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nor_o be_v the_o father_n the_o son_n nor_o the_o holy_a ghost_n either_o of_o they_o answer_n i_o grant_v it_o their_o person_n be_v distinct_a and_o therefore_o be_v not_o each_o other_o but_o they_o be_v all_o essential_o unite_v by_o a_o mutual_a consciousness_n whereby_o they_o be_v mutual_o in_o each_o other_o and_o can_v be_v no_o more_o separate_v from_o each_o other_o than_o every_o man_n be_v own_o mind_n can_v be_v divide_v from_o itself_o note_n but_o if_o the_o father_n be_v not_o the_o son_n and_o yet_o be_v by_o confession_n of_o all_o the_o one_o true_a god_n than_o the_o son_n be_v not_o the_o one_o true_a god_n because_o he_o be_v not_o the_o father_n the_o reason_n be_v self-evident_a for_o how_o can_v the_o son_n be_v the_o one_o true_a god_n if_o he_o be_v not_o he_o who_o be_v the_o one_o true_a god_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n it_o may_v be_v prove_v that_o on_o thâ—e_n athanasian_n principles_n neither_o the_o father_n nor_o holy_a spirit_n be_v or_o can_v 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the_o son_n may_v be_v call_v the_o one_o true_a god_n of_o which_o more_o present_o because_o the_o son_n have_v the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o himself_o and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o one_o true_a god_n because_o he_o have_v the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n in_o himself_o and_o yet_o all_o but_o one_o true_a god_n because_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v unite_v into_o one_o and_o than_o though_o one_o of_o these_o person_n be_v not_o the_o other_o yet_o each_o person_n by_o a_o essential_a unity_n contain_v both_o other_o in_o himself_o and_o therefore_o if_o all_o three_o person_n be_v the_o one_o true_a god_n each_o person_n be_v god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n which_o this_o author_n have_v corrupt_v by_o add_v the_o one_o true_a god_n to_o every_o person_n that_o the_o father_n be_v the_o one_o true_a god_n the_o son_n the_o one_o true_a god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o one_o true_a god_n as_o if_o each_o person_n as_o distinguish_v and_o separate_v from_o the_o other_o be_v the_o one_o true_a god_n and_o than_o it_o will_v indeed_o sound_v pretty_a like_o a_o contradiction_n to_o add_v yet_o there_o be_v but_o one_o true_a god_n but_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n only_o say_v the_o father_n be_v god_n the_o son_n god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n god_n yet_o three_o be_v not_o three_o god_n but_o one_o god_n which_o plain_o show_v that_o it_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o these_o three_o divine_a person_n as_o distinguish_v and_o separate_v from_o each_o other_o but_o as_o unite_a into_o one_o god_n not_o as_o three_o part_n of_o the_o deity_n but_o as_o three_o person_n who_o be_v essential_o one_o god_n as_o mutual_o contain_v each_o other_o that_o be_v by_o a_o mutual_a self-consciousness_n as_o i_o have_v now_o explain_v it_o which_o be_v the_o essential_a unity_n of_o a_o mind_n as_o for_o this_o expression_n the_o one_o true_a god_n it_o be_v never_o attribute_v to_o son_n or_o holy_a ghost_n that_o i_o know_v of_o either_o in_o scripture_n or_o any_o catholic_n writer_n though_o it_o be_v to_o the_o father_n who_o our_o saviour_n himself_o call_v the_o only_a true_a god_n for_o all_o three_o divine_a person_n as_o in_o conjunction_n with_o each_o other_o be_v the_o one_o only_o true_a god_n this_o title_n can_v so_o proper_o be_v attribute_v to_o any_o one_o person_n but_o only_o the_o father_n who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o the_o deity_n for_o though_o all_o three_o person_n be_v in_o each_o other_o by_o a_o mutual_a consciousness_n and_o therefore_o each_o person_n have_v all_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o godhead_n yet_o the_o son_n be_v in_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o the_o father_n be_v not_o in_o the_o son_n nor_o the_o father_n and_o son_n in_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o the_o school_n call_v the_o modi_n subsistendi_fw-la that_o be_v the_o son_n be_v in_o the_o father_n by_o 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therefore_o i_o ask_v whether_o the_o glory_n and_o majesty_n with_o which_o the_o son_n and_o spirit_n be_v glorious_a and_o majestical_a be_v the_o same_o in_o number_n that_o be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o which_o the_o father_n be_v glorious_a and_o majestical_a or_o only_o the_o same_o for_o kind_n or_o degree_n if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o same_o in_o number_n than_o the_o godhead_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n be_v not_o as_o this_o creed_n teach_v all_o one_o and_o they_o be_v not_o one_o and_o the_o same_o god_n for_o two_o infinite_a and_o distinct_a glory_n and_o majesty_n make_v two_o god_n and_o three_o make_v three_o god_n as_o every_o one_o see_v and_o to_o say_v true_a the_o trinitarian_n
