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
again_o to_o make_v all_o thing_n of_o nothing_o and_o to_o reduce_v all_o thing_n to_o nothing_o again_o to_o know_v all_o thing_n past_a present_a and_o to_o come_v especial_o the_o most_o contingent_a futurity_n the_o free_a thought_n and_o counsel_n of_o man_n before_o they_o think_v they_o or_o some_o age_n before_o they_o themselves_o be_v in_o be_v without_o impose_v a_o fatal_a necessity_n on_o humane_a action_n i_o say_v the_o notion_n of_o such_o a_o be_v be_v very_o much_o above_o our_o conception_n and_o to_o a_o atheist_n who_o be_v for_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o can_v full_o comprehend_v seem_v very_o absurd_a and_o contradictious_a this_o show_v that_o man_n may_v easy_o mistake_v in_o charge_v the_o nature_n and_o notion_n of_o thing_n with_o contradiction_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v inquire_v how_o we_o may_v discover_v when_o such_o a_o appear_a contradiction_n be_v not_o real_a but_o be_v whole_o owe_v to_o our_o imperfect_a conception_n of_o thing_n i._o now_o in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o suspect_v this_o when_o it_o relate_v to_o such_o thing_n as_o all_o mankind_n agree_v we_o do_v not_o and_o can_v full_o understand_v or_o comprehend_v for_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a and_o arrogant_a presumption_n to_o say_v what_o be_v or_o what_o be_v not_o a_o contradiction_n when_o we_o confess_v we_o do_v not_o understand_v or_o comprehend_v the_o thing_n we_o speak_v of_o a_o contradiction_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n be_v what_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o be_v of_o which_o we_o speak_v now_o so_o far_o as_o we_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o any_o be_v we_o can_v certain_o tell_v what_o be_v contrary_a and_o contradiction_n to_o its_o nature_n as_o that_o accident_n shall_v subsist_v without_o their_o subject_n that_o a_o body_n shall_v be_v without_o extension_n or_o a_o organise_v body_n without_o any_o distinction_n of_o part_n that_o the_o same_o individual_a body_n shall_v be_v in_o heaven_n and_o on_o earth_n and_o in_o a_o thousand_o distant_a place_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o flesh_n and_o blood_n shall_v lie_v invisible_a under_o the_o species_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n that_o a_o body_n suppose_v of_o five_o or_o six_o foot_n long_o shall_v be_v conceal_v under_o the_o least_o crumb_n of_o bread_n these_o and_o such_o like_a be_v the_o manifest_a absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o we_o know_v that_o they_o be_v so_o because_o we_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o body_n and_o know_v that_o such_o thing_n be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o essential_a property_n of_o a_o body_n but_o now_o all_o man_n must_v confess_v that_o they_o have_v not_o a_o clear_a and_o comprehensive_a notion_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o essential_a property_n of_o a_o spirit_n especial_o of_o a_o infinite_a spirit_n as_o god_n be_v and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o know_v what_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o spirit_n if_o we_o know_v not_o what_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o spirit_n be_v and_o that_o man_n who_o shall_v pretend_v to_o comprehend_v all_o that_o be_v possible_a in_o a_o infinite_a nature_n be_v as_o contemptible_o ridiculous_a as_o if_o he_o shall_v challenge_v to_o himself_o infinite_a knowledge_n for_o without_o that_o no_o man_n can_v comprehend_v what_o be_v infinite_a ii_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a proof_n that_o such_o seem_a contradiction_n be_v not_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n but_o in_o our_o imperfect_a manner_n of_o conceive_v they_o when_o we_o have_v other_o evident_a proof_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v though_o we_o can_v comprehend_v it_o for_o nothing_o can_v be_v which_o involve_v a_o contradiction_n in_o its_o nature_n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v the_o contradiction_n be_v not_o real_a but_o imaginary_a as_o for_o instance_n as_o unconceivable_a as_o the_o notion_n of_o eternity_n be_v yet_o all_o mankind_n even_o atheist_n themselves_o must_v confess_v that_o something_o be_v from_o eternity_n for_o if_o ever_o there_o be_v nothing_o it_o be_v impossible_a there_o ever_o shall_v have_v be_v any_o thing_n for_o that_o which_o once_o be_v not_o can_v never_o be_v without_o a_o cause_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o difficulty_n there_o may_v be_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o eternal_a be_v we_o must_v acknowledge_v something_o eternal_a and_o that_o be_v proof_n enough_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o absurd_a or_o contradictious_a in_o the_o notion_n though_o we_o can_v comprehend_v it_o and_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o notion_n of_o a_o first_o eternal_a cause_n be_v much_o more_o easy_a and_o natural_a than_o to_o make_v either_o matter_n or_o the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o creature_n in_o it_o eternal_a whatever_o we_o can_v certain_o prove_v to_o be_v either_o by_o sense_n reason_n or_o revelation_n if_o there_o be_v any_o difficulty_n in_o conceive_v it_o we_o must_v attribute_v that_o to_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o own_o knowledge_n not_o to_o any_o absurdity_n or_o contradiction_n in_o the_o thing_n itself_o this_o show_v how_o unreasonable_a that_o method_n be_v which_o be_v take_v by_o atheist_n infidel_n and_o heretic_n to_o dispute_v against_o the_o be_v of_o any_o thing_n from_o the_o difficulty_n of_o conceive_v it_o and_o some_o pretend_a absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n in_o it_o when_o there_o be_v very_o plain_a proof_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v and_o such_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o fair_o to_o answer_v this_o be_v the_o fundamental_a miscarriage_n which_o be_v not_o owe_v to_o a_o prudent_a caution_n as_o be_v pretend_v but_o to_o wilfulness_n and_o obstinacy_n and_o pride_n of_o understanding_n or_o to_o a_o fix_a prejudice_n and_o aversion_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o such_o matter_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o only_o observe_v but_o particular_o prove_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o it_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o come_v to_o this_o one_o point_n that_o we_o may_v have_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o thing_n who_o nature_n we_o can_v conceive_v and_o comprehend_v he_o who_o will_v not_o own_o this_o contradict_v the_o sense_n and_o experience_n of_o mankind_n and_o he_o who_o confess_v this_o and_o yet_o reject_v the_o belief_n of_o that_o which_o he_o have_v good_a evidence_n for_o mere_o because_o he_o can_v conceive_v it_o be_v a_o very_a absurd_a and_o senseless_a infidel_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v very_o plain_a because_o all_o the_o way_n whereby_o the_o be_v of_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v prove_v be_v obvious_a and_o intelligible_a to_o all_o mankind_n but_o the_o nature_n of_o most_o thing_n be_v very_o dark_a and_o obscure_a and_o such_o as_o the_o wise_a man_n know_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v certain_o know_v that_o a_o great_a many_o thing_n be_v who_o nature_n and_o essential_a property_n we_o can_v conceive_v as_o to_o show_v this_o particular_o 1._o the_o proof_n that_o any_o thing_n be_v be_v either_o from_o sense_n from_o reason_n or_o from_o revelation_n what_o be_v evident_a to_o sense_n be_v evident_a to_o all_o man_n who_o have_v their_o sense_n what_o be_v plain_o prove_v by_o reason_n and_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a proof_n if_o it_o be_v not_o plain_a be_v plain_a to_o all_o man_n who_o can_v use_v their_o reason_n and_o what_o be_v plain_o reveal_v every_o man_n may_v know_v who_o can_v read_v and_o understand_v the_o scripture_n the_o be_v and_o nature_n of_o thing_n be_v know_v very_o different_a way_n and_o the_o be_v of_o thing_n not_o only_o may_v but_o most_o common_o be_v know_v without_o know_v their_o nature_n any_o man_n may_v know_v the_o first_o but_o few_o man_n in_o any_o measure_n can_v know_v the_o second_o whoever_o have_v his_o sense_n about_o he_o know_v that_o there_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o he_o see_v hear_v or_o feel_v but_o the_o philosophy_n of_o nature_n be_v not_o learn_v by_o sense_n reason_n will_v convince_v we_o by_o some_o visible_a and_o sensible_a effect_n that_o there_o be_v some_o invisible_a cause_n without_o inform_v we_o distinct_o what_o the_o nature_n and_o power_n of_o such_o cause_n be_v and_o god_n may_v and_o do_v reveal_v many_o thing_n to_o we_o which_o we_o either_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o full_o comprehend_v or_o the_o nature_n of_o which_o he_o do_v not_o think_v fit_a particular_o to_o explain_v to_o we_o and_o in_o all_o these_o case_n we_o may_v certain_o know_v that_o thing_n be_v without_o understand_v the_o nature_n and_o philosophy_n of_o they_o 2._o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o wonder_n to_o meet_v with_o any_o thing_n who_o nature_n we_o do_v not_o perfect_o understand_v that_o i_o know_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n which_o we_o do_v perfect_o understand_v it_o be_v agree_v by_o all_o man_n whoever_o consider_v this_o matter_n that_o
