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
imagine_v how_o any_o substance_n shall_v be_v without_o a_o beginning_n how_o it_o shall_v be_v present_a in_o all_o place_n without_o part_n and_o without_o extension_n how_o substance_n essence_n existence_n and_o all_o divine_a attribute_n and_o power_n which_o be_v distinct_a thing_n in_o create_a spirit_n shall_v be_v all_o the_o same_o one_o simple_a act_n in_o god_n and_o yet_o reason_n tell_v we_o we_o must_v allow_v of_o no_o composition_n no_o quality_n or_o accident_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o a_o compound_v be_v must_v have_v part_n and_o must_v be_v make_v for_o that_o which_o have_v part_n must_v have_v some_o maker_n to_o join_v the_o part_n together_o and_o to_o endow_v it_o with_o such_o quality_n and_o power_n but_o now_o if_o we_o consider_v god_n as_o wisdom_n and_o truth_n which_o be_v his_o true_a nature_n and_o essence_n without_o confound_v our_o mind_n with_o some_o material_a conception_n of_o his_o substance_n these_o thing_n be_v plain_a and_o easy_a for_o it_o be_v demonstrable_a that_o truth_n be_v eternal_a have_v no_o beginning_n no_o maker_n for_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o original_n and_o essential_a truth_n and_o wisdom_n what_o be_v not_o always_o truth_n and_o wisdom_n can_v never_o begin_v to_o be_v so_o and_o if_o truth_n be_v the_o only_a real_a thing_n and_o necessary_o eternal_a there_o be_v a_o eternal_a mind_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o eternal_a truth_n for_o he_o who_o can_v imagine_v truth_n and_o wisdom_n to_o be_v eternal_a without_o a_o eternal_a mind_n ought_v not_o to_o pretend_v to_o either_o unless_o he_o can_v tell_v we_o how_o truth_n can_v subsist_v without_o a_o mind_n thus_o it_o be_v demonstrable_a that_o truth_n and_o wisdom_n have_v no_o part_n no_o extension_n no_o more_o than_o thought_n have_v truth_n and_o wisdom_n be_v confine_v to_o no_o place_n fill_v no_o space_n but_o be_v everywhere_o the_o same_o without_o extension_n and_o part_n and_o therefore_o have_v a_o necessary_a and_o essential_a omnipresence_n there_o be_v a_o faint_a resemblance_n of_o this_o in_o finite_a and_o create_v spirit_n even_o humane_a wisdom_n and_o reason_n thought_n and_o passion_n have_v no_o extension_n nor_o part_n which_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n that_o a_o create_a spirit_n have_v no_o extension_n nor_o part_n neither_o for_o nothing_o which_o have_v extension_n and_o part_n can_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o that_o which_o have_v none_o all_o the_o quality_n of_o body_n be_v extend_v as_o body_n be_v for_o the_o property_n and_o quality_n of_o all_o thing_n must_v conform_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o subject_a in_o which_o they_o be_v and_o therefore_o faculty_n power_n and_o operation_n which_o have_v no_o extension_n or_o part_n as_o the_o will_n the_o understanding_n the_o memory_n the_o thought_n and_o passion_n have_v none_o must_v be_v seat_v in_o a_o subject_a which_o have_v no_o part_n nor_o extension_n neither_o thus_o thought_n be_v confine_v to_o no_o place_n but_o in_o a_o minute_n surround_v the_o earth_n and_o ascend_v above_o the_o heaven_n and_o visit_v all_o the_o empty_a capacity_n of_o infinite_a space_n which_o be_v a_o imperfect_a imitation_n of_o the_o omnipresence_n of_o a_o infinite_a mind_n thus_o what_o can_v be_v a_o more_o pure_a and_o simple_a act_n than_o wisdom_n and_o truth_n now_o though_o we_o conceive_v the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o perfection_n under_o different_a notion_n and_o character_n such_o as_o wisdom_n love_n justice_n goodness_n power_n they_o be_v indeed_o nothing_o else_o but_o infinite_a truth_n and_o wisdom_n which_o receive_v several_a character_n and_o denomination_n from_o its_o different_a effect_n as_o the_o same_o sea_n or_o river_n do_v different_a name_n from_o the_o country_n by_o which_o it_o pass_v for_o what_o be_v intellectual_a love_n but_o the_o perfect_a idea_n of_o truth_n or_o the_o true_a knowledge_n and_o estimation_n of_o thing_n what_o be_v justice_n and_o goodness_n but_o a_o equal_a distribution_n of_o thing_n or_o a_o true_a and_o wise_a proportion_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n what_o be_v perfect_a power_n but_o perfect_a truth_n and_o wisdom_n which_o can_v do_v whatever_o it_o know_v this_o last_o will_v not_o be_v so_o easy_o understand_v because_o in_o man_n we_o find_v knowledge_n and_o power_n to_o be_v very_o different_a thing_n that_o man_n may_v know_v a_o great_a deal_n which_o they_o