit_n nor_o the_o son_n the_o father_n or_o holy_a spirit_n nor_o the_o holy_a spirit_n either_o father_n or_o son_n and_o yet_o if_o each_o of_o they_o be_v god_n each_o of_o they_o perfect_o be_v or_o be_v perfect_a be_v and_o therefore_o be_v as_o perfect_o distinct_a as_o three_o which_o perfect_o be_v and_o be_v not_o one_o another_o to_o talk_v of_o three_o distinct_a being_n substance_n mind_n or_o spirit_n may_v be_v misrepresent_v by_o perverse_a wit_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o divine_a unity_n though_o the_o catholic_n father_n beside_o hypostasis_fw-la do_v not_o scruple_n to_o use_v the_o same_o or_o other_o equivalent_a expression_n concern_v the_o holy_a trinity_n when_o they_o dispute_v against_o the_o sabellian_o yet_o if_o we_o believe_v a_o trinity_n whether_o we_o will_v or_o no_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v three_o each_o of_o which_o perfect_o be_v or_o be_v perfect_a be_v and_o no_o one_o be_v the_o other_o for_o if_o we_o deny_v this_o we_o must_v either_o deny_v that_o the_o father_n be_v or_o that_o the_o son_n be_v or_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v and_o to_o deny_v either_o of_o these_o be_v to_o deny_v a_o trinity_n and_o if_o it_o be_v object_v against_o this_o that_o according_a to_o st._n augustine_n notion_n though_o it_o be_v not_o peculiar_o he_o but_o common_a to_o all_o the_o greek_a and_o
sabellian_o do_v nor_o two_o different_a substance_n as_o the_o arian_n do_v for_o when_o god_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n this_o divine_a nativity_n will_v neither_o admit_v a_o unity_n of_o person_n nor_o a_o diversity_n of_o nature_n for_o father_n and_o son_n he_o who_o beget_v and_o he_o who_o be_v beget_v must_v be_v two_o person_n and_o the_o son_n who_o be_v beget_v of_o the_o substance_n of_o his_o father_n must_v be_v consubstantial_a with_o he_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o multiply_v quotation_n to_o this_o purpose_n both_o out_o of_o these_o and_o numerous_a other_o ancient_a writer_n but_o this_o be_v proof_n enough_o that_o the_o primitive_a father_n will_v not_o be_v fright_v out_o of_o the_o true_a catholic_n faith_n of_o a_o real_a and_o substantial_a trinity_n by_o the_o loud_a clamour_n of_o tritheism_n but_o reject_v such_o a_o notion_n of_o one_o god_n as_o confine_v the_o godhead_n to_o one_o single_n solitary_n person_n as_o judaism_n and_o a_o anti-trinitarian_a heresy_n for_o we_o know_v in_o what_o sense_n the_o jew_n own_v but_o one_o god_n viz._n in_o the_o very_a sense_n that_o the_o socinian_o and_o all_o anti-trinitarians_a do_v that_o be_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o who_o be_v god_n but_o one_o divine_a person_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n these_o ancient_a father_n reject_v it_o but_o beside_o these_o general_a say_n they_o industrious_o confute_v this_o notion_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n which_o confine_v it_o to_o one_o single_a person_n that_o the_o one_o god_n be_v so_o one_o that_o there_o be_v and_o can_v be_v but_o one_o divine_a person_n who_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n the_o scripture_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n do_v express_o teach_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n this_o the_o ancient_a heretic_n perpetual_o object_v against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n and_o st._n hilary_n observe_v ibid._n what_o danger_n there_o be_v in_o answer_v this_o objection_n if_o it_o be_v not_o do_v with_o great_a caution_n for_o it_o may_v be_v equal_o impious_a to_o deny_v or_o to_o affirm_v it_o for_o the_o true_a catholic_n faith_n of_o one_o god_n lie_v between_o two_o such_o contrary_a heresy_n as_o be_v ready_a to_o take_v advantage_n one_o way_n or_o other_o whatever_o answer_v you_o give_v if_o you_o own_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n without_o take_v notice_n that_o this_o one_o god_n have_v a_o only_o beget_v son_n who_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n the_o arian_n take_v advantage_n of_o this_o against_o the_o eternal_a godhead_n of_o the_o son_n if_o you_o say_v that_o the_o father_n be_v god_n and_o the_o son_n god_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n the_o sabellian_o hence_o conclude_v that_o father_n and_o son_n be_v but_o one_o person_n as_o they_o be_v one_o god_n but_o in_o opposition_n to_o both_o these_o heresy_n he_o tell_v we_o ibid._n that_o though_o the_o catholic_n church_n do_v not_o deny_v one_o god_n yet_o they_o teach_v god_n and_o god_n and_o deny_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n both_o in_o the_o arian_n and_o sabellian_n notion_n of_o one_o god_n and_o consequent_o that_o they_o profess_v to_o believe_v god_n and_o god_n and_o god_n though_o not_o three_o god_n but_o one_o god_n yet_o in_o that_o very_a sense_n which_o both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a heretic_n call_v tritheism_n there_o be_v no_o dispute_n but_o the_o scripture_n do_v very_o full_o and_o express_o teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n hear_v o_o israel_n the_o lord_n our_o god_n be_v one_o lord_n 6._o deut._n 4._o which_o our_o saviour_n himself_o approve_v 12._o mark_v 29._o and_o the_o scribe_n expound_v 32._o well_o master_n thou_o have_v say_v the_o truth_n for_o there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o there_o be_v none_o other_o but_o he_o and_o this_o be_v often_o confirm_v both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n but_o then_o the_o father_n think_v that_o they_o have_v a_o unanswerable_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o by_o one_o god_n be_v not_o mean_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o who_o be_v god_n because_o the_o same_o holy_a scripture_n which_o teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n do_v attribute_v the_o name_n and_o dignity_n and_o power_n and_o all_o the_o natural_a perfection_n of_o god_n to_o more_o than_o one._n st._n hilary_n explain_v this_o argument_n at_o large_a trin._n the_o sum_n of_o which_o in_o short_a be_v this_o that_o we_o must_v learn_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n from_o divine_a revelation_n for_o humane_a understanding_n which_o be_v accustom_v to_o corporeal_a and_o bodily_a image_n be_v too_o weak_a of_o themselves_o to_o discern_v and_o contemplate_v divine_a thing_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o ourselves_o or_o in_o create_a nature_n that_o can_v give_v we_o a_o adequate_a notion_n and_o conception_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o unity_n of_o god_n we_o must_v believe_v god_n concern_v himself_o ibid._n and_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o yield_v a_o ready_a assent_n to_o what_o he_o reveal_v to_o we_o for_o we_o must_v either_o deny_v he_o to_o be_v god_n as_o the_o heathen_n do_v if_o we_o reject_v his_o testimony_n or_o if_o we_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v god_n we_o must_v conceive_v no_o otherwise_o of_o he_o than_o as_o he_o himself_o have_v teach_v we_o this_o be_v very_o reasonable_a if_o we_o believe_v upon_o god_n authority_n to_o believe_v all_o that_o god_n reveal_v and_o to_o expound_v the_o revelation_n by_o itself_o not_o to_o put_v such_o a_o sense_n upon_o one_o part_n of_o the_o revelation_n as_o shall_v contradict_v another_o but_o to_o put_v such_o a_o sense_n upon_o the_o word_n as_o make_v the_o whole_a consistent_a with_o itself_o as_o in_o the_o present_a dispute_n concern_v the_o unity_n of_o god_n the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o we_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n except_v the_o valentinian_o and_o such_o kind_n of_o heretic_n all_o christian_n both_o catholic_n and_o heretic_n agree_v in_o this_o profession_n but_o the_o question_n be_v in_o what_o sense_n the_o scripture_n teach_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n whether_o this_o one_o god_n signify_v one_o single_a divine_a person_n or_o one_o god_n with_o his_o only_a beget_v son_n and_o eternal_a spirit_n who_o have_v the_o same_o nature_n and_o divinity_n the_o arian_n and_o socinian_o embrace_v the_o first_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n that_o one_o god_n be_v one_o divine_a person_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n will_v not_o own_o christ_n or_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n because_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o three_o divine_a person_n they_o say_v be_v three_o go_n now_o unless_o we_o will_v pretend_v to_o understand_v the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o divine_a unity_n better_a than_o god_n himself_o do_v we_o must_v refer_v this_o dispute_n to_o scripture_n and_o if_o we_o have_v the_o same_o authority_n to_o believe_v more_o divine_a person_n than_o one_o that_o we_o have_v to_o believe_v but_o one_o god_n than_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture-notion_n of_o it_o be_v no_o tritheism_n nor_o any_o objection_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o trinity_n for_o there_o may_v be_v but_o one_o only_a god_n and_o yet_o three_o divine_a