the_o essence_n of_o thing_n can_v be_v know_v but_o only_o their_o property_n and_o quality_n the_o world_n be_v divide_v into_o matter_n and_o spirit_n and_o we_o know_v no_o more_o what_o the_o substance_n of_o matter_n than_o what_o the_o substance_n of_o a_o spirit_n be_v though_o we_o think_v we_o know_v one_o much_o better_a than_o the_o other_o we_o know_v thus_o much_o of_o matter_n that_o it_o be_v a_o extend_a substance_n which_o fill_v a_o space_n and_o have_v distinct_a part_n which_o may_v be_v separate_v from_o each_o other_o that_o it_o be_v susceptible_a of_o very_o different_a quality_n that_o it_o be_v hot_a or_o cold_a hard_a or_o soft_a etc._n etc._n but_o what_o the_o substance_n of_o matter_n be_v we_o know_v not_o and_o thus_o we_o know_v the_o essential_a property_n of_o a_o spirit_n that_o it_o be_v a_o think_v substance_n with_o the_o faculty_n of_o understanding_n and_o will_n and_o be_v capable_a of_o different_a virtue_n or_o vice_n as_o matter_n be_v of_o 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believe_v these_o thing_n till_o he_o can_v give_v a_o philosophical_a account_n of_o they_o must_v deny_v his_o sense_n in_o compliment_n to_o his_o understanding_n and_o he_o who_o think_v that_o he_o do_v understand_v these_o matter_n will_v make_v a_o man_n question_n whether_o he_o have_v any_o sense_n thus_o it_o be_v also_o with_o reference_n to_o a_o spirit_n we_o feel_v within_o ourselves_o that_o we_o can_v think_v and_o reason_n that_o we_o can_v choose_v and_o refuse_v that_o we_o can_v love_v and_o hate_n and_o desire_n and_o fear_n but_o what_o these_o natural_a power_n and_o passion_n be_v we_o know_v not_o how_o thought_n rise_v in_o our_o mind_n and_o how_o one_o thought_n beget_v another_o how_o a_o thought_n can_v move_v our_o body_n or_o fix_v they_o in_o their_o seat_n how_o the_o body_n can_v raise_v thought_n and_o passion_n in_o the_o soul_n or_o the_o thought_n and_o passion_n of_o the_o soul_n can_v affect_v the_o body_n the_o property_n and_o operation_n both_o of_o body_n and_o spirit_n be_v great_a secret_n and_o mystery_n in_o nature_n which_o we_o understand_v nothing_o of_o nor_o be_v concern_v to_o understand_v they_o no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v our_o business_n to_o understand_v how_o to_o make_v either_o a_o body_n or_o a_o spirit_n which_o we_o have_v no_o power_n to_o do_v if_o we_o do_v understand_v it_o and_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v a_o useless_a piece_n of_o knowledge_n which_o will_v serve_v no_o end_n but_o curiosity_n and_o that_o be_v reason_n enough_o why_o our_o wise_a maker_n shall_v not_o communicate_v this_o knowledge_n to_o we_o be_v we_o capable_a of_o it_o because_o it_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o our_o nature_n as_o no_o knowledge_n do_v which_o we_o can_v make_v no_o use_n of_o the_o perfect_a notion_n and_o idea_n of_o thing_n be_v proper_a only_o to_o that_o almighty_a mind_n which_o can_v give_v be_v to_o they_o now_o this_o plain_o show_v what_o the_o natural_a boundary_n of_o humane_a knowledge_n be_v how_o far_o we_o may_v attain_v to_o a_o certain_a knowledge_n and_o where_o we_o must_v give_v off_o our_o inquiry_n unless_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o impose_v upon_o our_o understanding_n with_o some_o uncertain_a and_o fanciful_a conjecture_n or_o to_o perplex_v ourselves_o with_o inexplicable_a difficulty_n 1._o as_o first_o we_o have_v certain_a way_n of_o discover_v the_o be_v of_o thing_n which_o fall_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o knowledge_n this_o our_o sense_n reason_n or_o revelation_n will_v acquaint_v we_o with_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v know_v what_o thing_n there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n as_o far_o as_o they_o fall_v under_o the_o notice_n of_o sense_n or_o be_v discover_v by_o reason_n or_o revelation_n 2._o we_o may_v know_v what_o thing_n be_v or_o what_o their_o essential_a property_n quality_n operation_n and_o power_n be_v whereby_o we_o can_v distinguish_v one_o sort_n of_o being_n from_o another_o as_o suppose_v a_o body_n from_o a_o spirit_n bread_n from_o flesh_n and_o wine_n from_o blood_n and_o can_v reason_n from_o effect_n to_o cause_n and_o from_o cause_n to_o effect_n with_o as_o great_a certainty_n as_o we_o understand_v what_o the_o cause_n or_o effect_n be_v 3._o but_o the_o essence_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o philosophy_n of_o their_o nature_n the_o reason_n of_o their_o essential_a property_n and_o power_n which_o immediate_o result_v from_o their_o nature_n the_o manner_n of_o their_o production_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o operation_n be_v mystery_n to_o we_o and_o will_v be_v so_o do_v what_o we_o can_v and_o therefore_o here_o our_o inquiry_n must_v cease_v if_o we_o inquire_v wise_o for_o it_o be_v vain_a and_o absurd_a to_o perplex_v ourselves_o with_o such_o question_n which_o we_o can_v no_o more_o answer_n than_o we_o can_v make_v a_o world_n the_o sum_n be_v this_o when_o we_o charge_v any_o doctrine_n with_o absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n we_o must_v be_v sure_a that_o we_o understand_v the_o thing_n for_o if_o it_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o we_o do_v not_o and_o can_v understand_v the_o nature_n of_o we_o may_v imagine_v a_o thousand_o absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n which_o be_v owe_v whole_o to_o our_o ignorance_n of_o thing_n sect_n ii_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n contain_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o true_a belief_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n ii_o let_v we_o now_o take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n which_o this_o profane_a author_n make_v the_o subject_a of_o his_o drollery_n and_o ridicule_n and_o examine_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o it_o which_o a_o good_a catholic_n christian_n can_v reject_v without_o reject_v the_o catholic_n doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n and_o the_o mysterious_a incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o if_o this_o creed_n contain_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o this_o belief_n and_o what_o every_o christian_a who_o believe_v these_o doctrine_n must_v profess_v than_o all_o these_o scoff_v which_o be_v cast_v upon_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n do_v indeed_o belong_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n itself_o if_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n be_v christian_a doctrine_n as_o to_o begin_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n the_o athanasian_n creed_n tell_v we_o the_o catholic_n faith_n be_v this_o that_o we_o worship_v one_o god_n in_o trinity_n and_o trinity_n in_o unity_n that_o be_v that_o we_o worship_v one_o god_n and_o three_o person_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o this_o all_o christian_n grant_v to_o be_v the_o catholic_n faith_n except_o arian_n macedonian_n and_o socinian_o and_o such_o like_a heretic_n and_o how_o we_o must_v worship_v one_o god_n in_o trinity_n and_o trinity_n in_o unity_n be_v explain_v in_o the_o next_o paragraph_n neither_o confound_v the_o person_n nor_o divide_v the_o substance_n which_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v if_o there_o be_v three_o person_n and_o one_o god_n for_o if_o we_o confound_v the_o person_n by_o say_v that_o they_o be_v all_o but_o one_o person_n under_o three_o different_a name_n and_o title_n or_o denomination_n than_o we_o destroy_v the_o distinction_n of_o person_n if_o we_o divide_v the_o substance_n by_o say_v that_o every_o person_n have_v a_o separate_a divine_a nature_n of_o his_o own_o as_o every_o man_n have_v a_o separate_a humane_a nature_n than_o we_o make_v three_o god_n as_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n be_v three_o man_n which_o be_v to_o overthrow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o one_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o creed_n add_v for_o there_o be_v one_o person_n of_o the_o father_n another_o of_o the_o son_n and_o another_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o the_o godhead_n of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o one_o the_o