can_v do_v and_o yet_o if_o we_o consider_v this_o matter_n over_o again_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o a_o mistake_n for_o even_o among_o man_n it_o be_v only_a knowledge_n that_o be_v power_n humane_a power_n and_o humane_a knowledge_n as_o that_o signify_v a_o knowledge_n how_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n be_v commensurate_a whatever_o humane_a skill_n extend_v to_o humane_a power_n can_v effect_v nay_o every_o man_n can_v do_v what_o he_o know_v how_o to_o do_v if_o he_o have_v proper_a instrument_n and_o material_n to_o do_v it_o with_o but_o what_o no_o humane_a power_n can_v do_v no_o humane_a knowledge_n know_v how_o to_o do_v we_o know_v not_o what_o the_o substance_n or_o essence_n of_o any_o thing_n be_v nor_o can_v we_o make_v any_o substance_n we_o can_v create_v any_o thing_n of_o nothing_o nor_o do_v we_o know_v how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v do_v which_o show_v that_o knowledge_n and_o power_n in_o creature_n be_v equal_a and_o that_o prove_v a_o very_a near_o relation_n between_o they_o especial_o when_o we_o add_v that_o knowledge_n be_v not_o only_o the_o director_n of_o power_n but_o be_v that_o very_a power_n which_o we_o call_v force_n for_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o thought_n which_o move_v our_o body_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o they_o which_o be_v the_o immediate_a instrument_n of_o all_o humane_a force_n and_o power_n except_v mechanical_a motion_n which_o do_v not_o depend_v upon_o our_o will_n such_o as_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o circulation_n of_o the_o blood_n the_o concoction_n of_o our_o meat_n and_o the_o like_a all_o voluntary_a motion_n be_v not_o only_o direct_v but_o cause_v by_o thought_n and_o so_o indeed_o it_o must_v be_v or_o there_o can_v be_v no_o motion_n in_o the_o world_n for_o matter_n can_v move_v itself_o and_o therefore_o some_o mind_n must_v be_v the_o first_o mover_n which_o make_v it_o very_o plain_a that_o infinite_a truth_n and_o wisdom_n be_v infinite_a and_o almighty_a power_n so_o that_o if_o we_o set_v aside_o all_o material_a image_n of_o essence_n and_o substance_n and_o contemplate_v god_n as_o eternal_a truth_n and_o wisdom_n the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n be_v very_o plain_a and_o easy_a as_o far_o as_o we_o be_v concern_v to_o know_v he_o in_o this_o state_n the_o same_o cause_n have_v confound_v and_o perplex_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n and_o give_v occasion_n to_o some_o vain_a and_o arrogant_a pretender_n to_o reason_n profane_o to_o deride_v and_o ridicule_n that_o most_o sacred_a and_o venerable_a mystery_n they_o puzzle_v and_o confound_v themselves_o with_o some_o gross_a and_o corporeal_a idea_n of_o essence_n and_o substance_n and_o how_o three_o divine_a person_n can_v subsist_v distinct_a in_o the_o same_o numerical_a substance_n but_o will_v they_o but_o consider_v the_o three_o divine_a person_n as_o three_o infinite_a mind_n distinguish_v from_o each_o other_o by_o a_o self-consciousness_n of_o their_o own_o and_o essential_o unite_v by_o a_o mutual_a consciousness_n to_o each_o other_o which_o be_v the_o only_a way_n of_o distinguish_v and_o unite_n mind_n and_o spirit_n and_o then_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n be_v a_o very_a plain_a and_o intelligible_a notion_n now_o certain_o this_o be_v much_o the_o most_o reasonable_a way_n for_o what_o the_o essence_n and_o substance_n of_o a_o spirit_n be_v when_o we_o distinguish_v it_o from_o understanding_n and_o will_n which_o we_o call_v the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o a_o spirit_n for_o my_o part_n i_o know_v not_o no_o more_o than_o i_o do_v what_o the_o naked_a essence_n and_o substance_n of_o matter_n be_v strip_v of_o all_o its_o quality_n and_o accident_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o the_o naked_a essence_n of_o thing_n be_v not_o the_o object_n of_o our_o knowledge_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o dispute_v about_o they_o to_o say_v peremptory_o what_o be_v or_o what_o be_v not_o in_o matter_n which_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o and_o therefore_o as_o we_o frame_v the_o notion_n of_o body_n from_o their_o external_a and_o sensible_a quality_n so_o we_o must_v frame_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o spirit_n from_o its_o intellectual_a power_n of_o will_n and_o understanding_n etc._n etc._n and_o when_o we_o dispute_v about_o the_o distinction_n or_o union_n of_o spirit_n we_o must_v not_o dispute_v how_o their_o substance_n which_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o can_v be_v distinguish_v or_o unite_v but_o how_o two_o mind_n consider_v as_o intellectual_a