person_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o same_o godhead_n this_o be_v st._n hilary_n argument_n praedicantes_fw-la and_o it_o be_v a_o very_a good_a one_o that_o moses_n himself_o who_o have_v teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n initium_fw-la have_v teach_v we_o to_o confess_v god_n and_o god_n that_o we_o have_v the_o same_o authority_n to_o believe_v the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o be_v god_n that_o we_o have_v to_o believe_v one_o god_n and_o therefore_o though_o we_o do_v and_o must_v believe_v one_o god_n we_o must_v not_o so_o believe_v one_o god_n as_o to_o deny_v the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o be_v god_n for_o this_o be_v to_o contradict_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n this_o argument_n he_o prosecute_v at_o large_a throughout_o the_o iv_o the_o and_o five_o the_o book_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o allege_v all_o those_o old_a testament_n proof_n for_o the_o plurality_n of_o divine_a person_n and_o for_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n which_o whatever_o opinion_n some_o modern_a wit_n and_o critic_n have_v of_o they_o have_v be_v apply_v to_o that_o purpose_n by_o all_o christian_a writer_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n and_o be_v that_o my_o present_a business_n may_v be_v easy_o vindicate_v from_o the_o cavil_n and_o exception_n of_o heretic_n st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n the_o father_n of_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n and_o we_o in_o he_o and_o one_o jesus_n christ_n
not_o only_o the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o god_n but_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o perfection_n to_o more_o person_n than_o one._n and_o this_o be_v the_o only_a answer_n that_o need_v be_v give_v and_o the_o best_a answer_n that_o can_v be_v give_v to_o this_o objection_n of_o tritheism_n for_o god_n know_v his_o own_o nature_n and_o his_o own_o unity_n best_o and_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o we_o to_o acknowledge_v god_n to_o be_v one_o as_o the_o scripture_n teach_v he_o to_o be_v one_o that_o be_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n but_o that_o this_o one_o god_n have_v a_o eternal_a only_o beget_v son_n and_o a_o eternal_a spirit_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o same_o godhead_n this_o be_v the_o account_n tertullian_n give_v we_o of_o those_o expression_n 18._o when_o the_o scripture_n assert_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o that_o there_o be_v none_o beside_o he_o for_o without_o deny_v the_o son_n we_o may_v true_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a god_n who_o son_n he_o be_v for_o though_o he_o have_v a_o son_n he_o do_v not_o lose_v his_o name_n of_o the_o one_o and_o only_a god_n when_o he_o be_v name_v without_o his_o sâ—n_n and_o so_o he_o be_v when_o what_o be_v say_v be_v appropriate_v to_o he_o as_o the_o first_o persâ—n_n for_o in_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n aâ—â—_n of_o ouâ—_n conception_n the_o father_n be_v befoâ—â—â—he_a son_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v name_v bâ—â—ore_o he_o so_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n the_o father_n and_o beside_o he_o there_o be_v no_o other_o which_o do_v not_o deny_v the_o son_n but_o another_o god_n which_o reject_v the_o multitude_n of_o false_a god_n which_o the_o heathen_n worship_v but_o the_o son_n as_o be_v inseparable_o unite_v to_o he_o be_v include_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o father_n godhead_n though_o not_o name_v which_o as_o he_o well_o observe_v he_o can_v not_o be_v without_o make_v another_o god_n of_o he_o have_v the_o father_n say_v there_o be_v no_o other_o god_n beside_o i_o except_v my_o son_n this_o have_v make_v the_o son_n another_o god_n a_o new_a separate_a divinity_n and_o will_v have_v be_v as_o improper_a as_o if_o the_o sun_n shall_v say_v there_o be_v no_o other_o sun_n beside_o i_o except_v my_o ray_n the_o sum_n of_o which_o be_v this_o that_o the_o title_n of_o the_o one_o and_o only_a god_n and_o beside_o he_o there_o be_v no_o other_o god_n do_v in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n belong_v to_o the_o father_n who_o be_v the_o one_o only_a god_n with_o his_o son_n and_o spirit_n but_o this_o do_v not_o exclude_v the_o son_n or_o spirit_n from_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n for_o they_o be_v not_o other_o god_n from_o the_o father_n but_o have_v the_o same_o divinity_n and_o be_v inseparable_o â—mited_v to_o the_o father_n and_o therefore_o be_v include_v in_o the_o â—â—ity_n of_o the_o godhead_n without_o be_v name_v whereas_o thâ—â—r_n be_v name_v will_v have_v except_v they_o out_o of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n and_o make_v other_o god_n of_o they_o and_o though_o the_o son_n when_o he_o be_v name_v alâ—ne_n 19_o be_v call_v god_n this_o do_v not_o make_v two_o god_n because_o he_o be_v god_n only_o by_o his_o unity_n with_o his_o father_n st._n hilary_n give_v much_o the_o same_o account_n of_o it_o fine_a that_o when_o the_o scripture_n teach_v that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o no_o other_o god_n beside_o he_o this_o do_v not_o exclude_v the_o son_n of_o god_n from_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n because_o the_o son_n be_v not_o another_o god_n intelligatur_fw-la he_o be_v of_o the_o same_o substance_n with_o god_n the_o father_n god_n of_o god_n and_o inseparable_o unite_v to_o he_o another_o god_n do_v not_o signify_v another_o divine_a person_n 5._o but_o another_o divinity_n another_o separate_z and_o independent_a principle_n and_o fountain_n of_o deity_n and_o beside_o this_o st._n hilary_n endeavour_v to_o prove_v at_o large_a from_o several_a text_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o this_o very_a expression_n of_o one_o god_n and_o no_o other_o beside_o he_o 4._o be_v apply_v not_o only_o to_o the_o father_n but_o to_o the_o son_n and_o be_v very_o just_o applicable_a to_o each_o of_o they_o because_o each_o of_o they_o have_v a_o personal_a and_o incommunicable_a unity_n the_o father_n be_v the_o one_o god_n and_o there_o be_v none_o beside_o he_o for_o he_o be_v the_o only_a deus_fw-la innascibilis_fw-la the_o only_a god_n who_o be_v god_n of_o himself_o without_o any_o communication_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o he_o from_o any_o other_o divine_a person_n the_o son_n be_v the_o one_o god_n and_o there_o be_v none_o beside_o he_o that_o be_v the_o deus_fw-la vnigenitus_fw-la the_o only_o beget_v god_n and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o beget_v god_n but_o he_o so_o that_o each_o of_o they_o be_v the_o one_o god_n for_o between_o one_o and_o one_o that_o be_v one_o of_o one_o there_o be_v no_o second_o nature_n of_o the_o eternal_a dâ—ity_n i_o shall_v not_o dispute_v these_o matter_n now_o which_o will_v be_v more_o proper_a in_o another_o place_n it_o be_v enough_o at_o present_a that_o we_o learn_v from_o they_o what_o sense_n these_o father_n have_v concern_v the_o unity_n of_o god_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o sâ—ngle_a person_n so_o as_o to_o exclude_v all_o other_o person_n from_o the_o name_n and_o nature_n of_o god_n but_o a_o unity_n of_o nature_n and_o principle_n that_o there_o be_v not_o two_o different_a divinity_n nor_o two_o principle_n of_o divinity_n which_o have_v no_o communication_n with_o each_o other_o but_o that_o there_o be_v one_o self-originated_n be_v who_o communicate_v his_o own_o nature_n without_o division_n and_o separation_n to_o his_o eternal_a son_n and_o by_o and_o with_o his_o son_n to_o his_o eternal_a spirit_n thus_o st._n hilary_n conclude_v this_o dispute_n that_o to_o confess_v one_o god_n but_o not_o a_o solitary_a god_n that_o be_v 5._o not_o one_o single_a solitary_a person_n be_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n which_o confess_v the_o father_n in_o the_o son_n but_o if_o out_o of_o ignorance_n of_o this_o heavenly_a mystery_n we_o pretend_v that_o one_o god_n signify_v one_o single_a divine_a person_n we_o know_v not_o god_n as_o not_o own_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n in_o god_n this_o be_v plain_a sense_n which_o every_o christian_a may_v understand_v and_o what_o every_o one_o must_v believe_v who_o will_v be_v a_o christian_n we_o must_v believe_v in_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n that_o the_o father_n be_v not_o the_o son_n nor_o the_o son_n the_o father_n nor_o the_o holy_a ghost_n either_o father_n or_o son_n and_o that_o each_o of_o these_o three_o be_v in_o himself_o as_o distinguish_v from_o the_o other_o two_o true_a and_o perfect_a god_n but_o though_o they_o be_v three_o and_o each_o of_o they_o true_a and_o perfect_a god_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o three_o god_n because_o there_o be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o divinity_n in_o they_o the_o same_o individual_a numerical_a divine_a nature_n be_v whole_a perfect_a undivided_a in_o they_o all_o original_o in_o the_o father_n by_o generation_n in_o the_o son_n and_o by_o