show_v you_o thing_n to_o come_v he_o shall_v glorify_v i_o for_o he_o shall_v receive_v of_o i_o and_o shall_v show_v it_o unto_o you_o all_o thing_n that_o the_o father_n have_v be_v i_o therefore_o say_v i_o that_o he_o shall_v take_v of_o i_o and_o shall_v show_v it_o unto_o you_o of_o which_o word_n more_o hereafter_o at_o present_a i_o only_o observe_v how_o intimate_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v acquaint_v with_o all_o the_o secret_n both_o of_o father_n and_o son_n whatever_o thing_n the_o father_n know_v that_o the_o son_n know_v and_o what_o the_o son_n know_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n know_v that_o be_v whatever_o the_o father_n know_v which_o be_v first_o say_v to_o be_v the_o father_n than_o the_o son_n be_v and_o then_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o person_n in_o the_o adorable_a trinity_n thus_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o love_n which_o inspire_v we_o with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o give_v we_o the_o reciprocal_a testimony_n of_o god_n love_n to_o we_o for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v shed_v abroad_o in_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o 5_o rom._n 5._o and_o as_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n represent_v it_o he_o be_v that_o love_n wherewith_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n love_v each_o other_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o that_o he_o who_o unite_v father_n and_o son_n and_o unite_v god_n to_o we_o and_o we_o to_o god_n by_o love_n be_v unite_v to_o father_n and_o son_n by_o love_n himself_o he_o be_v that_o holy_a spirit_n who_o renew_v and_o sanctify_v we_o and_o subdue_v our_o will_n into_o a_o conformity_n and_o subjection_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o no_o doubt_n but_o he_o have_v the_o same_o will_n with_o father_n and_o son_n thus_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v most_o intimate_o unite_v in_o knowledge_n will_n and_o affection_n but_o after_o all_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o we_o call_v a_o moral_a union_n such_o as_o may_v be_v between_o create_a spirit_n which_o remain_z separate_z being_n still_o and_o though_o they_o be_v moral_o be_v not_o essential_o one_o and_o therefore_o such_o a_o union_n as_o this_o can_v make_v father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n one_o god_n but_o three_o agree_a and_o consent_v god_n as_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n though_o they_o shall_v in_o the_o most_o perfect_a manner_n be_v unite_v in_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o mutual_a love_n and_o affection_n etc._n etc._n yet_o will_v be_v three_o man_n still_o and_o therefore_o i_o must_v now_o show_v that_o what_o be_v mere_o a_o moral_a union_n between_o creature_n be_v a_o essential_a union_n between_o the_o person_n of_o the_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n and_o this_o i_o have_v already_o show_v in_o part_n the_o three_o divine_a person_n of_o the_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n be_v unite_v in_o knowledge_n in_o will_n in_o love_n but_o be_v not_o unite_v as_o creature_n be_v by_o a_o external_a likeness_n conformity_n agreement_n consent_n in_o knowledge_n will_n and_o affection_n but_o be_v so_o unite_v to_o each_o other_o as_o every_o man_n be_v to_o himself_o not_o as_o one_o man_n be_v to_o another_o as_o for_o instance_n every_o man_n by_o a_o inward_a sensation_n feeel_v his_o own_o knowledge_n will_n and_o affection_n but_o he_o do_v not_o know_v any_o other_o man_n thought_n or_o will_v or_o passion_n by_o feel_v they_o in_o himself_o as_o he_o do_v his_o own_o but_o by_o a_o external_a communication_n of_o thought_n and_o therefore_o though_o they_o may_v be_v moral_o one_o by_o a_o exact_a agreement_n and_o harmony_n of_o thought_n and_o passion_n as_o far_o as_o by_o external_a communication_n they_o can_v know_v what_o each_o other_o thought_n and_o passion_n be_v yet_o they_o be_v essential_o distinct_a and_o separate_a but_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v one_o not_o by_o a_o external_a agreement_n or_o consent_n but_o by_o a_o internal_a consciousness_n as_o every_o man_n be_v one_o with_o himself_o if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v because_o we_o want_v proper_a word_n to_o express_v it_o they_o feel_v each_o other_o in_o themselves_o know_v the_o same_o thing_n by_o feel_v each_o other_o knowledge_n and_o will_v and_o love_v alike_o by_o feel_v what_o each_o other_o will_n and_o love_n just_a as_o every_o man_n feel_v his_o own_o thought_n knowledge_n will_n and_o passion_n that_o be_v be_v as_o intimate_v to_o each_o other_o and_o as_o essential_o one_o by_o a_o mutual_a self-consciousness_n as_o every_o man_n be_v one_o with_o himself_o and_o the_o phrase_n and_o expression_n of_o scripture_n whereby_o the_o unity_n or_o oneness_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v express_v require_v this_o sense_n thus_o i_o observe_v before_o that_o the_o son_n be_v the_o eternal_a word_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n and_o therefore_o as_o intimate_v to_o he_o as_o every_o man_n reason_n be_v to_o himself_o and_o know_v the_o father_n not_o by_o external_a revelation_n but_o as_o every_o man_n know_v himself_o but_o the_o most_o frequent_a expression_n whereby_o christ_n represent_v this_o close_a and_o intimate_v and_o essential_a union_n between_o his_o father_n and_o he_o be_v i_o be_o in_o the_o father_n and_o the_o father_n in_o i_o which_o he_o repeat_v several_a time_n in_o st._n john_n gospel_n now_o if_o we_o will_v allow_v this_o to_o be_v a_o proper_a not_o a_o metaphorical_a expression_n it_o can_v signify_v no_o other_o union_n than_o what_o i_o have_v now_o describe_v that_o it_o be_v a_o proper_a and_o not_o a_o metaphorical_a expression_n appear_v from_o this_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o union_n in_o nature_n between_o any_o two_o other_o being_n as_o this_o to_o be_v in_o one_o another_o and_o a_o metaphor_n be_v translate_v from_o something_o that_o be_v real_a and_o natural_a upon_o account_n of_o some_o likeness_n and_o similitude_n and_o therefore_o that_o which_o be_v like_a to_o nothing_o else_o which_o have_v no_o pattern_n and_o example_n can_v be_v no_o metaphor_n because_o it_o allude_v to_o nothing_o now_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o a_o substantial_a union_n or_o a_o union_n of_o substance_n what_o two_o substance_n can_v there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n which_o can_v mutual_o be_v in_o each_o other_o or_o can_v mutual_o comprehend_v each_o other_o which_o be_v indeed_o a_o palpable_a contradiction_n as_o signify_v at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o be_v great_a and_o to_o be_v less_o than_o each_o other_o for_o in_o substantial_a union_n that_o which_o comprehend_v be_v great_a than_o that_o which_o be_v comprehend_v that_o which_o be_v within_o any_o thing_n else_o be_v less_o than_o that_o which_o contain_v it_o and_o therefore_o for_o two_o being_n mutual_o to_o comprehend_v and_o to_o be_v comprehend_v by_o each_o other_o be_v to_o be_v great_a and_o less_o than_o each_o other_o great_a as_o they_o comprehend_v each_o other_o and_o less_o as_o they_o be_v comprehend_v so_o that_o this_o oneness_n between_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n be_v such_o a_o union_n as_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o nature_n like_o it_o and_o we_o can_v long_o doubt_v what_o kind_n of_o union_n this_o be_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o possible_a way_n to_o be_v thus_o unite_v and_o that_o be_v by_o this_o mutual_a consciousness_n which_o i_o have_v now_o describe_v if_o the_o son_n be_v conscious_a in_o himself_o of_o all_o that_o the_o father_n be_v as_o conscious_a to_o the_o knowledge_n to_o the_o will_n to_o the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n as_o he_o be_v to_o his_o own_o by_o a_o internal_a sensation_n than_o the_o whole_a father_n be_v in_o the_o son_n if_o the_o father_n be_v thus_o conscious_a to_o all_o that_o the_o son_n be_v than_o the_o whole_a son_n be_v in_o the_o father_n if_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v thus_o conscious_a to_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o father_n and_o in_o the_o son_n than_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n be_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n by_o this_o mutual_a consciousness_n to_o each_o other_o this_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a and_o make_v they_o as_o much_o one_o as_o every_o man_n be_v one_o with_o himself_o by_o self-consciousness_n and_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o all_o three_o divine_a person_n be_v coessential_a and_o coequal_a with_o each_o other_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o god_n but_o that_o he_o be_v a_o infinite_a mind_n that_o be_v infinite_a knowledge_n wisdom_n power_n goodness_n and_o if_o these_o three_o divine_a person_n be_v all_o internal_o conscious_a of_o all_o these_o perfection_n which_o be_v in_o each_o other_o they_o must_v all_o have_v the_o