concern_v expound_v scripture_n by_o reason_n for_o like_a as_o we_o be_v compel_v by_o the_o christian_a verity_n to_o acknowledge_v every_o person_n by_o himself_o to_o be_v god_n and_o lord_n creed_n so_o be_v we_o forbid_v by_o the_o catholic_n religion_n to_o say_v there_o be_v three_o god_n and_o three_o lord_n by_o the_o christian_a verity_n i_o suppose_v be_v mean_v the_o sacred_a book_n which_o contain_v the_o christian_a religion_n note_n that_o be_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n but_o do_v these_o book_n and_o do_v this_o verity_n compel_v we_o to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o three_o person_n each_o of_o which_o be_v by_o himself_o supreme_a god_n and_o lord_n and_o yet_o all_o of_o they_o together_o but_o one_o god_n do_v i_o say_v the_o holy_a scripture_n compel_v we_o to_o this_o contradictory_n acknowledgement_n be_v there_o any_o text_n allege_v from_o scripture_n which_o all_o the_o unitarian_n and_o some_o or_o other_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a trinitarian_n do_v not_o easy_o interpret_v in_o such_o sense_n that_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n be_v preserve_v and_o no_o more_o than_o one_o person_n even_o the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v god_n see_v the_o history_n of_o the_o unitarian_n but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o text_n of_o scripture_n but_o what_o be_v in_o the_o opinion_n of_o some_o or_o other_o of_o their_o own_o learned_a man_n fair_o capable_a of_o a_o sense_n contrary_n to_o the_o faith_n deliver_v in_o this_o creed_n than_o we_o be_v not_o compel_v to_o acknowledge_v this_o faith_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o contest_v between_o the_o unitarian_n and_o trinitarian_n be_v not_o as_o be_v common_o think_v a_o clash_n of_o reason_n with_o scripture_n but_o it_o lay_v here_o whether_o when_o the_o holy_a scripture_n may_v be_v understand_v as_o teach_v only_o one_o god_n or_o but_o one_o who_o be_v god_n which_o agree_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o scripture_n and_o with_o natural_a reason_n we_o must_v notwithstanding_o prefer_v a_o interpretation_n of_o it_o that_o be_v absurd_a and_o contrary_a to_o itself_o to_o reason_n and_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o scripture_n such_o as_o the_o trinitarian_n interpretation_n express_v in_o this_o creed_n appear_v to_o be_v in_o a_o word_n the_o question_n only_o be_v 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 there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o long_a paragraph_n to_o trouble_v a_o answerer_n thought_n answer_n but_o a_o great_a deal_n to_o exercise_v his_o patience_n if_o he_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v provoke_v by_o arrogance_n and_o folly_n his_o first_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v not_o compel_v we_o to_o confess_v each_o person_n in_o the_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n to_o be_v god_n and_o lord_n and_o yet_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n be_v because_o it_o be_v a_o contradictory_n acknowledgement_n so_o he_o say_v and_o have_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v it_o and_o how_o vain_o and_o impertinent_o i_o leave_v the_o reader_n to_o judge_v but_o if_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n imply_v no_o contradiction_n as_o i_o be_o persuade_v i_o have_v evident_o prove_v then_o i_o hope_v the_o scripture_n may_v teach_v this_o doctrine_n and_o require_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o but_o this_o be_v a_o impudent_a argument_n which_o bring_v revelation_n down_o in_o such_o sublime_a mystery_n to_o the_o level_n of_o our_o understanding_n to_o say_v such_o a_o doctrine_n can_v be_v contain_v in_o scripture_n because_o it_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n whereas_o a_o modest_a man_n will_v first_o inquire_v whether_o it_o be_v in_o scripture_n or_o not_o and_o if_o it_o be_v plain_o contain_v there_o he_o will_v conclude_v how_o unintelligible_a soever_o it_o appear_v to_o he_o that_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n in_o it_o because_o it_o be_v teach_v by_o scripture_n we_o must_v not_o indeed_o expound_v scripture_n contrary_a to_o common_a sense_n and_o to_o the_o common_a reason_n of_o mankind_n in_o such_o matter_n as_o every_o man_n know_v and_o every_o man_n can_v judge_v