A DIALOGUE By Way of Question and Answer Concerning the DEITY All the Responses being taken verbatim out of the Scriptures Q. 1. WHO and what is God They say there are several called GOD's in Scripture besides the Most High GOD if it be so pray give me some examples in the matter A. Exod. 20.28 Thou shalt not revile the GODs nor curse the Ruler of thy people Exod. 7.1 And the Lord said unto Moses see I have made thee a GOD to Pharaoh and Aaron thy Brother shall be thy Prophet 2 Cor. 4.4 In whom the GOD of this world i. e. the Devil hath blinded the minds of them which believe not lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ who is the image of GOD should shine unto them Q. 2. But are not all these true Gods then as well as the Supream What say the Scriptures A. 1 Cor. 8.5 6. For though there be that are called GODS whether in Heaven or Earth as there be GODS many and Lords many but to us there is but one GOD the Father of whom are all things and we in him and one Lord Jesus Christ by whom are all things and we by him Q. 3. What say the Scriptures then of these lesser GOD's A. Psalm 97.7 Confounded be they all that serve graven images that boast themselves of idols worship him i. e. GOD all ye Gods Q. 4. They say GOD has forbid our worshipping any other but himself by the First Commandment and other places pray repeat then if there be such places in Scripture A. Exod. 20.2 Thou shalt have no other GOD's before me Deut. 6.4 Hear O Israel the Lord our GOD is one Lord v. also the Emphatick Discourse in the Text that follows it Mat. 4.10 Then said Jesus unto him get thee hence Satan for it is written thou shalt worship the Lord thy GOD and him only shalt thou serve Q. 5. But is there not a Trinity in Unity in this GOD You said you would shew me a Text that calls the Father the one GOD in opposition to the Son and Holy Ghost pray what is it A. Eph. 4.4 5 6. There is one Body and one Spirit even as you are called in one hope of your calling one Lord one Faith one Baptism one GOD and Father of all who is above all and through all and in you all Rev. 4.2 And immediately I was in the Spirit and behold a Throne was set in Heaven and one sate on the Throne Cap. 5. Ver. 6 7. And I beheld and lo in the midst of the Throne and of the four Beasts and in the midst of the Elders stood a Lamb as if he had been slain having seven Horns and seven Eyes which are the seven Spirits of GOD sent forth into all the earth and he came and took the Book out of the right hand of him that sate upon the Throne c. 1 Cor. 3.22 23. Q. 6. I see then that from these places and because that there are no such words in Scripture as Trinity in Unity you are apt to believe that there is no such Doctrine but what say you then to John 10.30 I and my Father are one and 1 Joh. 5.7 For there are three that bear record in Heaven the Father the Word and the Holy Ghost and these three are one you us'd to say that one here only signified a Unity in Record and Testimony and not a substantial Unity but pray what Scripture find you to favour such a Construction A. Joh. 17.21 Christ praying for his Disciples says That they all may be one as thou Father art in me and I in thee that they also may be one in us that the world may believe that thou hast sent me 1 Cor. 3.6 7 8. I have planted Apollo water'd but GOD gave the increase now he that planteth and he that watereth are one c. Q. 7. You us'd to speak also of a gradative precedency of Stile when there are these three Persons mention'd in Scripture you are in the right in this indeed that the Father is for the most part called GOD the Son only Lord and the Spirit but Holy as in the Apostles Creed but pray what other find you A. 1 Cor. 12.4 5 6. Now there are Diversities of gifts but the same Spirit and there are differences of Administrations but the same Lord and there are Diversities of operations but it is the same GOD which worketh all in all 2 Cor. 13.14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ the love of God and the Communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all Rom. 15.16 That I should be the Minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles ministring the gospel of GOD that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable being sanctified by the Holy Ghost Q. 8. I perceive then by this gradation that you would insinuate as if the Son and Holy Ghost were as Servants to the Father but pray how comes it then that the Son is so often called GOD in Scripture as John 20.28 And Thomas answered and said unto him i.e. Christ my Lord and my GOD Rom. 9.5 Whose are the Fathers and of whom as concerning the Flesh Christ came who is over all GOD blessed for ever Amen and Acts 20.28 Take heed therefore unto your selves and to all the flock over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers to feed the Church of GOD which he hath purchas'd by his blood I have repeated these Texts because they seem too considerable to leave Christ among the lesser GOD's if you have any warrant therefore to call the Father the GOD even of Christ's GODhead pray shew us so weighty a Text for we do not