concern_v expound_v scripture_n by_o reason_n for_o like_a as_o we_o be_v compel_v by_o the_o christian_a verity_n to_o acknowledge_v every_o person_n by_o himself_o to_o be_v god_n and_o lord_n creed_n so_o be_v we_o forbid_v by_o the_o catholic_n religion_n to_o say_v there_o be_v three_o god_n and_o three_o lord_n by_o the_o christian_a verity_n i_o suppose_v be_v mean_v the_o sacred_a book_n which_o contain_v the_o christian_a religion_n note_n that_o be_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n but_o do_v these_o book_n and_o do_v this_o verity_n compel_v we_o to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o three_o person_n each_o of_o which_o be_v by_o himself_o supreme_a god_n and_o lord_n and_o yet_o all_o of_o they_o together_o but_o one_o god_n do_v i_o say_v the_o holy_a scripture_n compel_v we_o to_o this_o contradictory_n acknowledgement_n be_v there_o any_o text_n allege_v from_o scripture_n which_o all_o the_o unitarian_n and_o some_o or_o other_o of_o the_o most_o 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god_n be_v because_o it_o be_v a_o contradictory_n acknowledgement_n so_o he_o say_v and_o have_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v it_o and_o how_o vain_o and_o impertinent_o i_o leave_v the_o reader_n to_o judge_v but_o if_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n imply_v no_o contradiction_n as_o i_o be_o persuade_v i_o have_v evident_o prove_v then_o i_o hope_v the_o scripture_n may_v teach_v this_o doctrine_n and_o require_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o but_o this_o be_v a_o impudent_a argument_n which_o bring_v revelation_n down_o in_o such_o sublime_a mystery_n to_o the_o level_n of_o our_o understanding_n to_o say_v such_o a_o doctrine_n can_v be_v contain_v in_o scripture_n because_o it_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n whereas_o a_o modest_a man_n will_v first_o inquire_v whether_o it_o be_v in_o scripture_n or_o not_o and_o if_o it_o be_v plain_o contain_v there_o he_o will_v conclude_v how_o unintelligible_a soever_o it_o appear_v to_o he_o that_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n in_o it_o because_o it_o be_v teach_v by_o scripture_n we_o must_v not_o indeed_o expound_v scripture_n contrary_a to_o common_a sense_n and_o to_o the_o common_a reason_n of_o mankind_n in_o such_o matter_n as_o every_o man_n know_v and_o every_o man_n can_v judge_v of_o but_o in_o matter_n of_o pure_a revelation_n which_o we_o have_v no_o natural_a idea_n of_o and_o know_v nothing_o of_o but_o what_o be_v reveal_v we_o must_v not_o pretend_v some_o imaginary_a contradiction_n to_o reject_v the_o plain_a and_o express_a authority_n of_o a_o revelation_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o know_v what_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n who_o nature_n we_o do_v not_o understand_v as_o i_o show_v before_o his_o next_o proof_n that_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o compel_v we_o to_o this_o acknowledgement_n be_v that_o the_o unitarian_n and_o some_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a trinitarian_n expound_v these_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v allege_v for_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n to_o another_o sense_n and_o easy_o reconcile_v they_o with_o the_o belief_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o one_o only_a who_o be_v god_n as_o well_o as_o of_o one_o god_n and_o for_o this_o he_o refer_v we_o to_o that_o learned_a piece_n the_o history_n of_o the_o unitarian_n as_o for_o examine_v particular_a text_n which_o be_v allege_v on_o both_o side_n in_o this_o controversy_n it_o be_v too_o voluminous_a a_o work_n at_o present_a and_o beside_o my_o present_a undertake_n which_o be_v only_o to_o vindicate_v the_o athanasian_n creed_n and_o the_o true_a christian_a doctrine_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n from_o the_o pretend_a absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n charge_v on_o it_o in_o these_o note_n and_o when_o that_o be_v do_v and_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v do_v it_o i_o dare_v trust_v any_o man_n of_o competent_a understanding_n to_o judge_v which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scope_n and_o language_n of_o scripture_n but_o as_o for_o what_o he_o say_v that_o the_o unitarian_n or_o socinian_n can_v easy_o reconcile_v all_o the_o text_n of_o scripture_n allege_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o a_o trinity_n to_o their_o notion_n of_o one_o god_n in_o opposition_n to_o three_o divine_a person_n in_o the_o godhead_n we_o must_v let_v he_o