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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 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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 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reason_n tell_v we_o that_o three_o divine_a person_n can_v be_v one_o god_n if_o my_o reason_n be_v like_o other_o man_n i_o be_o sure_a my_o reason_n say_v nothing_o at_o all_o about_o it_o do_v neither_o affirm_v nor_o deny_v it_o and_o therefore_o when_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n as_o natural_a reason_n teach_v and_o that_o this_o one_o god_n be_v three_o divine_a person_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n this_o contradict_v nothing_o which_o reason_n teach_v but_o add_v something_o which_o natural_a reason_n can_v not_o discover_v which_o be_v the_o proper_a use_n of_o revelation_n scripture_n teach_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o that_o there_o be_v three_o divine_a person_n who_o be_v this_o one_o god_n reason_n teach_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n but_o do_v not_o teach_v that_o there_o be_v three_o divine_a person_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n nor_o do_v it_o teach_v that_o there_o be_v not_o 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any_o write_n even_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o be_v to_o examine_v the_o use_n and_o propriety_n of_o word_n and_o phrase_n the_o connexion_n scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o text_n its_o allusion_n to_o ancient_a custom_n and_o usage_n or_o dispute_n etc._n etc._n for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o good_a reason_n to_o be_v give_v for_o any_o exposition_n but_o that_o the_o word_n signify_v so_o and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o place_n and_o the_o apparent_a scope_n of_o the_o writer_n require_v it_o but_o our_o author_n as_o many_o other_o do_v seem_v to_o confound_v the_o reason_n of_o believe_v any_o doctrine_n with_o the_o rule_n of_o expound_v a_o write_n we_o must_v believe_v nothing_o that_o contradict_v the_o plain_a and_o express_v dictate_v of_o natural_a reason_n which_o all_o mankind_n agree_v in_o whatever_o pretence_n of_o revelation_n there_o be_v for_o it_o well_o say_v they_o than_o you_o must_v expound_v scripture_n so_o as_o to_o make_v it_o agree_v with_o the_o necessary_a principle_n and_o dictate_v of_o reason_n no_o say_v i_o that_o do_v not_o follow_v i_o must_v expound_v scripture_n according_a to_o the_o use_n and_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n and_o must_v not_o force_v my_o own_o sense_n on_o it_o if_o it_o will_v not_o bear_v it_o but_o suppose_v then_o that_o the_o natural_a construction_n of_o the_o word_n import_v such_o a_o sense_n as_o be_v contrary_n to_o some_o evident_a principle_n of_o reason_n then_o i_o will_v believe_v it_o how_o not_o believe_v scripture_n no_o no_o i_o will_v believe_v no_o pretend_a revelation_n which_o contradict_v the_o plain_n dictate_v of_o reason_n which_o all_o mankind_n agree_v in_o and_o be_v i_o persuade_v that_o those_o book_n which_o we_o call_v the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v so_o i_o will_v not_o believe_v they_o and_o this_o be_v a_o fair_a and_o honest_a way_n than_o to_o force_v they_o to_o speak_v what_o they_o never_o intend_v and_o what_o every_o impartial_a man_n who_o 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and_o add_v the_o very_a truth_n be_v they_o can_v otherwise_o defend_v the_o incarnation_n or_o personal_a union_n of_o a_o infinite_a god_n to_o a_o finite_a man._n this_o be_v gibberish_n which_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v but_o this_o i_o do_v understand_v which_o i_o suppose_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o if_o it_o have_v any_o meaning_n that_o a_o eternal_a be_v who_o have_v no_o beginning_n and_o no_o succession_n of_o be_v may_v coexi_v with_o time_n and_o that_o a_o infinite_a mind_n who_o have_v no_o part_n or_o extension_n be_v present_a every_o where_o without_o extension_n 80._o this_o i_o have_v sufficient_o discourse_v already_o and_o refer_v my_o reader_n to_o it_o but_o he_o have_v a_o thunder_a argument_n against_o this_o but_o withal_o it_o must_v be_v own_v that_o then_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n do_v infer_v imply_v and_o suppose_v all_o the_o contradiction_n that_o mr._n johnson_n have_v object_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n i_o hope_v not_o all_o for_o that_o be_v a_o very_a good_a discourse_n and_o i_o only_o wish_v for_o the_o author_n sake_n si_fw-la sic_fw-la omne_fw-la but_o pray_v what_o be_v the_o matter_n his_o whole_a book_n and_o all_o his_o demonstration_n be_v found_v upon_o these_o two_o supposition_n that_o a_o long_a time_n do_v not_o all_o of_o it_o coexi_v in_o a_o short_a nor_o be_v a_o great_a extension_n constipate_v or_o contain_v in_o a_o less_o suppose_v this_o for_o i_o have_v forget_v what_o his_o demonstration_n be_v and_o have_v not_o the_o book_n now_o by_o i_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n though_o a_o long_a time_n can_v all_o of_o it_o coexi_v in_o a_o short_a which_o i_o hope_v be_v not_o so_o loose_o express_v by_o mr._n johnson_n because_o it_o be_v not_o sense_n for_o time_n be_v in_o a_o perpetual_a flux_n and_o nothing_o of_o it_o exist_v but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o a_o eternal_a being_n coexi_v with_o time_n without_o time_n or_o succession_n though_o a_o great_a extension_n can_v be_v contain_v in_o a_o less_o what_o be_v this_o to_o a_o infinite_a mind_n be_v present_v every_o where_o without_o extension_n for_o here_o be_v no_o comparison_n between_o a_o long_o and_o short_a time_n but_o between_o time_n and_o eternity_n which_o be_v not_o time_n nor_o succession_n nor_o between_o a_o great_a and_o less_o extension_n but_o between_o a_o finite_a and_o infinite_a mind_n neither_o of_o which_o have_v any_o extension_n but_o suppose_v the_o worst_a how_o do_v this_o concern_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o incarnation_n if_o he_o can_v tell_v how_o to_o apply_v all_o the_o demonstration_n of_o mr._n johnson_n which_o he_o tell_v we_o in_o print_n he_o forbear_v to_o do_v because_o the_o press_n be_v not_o open_a to_o they_o these_o absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n will_v not_o fall_v upon_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o incarnation_n but_o upon_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o omnipresent_v god_n who_o have_v no_o part_n nor_o extension_n which_o be_v not_o invent_v to_o salve_v the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o incarnation_n but_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o his_o omnipresence_n who_o be_v not_o omnipresent_v by_o part_n but_o be_v every_o where_o a_o perfect_a and_o infinite_a mind_n and_o if_o he_o can_v ridicule_n god_n out_o of_o the_o world_n we_o will_v quarrel_v no_o more_o about_o the_o incarnation_n i_o do_v not_o at_o all_o wonder_n that_o he_o boast_v so_o much_o what_o folly_n and_o contradiction_n he_o can_v discover_v in_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n for_o a_o man_n who_o can_v understand_v common_a sense_n can_v never_o fail_v of_o find_v folly_n and_o contradiction_n 2._o he_o prove_v that_o the_o union_n between_o god_n and_o man_n can_v make_v one_o person_n as_o the_o union_n of_o body_n and_o soul_n do_v because_o the_o union_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v not_o the_o union_n of_o two_o person_n but_o only_o of_o one_o person_n the_o soul_n to_o a_o thing_n otherways_o without_o life_n reason_n memory_n or_o freewill_n but_o in_o the_o pretend_v union_n of_o god_n with_o man_n there_o be_v two_o distinct_a and_o very_a different_a life_n memory_n reason_n and_o free-will_n which_o utter_o destroy_v a_o personal_a union_n for_o that_o suppose_v but_o one_o life_n one_o reason_n one_o memory_n one_o freewill_n now_o this_o be_v false_a as_o to_o matter_n of_o fact_n for_o though_o we_o will_v allow_v the_o soul_n to_o be_v the_o person_n yet_o by_o its_o union_n to_o the_o body_n it_o have_v two_o sort_n of_o different_a life_n will_n affection_n appetite_n reason_n the_o animal_n and_o sensual_a and_o the_o rational_a life_n will_n appetite_n a_o carnal_a and_o a_o spiritual_a reason_n that_o be_v two_o different_a principle_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n as_o much_o as_o if_o every_o man_n have_v two_o soul_n so_o that_o there_o may_v be_v two_o life_n two_o will_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o same_o person_n and_o it_o make_v no_o difference_n in_o this_o case_n whether_o these_o two_o will_n be_v seat_v in_o two_o different_a subject_n or_o the_o same_o soul_n by_o its_o vital_a union_n to_o matter_n have_v two_o distinct_a will_n and_o reason_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v find_v out_o some_o other_o notion_n of_o a_o personal_a union_n than_o this_o that_o one_o person_n can_v have_v but_o one_o will_n one_o reason_n etc._n etc._n for_o it_o be_v plain_a one_o person_n may_v have_v two_o will_n and_o reason_n and_o if_o he_o may_v have_v two_o he_o may_v have_v three_o according_a to_o the_o number_n and_o diversity_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v unite_v into_o one_o person_n now_o when_o i_o inquire_v what_o it_o be_v that_o unite_v different_a nature_n into_o one_o person_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v what_o it_o be_v that_o natural_o unite_v they_o neither_o what_o the_o natural_a union_n be_v between_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o the_o person_n of_o man_n nor_o of_o god_n and_o man_n in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n for_o this_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o and_o therefore_o no_o pretend_a contradiction_n and_o impossibility_n in_o this_o shall_v hinder_v my_o belief_n of_o it_o as_o i_o discourse_v in_o the_o first_o section_n but_o how_o two_o different_a nature_n may_v be_v so_o unite_v as_o to_o make_v but_o one_o agent_n for_o one_o agent_n be_v one_o person_n now_o there_o be_v but_o two_o thing_n necessary_a to_o this_o 1._o that_o these_o different_a nature_n be_v so_o unite_v that_o the_o superior_a nature_n have_v the_o government_n of_o the_o whole_a person_n unless_o there_o be_v one_o govern_v principle_n there_o can_v be_v one_o agent_n and_o therefore_o not_o one_o person_n and_o the_o superior_a nature_n must_v