procession_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o i_o have_v already_o explain_v it_o which_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a unity_n we_o can_v conceive_v between_o three_o whole_n or_o three_o each_o of_o which_o have_v the_o same_o whole_a undivided_a nature_n distinct_o in_o themselves_o if_o this_o will_v not_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v such_o a_o unity_n as_o be_v include_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o one_o god_n that_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o one_o god_n be_v of_o one_o only_a who_o be_v god_n which_o be_v contradictory_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o three_o each_o of_o who_o be_v in_o himself_o true_a and_o perfect_a god_n the_o answer_n the_o catholic_n father_n give_v to_o this_o as_o i_o have_v now_o show_v ought_v to_o satisfy_v all_o christian_n that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o scripture-notion_n of_o one_o god_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o who_o be_v god_n because_o the_o same_o holy_a scripture_n which_o teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n do_v also_o teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v three_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n that_o not_o only_o the_o father_n be_v god_n as_o a_o infinite_a eternal_a self-originated_n be_v and_o upon_o this_o account_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n call_v the_o one_o and_o only_a true_a god_n but_o the_o son_n also_o be_v true_a god_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n true_a god_n by_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o same_o divine_a nature_n to_o they_o now_o god_n know_v his_o own_o nature_n and_o unity_n best_o and_o if_o he_o declare_v himself_o to_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
inquire_v 1._o what_o that_o catholic_n church_n be_v from_o whence_o we_o must_v receive_v this_o traditionary_a faith_n 2._o what_o evidence_n we_o have_v of_o this_o tradition_n concern_v the_o trinity_n in_o the_o catholic_n church_n 3._o of_o what_o authority_n this_o aught_o reasonable_o to_o be_v in_o expound_v scripture_n sect_n ii_o concern_v the_o traditionary_a faith_n of_o the_o church_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n first_o then_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o that_o catholic_n church_n be_v from_o whence_o we_o must_v receive_v this_o traditionary_a faith_n now_o since_o christ_n give_v the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o plant_v church_n to_o his_o apostle_n those_o only_o must_v be_v reckon_v the_o true_a apostolic_a church_n from_o which_o we_o must_v receive_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n which_o be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o by_o apostolic_a man_n and_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o they_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o prove_v any_o doctrine_n to_o be_v the_o true_a primitive_a faith_n that_o it_o be_v preach_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o apostolic_a church_n which_o be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o receive_v their_o faith_n from_o they_o for_o that_o only_o be_v the_o primitive_a and_o apostolic_a faith_n and_o therefore_o though_o arian_n and_o socinian_o can_v prove_v their_o heresy_n to_o be_v as_o ancient_a as_o the_o apostolic_a age_n as_o we_o grant_v something_o like_o they_o be_v this_o do_v not_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o apostolic_a church_n and_o this_o be_v very_o visible_a in_o those_o day_n what_o these_o church_n be_v which_o be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o they_o and_o be_v very_o visible_a still_o in_o the_o most_o authentic_a record_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o heretic_n which_o spring_v up_o in_o that_o age_n separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o apostle_n and_o thereby_o make_v a_o visible_a distinction_n between_o the_o true_a apostolic_a church_n and_o heretical_a conventicle_n and_o in_o after-age_n they_o either_o separate_v themselves_o or_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n this_o st._n john_n account_v a_o great_a advantage_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o a_o infallible_a proof_n of_o false_a doctrine_n and_o heresy_n as_o it_o certain_o be_v at_o that_o time_n for_o if_o the_o apostle_n teach_v the_o true_a faith_n those_o who_o separate_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o preach_v another_o gospel_n which_o they_o never_o learn_v from_o they_o must_v be_v heretic_n 1_o joh._n 2.18_o 19_o little_a child_n it_o be_v the_o last_o time_n and_o as_o you_o have_v hear_v that_o antichrist_n shall_v come_v even_o now_o there_o be_v many_o antichrist_n whereby_o we_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o last_o time_n they_o go_v out_o from_o we_o but_o they_o be_v not_o of_o we_o for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v of_o we_o they_o no_o doubt_n will_v have_v continue_v with_o we_o but_o they_o go_v out_o that_o they_o may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v not_o all_o of_o we_o the_o separation_n of_o heretic_n in_o that_o age_n be_v a_o visible_a renounce_v the_o apostolic_a faith_n and_o communion_n and_o therefore_o how_o many_o heresy_n soever_o start_v up_o it_o be_v still_o visible_a where_o the_o apostolic_a faith_n and_o tradition_n be_v preserve_v and_o this_o be_v of_o admirable_a use_n to_o preserve_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n sincere_a and_o uncorrupt_a for_o have_v these_o heretic_n continue_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o apostle_n and_o apostolic_a church_n and_o secret_o propagate_v their_o heresy_n and_o infect_v great_a number_n of_o christian_n without_o divide_v into_o distinct_a and_o opposite_a communion_n it_o will_v have_v be_v a_o great_a dispute_n in_o the_o next_o age_n which_o have_v be_v the_o true_a apostolic_a faith_n when_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n which_o all_o their_o time_n live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o apostle_n shall_v preach_v contrary_a doctrine_n and_o pretend_v with_o equal_a confidence_n apostolic_a tradition_n which_o the_o great_a heretic_n may_v very_o plausible_o have_v do_v have_v they_o always_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o apostle_n but_o they_o go_v out_o from_o we_o say_v st._n john_n that_o they_o may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v not_o all_o of_o we_o that_o the_o world_n may_v know_v how_o to_o distinguish_v between_o catholic_n christian_n and_o heretic_n and_o between_o the_o true_a catholic_n faith_n and_o the_o corrupt_a innovation_n of_o perverse_a man_n and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n to_o this_o day_n why_o we_o shall_v keep_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n sincere_a and_o uncorrupt_a and_o not_o set_v our_o door_n open_a for_o arian_n and_o socinian_o and_o all_o sort_n of_o heretic_n to_o mix_v with_o we_o for_o though_o since_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n have_v bâ—en_v so_o break_v and_o divide_v by_o schism_n and_o faction_n and_o heresy_n it_o be_v no_o proof_n of_o the_o true_a apostolic_a faith_n mere_o that_o it_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o such_o a_o church_n though_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n still_o vain_o pretend_v to_o such_o authority_n yet_o it_o will_v soon_o ruin_v the_o christian_a church_n and_o the_o christian_a faith_n to_o have_v no_o distinction_n preserve_v between_o true_a apostolic_a church_n and_o the_o apostolic_a faith_n and_o the_o conventicle_n of_o heretic_n the_o impure_a offspring_n of_o cerinthus_n and_o ebion_n of_o photinus_n or_o arius_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o abhor_v that_o accommodating-design_n which_o some_o man_n have_v express_v so_o warm_a a_o zeal_n for_o to_o comprehend_v away_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n in_o some_o loose_a general_a expression_n without_o any_o particular_a determine_a sense_n and_o to_o purge_v our_o liturgy_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o savour_v of_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n that_o arian_n and_o socinian_o may_v join_v in_o communion_n with_o we_o which_o be_v a_o plausible_a pretence_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o christian_a charity_n and_o communion_n to_o betray_v the_o christian_a faith_n not_o express_o to_o renounce_v it_o but_o to_o bury_v it_o in_o silence_n as_o a_o useless_a and_o church-dividing_a dispute_n i_o be_o satisfy_v this_o holy_a faith_n can_v never_o be_v confute_v but_o can_v these_o man_n prevail_v it_o may_v soon_o be_v lost._n but_o to_o return_v this_o be_v a_o sure_a foundation_n for_o our_o inquiry_n into_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n to_o know_v what_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v for_o otherwise_o we_o may_v mistake_v old_a heresy_n for_o the_o primitive_a faith_n but_o those_o church_n which_o be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o