say_v so_o because_o he_o will_v say_v it_o as_o all_o other_o heretic_n pretend_v scripture_n to_o be_v on_o their_o side_n but_o to_o say_v that_o they_o can_v easy_o do_v this_o be_v a_o little_a impudent_a when_o all_o man_n who_o understand_v this_o controversy_n see_v what_o be_v they_o use_v and_o what_o force_v and_o arbitrary_a interpretation_n they_o put_v on_o scripture_n to_o reconcile_v it_o to_o their_o opinion_n especial_o when_o some_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a socinian_o stick_v not_o to_o confess_v that_o they_o will_v expound_v scripture_n to_o any_o sense_n rather_o than_o acknowledge_v such_o doctrine_n as_o they_o think_v so_o contradictory_n to_o the_o reason_n and_o understanding_n of_o mankind_n which_o no_o modest_a man_n will_v own_v be_v he_o not_o sensible_a of_o the_o harshness_n and_o uncouthness_n of_o his_o own_o exposition_n for_o thing_n be_v come_v to_o a_o desperate_a pass_n when_o they_o shall_v resolve_v upon_o any_o sense_n or_o no_o sense_n rather_o than_o that_o which_o the_o word_n most_o apt_o and_o proper_o signify_v but_o lie_v cross_v to_o their_o prejudices_fw-la and_o preconceived_n opinion_n but_o what_o think_v he_o of_o socinus_n exposition_n of_o that_o text_n where_o christ_n say_v that_o he_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n which_o he_o can_v not_o do_v if_o he_o have_v no_o be_v before_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n do_v socinus_n find_v it_o so_o easy_a a_o thing_n to_o reconcile_v this_o text_n to_o his_o darling_n opinion_n when_o he_o be_v fain_o to_o fast_o and_o to_o pray_v for_o it_o and_o to_o pretend_v revelation_n because_o he_o want_v reason_n to_o support_v it_o viz._n that_o christ_n before_o he_o enter_v on_o his_o prophetic_a office_n be_v take_v up_o into_o heaven_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o then_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n again_o to_o publish_v it_o to_o the_o world_n whereas_o our_o saviour_n plain_o speak_v of_o his_o first_o come_v into_o the_o world_n when_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o virgin_n and_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o the_o gospel_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o his_o be_v take_v up_o into_o heaven_n before_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a i_o think_v this_o be_v no_o easy_a exposition_n but_o of_o this_o more_o present_o that_o there_o be_v no_o text_n of_o scripture_n allege_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o a_o trinity_n but_o what_o be_v reject_v by_o one_o or_o other_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a trinitarian_n be_v as_o true_a as_o the_o other_o there_o be_v many_o text_n which_o all_o hearty_a trinitarian_n do_v and_o must_v agree_v in_o
and_o whoever_o reject_v they_o whatever_o name_n he_o go_v by_o can_v be_v no_o better_o than_o a_o socinian_n in_o disguise_n but_o however_o there_o be_v no_o text_n allege_v by_o learned_a trinitarian_n but_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o some_o or_o other_o of_o his_o learned_a trinitarian_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v as_o broad_a as_o long_o but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o modern_a expositor_n which_o we_o rely_v on_o but_o their_o reason_n and_o if_o a_o learned_a trinitarian_n shall_v reject_v any_o text_n without_o reason_n or_o learning_n it_o signify_v no_o more_o to_o we_o than_o the_o exposition_n of_o a_o learned_a socinian_n when_o we_o seek_v for_o authority_n we_o go_v high_o to_o the_o primitive_a father_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o there_o we_o find_v it_o they_o not_o only_o deliver_v to_o we_o the_o traditionary_a doctrine_n of_o a_o trinity_n which_o have_v always_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o the_o traditionary_a exposition_n of_o those_o scripture_n too_o whereon_o this_o doctrine_n be_v found_v and_o they_o be_v so_o near_o the_o head_n and_o fountain_n of_o tradition_n the_o apostolic_a age_n their_o authority_n be_v venerable_a and_o a_o modest_a and_o prudent_a man_n will_v not_o reject_v any_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n which_o relate_v to_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o be_v unanimous_o deliver_v by_o the_o ancient_a father_n if_o the_o word_n in_o any_o tolerable_a construction_n will_v bear_v the_o sense_n for_o though_o a_o text_n shall_v fair_o bear_v two_o different_a interpretation_n that_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o be_v true_a which_o have_v be_v from_o the_o beginning_n teach_v by_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o i_o challenge_v this_o author_n to_o name_v any_o text_n which_o be_v allege_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o a_o trinity_n by_o learned_a trinitarian_n which_o