of_o but_o in_o matter_n of_o pure_a revelation_n which_o we_o have_v no_o natural_a idea_n of_o and_o know_v nothing_o of_o but_o what_o be_v reveal_v we_o must_v not_o pretend_v some_o imaginary_a contradiction_n to_o reject_v the_o plain_a and_o express_a authority_n of_o a_o revelation_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o know_v what_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n who_o nature_n we_o do_v not_o understand_v as_o i_o show_v before_o his_o next_o proof_n that_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o compel_v we_o to_o this_o acknowledgement_n be_v that_o the_o unitarian_n and_o some_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a trinitarian_n expound_v these_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v allege_v for_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n to_o another_o sense_n and_o easy_o reconcile_v they_o with_o the_o belief_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o one_o only_a who_o be_v god_n as_o well_o as_o of_o one_o god_n and_o for_o this_o he_o refer_v we_o to_o that_o learned_a piece_n the_o history_n of_o the_o unitarian_n as_o for_o examine_v particular_a text_n which_o be_v allege_v on_o both_o side_n in_o this_o controversy_n it_o be_v too_o voluminous_a a_o work_n at_o present_a and_o beside_o my_o present_a undertake_n which_o be_v only_o to_o vindicate_v the_o athanasian_n creed_n and_o the_o true_a christian_a doctrine_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n from_o the_o pretend_a absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n charge_v on_o it_o in_o these_o note_n and_o when_o that_o be_v do_v and_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v do_v it_o i_o dare_v trust_v any_o man_n of_o competent_a understanding_n to_o judge_v which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scope_n and_o language_n of_o scripture_n but_o as_o for_o what_o he_o say_v that_o the_o unitarian_n or_o socinian_n can_v easy_o reconcile_v all_o the_o text_n of_o scripture_n allege_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o a_o trinity_n to_o their_o notion_n of_o one_o god_n in_o opposition_n to_o three_o divine_a person_n in_o the_o godhead_n we_o must_v let_v he_o say_v so_o because_o he_o will_v say_v it_o as_o all_o other_o heretic_n pretend_v scripture_n to_o be_v on_o their_o side_n but_o to_o say_v that_o they_o can_v easy_o do_v this_o be_v a_o little_a impudent_a when_o all_o man_n who_o understand_v this_o controversy_n see_v what_o be_v they_o use_v and_o what_o force_v and_o arbitrary_a interpretation_n they_o put_v on_o scripture_n to_o reconcile_v it_o to_o their_o opinion_n especial_o when_o some_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a socinian_o stick_v not_o to_o confess_v that_o they_o will_v expound_v scripture_n to_o any_o sense_n rather_o than_o acknowledge_v such_o doctrine_n as_o they_o think_v so_o contradictory_n to_o the_o reason_n and_o understanding_n of_o mankind_n which_o no_o modest_a man_n will_v own_v be_v he_o not_o sensible_a of_o the_o harshness_n and_o uncouthness_n of_o his_o own_o exposition_n for_o thing_n be_v come_v to_o a_o desperate_a pass_n when_o they_o shall_v resolve_v upon_o any_o sense_n or_o no_o sense_n rather_o than_o that_o which_o the_o word_n most_o apt_o and_o proper_o signify_v but_o lie_v cross_v to_o their_o prejudices_fw-la and_o preconceived_n opinion_n but_o what_o think_v he_o of_o socinus_n exposition_n of_o that_o text_n where_o christ_n say_v that_o he_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n which_o he_o can_v not_o do_v if_o he_o have_v no_o be_v before_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n do_v socinus_n find_v it_o so_o easy_a a_o thing_n to_o reconcile_v this_o text_n to_o his_o darling_n opinion_n when_o he_o be_v fain_o to_o fast_o and_o to_o pray_v for_o it_o and_o to_o pretend_v revelation_n because_o he_o want_v reason_n to_o support_v it_o viz._n that_o christ_n before_o he_o enter_v on_o his_o prophetic_a office_n be_v take_v up_o into_o heaven_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o then_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n again_o to_o publish_v it_o to_o the_o world_n whereas_o our_o saviour_n plain_o speak_v of_o his_o first_o come_v into_o the_o world_n when_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o virgin_n and_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o the_o gospel_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o his_o be_v take_v up_o into_o heaven_n before_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a i_o think_v this_o be_v no_o easy_a exposition_n but_o of_o this_o more_o present_o that_o there_o be_v no_o text_n of_o scripture_n allege_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o a_o trinity_n but_o what_o be_v reject_v by_o one_o or_o other_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a trinitarian_n be_v as_o true_a as_o the_o other_o there_o be_v many_o text_n which_o all_o hearty_a trinitarian_n do_v and_o must_v agree_v in_o