apostolical_a man_n and_o receive_v their_o faith_n from_o they_o and_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o they_o be_v the_o true_a primitive_a and_o apostolic_a church_n and_o their_o faith_n be_v the_o true_a primitive_a apostolic_a faith_n and_o what_o that_o be_v justin_n martyr_n and_o irenaeus_n assure_v we_o the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o what_o their_o faith_n be_v as_o to_o all_o these_o three_o divine_a person_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o write_n of_o those_o ancient_a father_n who_o preserve_v the_o succession_n and_o communion_n of_o these_o apostolic_a church_n but_o this_o be_v not_o what_o i_o intend_v at_o present_a but_o from_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o those_o ancient_a heresy_n which_o be_v reject_v and_o condemn_v by_o the_o apostolic_a church_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o appear_v can_v not_o be_v the_o apostolic_a faith_n these_o heretic_n separate_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o apostolic_a church_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o receive_v their_o faith_n from_o they_o nor_o do_v they_o pretend_v to_o this_o while_o the_o apostle_n live_v though_o they_o forge_v new_a gospel_n and_o act_n and_o revelation_n for_o they_o when_o they_o be_v dead_a and_o thus_o all_o the_o heresy_n of_o simon_n magus_n menander_n cerinthus_n ebion_n valentinus_n and_o all_o those_o other_o division_n and_o subdivision_n of_o heretic_n who_o deny_v or_o corrupt_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n or_o his_o incarnation_n be_v all_o reject_v from_o the_o apostolical_a faith_n for_o these_o heretic_n do_v not_o receive_v their_o doctrine_n from_o the_o apostle_n and_o apostolic_a church_n as_o they_o themselves_o own_v by_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o apostolic_a church_n and_o these_o church_n give_v testimony_n against_o their_o corruption_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v know_v and_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o other_o confutation_n of_o they_o if_o we_o allow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o
but_o yet_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o divine_a and_o human_a person_n though_o christ_n be_v one_o person_n and_o jesus_n another_o and_o therefore_o as_o the_o nicene_n creed_n which_o we_o find_v also_o in_o the_o ancient_a oriental_a creed_n teach_v we_o to_o believe_v in_o one_o god_n the_o father_n almighty_n maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o of_o all_o thing_n visible_a and_o invisible_a not_o to_o exclude_v christ_n from_o be_v the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n but_o in_o opposition_n to_o those_o heretic_n who_o will_v not_o allow_v the_o supreme_a god_n who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n but_o attribute_v the_o creation_n of_o this_o world_n to_o one_o or_o more_o inferior_a angel_n so_o they_o add_v and_o in_o one_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n in_o opposition_n to_o those_o who_o make_v christ_n and_o jesus_n two_o person_n and_o yet_o in_o this_o very_a heresy_n we_o may_v see_v what_o the_o ancient_n catholic_n faith_n be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v god_n and_o man_n as_o cerinthus_n himself_o own_v though_o he_o will_v not_o unite_v christ_n and_o jesus_n into_o one_o person_n nor_o make_v the_o union_n inseparable_a the_o valentinian_n heresy_n though_o dress_v up_o after_o the_o mode_n of_o the_o pagan_a theology_n be_v a_o manifest_a corruption_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o a_o more_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o divine_a mystery_n and_o we_o may_v still_o see_v the_o break_a remain_n of_o the_o catholic_n tradition_n of_o the_o trinity_n among_o they_o their_o pleroma_n by_o which_o they_o seem_v to_o understand_v the_o fullness_n of_o the_o deity_n as_o st._n paul_n use_v that_o phrase_n 2_o col._n 9_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n dwell_v in_o christ_n bodily_a i_o say_v this_o pleroma_n consist_v of_o several_a aeons_n or_o divine_a person_n which_o be_v propagate_v from_o the_o unknown_a and_o incomprehensible_a father_n in_o gradual_a descent_n and_o all_o together_o make_v up_o the_o complete_a and_o perfect_a deity_n which_o be_v more_o or_o few_o according_a to_o the_o various_a fancy_n of_o heretic_n now_o from_o these_o wild_a conceit_n we_o may_v in_o some_o measure_n learn_v what_o the_o catholic_n faith_n be_v that_o the_o godhead_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o one_o single_a and_o solitary_a person_n but_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o foecundity_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o communicate_v itself_o to_o more_o person_n than_o one_o for_o have_v it_o be_v the_o know_a and_o receive_v faith_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o person_n in_o the_o godhead_n as_o well_o as_o but_o one_o god_n there_o have_v be_v no_o pretence_n for_o these_o heretic_n who_o call_v themselves_o christian_n and_o boast_v of_o a_o more_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n to_o have_v invent_v such_o a_o number_n of_o aeons_n which_o they_o include_v within_o their_o pleroma_n as_o the_o several_a emanation_n of_o their_o deity_n and_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o most_o of_o the_o name_n which_o they_o give_v to_o their_o several_a aeons_n be_v scripture-name_n and_o title_n which_o the_o pagan_a theology_n know_v nothing_o of_o and_o which_o they_o can_v learn_v no_o where_o but_o from_o the_o christian_a church_n basilides_n i_o think_v be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o who_o give_v we_o any_o distinct_a account_n of_o these_o aeons_n which_o be_v new_o model_v by_o valentinus_n and_o other_o succeed_a heretic_n and_o his_o first_o and_o supreme_a aeon_n 24._o as_o epiphanius_n tell_v we_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o unbegotten_a one_o who_o only_o be_v the_o father_n of_o all_o and_o by_o other_o be_v call_v the_o propater_n and_o the_o unknown_a invisible_a incomprehensible_a father_n now_o though_o the_o heathen_n very_o familiar_o call_v their_o supreme_a god_n the_o father_n of_o god_n and_o man_n with_o respect_n to_o his_o create_a power_n yet_o as_o the_o notion_n of_o father_n be_v found_v in_o a_o substantial_a generation_n as_o these_o heretic_n plain_o understand_v it_o so_o it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a character_n of_o god_n under_o the_o gospel_n who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n his_o only_a beget_v son_n it_o be_v certain_a the_o first_o person_n in_o the_o godhead_n be_v never_o call_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o one_o that_o be_v unbegotten_a but_o to_o distinguish_v he_o from_o one_o who_o be_v beget_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o only_o beget_v who_o be_v god_n also_o but_o god_n oâ—_n god_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a what_o tertullian_n tell_v we_o of_o heracleon_n haeret._n that_o he_o make_v his_o first_o aeâ—n_n to_o be_v illud_fw-la quod_fw-la pronunciat_fw-la which_o some_o critic_n not_o understanding_n think_v to_o be_v a_o defect_n in_o the_o copy_n but_o the_o sense_n be_v plain_a that_o his_o first_o aeon_n be_v he_o that_o pronounce_v or_o speak_v by_o which_o he_o represent_v the_o eternal_a generation_n of_o the_o word_n so_o that_o his_o first_o aeon_n be_v the_o pronouncer_n or_o speaker_n that_o be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o eternal_a word_n which_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n be_v with_o god_n and_o be_v god_n which_o show_v that_o this_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o disguise_a corruption_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n concern_v the_o eternal_a generation_n of_o the_o word_n from_o the_o eternal_a unbegotten_a father_n to_o confirm_v this_o i_o observe_v far_o that_o most_o of_o the_o name_n which_o they_o give_v to_o their_o other_n aeons_n be_v such_o name_n title_n or_o character_n as_o the_o scripture_n give_v to_o christ_n or_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o they_o have_v multiply_v into_o so_o many_o distinct_a person_n or_o aeons_n such_o as_o the_o mind_n word_n prudence_n power_n and_o wisdom_n truth_n life_n light_n the_o only_o beget_v the_o paraclete_n and_o the_o like_a valentinus_n indeed_o as_o epiphanius_n observe_v do_v model_n his_o thirty_o aeons_n according_a to_o hesiod_n genealogy_n and_o number_n of_o god_n and_o with_o some_o manifest_a allusion_n to_o they_o but_o yet_o he_o retain_v as_o many_o scripture-name_n as_o he_o can_v the_o better_a to_o reconcile_v unwary_a people_n to_o his_o fabulous_a genealogy_n as_o the_o hide_a and_o mysterious_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a such_o fable_n shall_v ever_o have_v obtain_v any_o credit_n have_v they_o not_o be_v graft_v on_o the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o pretend_v to_o improve_v it_o with_o new_a degree_n of_o light_n and_o knowledge_n when_o these_o heresy_n be_v pretty_a well_o silence_v up_o start_n