have_v not_o be_v use_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n by_o many_o or_o most_o or_o all_o the_o ancient_a father_n who_o have_v allege_v those_o text_n but_o his_o conclusion_n from_o hence_o that_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o compel_v we_o to_o acknowledge_v a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n because_o the_o unitarian_n and_o some_o or_o other_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a trinitarian_n expound_v these_o text_n to_o another_o sense_n be_v very_o pleasant_a and_o show_v what_o a_o great_a master_n of_o reason_n he_o be_v for_o his_o argument_n be_v this_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o compel_v we_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n while_o there_o be_v other_o man_n who_o expound_v the_o scripture_n to_o a_o contrary_a sense_n and_o thus_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o scripture_n compel_v we_o to_o believe_v nothing_o for_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o name_v any_o text_n which_o concern_v any_o article_n of_o faith_n how_o plain_a and_o express_v soever_o it_o be_v but_o what_o have_v be_v expound_v to_o a_o contrary_a sense_n by_o one_o heretic_n or_o other_o i_o will_v ask_v this_o author_n whether_o the_o scripture_n compel_v he_o to_o believe_v but_o one_o god_n in_o his_o sense_n of_o it_o that_o be_v but_o one_o who_o be_v god_n if_o it_o do_v not_o why_o do_v he_o believe_v it_o and_o insist_v so_o peremptory_o on_o it_o in_o defiance_n of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n and_o yet_o how_o can_v the_o scripture_n compel_v he_o to_o this_o when_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o the_o catholic_n doctor_n in_o all_o age_n have_v expound_v scripture_n to_o a_o contrary_a sense_n that_o there_o be_v three_o divine_a person_n who_o be_v this_o one_o god_n at_o this_o rate_n when_o man_n differ_v in_o their_o exposition_n of_o scripture_n the_o scripture_n do_v not_o compel_v we_o to_o believe_v either_o and_o thus_o notwithstanding_o the_o scripture_n we_o may_v believe_v nothing_o if_o the_o scripture_n have_v a_o determine_a sense_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v that_o sense_n and_o must_v answer_v it_o to_o god_n and_o to_o our_o saviour_n if_o we_o do_v not_o whoever_o expound_v it_o otherwise_o and_o therefore_o when_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o creed_n that_o we_o be_v compel_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v under_o a_o necessity_n by_o the_o christian_a verity_n to_o acknowledge_v each_o person_n by_o himself_o to_o be_v god_n and_o lord_n the_o meaning_n be_v not_o that_o man_n be_v under_o any_o force_n to_o believe_v or_o acknowledge_v it_o or_o to_o expound_v scripture_n to_o this_o sense_n but_o that_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o exposition_n of_o scripture_n do_v make_v this_o acknowledgement_n necessary_a if_o we_o will_v believe_v as_o the_o scripture_n teach_v and_o this_o may_v be_v true_a whatever_o the_o unitarian_n or_o any_o learned_a trinitarian_n teach_v he_o add_v that_o the_o contest_v between_o the_o unitarian_n and_o trinitarian_n be_v not_o a_o clash_n of_o reason_n with_o scripture_n but_o whether_o we_o ought_v to_o interpret_v holy_a scripture_n when_o it_o speak_v of_o god_n according_a to_o reason_n or_o not_o that_o be_v like_o fool_n or_o like_o wise_a man_n now_o this_o be_v all_o shame_n and_o fallacy_n for_o to_o expound_v scripture_n by_o reason_n may_v signify_v two_o very_a differeent_fw-mi thing_n 1._o to_o use_v our_o own_o reason_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n 2._o to_o expound_v scripture_n in_o conformity_n to_o the_o principle_n and_o maxim_n of_o natural_a reason_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n he_o expound_v scripture_n according_a to_o reason_n who_o consider_v the_o use_n and_o propriety_n of_o word_n the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o place_n what_o go_v before_o and_o what_o follow_v and_o how_o one_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v consistent_a with_o another_o just_a in_o the_o same_o way_n as_o we_o find_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o any_o humane_a write_n and_o he_o who_o do_v not_o thus_o expound_v scripture_n by_o reason_n expound_v it_o like_o a_o fool_n that_o be_v if_o he_o put_v such_o a_o sense_n upon_o it_o as_o the_o word_n will_v not_o bear_v or_o the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o text_n will_v not_o admit_v and_o as_o no_o man_n will_v think_v of_o who_o be_v not_o prepossess_v and_o prejudice_v against_o what_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o plain_a and_o obvious_a sense_n of_o the_o text_n and_o whether_o they_o or_o we_o in_o this_o sense_n expound_v scripture_n according_a or_o