deny him to be Christ's GOD as he was Man A. Heb. 1.8 9. But unto the Son he saith thy Throne O GOD is for ever and ever a Scepter of Righteousness is the Scepter of thy Kingdom thou hast loved righteousness and hated iniquity and therefore GOD even thy GOD has anointed thee with the Oyl of Gladness above thy fellows Q. 9. But what have you no other Scriptures to prove the preference of the Father in the Deity that he is the Son 's GOD and that the Son wholly depends on him If you have pray inform me what they are A. Rev. 3.12 wrote as spoke by Christ after his Resurrection Him that overcometh will I make a Pillar in the Temple of GOD and he shall go no more out and I will write upon him the name of my GOD and the name of the City of my GOD which is the new Jerusalem which cometh down out of Heaven from my GOD and I will write upon him my new name c. John 10.29 14.28 John 20.17 Jesus saith unto her touch me not for I am not yet ascended to my Father but go to my brethren and say unto them I ascend unto my Father and your Father and to my GOD and your GOD. Eph. 1.17 That the GOD of our Lord Jesus Christ the Father
me with thine own self with the glory I had with thee before the world was Acts 2.31 32. 3.35 Mat. 28.18 And Jesus came and spake unto them saying all power is given unto me in heaven and earth Acts 2.24 32. 3. 15 26. 13.32 33. 16.28 1 Pet. 3.22 Who is gone into heaven and is on the right hand of GOD Angels and Authorities and Powers being made subject unto him Eph. 1.20 Which he wrought in Christ whom he raised from the dead and set him at his own right hand in heavenly places far above all Principality and Power and might and dominion and every name that is nam'd not only in this world but also in that which is to come Q. 22. But pray have you any Texts of Christ which by a Multitudinary or Ubiquitary Power given him shew him to have been more than the Socinian 's meer Man on his Resurrection A. 2 Cor. 13.5 Examine yourselves whether ye be in the faith prove your own selves know you not your own selves how that Jesus Christ is in you except ye be reprobates Mat. 18.20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name there am I in the midst of them Eph. 4.10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens that he might fill all things Mat. 23.37 Phil. 2.11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of GOD the Father Mat. 28.18 Q. 23. I perceive then that you take it for granted that as Christ had all power restor'd to him so he must have been made more than a Man to have possess'd it and so also that his being preferr'd before the Angels is a sure Argument that the Sociuian sense of him as a meer Man is not true but pray give me an account also why you call him the Son of GOD so often and so eminently in Scripture A. Acts 13.32 33. And we declare unto you glad-tydings how that the promise which was made unto the Fathers GOD hath fulfilled the same unto us their Children in that he hath raised up Jesus again as it is also written in the second Psalm thou art my Son this day have I begotten thee Rom. 1.4 Heb. 1.4 Luke 11.35 2 Pet. 1.17 For he receiv'd from GOD the Father honour and glory when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory this is my beloved Son in whom I am well-pleased Heb. 1. Q. 24. But what say you to the Text Phil. 2.6 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus who being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with GOD. A. Ver. 7 8 9 10 11. in Context following tell us But made himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men and being found in fashion as a man he humbled himself and became obedient to death even the death of the cross wherefore GOD also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow of things in heaven and things in earth and things under the earth and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of GOD the Father And therein is the Equality in the universal Deputation according to what is said in the Text before Q. 25. But have you no other Texts to give colour to such an interpretation and to shew all absolute power in GOD the Father only A. Mat. 20.23 And he saith unto them ye shall drink indeed of my cup and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with but to sit on my right hand and on my left is not mine to give but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father Barely to forgive sins the Apostles had power as well as himself Mark 13.32 But of that day that is of Judgment knoweth no man no not the Angels which are in heaven neither the Son but the Father Surely Christ was as careless in speaking as the Trinitarians are corrupt in Commenting if this Climax can possibly admit a Coequality of Father and Son 1 Tim. 6.15 The Apostle speaking of the same day says Which in his time he shall shew who is the blessed and only Potentate the King of Kings and Lord of Lords c. Acts 1.7 And he Christ saith unto them it is not for you to know the times or the seasons which the Father hath put in his own power Q. 26. But there is another Text that presses hard upon you for an answer Mat. 28.19 