noetus_n and_o sabellius_n who_o run_v into_o the_o other_o extreme_a the_o valentinian_o have_v corrupt_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n by_o multiply_v three_o divine_a person_n into_o thirty_o aeons_n beside_o all_o their_o other_o pagan_a and_o fabulous_a conceit_n about_o they_o this_o offend_v these_o man_n as_o downright_a polytheism_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v no_o better_a and_o to_o avoid_v this_o they_o reject_v a_o trinity_n of_o real_a and_o substantial_a person_n for_o a_o trinity_n of_o name_n that_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v but_o three_o name_n of_o the_o same_o person_n who_o be_v sometime_o call_v the_o father_n at_o other_o time_n the_o son_n or_o the_o holy_a ghost_n with_o respect_n to_o his_o different_a appearance_n or_o operation_n or_o they_o make_v the_o son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n not_o two_o person_n but_o two_o personal_a attribute_n in_o god_n his_o wisdom_n or_o power_n or_o they_o make_v the_o trinity_n but_o three_o part_n of_o one_o compound_v god_n as_o a_o man_n consist_v of_o body_n soul_n and_o spirit_n which_o of_o late_o have_v be_v revive_v among_o we_o under_o different_a name_n after_o these_o man_n arise_v arius_n and_o his_o follower_n who_o out_o of_o great_a zeal_n also_o for_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n frame_v a_o new_a and_o more_o subtle_a heresy_n they_o be_v sensible_a that_o father_n and_o son_n be_v not_o two_o name_n but_o two_o real_a distinct_a person_n and_o therefore_o they_o attribute_v the_o whole_a entire_a divinity_n to_o the_o father_n and_o make_v the_o son_n not_o to_o be_v god_n by_o nature_n but_o the_o most_o perfect_a and_o excellent_a creature_n as_o perfect_a a_o image_n of_o god_n as_o any_o creature_n can_v be_v but_o not_o consubstantial_a with_o god_n nor_o coequal_a and_o coeternal_a with_o he_o all_o these_o heresy_n be_v reject_v and_o condemn_v by_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o their_o several_a age_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o appear_v and_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o this_o be_v one_o very_o good_a way_n to_o learn_v what_o the_o catholic_n faith_n be_v from_o its_o opposition_n to_o
those_o heresy_n which_o the_o catholic_n church_n condemn_v and_o from_o the_o corrupt_a remain_n of_o the_o ancient_a faith_n which_o appear_v in_o they_o for_o these_o heretic_n be_v original_o christian_n and_o profess_v themselves_o christian_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o whole_o renounce_v the_o christian_a faith_n but_o graft_v their_o heresy_n on_o it_o as_o to_o confine_v myself_o to_o the_o subject_a of_o the_o present_a dispute_n what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n whether_o three_o distinct_a real_a substantial_a person_n or_o not_o each_o of_o who_o be_v distinct_o by_o himself_o true_a and_o perfect_a god_n but_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o same_o divine_a nature_n and_o godhead_n now_o that_o this_o be_v the_o receive_a faith_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n we_o may_v learn_v both_o from_o the_o valentinian_o sabellian_n and_o arian_n though_o the_o valentinian_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o have_v corrupt_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n either_o with_o the_o platonic_a philosophy_n as_o that_o itself_o have_v be_v corrupt_v by_o the_o junior_a platonist_n or_o with_o the_o pagan_a theology_n yet_o the_o propagation_n of_o their_o aeons_n in_o different_a degree_n and_o descent_n from_o the_o first_o supreme_a aeon_n the_o unbegotten_a one_o and_o the_o invisible_a and_o incomprehensible_a father_n as_o they_o style_v he_o show_v what_o they_o think_v the_o catholic_n faith_n be_v concern_v the_o eternal_a generation_n of_o the_o son_n and_o procession_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o they_o take_v to_o be_v a_o substantial_a generation_n and_o procession_n and_o according_o in_o imitation_n of_o this_o faith_n assert_v a_o substantial_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o emanation_n of_o one_o aeon_n from_o another_o and_o which_o be_v more_o none_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n who_o write_v against_o this_o heresy_n as_o far_o as_o i_o have_v observe_v ever_o quarrel_n with_o they_o upon_o this_o account_n nay_o tertullian_n though_o he_o abominate_v these_o heresy_n own_v this_o probole_fw-la or_o emanation_n in_o a_o true_a catholic_n sense_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o these_o heretic_n borrow_v this_o word_n from_o the_o catholic_n faith_n though_o they_o fit_v it_o to_o their_o heresy_n and_o challenge_v any_o man_n to_o say_v whether_o the_o divine_a word_n be_v not_o produce_v by_o the_o father_n 8._o and_o if_o it_o be_v here_z say_v he_o be_v the_o prolation_n or_o emanation_n which_o the_o true_a catholic_n faith_n own_v and_o add_v that_o the_o fault_n of_o this_o heresy_n be_v not_o their_o produce_v one_o aeon_n from_o another_o but_o that_o beside_o the_o number_n of_o their_o fictitious_a aeons_n they_o do_v separate_v these_o emanation_n and_o aeons_n from_o their_o author_n that_o the_o aeons_n know_v not_o the_o father_n nay_o desire_v to_o know_v he_o but_o can_v not_o know_v he_o and_o be_v even_o dissolve_v with_o passion_n and_o desire_n whereas_o in_o the_o catholic_n faith_n there_o be_v the_o most_o inseparable_a union_n of_o the_o son_n with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o most_o intimate_v and_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o he_o so_o that_o tertullian_n allow_v of_o a_o real_a and_o substantial_a production_n of_o the_o person_n of_o the_o son_n from_o the_o person_n of_o the_o father_n as_o the_o valentinian_o pretend_v of_o their_o aeons_n and_o assert_n that_o these_o heretic_n learn_v this_o from_o the_o catholic_n faith_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o that_o the_o church_n must_v not_o reject_v this_o probole_fw-la prolation_n or_o emanation_n in_o a_o orthodox_n catholic_n use_v of_o those_o word_n because_o heretic_n abuse_v they_o to_o countenance_v their_o own_o heresy_n as_o for_o the_o noetian_o and_o sabellian_o for_o however_o they_o explain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n whether_o by_o three_o name_n or_o three_o power_n or_o three_o part_n while_o they_o teach_v that_o the_o one_o god_n be_v but_o one_o single_a person_n the_o heresy_n be_v the_o same_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o catholic_n church_n shall_v reject_v this_o heresy_n without_o assert_v three_o distinct_a real_a substantial_a person_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n each_o of_o who_o be_v as_o true_a and_o perfect_a god_n as_o each_o of_o three_o man_n peter_n james_n and_o john_n be_v a_o true_a perfect_a distinct_a man_n though_o these_o three_o man_n be_v not_o uniâ—ed_v as_o the_o three_o divine_a person_n be_v the_o occasion_n of_o this_o heresy_n be_v that_o they_o think_v that_o three_o real_a distinct_a person_n in_o the_o godhead_n be_v three_o god_n and_o therefore_o though_o be_v profess_v christian_n and_o consequent_o baptize_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 they_o dare_v not_o deny_v father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n yet_o neither_o will_v they_o own_o three_o divine_a person_n but_o turn_v they_o into_o three_o name_n or_o three_o part_n of_o one_o person_n which_o have_v much_o more_o sense_n in_o it_o than_o three_o modes_n though_o three_o modes_n of_o the_o same_o person_n let_v they_o call_v they_o three_o personality_n if_o they_o please_v be_v the_o same_o heresy_n if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o suppositum_fw-la as_o one_o man_n may_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o three_o or_o three_o and_o twenty_o modes_n and_o be_v but_o one_o human_a person_n still_o noetus_n and_o sabellius_n do_v certain_o apprehend_v that_o by_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n the_o catholic_n church_n understand_v three_o distinct_a substantial_a divine_a person_n or_o else_o why_o shall_v they_o charge_v they_o with_o tritheism_n upon_o this_o account_n and_o turn_v three_o person_n into_o three_o name_n or_o three_o part_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o god_n to_o avoid_v the_o imputation_n of_o three_o god_n and_o if_o this_o have_v not_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n what_o mean_v their_o zeal_n against_o this_o heresy_n for_o all_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n can_v find_v a_o medium_fw-la between_o sabellianism_n and_o three_o divine_a substantial_a person_n a_o trinity_n must_v be_v three_o somewhat_n as_o it_o have_v be_v late_o call_v and_o than_o it_o must_v either_o be_v one_o suppositum_fw-la or_o person_n under_o three_o name_n or_o three_o modes_n or_o compound_v of_o three_o part_n or_o be_v three_o distinct_a suppositum_n and_o person_n now_o if_o this_o have_v be_v the_o catholic_n faith_n that_o the_o trinity_n be_v but_o one_o suppositum_fw-la or_o person_n under_o three_o name_n or_o mode_n etc._n etc._n i_o can_v