be_v the_o governor_n and_o the_o person_n as_o this_o author_n tell_v we_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o person_n in_o man_n as_o be_v the_o superior_a govern_v principle_n and_o in_o the_o soul_n reason_n have_v the_o natural_a government_n of_o sense_n as_o be_v the_o superior_a faculty_n proper_a to_o a_o spirit_n whereas_o sense_n result_v from_o its_o union_n to_o matter_n and_o thus_o in_o christ_n the_o divine_a word_n be_v the_o person_n and_o in_o this_o personal_a union_n of_o god_n and_o man_n have_v such_o a_o government_n of_o humane_a nature_n as_o reason_n have_v over_o sense_n in_o man_n and_o therefore_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o 14._o that_o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n or_o be_v incarnate_a for_o the_o person_n of_o the_o word_n take_v humane_a nature_n into_o a_o personal_a union_n with_o himself_o and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o all_o the_o action_n and_o passion_n of_o humane_a nature_n be_v attribute_v to_o christ_n as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n because_o the_o word_n be_v the_o person_n to_o who_o humane_a nature_n be_v unite_v and_o who_o have_v the_o sole_a government_n of_o it_o as_o all_o the_o suffering_n and_o action_n of_o the_o body_n be_v attribute_v to_o the_o man_n though_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o person_n because_o it_o be_v the_o superior_a and_o govern_v power_n and_o constitute_v the_o person_n 2._o to_o complete_a a_o personal_a union_n it_o be_v necessary_a there_o be_v one_o consciousness_n in_o the_o whole_a as_o a_o man_n have_v a_o conscious_a sensation_n of_o every_o thing_n which_o be_v do_v or_o suffer_v either_o by_o body_n or_o soul_n feel_v its_o own_o reason_n and_o passion_n and_o all_o the_o pain_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o body_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n there_o must_v be_v but_o one_o life_n in_o one_o person_n and_o this_o own_o consciousness_n to_o the_o whole_a be_v the_o one_o life_n but_o then_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o where_o different_a nature_n be_v unite_v into_o one_o person_n this_o universal_a consciousness_n to_o the_o whole_a person_n be_v seat_v
and_o what_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v two_o very_a distinct_a question_n and_o to_o apply_v what_o be_v say_v of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n become_v the_o wit_n and_o understanding_n of_o a_o heretic_n this_o be_v the_o very_a argument_n which_o the_o papist_n use_v against_o our_o author_n complete_a and_o infallible_a rule_n of_o faith_n the_o scripture_n that_o they_o do_v not_o contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n because_o they_o do_v not_o prove_v the_o great_a fundamental_a of_o the_o protestant_a faith_n that_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n which_o we_o receive_v be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n now_o what_o answer_v he_o will_v give_v to_o papist_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n let_v he_o suppose_v i_o give_v he_o the_o same_o answer_n in_o vindication_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n of_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n and_o we_o be_v right_o again_o but_o his_o part_a blow_n be_v worth_a some_o little_a observation_n that_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o complete_a rule_n of_o faith_n than_o this_o creed_n of_o athanasius_n be_v at_o least_o a_o unnecessary_a rule_n of_o faith_n but_o why_o do_v he_o not_o say_v the_o same_o thing_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n or_o nicene_n creed_n or_o any_o other_o creed_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n for_o it_o seem_v a_o creed_n as_o a_o creed_n for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o sense_n to_o be_v make_v of_o it_o be_v a_o very_a unnecessary_a thing_n if_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o complete_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o thus_o both_o catholic_n and_o heretic_n even_o his_o dear_a arian_n and_o socinian_o have_v trouble_v themselves_o and_o the_o world_n to_o no_o purpose_n in_o draw_v up_o creed_n and_o confession_n of_o faith_n but_o this_o author_n ought_v to_o be_v send_v to_o school_n to_o learn_v the_o difference_n between_o a_o creed_n and_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n a_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o divine_o inspire_v write_v which_o contain_v all_o matter_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o which_o we_o do_v believe_v a_o creed_n be_v a_o summary_n of_o faith_n or_o a_o collection_n of_o such_o article_n as_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o which_o we_o must_v examine_v by_o some_o other_o rule_n the_o sum_n then_o of_o our_o author_n argument_n be_v this_o that_o because_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v therefore_o it_o be_v very_o unnecessary_a to_o collect_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n such_o proposition_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o all_o christian_n explicit_o to_o believe_v he_o may_v as_o well_o have_v prove_v from_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o complete_a rule_n of_o faith_n that_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o commentator_n or_o sermon_n or_o catechism_n as_o that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o creed_n but_o as_o senseless_a as_o this_o be_v there_o be_v a_o very_a deep_a fetch_n in_o it_o for_o he_o will_v have_v no_o other_o creed_n but_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o divine_a infallible_a complete_a rule_n of_o faith_n which_o make_v all_o other_o creed_n unnecessary_a and_o then_o he_o can_v make_v what_o he_o please_v of_o scripture_n as_o all_o other_o heretic_n have_v do_v before_o he_o but_o let_v i_o ask_v this_o author_n whether_o to_o believe_v in_o general_a that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o complete_a rule_n of_o faith_n without_o a_o explicit_a belief_n of_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o scripture_n will_v carry_v a_o man_n to_o heaven_n there_o seem_v to_o i_o no_o great_a difference_n between_o this_o general_a faith_n in_o the_o scripture_n without_o particular_o know_v and_o believe_v what_o they_o teach_v and_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v we_o suppose_v then_o he_o will_v grant_v we_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o explicit_a belief_n of_o all_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o ought_v not_o the_o church_n then_o to_o instruct_v people_n what_o these_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n be_v and_o what_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n about_o they_o especial_o when_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o damnable_a heresy_n teach_v in_o the_o church_n by_o man_n of_o perverse_a mind_n who_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n and_o do_v not_o this_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o orthodox_n creed_n and_o formulary_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o put_v i_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o great_a usefulness_n of_o ancient_a creed_n though_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o only_a divine_a and_o infallible_a rule_n of_o faith_n viz._n that_o they_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o secondary_a rule_n as_o contain_v the_o traditionary_a faith_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n for_o witty_a man_n to_o put_v very_o perverse_a sense_n on_o scripture_n to_o favour_v their_o heretical_a doctrine_n and_o to_o defend_v they_o with_o such_o sophistry_n as_o shall_v easy_o impose_v upon_o unlearned_a and_o unthinking_a man_n and_o the_o best_a way_n in_o this_o case_n be_v to_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o ancient_a faith_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o learn_v from_o thence_o how_o these_o article_n be_v understand_v and_o profess_v by_o they_o for_o we_o can_v but_o think_v that_o those_o who_o converse_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o do_v not_o only_o receive_v the_o scripture_n but_o the_o sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o they_o from_o the_o apostle_n or_o apostolical_a man_n understand_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n much_o better_a than_o those_o at_o a_o far_o remove_v and_o therefore_o as_o long_o as_o we_o can_v reasonable_o suppose_v this_o tradition_n to_o be_v preserve_v in_o the_o church_n their_o authority_n be_v very_o venerable_a and_o this_o give_v so_o great_a and_o venerable_a authority_n to_o some_o of_o the_o first_o general_n council_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v tertullian_n himself_o confute_v the_o heretic_n of_o his_o day_n by_o this_o argument_n from_o prescription_n or_o the_o constant_a tradition_n of_o all_o apostolic_a church_n which_o be_v certain_a and_o unquestionable_a at_o that_o time_n and_o as_o much_o as_o papist_n pretend_v to_o tradition_n we_o appeal_v to_o tradition_n for_o the_o first_o three_o or_o four_o century_n and_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n have_v as_o good_a a_o tradition_n as_o this_o as_o certain_o it_o have_v it_o be_v no_o unnecessary_a rule_n though_o we_o do_v not_o make_v