contrary_a to_o reason_n like_o fool_n or_o like_o wise_a man_n shall_v be_v examine_v present_o as_o for_o the_o other_o sense_n of_o expound_v scripture_n according_a to_o reason_n that_o be_v in_o conformity_n to_o the_o principle_n and_o maxim_n of_o natural_a reason_n we_o allow_v this_o too_o so_o far_o that_o we_o must_v not_o expound_v scripture_n to_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o contradict_v the_o plain_a and_o express_v maxim_n of_o natural_a reason_n for_o though_o god_n reveal_v such_o thing_n to_o we_o as_o natural_a reason_n can_v not_o discover_v and_o can_v comprehend_v yet_o revelation_n can_v contradict_v plain_a reason_n for_o truth_n can_v never_o contradict_v itself_o what_o be_v true_a in_o revelation_n can_v never_o be_v false_a in_o reason_n and_o what_o be_v true_a by_o natural_a reason_n can_v never_o be_v false_a in_o revelation_n but_o then_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o we_o must_v be_v sure_a that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o contradiction_n it_o must_v be_v evident_a and_o express_a and_o not_o make_v out_o of_o uncertain_a consequence_n which_o many_o time_n be_v not_o owe_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n but_o to_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o own_o knowledge_n as_o to_o keep_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o present_a dispute_n natural_a reason_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v and_o can_v be_v but_o one_o supreme_a god_n the_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n and_o shall_v any_o man_n pretend_v to_o prove_v from_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v three_o god_n this_o will_v be_v a_o express_a contradiction_n to_o the_o natural_a belief_n of_o one_o god_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v reject_v this_o sense_n of_o scripture_n as_o contrary_a to_o reason_n but_o to_o prove_v from_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o that_o there_o be_v three_o who_o be_v this_o one_o god_n this_o be_v no_o contradiction_n to_o reason_n which_o teach_v but_o one_o god_n for_o scripture_n teach_v the_o same_o and_o all_o trinitarian_n acknowledge_v the_o same_o and_o must_v do_v so_o if_o they_o believe_v the_o athanasian_n creed_n and_o therefore_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o trinity_n do_v not_o contradict_v the_o natural_a belief_n of_o one_o god_n yes_o you_o will_v say_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v three_o person_n each_o of_o which_o be_v god_n and_o yet_o but_o one_o god_n be_v a_o contradiction_n but_o what_o principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n do_v it_o contradict_v reason_n tell_v we_o that_o three_o god_n can_v be_v one_o god_n but_o do_v
when_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o speak_v to_o we_o in_o our_o own_o language_n we_o must_v understand_v his_o word_n just_a as_o we_o do_v when_o they_o be_v speak_v by_o man_n indeed_o when_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o it_o be_v a_o inspire_v write_v i_o lay_v it_o down_o for_o a_o principle_n that_o it_o contain_v nothing_o absurd_a and_o contradictious_a or_o repugnant_a to_o the_o receive_a principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n but_o this_o do_v not_o give_v i_o authority_n to_o expound_v the_o word_n of_o scripture_n to_o any_o other_o sense_n than_o what_o they_o will_v natural_o bear_v to_o reconcile_v they_o with_o such_o notion_n as_o i_o call_v reason_n for_o if_o one_o man_n have_v this_o liberty_n another_o may_v take_v it_o and_o the_o scripture_n will_v be_v tune_v to_o every_o man_n private_a conceit_n and_o therefore_o in_o case_n the_o plain_a sense_n of_o scripture_n contradict_v those_o notion_n i_o have_v of_o thing_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v true_a i_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n if_o it_o seem_v to_o include_v a_o contradiction_n and_o impossibility_n if_o that_o contradiction_n be_v not_o plain_a and_o notorious_a and_o in_o such_o matter_n as_o i_o be_o sure_a i_o perfect_o understand_v there_o i_o submit_v again_o and_o conclude_v it_o be_v no_o contradiction_n though_o i_o can_v comprehend_v how_o it_o be_v if_o i_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n reconcile_v it_o i_o will_v confess_v i_o do_v not_o understand_v it_o and_o will_v not_o pretend_v to_o give_v any_o sense_n of_o it_o much_o less_o to_o give_v such_o a_o sense_n of_o it_o as_o the_o word_n will_v not_o bear_v this_o show_n that_o man_n may_v pretend_v to_o expound_v scripture_n according_a to_o reason_n when_o the_o dispute_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o clash_n of_o reason_n with_o scripture_n as_o this_o author_n phrase_n it_o for_o so_o it_o be_v when_o the_o usual_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o