imagine_v why_o the_o catholic_n church_n shall_v have_v quarrel_v with_o these_o heretic_n or_o they_o with_o the_o catholic_n church_n unless_o they_o both_o mistake_v one_o another_o but_o if_o the_o sabellian_o and_o catholic_n understand_v themselves_o and_o each_o other_o and_o do_v intend_v to_o contradict_v each_o other_o we_o certain_o know_v what_o the_o catholic_n faith_n be_v for_o there_o be_v nothing_o contradict_v a_o noetian_a and_o sabellian_n trinity_n but_o a_o trinity_n of_o distinct_a substantial_a divine_a person_n and_o novatianus_n well_o observe_v that_o these_o heretic_n do_v acknowledge_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n that_o whoever_o christ_n be_v it_o be_v evident_a from_o those_o character_n give_v of_o he_o in_o scripture_n that_o he_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n and_o because_o the_o father_n be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n and_o christ_n true_a and_o perfect_a god_n for_o fear_v of_o own_v two_o god_n they_o make_v the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n to_o be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n 18._o the_o arian_n deny_v the_o eternal_a godhead_n of_o christ_n and_o make_v a_o creature_n of_o he_o though_o the_o most_o excellent_a creature_n the_o minister_n and_o instrument_n of_o god_n in_o make_v the_o world_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o heresy_n be_v the_o same_o viz._n for_o fear_n of_o a_o plurality_n of_o god_n shall_v they_o allow_v christ_n to_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n and_o this_o still_o be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n what_o they_o think_v the_o catholic_n faith_n to_o be_v not_o only_o that_o christ_n be_v true_a and_o real_a god_n but_o that_o he_o be_v true_o and_o real_o a_o distinct_a person_n from_o god_n the_o father_n so_o distinct_a that_o if_o they_o shall_v acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v true_a god_n he_o will_v be_v a_o second_o god_n which_o they_o think_v contradict_v the_o faith_n of_o one_o god_n well_o though_o they_o will_v not_o own_v he_o to_o be_v true_a god_n yet_o they_o own_v he_o to_o be_v a_o distinct_a person_n from_o the_o father_n as_o distinct_a as_o god_n and_o a_o creature_n be_v distinct_a do_v the_o catholic_n now_o quarrel_v with_o the_o arian_n that_o they_o have_v make_v a_o substantial_a person_n of_o the_o son_n as_o in_o reason_n tâ—ey_v aught_o to_o have_v do_v have_v thâ—y_o not_o believe_v
contradiction_n as_o he_o can_v require_v we_o to_o believe_v and_o consequent_o that_o whatever_o be_v plain_o reveal_v imply_v no_o contradiction_n how_o much_o soever_o it_o may_v be_v above_o our_o comprehension_n because_o god_n do_v require_v we_o to_o believe_v what_o he_o plain_o reveal_v this_o have_v put_v a_o end_n to_o this_o dispute_n and_o leave_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o trinity_n possible_a whatever_o difficulty_n we_o may_v apprehend_v in_o conceive_v it_o but_o this_o great_a zeal_n against_o believe_a contradiction_n when_o apply_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v a_o very_a untoward_a insinuation_n as_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n as_o common_o understand_v be_v clog_v with_o contradiction_n and_o that_o we_o must_v cast_v all_o such_o contradiction_n which_o in_o the_o socinian_n account_n be_v the_o doctrine_n itself_o out_o of_o our_o faith_n and_o therefore_o that_o whatever_o the_o scripture_n say_v we_o must_v put_v no_o such_o sense_n on_o it_o as_o imply_v any_o contradiction_n to_o our_o former_a knowledge_n this_o be_v a_o admirable_a foundation_n for_o consideration_n concern_v the_o trinity_n and_o what_o a_o admirable_a superstructure_n he_o have_v raise_v on_o it_o we_o shall_v soon_o see_v i_o may_v possible_o discourse_v this_o point_n of_o contradiction_n more_o at_o large_a elsewhere_o at_o present_a i_o shall_v only_o tell_v this_o author_n that_o as_o self-evident_a as_o he_o think_v it_o this_o proposition_n be_v false_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o believe_v what_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n to_o our_o former_a knowledge_n and_o that_o god_n can_v require_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o i_o grant_v that_o all_o logical_a contradiction_n which_o be_v resolve_v into_o be_v and_o be_v not_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v believe_v because_o they_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v true_a and_o such_o be_v his_o contradiction_n about_o the_o whole_a and_o its_o part_n for_o to_o say_v that_o the_o whole_a be_v not_o big_a than_o any_o of_o its_o part_n be_v to_o say_v that_o a_o whole_a be_v a_o whole_a and_o be_v not_o a_o whole_a and_o that_o a_o part_n be_v a_o part_n and_o be_v not_o a_o part._n but_o contradictory_n idea_n may_v both_o be_v true_a and_o therefore_o both_o be_v believe_v and_o every_o man_n believe_v great_a number_n of_o they_o the_o idea_n of_o heat_n and_o cold_a white_a and_o black_a body_n and_o spirit_n extension_n and_o no_o extension_n eternity_n and_o time_n to_o have_v a_o beginning_n and_o to_o have_v no_o beginning_n be_v contradictory_n ideas_n and_o yet_o we_o believe_v they_o all_o that_o be_v we_o believe_v and_o know_v that_o there_o real_o be_v such_o thing_n who_o nature_n be_v direct_o opposite_a and_o contrary_a to_o each_o other_o now_o when_o there_o be_v such_o contrariety_n and_o contradiction_n in_o create_a nature_n it_o may_v just_o be_v think_v very_o strange_a to_o true_a considerer_n that_o our_o natural_a idea_n shall_v be_v 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himself_o true_a and_o perfect_a god_n be_v likewise_o the_o doctrine_n both_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o catholic_n father_n that_o the_o trinity_n be_v one_o god_n that_o father_n and_o son_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d vnum_fw-la one_o divinity_n christ_n himself_o teach_v we_o that_o father_n son_n and_o spirit_n be_v also_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d one_o st._n john_n teach_v we_o and_o nothing_o be_v more_o familiar_a both_o with_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a father_n than_o to_o call_v the_o trinity_n one_o god_n and_o in_o consequence_n of_o this_o that_o one_o god_n be_v the_o trinity_n though_o this_o they_o rather_o choose_v to_o express_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d one_o divinity_n in_o three_o person_n and_o whoever_o will_v give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n of_o the_o trinity_n must_v have_v respect_n to_o all_o these_o notion_n and_o not_o content_v himself_o with_o any_o one_o of_o 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find_v a_o trinity_n but_o it_o be_v not_o a_o trinity_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o a_o trinity_n of_o extrinsical_a accessary_a idea_n but_o since_o he_o have_v use_v some_o art_n in_o palliate_v this_o heresy_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o take_v off_o the_o disguise_n the_o first_o step_n he_o make_v to_o it_o be_v by_o seem_v to_o own_o 25._o that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o great_a mystery_n and_o obscurity_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n than_o that_o account_v which_o he_o have_v give_v of_o it_o but_o if_o this_o account_n say_v he_o of_o the_o trinity_n be_v too_o easy_a and_o fall_v far_o short_a of_o those_o high_a expression_n of_o distinction_n find_v in_o scripture_n as_o i_o think_v it_o do_v and_o no_o other_o ground_v upon_o any_o notion_n our_o soul_n have_v frame_v of_o unity_n and_o distinction_n can_v be_v true_a or_o consistent_a as_o i_o have_v before_o particular_o prove_v than_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o god_n 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ghost_n do_v not_o in_o scripture_n signify_v three_o distinct_a real_a person_n but_o be_v only_o three_o different_a title_n and_o character_n of_o the_o same_o one_o divine_a person_n this_o indeed_o have_v effectual_o prove_v what_o he_o pretend_v to_o but_o he_o be_v too_o wise_a to_o attempt_v either_o the_o first_o he_o say_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o but_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o he_o have_v demonstrate_v that_o by_o his_o natural_a notion_n of_o unity_n and_o distinction_n but_o have_v he_o not_o first_o demonstrate_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v true_a and_o consistent_a and_o that_o god_n can_v require_v we_o to_o believe_v nothing_o which_o contradict_v his_o natural_a notion_n he_o shall_v have_v a_o little_a inquire_v what_o the_o notion_n of_o scripture_n be_v about_o this_o matter_n but_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o he_o