Go ye therefore and teach all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost Pray what other Scriptures have you to explain that A. 1 Cor. 12.13 For by one Spirit are we all baptiz'd into one body whether we be bond or free and whether we be Jews or Gentiles and have been all made to drink into one Spirit c. ver 27. Now ye are the body of Christ and members in particular 1 Cor. 10.2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea Q. 27. But what say you to the worshipping of Christ which the Scripture mentions Have you any Texts that limit the manner of it I mean when not personally present to us for then as at St. Stephen's death and as he is a Sovereign Lord of all 't is not to be disputed but that there is an extraordinary honour due to him A. Rev. 5.9 c. And they sung a new song saying thou art worthy to take the book and to open the seals thereof for thou wast slain and hast redeem'd us to GOD by thy blood out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation and hast made us unto our GOD Kings and Priests and we shall reign on the earth and I beheld and I heard the voice of many Angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands saying with a loud voice worthy is the Lamb that is slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and blessing and every Creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea and all that are in them heard I saying blessing honour glory and power be unto him that sitteth upon the throne and unto the Lamb for ever and ever Q. 27. I perceive then that by this you take the honour done to the Lamb or Christ to be but an honour given him by the Father but what say you then to 2 Cor. 13.14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of GOD and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all Have you any parallel Text to shew that these words are not a worship to the Son
and Holy Ghost A. Gen. 48.16 The Angel which redeem'd me from all evil bless the Lads and let my name be named on them and the name of my Father Abraham and Isaac and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth That is as if he had said God grant the Angel bless the Lads c. Q. 29. But can you shew me any Text then where we are forbidden to worship either the Son or Holy Ghost if you can pray what is it A. John 16.23 And in that day ye shall ask me nothing verily verily I say unto you whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name he will give it you John 16.26 At that day ye shall ask in my name and I say not unto you that I will pray the Father for you Q. 30. What Scriptures have you that testifie of the Holy Ghost pray declare them A. John 14.16 17 27. But the Comforter which is the Holy Ghost whom the Father will send in my name he shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance whatsoever I have said unto you and I will pray the Father and he shall give you another Comforter that he may abide with you for ever even the Spirit of truth whom the world cannot receive because it seeth him not neither knoweth him but ye know him for be dwelleth in you and shall be in you Eph. 1.13 1 Cor. 12. 6.19 2 Cor. 1.22 John 15.26 But when the Comforter is come whom I will send unto you from the Father even the Spirit of truth which proceedeth from the Father he shall testifie of me Q. 31. But is there any Text that shews you an absolute Duality in the Father and Holy Spirit to confute the Socinians who think them one and the Trinitarians that think them at least Coequal and Essentially one A. Rom. 26 27. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities for we know not what we should pray for as we ought but the Spirit it 's self maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be utter'd and he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of GOD. Eph. 2.18 For thro' him we both have an access by one Spirit unto the Father Q. 32. I perceive then by these Texts that you take the Holy Ghost as well since the Prophets as before Acts 28.25 Luke 2.25 26. to be Christ's Deputy-Angel for I see not how you can suppose Christ to send the power of the Father from the Father as the Socinians imagine pray therefore let me know if there are any other Texts which shew the Son to command the Holy Ghost as his Lord. A. John 16.7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth it is expedient for you that I go away for if I go not away the Comforter will not come unto you but if I depart I will send him unto you 13 14 15 Verses following Howbeit when he the Spirit of truth is come he will guide you into all truth for he shall not speak of himself but whatsoever he shall hear that shall he speak and he will shew you things to come he shall glorifie me for he shall receive of mine and shall shew it unto you all things that the Father hath are mine therefore said I that he shall take of mine and shew it unto you John 7.39 14. 12. 20.22 Luke 24.49 Acts 1.2 Vntil the day in which he Christ was taken up after that he thro' the Holy Ghost had given commandment to the Apostles whom he had chosen 1 Cor. 12.13 Eph. 4.11 Acts 1. 