scope_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o 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by_o itself_o but_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o doctrine_n itself_o which_o the_o socinian_o dislike_n more_o than_o our_o exposition_n which_o they_o can_v deny_v to_o be_v reasonable_a enough_o be_v the_o doctrine_n so_o but_o they_o must_v not_o expound_v scripture_n contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o therefore_o must_v never_o allow_v that_o the_o scripture_n teach_v such_o a_o doctrine_n which_o they_o think_v contradict_v the_o plain_a and_o self-evident_a reason_n of_o mankind_n reconcile_v man_n to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a without_o any_o far_a comment_n this_o i_o have_v now_o endeavour_v and_o i_o believe_v our_o adversary_n will_v talk_v more_o spare_o of_o absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n for_o the_o future_a and_o then_o they_o will_v loose_v the_o best_a argument_n they_o have_v against_o the_o orthodox_n exposition_n of_o scripture_n but_o yet_o i_o be_o unwilling_a to_o dismiss_v this_o argument_n without_o some_o few_o observation_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n this_o author_n refer_v we_o to_o the_o history_n of_o the_o unitarian_n which_o though_o it_o be_v but_o a_o little_a book_n in_o all_o sense_n be_v too_o large_a to_o be_v particular_o examine_v now_o but_o however_o i_o shall_v give_v some_o taste_n of_o it_o in_o the_o first_o letter_n the_o author_n have_v those_o text_n which_o he_o think_v overthrow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o because_o this_o may_v be_v most_o dangerous_a to_o unskilful_a reader_n i_o shall_v more_o particular_o examine_v that_o he_o reduce_v the_o scripture_n under_o several_a topic_n or_o head_n of_o argument_n 5._o 1._o if_o our_o lord_n christ_n be_v himself_o god_n there_o can_v be_v no_o person_n great_a than_o he_o none_o that_o may_v be_v call_v his_o head_n or_o god_n none_o that_o can_v in_o any_o respect_n command_v he_o now_o this_o argument_n be_v fallacious_a for_o though_o christ_n be_v god_n himself_o yet_o if_o there_o be_v three_o person_n in_o the_o godhead_n the_o equality_n and_o sameness_n of_o nature_n do_v not_o destroy_v the_o subordination_n of_o person_n a_o son_n be_v equal_a to_o his_o father_n by_o nature_n but_o inferior_a to_o he_o as_o his_o son_n if_o the_o father_n as_o i_o have_v explain_v it_o be_v original_a mind_n and_o wisdom_n the_o son_n a_o personal_a subsist_v but_o reflex_n image_n of_o his_o father_n wisdom_n though_o their_o eternal_a wisdom_n be_v equal_a and_o the_o same_o yet_o the_o original_a be_v superior_a to_o the_o image_n the_o father_n to_o the_o son_n and_o therefore_o though_o i_o know_v such_o text_n as_o he_o allege_n 17._o my_o father_n be_v great_a than_o i_o the_o head_n of_o christ_n be_v god_n i_o ascend_v to_o my_o father_n and_o your_o father_n to_o my_o god_n and_o your_o god_n be_v both_o by_o ancient_n and_o modern_a expositor_n apply_v to_o christ_n human_a nature_n yet_o i_o see_v no_o inconvenience_n in_o own_v this_o to_o be_v true_a with_o respect_n to_o his_o divine_a person_n and_o his_o relation_n to_o his_o father_n for_o the_o father_n be_v the_o head_n and_o fountain_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o the_o son_n be_v god_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o father_n may_v be_v call_v his_o god_n as_o for_o christ_n receive_v command_n from_o the_o father_n 49.14.31_o though_o this_o relate_v to_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o mediatory_a office_n and_o so_o concern_v he_o as_o god_n incarnate_a as_o by_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n will_n and_o pleasure_n yet_o i_o grant_v even_o as_o god_n he_o receive_v command_n from_o his_o father_n but_o it_o be_v no_o otherwise_o than_o as_o he_o receive_v his_o nature_n from_o he_o by_o nature_n he_o be_v the_o word_n the_o wisdom_n the_o command_n of_o the_o father_n his_o reflex_n image_n whereby_o he_o produce_v all_o the_o design_n of_o his_o own_o wisdom_n and_o counsel_n into_o act_n thus_o st._n austin_n answer_v the_o arrian_n objection_n 3._o that_o christ_n be_v but_o god_n instrument_n and_o make_v the_o world_n by_o god_n command_n let_v they_o consider_v with_o what_o other_o word_n the_o father_n command_v his_o only_a word_n but_o they_o frame_v to_o themselves_o a_o imagination_n of_o two_o near_o one_o another_o but_o separate_v by_o their_o distinct_a place_n one_o command_v another_o obey_v nor_o do_v they_o understand_v that_o the_o father_n command_v itself_o that_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v make_v be_v no_o other_o word_n of_o the_o father_n but_o that_o by_o which_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v that_o be_v the_o substantial_a word_n