it_o a_o primary_n and_o uncontrollable_a rule_n as_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v where_o there_o be_v two_o different_a sense_n put_v on_o scripture_n it_o be_v certain_o the_o safe_a to_o embrace_v that_o sense_n if_o the_o word_n will_v bear_v it_o which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n contain_v in_o the_o write_n of_o her_o doctor_n or_o ancient_a creed_n or_o such_o creed_n as_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n note_n then_o for_o take_v aught_o from_o this_o creed_n the_o whole_a greek_a church_n diffuse_v through_o so_o many_o province_n reject_v as_o heretical_a that_o period_n of_o it_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n contend_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v from_o the_o father_n only_o which_o also_o they_o clear_o and_o demonstrative_o prove_v as_o we_o shall_v see_v in_o its_o proper_a place_n and_o for_o the_o menace_n here_o of_o athanasius_n that_o they_o shall_v perish_v everlasting_o they_o laugh_v at_o it_o and_o say_v he_o be_v drink_v when_o he_o make_v that_o creed_n gennad_n schol._n arch_a bishop_n of_o constantin_n answer_n this_o addition_n of_o the_o filioque_fw-la or_o the_o holy_a ghost_n proceed_v from_o the_o father_n and_o from_o the_o son_n which_o be_v dispute_v between_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a church_n be_v no_o corruption_n of_o the_o essential_o of_o the_o christian_a faith_n about_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o nor_o do_v athanasius_n deny_v salvation_n to_o those_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o for_o he_o that_o will_v be_v save_v must_v thus_o think_v of_o the_o trinity_n do_v not_o relate_v to_o every_o particular_a word_n and_o phrase_n but_o to_o that_o doctrine_n which_o immediate_o proceed_v that_o the_o trinity_n in_o unity_n and_o unity_n in_o trinity_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v which_o the_o greek_n acknowledge_v as_o well_o as_o the_o latin_n and_o therefore_o agree_v in_o the_o substantial_o of_o faith_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o that_o i_o havereason_n for_o what_o i_o say_v appear_v from_o this_o that_o after_o the_o latin_n be_v persuade_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v proceed_v from_o the_o son_n they_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o deny_v salvation_n to_o those_o who_o
perfect_a or_o which_o have_v all_o possible_a perfection_n which_o have_v no_o other_o end_n of_o its_o perfection_n but_o perfection_n itself_o that_o be_v a_o finite_a imperfect_a be_v that_o want_v any_o perfection_n that_o be_v a_o infinite_a be_v not_o which_o have_v no_o end_n of_o its_o perfection_n but_o which_o actual_o have_v all_o perfection_n and_o can_v be_v no_o more_o perfect_a than_o it_o be_v for_o there_o be_v a_o measure_n of_o the_o most_o absolute_a and_o in_o this_o sense_n infinite_a perfection_n before_o which_o no_o be_v be_v absolute_o perfect_a and_o beyond_o which_o there_o be_v no_o new_a degree_n of_o perfection_n for_o if_o we_o do_v not_o grant_v this_o there_o can_v be_v no_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a as_o for_o instance_n infinite_a wisdom_n knowledge_n goodness_n justice_n power_n have_v fix_v and_o set_v bound_n to_o their_o perfection_n beyond_o which_o they_o can_v go_v infinite_a knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n know_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v knowable_a and_o that_o be_v wise_a infinite_a goodness_n can_v do_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v good_a infinite_a justice_n be_v perfect_a justice_n which_o observe_v the_o exact_a proportion_n of_o right_n and_o wrong_n infinite_a power_n can_v do_v all_o thing_n which_o can_v be_v do_v to_o know_v what_o be_v not_o to_o be_v know_v to_o do_v what_o be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v to_o be_v good_a or_o just_a beyond_o the_o perfect_a measure_n of_o goodness_n and_o justice_n be_v a_o contradiction_n for_o it_o be_v neither_o wisdom_n nor_o power_n nor_o goodness_n nor_o justice_n the_o nature_n of_o wisdom_n power_n justice_n and_o goodness_n be_v fix_v and_o determine_v and_o the_o utmost_a bound_n of_o they_o be_v absolute_a perfection_n the_o divine_a nature_n be_v the_o original_a rule_n and_o standard_n and_o utmost_a bound_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o absolute_o perfect_a these_o perfection_n indeed_o may_v be_v call_v infinite_a in_o the_o negative_a sense_n with_o respect_n to_o we_o that_o we_o know_v not_o what_o the_o utmost_a extent_n of_o they_o be_v we_o know_v not_o how_o far_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o power_n and_o goodness_n reach_v but_o then_o we_o certain_o know_v that_o they_o have_v their_o bound_n and_o that_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v the_o utmost_a bound_n of_o they_o for_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o absolute_a perfection_n but_o the_o divine_a nature_n itself_o now_o this_o give_v we_o a_o positive_a notion_n and_o idea_n of_o god_n though_o we_o can_v comprehend_v his_o absolute_a perfection_n we_o as_o certain_o know_v what_o god_n be_v as_o we_o know_v what_o wisdom_n knowledge_n power_n goodness_n justice_n signify_v but_o how_o wise_a how_o good_a how_o powerful_a god_n be_v we_o know_v not_o because_o we_o do_v not_o know_v the_o utmost_a extent_n of_o these_o perfection_n i_o must_v now_o add_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o absolute_a perfection_n but_o those_o of_o a_o mind_n such_o as_o i_o have_v so_o often_o mention_v wisdom_n power_n goodness_n as_o for_o matter_n it_o be_v so_o imperfect_a a_o be_v itself_o that_o it_o can_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o absolute_a perfection_n nothing_n which_o belong_v to_o matter_n be_v a_o perfection_n consider_v in_o itself_o extension_n be_v no_o perfection_n no_o more_o than_o the_o dimension_n of_o a_o body_n be_v to_o be_v long_o or_o broad_a or_o deep_a to_o be_v little_a or_o great_a which_o may_v be_v perfection_n or_o imperfection_n as_o it_o happen_v with_o relation_n to_o the_o just_a measure_n and_o proportion_n of_o different_a body_n for_o either_o greatness_n or_o littleness_n may_v make_v different_a thing_n monstrous_a and_o therefore_o neither_o of_o they_o be_v either_o beauty_n or_o perfection_n themselves_o for_o what_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o perfection_n be_v always_o so_o extension_n be_v of_o no_o use_n but_o where_o there_o be_v a_o multitude_n or_o diversity_n of_o part_n and_o such_o a_o compound_n be_v can_v never_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a because_o it_o be_v make_v of_o part_n which_o be_v not_o absolute_o perfect_a as_o no_o part_n can_v be_v and_o ten_o thousand_o imperfect_a part_n can_v never_o make_v up_o a_o absolute_a perfect_a be_v and_o if_o what_o be_v infinite_o perfect_a can_v have_v no_o part_n it_o need_v no_o extension_n and_o can_v have_v none_o for_o what_o be_v extend_v have_v assignable_a part_n whether_o they_o can_v be_v divide_v or_o not_o omnipresence_n be_v a_o great_a and_o unquestionable_a perfection_n but_o to_o be_v omnipresent_v by_o infinite_a extension_n if_o such_o a_o thing_n can_v be_v will_v be_v no_o perfection_n at_o all_o for_o this_o will_v be_v to_o be_v present_a only_o by_o part_n as_o a_o body_n may_v be_v which_o be_v infinite_o extend_v and_o a_o body_n be_v a_o capable_a of_o infinite_a extension_n as_o any_o man_n can_v conceive_v a_o spirit_n to_o be_v and_o yet_o if_o a_o spirit_n be_v omnipresent_v only_o by_o infinite_a extension_n the_o whole_a substance_n of_o that_o spirit_n be_v not_o present_v every_o where_o but_o part_n of_o it_o in_o one_o place_n and_o part_n in_o another_o as_o many_o mile_n distant_a from_o each_o other_o as_o the_o place_n be_v where_o such_o part_n of_o the_o omnipresent_v spirit_n be_v this_o all_o man_n will_v confess_v to_o be_v absurd_a and_o yet_o if_o the_o whole_a mind_n and_o spirit_n be_v present_v every_o where_o it_o be_v certain_a it_o be_v not_o present_v every_o where_o by_o way_n of_o extension_n for_o the_o whole_a extension_n of_o a_o infinite_o extend_v spirit_n be_v not_o present_v every_o where_o and_o if_o omnipresence_n itself_o can_v be_v owe_v to_o infinite_a extension_n no_o man_n can_v tell_v i_o why_o a_o infinite_a mind_n shall_v be_v extend_v at_o all_o for_o extension_n itself_o be_v no_o perfection_n much_o less_o do_v any_o other_o virtue_n and_o quality_n of_o body_n deserve_v the_o name_n of_o absolute_a perfection_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v seek_v for_o absolute_a perfection_n only_o in_o a_o mind_n perfect_a wisdom_n knowledge_n power_n goodness_n justice_n make_v a_o absolute_a perfect_a mind_n there_o be_v no_o other_o absolute_a perfection_n but_o these_o and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o absolute_o perfect_a be_v but_o a_o infinite_a mind_n but_o beside_o this_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o all_o these_o absolute_a perfection_n by_o a_o mutual_a consciousness_n may_v be_v entire_a and_o equal_a in_o three_o distinct_a infinite_a mind_n there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n that_o three_o infinite_a mind_n shall_v be_v absolute_o perfect_a in_o wisdom_n goodness_n justice_n and_o power_n for_o these_o be_v perfection_n which_o may_v be_v in_o more_o than_o one_o