8 20 28. Acts 2.33 Therefore being by the right hand of GOD exalted and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost he hath shed forth this which we see and hear Rev. 5.6 Mat 3.11 Q. 33. But how comes it to be so peremptory then to Blaspheme the Holy Ghost according to the words of Christ Mat. 12 31. Mark 3.28 A. Acts 5.3 4. But Peter said Ananias why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost thou hast not lied unto men but unto God i. e. Thou hast studiedly affronted even God himself thro' us and the Holy Ghost for tho' Rev. 1.1 2. 11. Heb. 1.14 compar'd to Acts 2.2 3 4. and Luke 3.21 shew the Holy Ghost to be but an Angel yet as he is that Angel through whom by the Son of GOD he himself bear Record to us 1 John 5.7 So indeed in that respect he is the Representative both of Christ and God himself Q. 34. I perceive then that according to the Texts 1 John 4.6 John 14.17 15.26 which say We are of GOD he that knoweth GOD heareth us he that is not of GOD heareth not us hereby know we the Spirit of truth and the Spirit of error and Rom. 8.26 1 Thes 5.19 Mark 13.11 Luke 12.12 I say I find that you suppose with these Texts that there are two great Angels an evil one and a good one that help and tempt all Mankind severally at once but pray what Authority have you for Notioning such great Spirits from Scripture A. Rev. 12.9 10. And the great dragon was cast out the old Serpent called the Devil and Satan which deceiveth the whole world he was cast out into the earth and his Angels were cast out with him and I heard a loud voice saying now is come salvation and strength the kingdom of our GOD and the power of his Christ for the accuser of our brethren is cast down which accused them before our GOD day and night Rev. 20.2 3. And he laid hold on the Dragon that old Serpent which is the Devil and Satan and bound him a thousand years and cast him into the bottomless pit and shut him up and set a seal upon him that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years should be fulfilled and after that he must be loosed a little season Eph. 2.2 Wherein in time past we walked according to the course of this world according to the Prince of the power of the Air the Spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience Eph. 6.12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities against powers against the rulers of the darkness of this world against spiritual witkedness in high places Dan. 10.12 13. Then said he unto me fear not Daniel for from the first day thou didst set thine heart to understand and to chasten thy self before GOD thy words were heard and I am come for thy words but the Prince of the Kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days but lo Michael one of the chief Princes came to help me and I remain'd then with the Kings of Persia Verse 20 21. Then said he knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee and now will I return to fight with the Prince of Persia and when I am gone forth lo the Prince of Grecia
had with thee before the world was Mat. 22.44 John 17.24 Father I will that they also whom thou hast given be with me where I am that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me for thou lovedst me before the foundations of the world John 8.57 58. Then said the Jews unto him thou art not yet fifty years old and hast thou seen Abraham Jesus said unto them verily verily I say unto you before Abraham was I AM. Q. 16. You were saying that there are Texts in the Old Testament wherein this great GOD-Angel the Son tells us that he intended to be incarnate pray what are they A. Zech. 12.10 They shall look upon me whom they have pierced Mal. 3.1 Behold I will send my messenger and he shall prepare the way before me and the Lord whom ye seek shall suddenly come to his Temple even the messenger of the Covenant whom ye delight he shall come saith the Lord. Q. 17. Pray what Prerogative do the Scriptures allow this GOD-Angel-Son before other Angels then They say you hold that GOD the Father created this first-begotten Son first and afterwards by him as an instrument form'd all the other Creatures pray what Texts have you to support such an Opinion A. Heb. 1.2 10. GOD hath in these last days spoke unto us by his Son whom he hath appointed heir of all things by whom also he made the worlds and thou Lord in the beginning hast laid the foundations of the earth and the heavens are the work of thine hands Heb. 2.10 Eph. 3.9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery which from the beginning of the world hath been bid in GOD who created all things by Jesus Christ 1 Cor. 8 6.15.