and_o whoever_o reject_v they_o whatever_o name_n he_o go_v by_o can_v be_v no_o better_o than_o a_o socinian_n in_o disguise_n but_o however_o there_o be_v no_o text_n allege_v by_o learned_a trinitarian_n but_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o some_o or_o other_o of_o his_o learned_a trinitarian_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v as_o broad_a as_o long_o but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o modern_a expositor_n which_o we_o rely_v on_o but_o their_o reason_n and_o if_o a_o learned_a trinitarian_n shall_v reject_v any_o text_n without_o reason_n or_o learning_n it_o signify_v no_o more_o to_o we_o than_o the_o exposition_n of_o a_o learned_a socinian_n when_o we_o seek_v for_o authority_n we_o go_v high_o to_o the_o primitive_a father_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o there_o we_o find_v it_o they_o not_o only_o deliver_v to_o we_o the_o traditionary_a doctrine_n of_o a_o trinity_n which_o have_v always_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o the_o traditionary_a exposition_n of_o those_o scripture_n too_o whereon_o this_o doctrine_n be_v found_v and_o they_o be_v so_o near_o the_o head_n and_o fountain_n of_o tradition_n the_o apostolic_a age_n their_o authority_n be_v venerable_a and_o a_o modest_a and_o prudent_a man_n will_v not_o reject_v any_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n which_o relate_v to_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o be_v unanimous_o deliver_v by_o the_o ancient_a father_n if_o the_o word_n in_o any_o tolerable_a construction_n will_v bear_v the_o sense_n for_o though_o a_o text_n shall_v fair_o bear_v two_o different_a interpretation_n that_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o be_v true_a which_o have_v be_v from_o the_o beginning_n teach_v by_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o i_o challenge_v this_o author_n to_o name_v any_o text_n which_o be_v allege_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o a_o trinity_n by_o learned_a trinitarian_n which_o have_v not_o be_v use_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n by_o many_o or_o most_o or_o all_o the_o ancient_a father_n who_o have_v allege_v those_o text_n but_o his_o conclusion_n from_o hence_o that_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o compel_v we_o to_o acknowledge_v a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n because_o the_o unitarian_n and_o some_o or_o other_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a trinitarian_n expound_v these_o text_n to_o another_o sense_n be_v very_o pleasant_a and_o show_v what_o a_o great_a master_n of_o reason_n he_o be_v for_o his_o argument_n be_v this_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o compel_v we_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n while_o there_o be_v other_o man_n who_o expound_v the_o scripture_n to_o a_o contrary_a sense_n and_o thus_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o scripture_n compel_v we_o to_o believe_v nothing_o for_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o name_v any_o text_n which_o concern_v any_o article_n of_o faith_n how_o plain_a and_o express_v soever_o it_o be_v but_o what_o have_v be_v expound_v to_o a_o contrary_a sense_n by_o one_o heretic_n or_o other_o i_o will_v ask_v this_o author_n whether_o the_o scripture_n compel_v he_o to_o believe_v but_o one_o god_n in_o his_o sense_n of_o it_o that_o be_v but_o one_o who_o be_v god_n if_o it_o do_v not_o why_o do_v he_o believe_v it_o and_o insist_v so_o peremptory_o on_o it_o in_o defiance_n of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n and_o yet_o how_o can_v the_o scripture_n compel_v he_o to_o this_o when_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o the_o catholic_n doctor_n in_o all_o age_n have_v expound_v scripture_n to_o a_o contrary_a sense_n that_o there_o be_v three_o divine_a person_n who_o be_v this_o one_o god_n at_o this_o rate_n when_o man_n differ_v in_o their_o exposition_n of_o scripture_n the_o scripture_n do_v not_o compel_v we_o to_o believe_v either_o and_o thus_o notwithstanding_o the_o scripture_n we_o may_v believe_v nothing_o if_o