as_o three_o man_n may_v all_o know_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o be_v equal_o just_a and_o good_a but_o three_o such_o mind_n can_v be_v absolute_o perfect_a without_o be_v mutual_o conscious_a to_o each_o other_o as_o they_o be_v to_o themselves_o for_o if_o they_o do_v not_o perfect_o know_v each_o other_o as_o they_o know_v themselves_o their_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n be_v not_o absolute_o perfect_a for_o they_o do_v not_o know_v all_o thing_n if_o they_o do_v not_o perfect_o know_v one_o another_o and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o each_o other_o without_o a_o mutual_a consciousness_n this_o show_v not_o only_o the_o possibility_n of_o this_o notion_n that_o three_o distinct_a infinite_a mind_n shall_v be_v mutual_o conscious_a to_o each_o other_o but_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o if_o there_o be_v three_o such_o infinite_o perfect_a mind_n for_o they_o can_v be_v infinite_o perfect_a without_o be_v conscious_a to_o one_o another_o thus_o to_o proceed_v this_o notion_n plain_o reconcile_v the_o perfect_a equality_n of_o all_o three_o person_n with_o the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o subordination_n of_o the_o son_n and_o holy_a spirit_n that_o all_o three_o person_n be_v perfect_o equal_a in_o knowledge_n wisdom_n goodness_n justice_n power_n be_v evident_a from_o their_o mutual_a consciousness_n whereby_o they_o all_o know_v love_n and_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o be_v a_o perfect_a equality_n but_o this_o do_v not_o destroy_v the_o natural_a subordination_n of_o the_o son_n to_o the_o father_n of_o a_o derivative_a to_o a_o original_a light_n as_o christ_n be_v call_v in_o the_o nicene_n creed_n god_n of_o god_n light_a of_o light_n for_o though_o god_n have_v communicate_v his_o own_o nature_n to_o he_o and_o receive_v he_o into_o his_o bosom_n to_o a_o intimate_a consciousness_n with_o himself_o which_o make_v he_o the_o perfect_a image_n of_o his_o father_n yet_o he_o receive_v all_o this_o from_o his_o father_n by_o eternal_a generation_n he_o be_v a_o son_n still_o though_o equal_a to_o his_o father_n in_o all_o divine_a perfection_n and_o therefore_o subordinate_a to_o he_o as_o a_o son_n and_o the_o
numerical_a but_o specific_a sameness_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o agreement_n of_o thing_n numerical_o differ_v from_o one_o another_o in_o the_o same_o common_a nature_n as_o maximus_n very_o plain_o tell_v we_o that_o that_o be_v say_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d paris_n which_o have_v the_o same_o notion_n or_o definition_n of_o its_o essence_n as_o a_o man_n differ_v nothing_o from_o a_o man_n as_o he_o be_v a_o man_n nor_o a_o angel_n from_o a_o angel_n as_o he_o be_v a_o angel_n and_o therefore_o this_o word_n do_v equal_o overthrow_v the_o sabellian_n and_o the_o arian_n heresy_n as_o it_o affirm_v both_o a_o distinction_n of_o person_n and_o the_o sameness_n of_o nature_n as_o st._n ambrose_n and_o other_o observe_v 7._o for_o nothing_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o itself_o but_o to_o something_o else_o distinct_a from_o itself_o but_o of_o the_o same_o common_a nature_n and_o therefore_o some_o who_o own_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d reject_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o savour_v of_o sabellianism_n and_o imply_v such_o a_o numerical_a unity_n of_o essence_n in_o the_o godhead_n as_o destroy_v all_o distinction_n of_o person_n for_o which_o reason_n the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d itself_o be_v reject_v by_o some_o as_o abuse_v by_o the_o sabellian_o till_o the_o signification_n of_o that_o word_n be_v fix_v and_o declare_v by_o the_o father_n at_o nice_a as_o petavius_n observe_v this_o be_v one_o thing_n wherein_o the_o father_n place_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n that_o all_o three_o person_n have_v the_o same_o nature_n and_o to_o be_v sure_a this_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o make_v three_o person_n one_o god_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v one_o god_n if_o they_o have_v not_o the_o same_o nature_n unless_o three_o distinct_a and_o separate_a being_n of_o divers_a nature_n can_v be_v one_o god_n that_o be_v unless_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v not_o one_o pure_a and_o simple_a act_n but_o a_o compound_n be_v and_o that_o of_o different_a nature_n too_o but_o some_o of_o the_o father_n go_v far_a than_o this_o and_o place_v the_o essential_a unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o the_o sameness_n of_o essence_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n because_o all_o the_o three_o divine_a person_n have_v the_o same_o nature_n and_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a brief_o to_o examine_v what_o they_o mean_v by_o it_o to_o vindicate_v these_o father_n from_o the_o misrepresentation_n and_o hard_a censure_n of_o petavius_n and_o dr._n cudworth_n who_o as_o i_o hope_v to_o make_v appear_v have_v great_o mistake_v their_o sense_n the_o charge_n be_v that_o they_o make_v the_o three_o divine_a person_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v one_o god_n only_o upon_o account_n of_o the_o same_o specifical_a divine_a nature_n common_a to_o they_o all_o just_o as_o three_o man_n be_v one_o by_o have_v the_o same_o common_a nature_n or_o the_o same_o humanity_n and_o be_v ask_v why_o they_o may_v not_o then_o be_v call_v three_o god_n as_o well_o as_o we_o say_v peter_z james_n and_o john_n be_v three_o man_n they_o answer_v that_o this_o be_v owe_v to_o a_o ill_a custom_n for_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v call_v three_o man_n neither_o which_o be_v like_o say_v there_o be_v three_o human_a nature_n and_o though_o in_o inferior_a matter_n we_o may_v bear_v with_o the_o abuse_n of_o word_n and_o improper_a form_n of_o speech_n yet_o this_o be_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n when_o we_o speak_v of_o god_n and_o therefore_o though_o there_o be_v no_o great_a hurt_n in_o say_v there_o be_v three_o man_n though_o there_o be_v but_o one_o humanity_n common_a to_o they_o all_o yet_o we_o must_v not_o say_v there_o be_v three_o god_n since_o there_o be_v but_o one_o divine_a nature_n and_o essence_n common_a to_o all_o three_o person_n this_o 9_o petavius_n say_v be_v to_o deny_v the_o true_a and_o real_a unity_n of_o the_o divine_a substance_n and_o essence_n and_o to_o make_v god_n only_o collective_o one_o as_o a_o multitude_n of_o man_n be_v say_v to_o be_v one_o people_n and_o a_o multitude_n of_o believer_n one_o church_n which_o be_v the_o error_n of_o abbot_n joachim_n for_o which_o he_o be_v condemn_v in_o the_o council_n of_o lateran_n dr._n cudworth_n represent_v it_o thus_o these_o theologer_n suppose_v the_o three_o person_n of_o their_o trinity_n to_o have_v real_o no_o other_o than_o a_o specific_a unity_n and_o identity_n supra_fw-la and_o because_o it_o seem_v plain_o to_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o therefore_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v as_o much_o three_o god_n as_o three_o man_n be_v three_o man_n these_o learned_a father_n endeavour_v with_o their_o logic_n to_o prove_v that_o three_o man_n be_v but_o abusive_o and_o improper_o so_o call_v three_o they_o be_v real_o and_o true_o but_o one_o because_o there_o be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o specific_a essence_n or_o substance_n of_o human_a nature_n in_o they_o all_o he_o add_v it_o seem_v plain_a that_o this_o trinity_n be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o kind_n of_o tritheism_n and_o that_o of_o god_n independent_a and_o coordinate_a too_o this_o be_v a_o very_a high_a charge_n and_o yet_o these_o theologer_n be_v no_o less_o man_n than_o gregory_n nyssen_n and_o cyril_n of_o alexandria_n and_o maximus_n and_o damascen_n man_n of_o note_n in_o their_o generation_n and_o never_o charge_v with_o heresy_n before_o but_o whatever_o the_o meaning_n of_o these_o father_n be_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o petavius_n and_o dr._n cudworth_n have_v mistake_v their_o meaning_n for_o they_o do_v not_o think_v that_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v one_o god_n only_o as_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n be_v one_o man_n or_o that_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n be_v one_o man_n as_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v one_o god_n they_o neither_o dream_v of_o a_o collective_a nor_o specific_a unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n but_o assert_v a_o real_a subsist_v numerical_a unity_n of_o essence_n as_o be_v obvious_a to_o every_o impartial_a reader_n and_o therefore_o if_o they_o have_v not_o understand_v how_o they_o explain_v this_o yet_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v put_v such_o a_o sense_n upon_o their_o word_n as_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o what_o they_o affirm_v i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o transcribe_v much_o out_o of_o these_o father_n to_o justify_v they_o in_o this_o point_n but_o will_v only_o represent_v their_o argument_n as_o plain_o as_o i_o can_v and_o that_o will_v be_v their_o justification_n whatever_o become_v of_o their_o argument_n they_o affirm_v then_o that_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v