-27 28. Col. 1.15 Who is the image of the invisible GOD the first-born of every creature for by him were all things created that are in heaven and that are in earth visible and invisible whether they be thrones or dominions or principalities or powers all things were created by him and for him and he is before all things and by him all things consist and he is the head of the body the Church who is the beginning the first-born from the dead that in all things he might have the pre-eminence for it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell c. John 1.1 In the beginning was the word and the word was with GOD and the word was GOD the same was in the beginning with GOD all things were made by him and without him was not any thing made that was made he was in the world and the world was made by him and the world knew him not he came unto his own and his own received him not Q. 18. But pray what Authority have you to call the Son a GOD-Angel as you do You us'd to say that there is a Text where the Son as GOD is said also to have the Angels for his Fellows if there be such pray let us see it to satisfie us in what you do A. Heb. 1.4 Being made so much better than the Angels as he hath by inheritance obtain'd a more excellent name than they for unto which of the Angels said he at any time thou art my Son this day have I begotten thee and again I will be to him a Father and he shall be to me a Son and again when he bringeth in the first begotten into the world he saith and let all the Angels of GOD worship him and of the Angels he saith who maketh his Angels Spirits and his Ministers a flame of Fire but unto the Son he saith thy throne O GOD is for ever and ever a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of thy kingdom thou hast loved righteousness and hated iniquity therefore GOD even thy GOD hath anointed thee with the oyl of gladness above thy fellows Rev. 8.3 5.6 7 14.2 Q. 19. I see then that 't is this Prerogative of Christ that makes you think him call'd the only begotten Son of God so eminently as expressed John 3.16 c. but have you no Texts that declare Christ came to this very intent into the World incarnate to redeem his Creation that fell by Adam besides John 1 c. before A. Heb. 2.9 10. But we see Jesus who was made a little lower than the Angels for the suffering of death crown'd with glory and honour that he by the grace of GOD should taste death for every man for it became him for whom are all things and by whom are all things in bringing many sons unto glory to make the captain of their salvation perfect thro' sufferings John 6.62 Rom. 5.18 19. Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life for as by one mans disobedience many were made sinners so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous 1 Cor. 15.21 22. For since by man came death by man came also the resurrection of the dead for as in Adam all die even so in Christ shall all be made alive Eph. 4.10 Q. 20. What you believe then that the great GOD-Angel Christ was reduc'd as to the first semen of an humane Soul when incarnate and so lost all his former power by it but pray what Texts have you to prove it A. Heb. 5.7 8. Who in the days of his flesh when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death and was heard in that he fear'd tho' he were a Son yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffer'd John 17.2.18 20.21 14.31 John 12.49 For I have not spoke of my self but the Father which sent me gave me a Commandment what I should say and what I should speak Luke 22.43 And there appeared an Angel unto him from heaven strengthning him Mat. 27.46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cryed out with a loud voice saying Eli Eli lamasabachany that is to say my GOD my GOD why hast thou forsaken me Mat. 26.39 And he went a little further and fell on his face and pray'd saying O my Father if it be possible let this cup pass from me nevertheless not as I will but as thou wilt Mat. 26.53 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father and he shall presently giâ—â— me more than twelve legions of Angels John 11.41 42. Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid and Jesus lift up his eyes and said Father I thank thee that thou hast heard me and I know that thou hearest me always but because of the people which stand by I said it that they may believe that thou hast sent me Q. 21. But had not Christ all the glory of his pre-existent state restor'd him after the Resurrection Pray what say the Scriptures John 17.5 And now O Father glorifie thou
of Glory may give unto you the Spirit of wisdom and Revelation in the Knowledge of him 1 Cor. 15.27 28. For he hath put all things under his feet but when he saith all things are put under him 't is manifest that he is excepted which did put all things under him and when all things shall be subdued unto him then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him that GOD may be all in all 2. Cor. 11.13 Q. 10. But are there no Texts in the Gospel where Christ himself preach'd up the Father to be the one and only GOD exclusive of all others as well as himself pray repeat them if there be A. Mark 12.29 c. And Jesus answer'd him the first of all the Commandments is hear O Israel the Lord our GOD is one Lord and thou shalt love the Lord thy GOD with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind and with all thy strength this is the first Commandment and the second is like unto it thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self there is none other Commandment greater than these and the Scribe said unto him well master thou hast said the truth for