and_o wisdom_n and_o command_v of_o the_o father_n his_o only_o beget_v son_n 2._o if_o our_o lord_n christ_n be_v indeed_o god_n it_o can_v not_o 5._o without_o blasphemy_n be_v absolute_o and_o without_o restriction_n affirm_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v the_o creature_n the_o possession_n the_o servant_n and_o subject_a of_o god_n it_o be_v well_o he_o add_v absolute_o and_o without_o restriction_n but_o he_o have_v do_v better_a if_o he_o have_v remember_v it_o in_o his_o proof_n that_o christ_n be_v call_v a_o creature_n he_o prove_v because_o he_o be_v the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n 1._o but_o here_o he_o shall_v have_v remember_v his_o absolute_o and_o without_o restriction_n for_o he_o be_v so_o to_o the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n that_o he_o be_v the_o image_n of_o the_o invisible_a god_n and_o therefore_o no_o creature_n so_o bear_v before_o all_o creature_n 17._o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d also_o signify_v that_o by_o he_o be_v all_o thing_n create_v that_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o that_o be_v in_o earth_n visible_a and_o invisible_a whether_o they_o be_v throne_n or_o dominion_n or_o principality_n or_o power_n all_o thing_n be_v create_v by_o he_o and_o for_o he_o and_o he_o be_v before_o all_o
where_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o stumbling-stone_n and_o rock_n of_o offence_n and_o another_o of_o the_o same_o prophet_n behold_v i_o lay_v in_o zion_n for_o a_o foundation_n a_o stone_n a_o try_a stone_n 16._o a_o precious_a cornerstone_n a_o sure_a foundation_n he_o that_o believe_v shall_v not_o make_v haste_n which_o both_o st._n paul_n and_o st._n peter_n render_v with_o the_o septuagint_n shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a now_o from_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o prophet_n speak_v of_o the_o same_o stone_n that_o the_o stumbling-stone_n and_o rock_n of_o offence_n be_v the_o foundation_n stone_n the_o precious_a cornerstone_n and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n who_o be_v the_o stumbling-stone_n be_v the_o precious_a cornerstone_n also_o and_o st._n paul_n and_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o stumbling-stone_n and_o that_o precious_a cornerstone_n of_o which_o the_o prophet_n speak_v that_o be_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n to_o who_o to_o christ_n come_v as_o unto_o a_o live_a stone_n disallow_v indeed_o of_o man_n 6._o but_o choose_v of_o god_n and_o precious_a you_o also_o as_o lively_a stone_n be_v build_v up_o a_o spiritual_a house_n wherefore_o also_o it_o be_v contain_v in_o scripture_n behold_v i_o lay_v in_o zion_n a_o chief_a cornerstone_n elect_v precious_a and_o he_o that_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v confound_v or_o ashamed_a all_o that_o our_o historian_n say_v to_o this_o be_v that_o neither_o st._n paul_n 56._o nor_o st._n peter_n cite_v the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n as_o speak_v of_o christ_n but_o only_o as_o in_o some_o sense_n applicable_a to_o he_o namely_o as_o christ_n be_v to_o many_o a_o stone_n of_o stumble_v which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o outface_v the_o world_n with_o downright_a impudence_n and_o to_o charge_v the_o apostle_n with_o abuse_v scripture_n and_o produce_v proof_n which_o be_v no_o proof_n st._n paul_n allege_n this_o prophecy_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o infidelity_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o offence_n they_o shall_v take_v at_o christ_n be_v foretell_v in_o scripture_n which_o answer_v that_o objection_n against_o his_o be_v the_o messiah_n that_o the_o great_a body_n of_o israel_n to_o who_o the_o messiah_n be_v peculiar_o promise_v shall_v reject_v he_o when_o he_o come_v which_o have_v it_o not_o be_v foretell_v have_v be_v a_o very_a unanswerable_a prejudice_n and_o yet_o if_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o prophet_n stumble_a stone_n this_o prophecy_n do_v not_o foretell_v it_o st._n peter_n urge_v this_o prophecy_n to_o prove_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o foundation_n corner_n stone_n elect_a and_o precious_a on_o which_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v build_v but_o he_o abuse_v we_o also_o with_o a_o shame_n proof_n if_o this_o prophecy_n be_v not_o mean_v of_o christ._n and_o thus_o these_o man_n rather_o than_o they_o will_v allow_v the_o scripture_n proof_n that_o christ_n be_v god_n destroy_v all_o the_o old_a testament_n proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o i_o be_o afraid_a they_o be_v able_a to_o give_v we_o no_o good_a proof_n of_o christianity_n without_o they_o and_o yet_o if_o such_o text_n as_o these_o must_v pass_v only_o for_o accommodation_n and_o allusion_n i_o