but_o one_o god_n because_o there_o be_v and_o can_v be_v but_o one_o numerical_a divinity_n or_o one_o divine_a nature_n and_o essence_n though_o it_o subsist_v in_o three_o distinct_a person_n against_o this_o it_o be_v object_v that_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n though_o they_o have_v the_o same_o human_a nature_n dij_fw-la yet_o be_v call_v three_o man_n and_o there_o be_v no_o absurdity_n in_o it_o when_o there_o be_v more_o than_o one_o who_o have_v the_o same_o nature_n to_o speak_v of_o they_o in_o the_o plural_a number_n to_o call_v two_o two_o and_o three_o three_o how_o then_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o religion_n forbid_v this_o that_o when_o we_o acknowledge_v three_o person_n who_o have_v the_o same_o nature_n without_o any_o imaginable_a difference_n we_o must_v in_o a_o manner_n contradict_v ourselves_o confess_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o and_o deny_v that_o they_o be_v three_o go_n this_o gregory_n nyssen_n answer_v at_o large_a and_o i_o shall_v chief_o confine_v myself_o to_o the_o answer_n he_o give_v which_o will_v abundant_o show_v how_o much_o these_o two_o learned_a man_n have_v misrepresent_v his_o sense_n and_o first_o he_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o common_a form_n of_o speech_n of_o call_v three_o who_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o human_a nature_n three_o man_n which_o incline_v we_o to_o call_v the_o three_o divine_a person_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n who_o have_v all_o the_o same_o divine_a nature_n three_o god_n and_o that_o natural_o betray_v man_n into_o the_o opinion_n of_o a_o trinity_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o of_o a_o trinity_n of_o person_n who_o be_v as_o much_o three_o god_n as_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n be_v three_o man_n and_o therefore_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o this_o be_v a_o improper_a way_n of_o speak_v even_o when_o apply_v to_o man_n to_o say_v that_o there_o be_v three_o man_n for_o man_n be_v the_o name_n of_o nature_n not_o of_o the_o person_n to_o
the_o orphick_n by_o heraclitus_n and_o zeno_n as_o tertullian_n and_o lactantius_n affirm_v nay_o that_o the_o stoic_n and_o platonist_n and_o especial_o philo_n judaeus_fw-la use_v it_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n who_o attribute_n the_o make_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o word_n which_o he_o call_v the_o name_n the_o image_n the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o which_o purpose_n he_o before_o cite_v rabbi_n eliezel_n that_o god_n and_o his_o name_n be_v before_o the_o world_n be_v make_v and_o explain_v this_o by_o the_o say_n of_o some_o father_n as_o all_o meaning_n the_o same_o thing_n and_o we_o know_v they_o mean_v by_o it_o a_o divine_a person_n the_o wor_n d_o be_v with_o god_n grotius_n do_v say_v that_o this_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n and_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n but_o he_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o think_v that_o these_o word_n have_v only_o a_o negative_a sense_n that_o to_o be_v with_o god_n signify_v only_o not_o to_o be_v in_o the_o world_n for_o he_o tell_v we_o what_o the_o positive_a sense_n be_v that_o with_o god_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o the_o father_n the_o very_a sense_n which_o our_o historian_n before_o reject_v as_o absurd_a and_o explain_v it_o by_o what_o wisdom_n say_v 8_o prov._n 30._o then_o i_o be_v by_o he_o as_o one_o bring_v up_o with_o he_o and_o i_o be_v daily_o his_o delight_n rejoice_v always_o before_o he_o which_o he_o do_v not_o think_v a_o prosopopoea_n but_o speak_v of_o a_o subsist_v person_n the_o word_n be_v god_n hear_v grotius_n produce_v numerous_a testimony_n to_o prove_v that_o that_o divine_a person_n who_o be_v call_v the_o word_n not_o the_o faculty_n of_o wisdom_n and_o power_n in_o god_n be_v god_n he_o say_v indeed_o that_o the_o ancient_a hebrew_n and_o primitive_a christian_n teach_v that_o when_o a_o angel_n be_v in_o scripture_n call_v jehovah_n it_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a angel_n sed_fw-la cui_fw-la adfuerit_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d such_o a_o angel_n to_o who_o the_o word_n be_v join_v or_o unite_v not_o as_o the_o historian_n say_v to_o who_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n have_v be_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a degree_n communicate_v that_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a wise_a angel_n for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o sense_n in_o it_o but_o i_o know_v not_o what_o grotius_n mean_v by_o the_o union_n or_o presence_n of_o the_o word_n with_o the_o angel_n but_o i_o know_v the_o primitive_a christian_n assert_v that_o the_o angel_n call_v jehovah_n be_v the_o word_n grotius_n assign_v this_o reason_n of_o the_o repetition_n that_o because_o the_o evangelist_n have_v call_v the_o word_n god_n he_o will_v have_v we_o understand_v that_o he_o be_v so_o god_n that_o he_o be_v also_o with_o god_n that_o be_v that_o the_o word_n be_v not_o all_o that_o god_n be_v but_o only_o one_o person_n in_o the_o godhead_n which_o he_o observe_v that_o origen_n and_o other_o after_o he_o call_v the_o distinction_n of_o hipostasis_fw-la though_o the_o primitive_a 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which_o have_v be_v a_o sign_n of_o some_o understanding_n and_o modesty_n have_v he_o not_o invent_v as_o foolish_a and_o senseless_a a_o interpretation_n himself_o for_o it_o be_v not_o grotius_n but_o his_o own_o socinus_n be_v sensible_a that_o the_o word_n must_v signify_v a_o person_n but_o will_v allow_v it_o to_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o man_n call_v the_o word_n not_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o nature_n but_o office_n as_o the_o great_a and_o most_o excellent_a prophet_n who_o reveal_v god_n will_n to_o the_o world_n our_o historian_n be_v convince_v that_o the_o word_n must_v be_v something_o divine_a which_o be_v with_o god_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v not_o different_a from_o god_n but_o be_v god_n and_o do_v create_v all_o thing_n at_o first_o and_o be_v in_o a_o sense_n incarnate_a be_v make_v flesh_n do_v abide_v on_o and_o inhabit_v a_o human_a person_n the_o person_n of_o jesus_n so_o far_o be_v very_o well_o but_o then_o he_o will_v not_o allow_v the_o word_n to_o be_v a_o person_n but_o a_o divine_a quality_n or_o accident_n the_o wisdom_n or_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o fault_n of_o this_o be_v that_o it_o be_v unintelligible_a nonsense_n to_o describe_v the_o word_n so_o pompous_o as_o distinct_a from_o god_n but_o with_o god_n in_o the_o beginning_n and_o himself_o god_n and_o to_o ascribe_v the_o make_n of_o the_o world_n to_o he_o and_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v make_v flesh_n and_o all_o this_o while_n the_o world_n be_v only_o a_o communicable_a attribute_n in_o god_n what_o we_o call_v the_o faculty_n of_o reason_n in_o man_n this_o be_v a_o new_a way_n of_o make_v a_o god_n of_o a_o prosopopoea_n and_o incarnate_v a_o prosopopoea_n which_o must_v be_v a_o very_a figurative_a god_n and_o incarnation_n but_o i_o observe_v before_o that_o when_o any_o virtue_n or_o power_n or_o faculty_n be_v speak_v of_o as_o a_o person_n what_o be_v say_v of_o the_o virtue_n or_o power_n belong_v to_o the_o person_n in_o 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you_o be_v there_o in_o this_o that_o the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n make_v the_o world_n i_o grant_v be_v sense_n because_o god_n do_v make_v the_o world_n but_o if_o there_o be_v any_o sense_n in_o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n be_v incarnate_a for_o the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n which_o be_v with_o god_n and_o be_v god_n can_v be_v incarnate_a unless_o god_n be_v incarnate_a unless_o we_o can_v divide_v god_n from_o his_o wisdom_n and_o separate_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n which_o be_v with_o he_o from_o the_o beginning_n from_o god_n to_o be_v incarnate_a in_o man._n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n can_v no_o more_o be_v incarnate_a unless_o god_n can_v be_v incarnate_a than_o the_o wisdom_n of_o a_o angel_n can_v be_v incarnate_a without_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o angel_n and_o thus_o this_o socinian_n be_v turn_v sabellian_n and_o patropassian_n however_o i_o confess_v we_o be_v behold_v to_o this_o historian_n for_o he_o have_v give_v up_o this_o place_n to_o we_o which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o express_a place_n for_o the_o divinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n he_o allow_v that_o the_o beginning_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o word_n signify_v something_o divine_a even_o the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n that_o to_o be_v with_o god_n be_v to_o be_v intimate_o present_a with_o he_o that_o to_o be_v god_n be_v to_o be_v god_n himself_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o first_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o this_o divine_a word_n be_v make_v flesh_n and_o do_v abide_v on_o the_o human_a person_n of_o christ_n jesus_n the_o only_a difference_n between_o we_o be_v whether_o