beget_v of_o his_o father_n substance_n the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o in_o his_o own_o proper_a person_n be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n not_o a_o part_n of_o god_n but_o all_o that_o god_n be_v not_o one_o god_n as_o one_o person_n with_o the_o father_n but_o as_o have_v the_o true_a divine_a nature_n distinct_o in_o his_o own_o person_n this_o be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o the_o nicene_n consubstantiality_n be_v the_o consubstantiality_n of_o two_o real_a substantial_a person_n who_o have_v the_o same_o nature_n distinct_o subsist_v in_o each_o of_o they_o 2_o another_o rule_n for_o expound_v the_o homoousion_n be_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d &_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v equipollent_a term_n that_o to_o be_v of_o one_o substance_n and_o to_o be_v in_o all_o thing_n alike_o to_o each_o other_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n i_o know_v the_o father_n condemn_v the_o arian_n homoiousion_n for_o they_o assert_v that_o the_o son_n be_v like_o the_o father_n in_o opposition_n to_o his_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o father_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v a_o imperfect_a likeness_n and_o resemblance_n or_o indeed_o no_o likeness_n at_o all_o for_o a_o create_v and_o uncreated_a nature_n be_v at_o such_o a_o infinite_a distance_n as_o to_o have_v no_o true_a and_o real_a likeness_n to_o each_o other_o to_o be_v sure_a not_o such_o a_o likeness_n as_o there_o must_v be_v between_o a_o son_n and_o a_o father_n nay_o sometime_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v that_o likeness_n can_v be_v proper_o apply_v to_o two_o individual_a nature_n of_o the_o same_o species_n as_o to_o two_o individual_a human_a nature_n which_o be_v not_o like_a to_o each_o other_o but_o be_v the_o same_o but_o yet_o whether_o it_o be_v proper_a or_o improper_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d &_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v upon_o all_o account_n and_o every_o way_n perfect_o alike_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v very_a orthodox_n and_o therefore_o st._n hilary_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr synodis_fw-la approve_v several_a oriental_a creed_n as_o very_a orthodox_n though_o they_o leave_v out_o the_o homoousion_n because_o they_o in_o the_o most_o express_a term_n confess_v the_o perfect_a likeness_n and_o similitude_n of_o nature_n between_o father_n and_o son_n synod_n which_o they_o guard_v with_o the_o utmost_a caution_n against_o the_o perverse_a interpretation_n both_o of_o the_o sabellian_n and_o arian_n heretic_n and_o he_o dispute_v at_o large_a that_o perfect_a similitude_n be_v a_o sameness_n and_o equality_n of_o nature_n and_o call_v god_n to_o witness_v that_o before_o he_o ever_o hear_v of_o those_o word_n homoousion_n and_o homoiousion_n trin._n he_o always_o think_v that_o what_o be_v signify_v by_o both_o these_o word_n be_v the_o same_o that_o perfect_a likeness_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o sameness_n of_o nature_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v perfect_o alike_o which_o have_v not_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o this_o he_o say_v he_o learn_v from_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n before_o ever_o he_o hear_v of_o the_o nicene_n faith_n which_o he_o have_v not_o hear_v of_o till_o a_o little_a before_o he_o be_v banish_v for_o that_o faith_n this_o observation_n be_v of_o great_a use_n as_o st._n hilary_n note_n to_o confute_v sabellianism_n and_o to_o fix_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o homoousion_n for_o if_o to_o be_v consubstantial_a or_o of_o one_o nature_n signify_v a_o perfect_a likeness_n similitude_n and_o equality_n of_o nature_n consubstantiality_n must_v at_o least_o signify_v two_o who_o be_v thus_o consubstantial_a as_o likeness_n similitude_n and_o equality_n do_v and_o these_o two_o must_v have_v one_o and_o the_o same_o nature_n not_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o singularity_n and_o sabellian_n unity_n but_o of_o likeness_n and_o similitude_n that_o father_n and_o son_n be_v one_o substance_n not_o as_o one_o person_n be_v one_o with_o himself_o but_o as_o two_o person_n be_v one_o by_o a_o perfect_a likeness_n and_o similitude_n of_o nature_n which_o must_v be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o consubstantial_a if_o consubstantiality_n and_o likeness_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o same_o 3._o i_o observe_v far_o that_o the_o catholic_n father_n do_v not_o make_v the_o homoousion_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o whatever_o sense_n some_o critical_a wit_n can_v put_v on_o it_o must_v therefore_o be_v own_v for_o the_o catholic_n faith_n but_o they_o choose_v it_o as_o the_o most_o comprehensive_a word_n to_o comprise_v the_o true_a catholic_n faith_n and_o to_o detect_v the_o fraud_n of_o heretic_n they_o teach_v no_o new_a faith_n by_o this_o word_n but_o what_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v always_o teach_v but_o secure_v the_o faith_n by_o it_o against_o the_o shift_n and_o evasion_n of_o heretic_n this_o be_v the_o defence_n they_o make_v to_o the_o arian_n objection_n that_o it_o be_v a_o unscriptural_a word_n they_o confess_v the_o word_n homoousios_fw-la be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n but_o the_o faith_n express_v by_o that_o word_n be_v 2._o thus_o st._n austin_n answer_v pascentius_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o christ_n himself_o have_v teach_v we_o the_o homoousion_n where_o he_o say_v i_o be_o in_o the_o father_n and_o the_o father_n in_o i_o and_o i_o and_o my_o father_n be_v one_o and_o expound_v this_o of_o the_o unity_n dignity_n and_o equality_n of_o nature_n and_o add_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o word_n but_o the_o thing_n signify_v by_o that_o word_n which_o be_v so_o terrible_a to_o heretic_n and_o if_o they_o will_v dispute_v to_o purpose_n they_o must_v not_o reject_v the_o word_n but_o the_o doctrine_n it_o contain_v and_o thus_o laurentius_n who_o preside_v in_o that_o dispute_n give_v judgement_n in_o this_o controversy_n ibid._n that_o the_o homoousion_n be_v not_o the_o name_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o signify_v the_o equality_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o that_o though_o this_o word_n be_v not_o in_o scripture_n yet_o the_o thing_n signify_v by_o it_o be_v true_a and_o we_o must_v believe_v honourable_o of_o the_o unity_n lest_o we_o injure_v the_o trinity_n we_o may_v find_v enough_o to_o this_o purpose_n in_o athanasius_n de_fw-fr decret_a syn._n nic._n and_o elsewhere_o of_o which_o more_o present_o and_o therefore_o st._n hilary_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr synodis_fw-la which_o he_o write_v to_o some_o catholic_n bishop_n who_o be_v very_a orthodox_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o yet_o doubt_v of_o this_o word_n homoousion_n tell_v they_o finem_fw-la that_o they_o be_v to_o consider_v what_o the_o synod_n intend_v by_o that_o word_n and_o not_o reject_v the_o word_n unless_o they_o reject_v the_o faith_n teach_v by_o it_o and_o will_v profess_v those_o arian_n doctrine_n which_o the_o council_n condemn_v in_o it_o this_o be_v the_o constant_a language_n of_o the_o nicene_n and_o post_n nicene_n father_n when_o the_o dispute_n be_v concern_v the_o use_n of_o this_o word_n which_o give_v we_o this_o certain_a rule_n for_o expound_v the_o homoousion_n that_o we_o must_v understand_v it_o in_o no_o other_o sense_n than_o what_o the_o nicene_n father_n intend_v by_o it_o for_o if_o we_o do_v we_o may_v acknowledge_v the_o homoousion_n and_o yet_o deny_v the_o nicene_n faith_n what_o they_o teach_v by_o this_o word_n that_o we_o must_v own_v and_o what_o they_o reject_v by_o it_o we_o must_v reject_v and_o though_o we_o may_v fancy_v that_o this_o word_n signify_v more_o than_o what_o the_o nicene_n father_n understand_v by_o it_o as_o we_o have_v hear_v what_o perverse_a sense_n the_o heretic_n fix_v on_o it_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o a_o scriptural_a but_o a_o ecclesiastical_a word_n it_o must_v be_v expound_v to_o that_o sense_n and_o no_o other_o which_o place_v it_o in_o the_o creed_n sect_n iii_o what_o the_o nicene_n father_n mean_v by_o the_o homoousion_n and_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o a_o more_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o homoousion_n and_o what_o the_o nicene_n father_n understand_v by_o it_o eusebius_n pamphili_n who_o at_o first_o doubt_v about_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o christ_n be_v of_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o father_n and_o consubstantial_a or_o of_o one_o substance_n with_o he_o give_v a_o account_n to_o his_o coesareans_n of_o the_o reason_n which_o move_v he_o afterward_o to_o subscribe_v to_o that_o form_n of_o faith_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o letter_n to_o they_o record_v in_o socrates_n his_o ecclesiastical_a history_n he_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o do_v not_o admit_v these_o word_n without_o due_a examination_n but_o when_o he_o find_v there_o be_v nothing_o mean_v by_o they_o but_o what_o be_v true_o catholic_n and_o orthodox_n he_o comply_v for_o peace_n sake_n 8._o for_o by_o the_o son_n be_v be_v of_o his_o father_n substance_n they_o mean_v no_o more_o than_o