there is one GOD and there is none other but he and when Jesus saw that he answer'd discreetly he said unto him thou art not far from the Kingdom of GOD. John 8.54 Jesus answer'd if I honour my self my honour is nothing it is my Father that honoureth me of whom you say that he is your GOD. John 17.3 And this is life eternal that they might know thee the only true GOD and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent Luk. 18.19 And Jesus said unto him why callest thou me good none is good save one that is God John 14.28 Ye have heard how I said unto you how I go away and come again unto you if ye loved me ye would rejoice because I said I go unto the Father for my Father is greater than I. A strange comparison if not with the pre-existent state of Christ as well as his Manhood Q. 11. You say you have other Authorities in the Epistles as well as those in the Gospels if you have pray let us hear a few of them that we may make the better Judgment upon the whole A. 1 Tim. 2.5 For there is one GOD and one Mediator between GOD and Man the Man Christ Jesus Rom. 16.17 To GOD only wise be glory thro Jesus Christ for ever 1 Tim. 1.17 Now unto the King Eternal Immortal and Invisible the only wise God be honour and glory for ever and ever Amen Was the Son invisible Q. 12. I perceive you apprehend the Scriptures then to make the Father only the Supream GOD pray what then is it that you think the Son to be What say the Scriptures of him A. Col. 1.15 Who is the image of the invisible GOD the firstborn of every Creature Rev. 3.14 And unto the Angel of the Church of Laodicea write these things saith the Amen the faithful and true witness and the beginning of the Creation of GOD. Rev. 1.15 Eccl. 1.4 9. 24.9 and 18. and 23. And for the same Reason also called α and ω Rev. 1.8 in opposition to I am in God for pure and simple Being Q. But what Character had the Son in the Old Testament pray acquaint me and repeat the Texts which speak of him there A. Exod. 23 20 21 22. Behold I send an Angel before thee to keep thee in the way and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared for thee beware of him and obey his voice for he will not pardon your transgressions for my name is in him but if thou shalt indeed obey his voice and do all that I speak then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies and an adversary unto thine adversaries for mine Angel shall go before thee and bring thee c. Gen. 16.10 18.1 2 22.48.16 Exod. 13.22 24 10. Eccl. 5.6 Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin neither say thou before the Angel that it was an errour wherefore should GOD be angry at thy voice c. Num. 20.16 Isa 63.9 In all their afflictions he was afflicted and the Angel of his presence sav'd them in his love and in his pity he redeem'd them and he bore them c. Isa 6. 1. Ezek. 1.26 28. Zech. 12.10 Q. 14. I perceive then by these Texts that you think Christ an Angel but withal the first and chief but have you no more express Texts in this case A. 2 Esdras 2.42 to 48. I Esdras saw upon the mount Sion a great people whom I could not number and they all praised the Lord with songs and in the midst of them there was a young man of a high stature taller than all the rest and upon every one of their heads he set crowns and was more exalted and which I marvell'd at greatly so I asked the Angel and said sir what are these he answer'd and said unto me these be they that put off the mortal clothing and put on the immortal and have confessed the name of GOD now are they crown'd and receive palms then said I unto the Angel what young person is it that crowneth them and giveth them palms in their hands so he answer'd and said unto me it is the Son of GOD whom they have confessed in the world then began I greatly to commend them that stood so stiffly for the name of the Lord then the Angel said unto me go thy way and tell my people what manner of things and how great wonders of the Lord thy GOD thou hast seen Q. 15. But the Socinians deny the pre-existency of Christ have you any Texts therefore in the New Testament referring to these and that may convince us that they were wrote as of his pre-existency if you have pray repeat them A. 1 Cor. 10.4 5 9. The Apostle speaking of the Fathers of the Children of Israel says and did all drink the same spiritual drink for they drank of that spiritual rock that followed them and that rock was Christ but with many of them GOD was not well-pleas'd for they were overthrown in the Wilderness neither let us tempt Christ as some of them also tempted and were destroyed of serpents Luke 13.34 35. Phil. 2.6 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus who being in the form of GOD thought it not robbery to be equal with GOD but made himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men c. John 16.28 I came forth from the Father and am come into the world again I leave the world and go to the Father John 13 3. Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands and that he was come from GOD and went to GOD. John 17.5 And now O Father glorifie thou me with thine own self with the glory which I