know_v not_o where_o they_o will_v find_v any_o proof_n st._n john_n curious_o observe_v the_o several_a circumstance_n of_o our_o saviour_n death_n and_o show_n that_o they_o be_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o ancient_a prophecy_n and_o among_o other_o that_o of_o pierce_a his_o side_n with_o the_o soldier_n spear_n which_o be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n zechary_n 10._o they_o shall_v look_v on_o i_o who_o they_o have_v pierce_v which_o be_v confess_v to_o be_v speak_v of_o god_n and_o here_o he_o tell_v we_o again_o that_o the_o word_n in_o the_o prophet_n be_v not_o by_o st._n john_n interpret_v of_o christ_n 37._o but_o accommodate_v to_o christ_n and_o his_o suffering_n and_o thus_o as_o fast_o as_o he_o can_v 65._o one_o after_o another_o he_o accommodate_v away_o all_o the_o proof_n of_o christianity_n for_o we_o may_v as_o well_o prove_v the_o gospel_n out_o of_o homer_n by_o accommodate_v homer_n word_n and_o phrase_n to_o it_o and_o turn_v it_o into_o a_o homerical_a poem_n as_o we_o know_v have_v be_v do_v as_o prove_v it_o by_o accommodate_v the_o phrase_n and_o language_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o it_o which_o be_v never_o intend_v to_o signify_v any_o such_o thing_n this_o i_o think_v be_v to_o ridicule_n and_o profane_a both_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o to_o overthrow_v the_o authority_n of_o both_o but_o i_o be_o quite_o tire_v with_o this_o work_n and_o therefore_o shall_v pass_v over_o his_o other_o old_a testament_n proof_n for_o what_o can_v we_o say_v to_o convince_v these_o man_n that_o such_o old_a testament_n text_n speak_v of_o christ_n who_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o to_o conclude_v this_o i_o shall_v only_o give_v you_o a_o specimen_fw-la how_o they_o deal_v with_o the_o new_a testament_n also_o in_o two_o or_o three_o instance_n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o form_n of_o baptism_n 19_o go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o 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 all_o the_o father_n have_v make_v this_o a_o argument_n that_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v one_o god_n because_o we_o be_v baptize_v in_o their_o name_n and_o we_o must_v not_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o any_o creature_n for_o to_o be_v baptize_v in_o their_o name_n signify_v to_o be_v devote_v and_o consecrate_v by_o a_o sacred_a and_o religious_a rite_n to_o the_o faith_n worship_n and_o obedience_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o it_o be_v idolatry_n to_o join_v creature_n with_o god_n in_o so_o solemn_a a_o act_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o same_o act_n whereby_o we_o give_v up_o ourselves_o to_o god_n to_o give_v up_o ourselves_o to_o creature_n in_o the_o same_o form_n of_o word_n without_o make_v any_o other_o difference_n between_o they_o but_o the_o order_n of_o person_n and_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o dispute_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o baptise_v in_o the_o name_n for_o whatever_o that_o be_v it_o signify_v the_o very_a same_o to_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o to_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o son_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n our_o saviour_n make_v no_o distinction_n and_o we_o must_v make_v none_o and_o if_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o one_o god_n this_o form_n of_o baptism_n destroy_v the_o distinction_n between_o god_n and_o creature_n and_o devote_v we_o as_o entire_o to_o creature_n as_o to_o god_n we_o must_v consider_v baptism_n as_o the_o sacrament_n of_o our_o initiation_n into_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o our_o admission_n into_o the_o gospel-covenant_n and_o therefore_o the_o person_n in_o who_o name_n we_o be_v baptize_v be_v that_o god_n who_o receive_v we_o into_o covenant_n and_o to_o who_o worship_n and_o obedience_n we_o consecrate_v ourselves_o our_o historian_n say_v â—7_n that_o to_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o person_n or_o person_n be_v a_o rite_n by_o which_o one_o deliver_v himself_o to_o the_o institution_n instruction_n and_o obedience_n of_o such_o person_n or_o person_n so_o that_o to_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v to_o profess_v to_o be_v lead_v or_o guide_v by_o they_o or_o as_o grotius_n express_v this_o matter_n it_o be_v to_o declare_v we_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o other_o thing_n as_o a_o part_n of_o our_o religion_n but_o what_o proceed_v from_o these_o that_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v command_v by_o god_n or_o the_o father_n and_o have_v be_v deliver_v by_o his_o son_n the_o lord_n christ_n and_o 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