he_o allow_v to_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n against_o the_o arian_n which_o he_o can_v not_o have_v do_v have_v he_o not_o allow_v this_o consciousness_n in_o the_o trinity_n but_o then_o observe_v that_o the_o arian_n do_v as_o effectual_o consute_n they_o as_o to_o the_o distinction_n of_o person_n and_o thus_o between_o they_o both_o the_o catholic_n faith_n ibid._n of_o a_o real_a distinction_n of_o person_n in_o the_o sameness_n and_o conscious_a unity_n of_o nature_n be_v vindicate_v in_o short_a if_o the_o whole_a divine_a nature_n be_v conscious_a to_o itself_o as_o every_o create_a mind_n be_v conscious_a to_o all_o that_o be_v in_o itself_o and_o the_o three_o divine_a person_n subsist_v in_o the_o individual_a unity_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n than_o these_o divine_a person_n must_v be_v intimate_o and_o mutual_o conscious_a to_o each_o other_o as_o a_o mind_n its_o word_n and_o spirit_n be_v and_o however_o man_n please_v to_o philosophise_v about_o this_o as_o to_o the_o prius_fw-la &_o posterius_fw-la whether_o they_o will_v make_v the_o unity_n of_o nature_n the_o cause_n of_o this_o mutual_a consciousness_n and_o therefore_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n prior_n to_o it_o or_o make_v mutual_a consciousness_n not_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o unity_n but_o the_o essential_a union_n of_o three_o distinct_a subsist_v person_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o same_o individual_a nature_n i_o will_v not_o contend_v with_o any_o man_n which_o of_o these_o speak_v most_o proper_o consciousness_n be_v the_o unity_n of_o a_o intelligent_a nature_n and_o the_o mutual_a consciousness_n of_o person_n in_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o the_o conscious_a unity_n of_o nature_n in_o three_o distinct_a person_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n we_o can_v conceive_v the_o unity_n of_o a_o mind_n without_o consciousness_n nor_o any_o other_o kind_n of_o unity_n of_o a_o mind_n but_o a_o conscious_a unity_n nor_o can_v we_o conceive_v a_o internal_a essential_a consciousness_n without_o a_o essential_a unity_n and_o if_o the_o mutual_a consciousness_n of_o person_n in_o the_o same_o nature_n be_v the_o consciousness_n of_o nature_n i_o can_v see_v why_o we_o may_v not_o say_v that_o it_o be_v at_o least_o one_o notion_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o nature_n too_o but_o to_o return_v where_o i_o leave_v off_o if_o this_o may_v be_v call_v a_o a_o digression_n what_o i_o have_v now_o say_v be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v how_o necessary_a this_o doctrine_n of_o relation_n be_v to_o give_v we_o a_o sensible_a notion_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n to_o assert_v a_o real_a trinity_n we_o must_v assert_v three_o real_a distinct_a subsist_v substantial_a intelligent_a person_n neither_o of_o which_o be_v each_o other_o and_o each_o of_o which_o be_v by_o himself_o in_o his_o own_o proper_a person_n true_a and_o perfect_a god_n but_o this_o say_v sabellian_n arian_n and_o socinian_o be_v to_o assert_v three_o god_n which_o the_o catholic_n church_n always_o abhor_v the_o thought_n of_o now_o how_o the_o father_n answer_v this_o charge_n and_o vindicate_v the_o divine_a unity_n in_o a_o trinity_n of_o real_a subsist_v person_n i_o have_v already_o particular_o show_v as_o by_o the_o consubstantiality_n the_o perfect_a sameness_n and_o identity_n of_o nature_n whole_a of_o whole_a their_o inseparability_n and_o unity_n of_o operation_n but_o we_o can_v form_v no_o distinct_a idea_n of_o all_o this_o but_o only_o among_o personal_n subsist_v relative_n of_o the_o same_o individual_a nature_n whatever_o be_v not_o this_o be_v a_o mere_a specific_a consubstantiality_n and_o identity_n of_o nature_n and_o a_o external_n union_n how_o inseparable_a soever_o it_o be_v which_o must_v make_v a_o number_n of_o individual_n in_o the_o divine_a as_o well_o as_o human_a nature_n but_o now_o it_o be_v plain_a to_o a_o demonstration_n that_o if_o god_n have_v a_o eternal_a subsist_v word_n and_o a_o eternal_a subsist_v spirit_n they_o can_v be_v but_o one_o individual_a essence_n as_o a_o man_n mind_n and_o word_n and_o spirit_n be_v one_o and_o therefore_o all_o three_o but_o one_o god_n as_o a_o man_n with_o his_o mind_n and_o word_n and_o spirit_n iâ—_n but_o one_o man_n which_o be_v a_o intelligible_a notion_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d one_o individual_a essence_n and_o godhead_n for_o though_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v a_o person_n which_o a_o mâ—n's_n word_n be_v not_o yet_o if_o his_o true_a nature_n and_o character_n be_v the_o word_n he_o be_v the_o same_o to_o the_o eternal_a mind_n which_o a_o man_n word_n be_v to_o his_o create_a mind_n and_o therefore_o god_n and_o his_o live_n subsist_v word_n must_v be_v one_o individual_a essence_n as_o a_o man_n mind_n and_o his_o word_n be_v one_o a_o word_n must_v be_v conceive_v and_o beget_v of_o the_o mind_n and_o can_v have_v no_o other_o substance_n if_o it_o be_v a_o live_n substantial_a word_n but_o that_o of_o the_o mind_n and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o perfect_a word_n the_o perfect_a image_n of_o the_o mind_n it_o must_v be_v whole_a of_o whole_a all_o that_o the_o mind_n be_v for_o the_o whole_a mind_n be_v in_o its_o perfect_a word_n and_o image_n and_o life_n and_o subsist_v in_o it_o and_o the_o whole_a word_n in_o the_o mind_n so_o that_o the_o coeternity_n the_o coequality_n the_o consubstantiality_n the_o identity_n the_o inseparability_n the_o unity_n of_o operation_n between_o god_n and_o his_o word_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v jargon_n contradiction_n unintelligible_a nonsense_n that_o iâ—_n god_n have_v a_o eternal_a word_n it_o be_v self-evident_a that_o thus_o it_o must_v be_v when_o we_o contemplate_v the_o consubstantiality_n of_o father_n and_o son_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o substance_n we_o can_v form_v no_o idea_n of_o a_o whole_a which_o be_v of_o a_o whole_a that_o the_o father_n shall_v communicate_v his_o whole_a essence_n and_o substance_n to_o the_o son_n and_o be_v the_o whole_a himself_o and_o this_o be_v no_o great_a wonder_n since_o we_o can_v form_v no_o idea_n at_o all_o of_o the_o divine_a substance_n but_o we_o can_v very_o well_o understand_v that_o the_o whole_a mind_n must_v be_v in_o its_o word_n that_o the_o eternal_a mind_n and_o its_o word_n must_v be_v consubstantial_a coeternal_a coequal_a two_o but_o perfect_o the_o same_o inseparable_o in_o each_o other_o for_o all_o this_o be_v include_v in_o the_o very_a relation_n and_o notion_n of_o a_o mind_n and_o its_o word_n i_o be_o sure_a a_o live_n subsist_v word_n which_o be_v not_o consubstantial_a coeternal_a coequal_a with_o that_o eternal_a mind_n who_o word_n it_o be_v that_o a_o mind_n shall_v be_v without_o its_o word_n that_o a_o infinite_a eternal_a mind_n which_o be_v perfect_a life_n and_o be_v shall_v have_v a_o vanish_v perish_v word_n as_o man_n have_v not_o a_o live_a subsist_v word_n that_o a_o mind_n and_o its_o word_n shall_v ever_o be_v part_v that_o the_o word_n shall_v not_o be_v and_o subsist_v in_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o mind_n in_o the_o word_n i_o say_v all_o this_o contradict_v all_o the_o notion_n we_o have_v of_o a_o mind_n and_o its_o word_n we_o can_v immediate_o and_o direct_o contemplate_v the_o divine_a nature_n and_o essence_n which_o be_v so_o infinite_o above_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v contemplate_v it_o in_o such_o idea_n and_o representation_n as_o god_n himself_o make_v of_o it_o and_o if_o they_o be_v such_o as_o we_o can_v form_v a_o intelligible_a notion_n of_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o complain_v of_o unintelligible_a mystery_n and_o contradiction_n though_o when_o we_o reduce_v it_o into_o term_n of_o art_n we_o find_v our_o mind_n confound_v and_o perplex_v and_o unable_a to_o form_v any_o distinct_a and_o easy_a idea_n the_o arian_n to_o avoid_v the_o consubstantiality_n of_o the_o son_n with_o the_o father_n 51._o will_v not_o allow_v the_o term_n substance_n to_o be_v use_v of_o god_n the_o catholic_n father_n prove_v that_o substance_n be_v in_o scripture_n use_v concern_v god_n and_o that_o the_o arian_n can_v not_o reasonable_o reject_v it_o because_o they_o use_v it_o themselves_o for_o though_o they_o will_v not_o own_o the_o son_n to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o substance_n with_o the_o father_n they_o teach_v that_o he_o be_v of_o another_o substance_n which_o still_o be_v to_o own_o substance_n in_o god_n but_o though_o god_n be_v in_o the_o most_o true_a and_o absolute_a sense_n perfect_a essence_n and_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o according_a to_o st._n ambrose_n his_o derivation_n of_o the_o word_n which_o show_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o it_o whether_o it_o show_v his_o skill_n in_o greek_a or_o not_o that_o essence_n and_o substance_n be_v that_o which_o always_o be_v 3._o and_o that_o which_o always_o be_v be_v god_n and_o therefore_o god_n be_v essence_n and_o substance_n and_o a_o
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