the_o scripture_n have_v a_o determine_a sense_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v that_o sense_n and_o must_v answer_v it_o to_o god_n and_o to_o our_o saviour_n if_o we_o do_v not_o whoever_o expound_v it_o otherwise_o and_o therefore_o when_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o creed_n that_o we_o be_v compel_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v under_o a_o necessity_n by_o the_o christian_a verity_n to_o acknowledge_v each_o person_n by_o himself_o to_o be_v god_n and_o lord_n the_o meaning_n be_v not_o that_o man_n be_v under_o any_o force_n to_o believe_v or_o acknowledge_v it_o or_o to_o expound_v scripture_n to_o this_o sense_n but_o that_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o exposition_n of_o scripture_n do_v make_v this_o acknowledgement_n necessary_a if_o we_o will_v believe_v as_o the_o scripture_n teach_v and_o this_o may_v be_v true_a whatever_o the_o unitarian_n or_o any_o learned_a trinitarian_n teach_v he_o add_v that_o the_o contest_v between_o the_o unitarian_n and_o trinitarian_n be_v not_o a_o clash_n of_o reason_n with_o scripture_n but_o whether_o we_o ought_v to_o interpret_v holy_a scripture_n when_o it_o speak_v of_o god_n according_a to_o reason_n or_o not_o that_o be_v like_o fool_n or_o like_o wise_a man_n now_o this_o be_v all_o shame_n and_o fallacy_n for_o to_o expound_v scripture_n by_o reason_n may_v signify_v two_o very_a differeent_fw-mi thing_n 1._o to_o use_v our_o own_o reason_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n 2._o to_o expound_v scripture_n in_o conformity_n to_o the_o principle_n and_o maxim_n of_o natural_a reason_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n he_o expound_v scripture_n according_a to_o reason_n who_o consider_v the_o use_n and_o propriety_n of_o word_n the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o place_n what_o go_v before_o and_o what_o follow_v and_o how_o one_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v consistent_a with_o another_o just_a in_o the_o same_o way_n as_o we_o find_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o any_o humane_a write_n and_o he_o who_o do_v not_o thus_o expound_v scripture_n by_o reason_n expound_v it_o like_o a_o fool_n that_o be_v if_o he_o put_v such_o a_o sense_n upon_o it_o as_o the_o word_n will_v not_o bear_v or_o the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o text_n will_v not_o admit_v and_o as_o no_o man_n will_v think_v of_o who_o be_v not_o prepossess_v and_o prejudice_v against_o what_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o plain_a and_o obvious_a sense_n of_o the_o text_n and_o whether_o they_o or_o we_o in_o this_o sense_n expound_v scripture_n according_a or_o contrary_a to_o reason_n like_o fool_n or_o like_o wise_a man_n shall_v be_v examine_v present_o as_o for_o the_o other_o sense_n of_o expound_v scripture_n according_a to_o reason_n that_o be_v in_o conformity_n to_o the_o principle_n and_o maxim_n of_o natural_a reason_n we_o allow_v this_o too_o so_o far_o that_o we_o must_v not_o expound_v scripture_n to_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o contradict_v the_o plain_a and_o express_v maxim_n of_o natural_a reason_n for_o though_o god_n reveal_v such_o thing_n to_o we_o as_o natural_a reason_n can_v not_o discover_v and_o can_v comprehend_v yet_o revelation_n can_v contradict_v plain_a reason_n for_o truth_n can_v never_o contradict_v itself_o what_o be_v true_a in_o revelation_n can_v never_o be_v false_a in_o reason_n and_o what_o be_v true_a by_o natural_a reason_n can_v never_o be_v false_a in_o revelation_n but_o then_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o we_o must_v be_v sure_a that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o contradiction_n it_o must_v be_v evident_a and_o express_a and_o not_o make_v out_o of_o uncertain_a consequence_n which_o many_o time_n be_v not_o owe_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n but_o to_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o own_o knowledge_n as_o to_o keep_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o present_a dispute_n natural_a reason_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v and_o can_v be_v but_o one_o supreme_a god_n the_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n and_o shall_v any_o man_n pretend_v to_o prove_v from_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v three_o god_n this_o will_v be_v a_o express_a contradiction_n to_o the_o natural_a belief_n of_o one_o god_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v reject_v this_o sense_n of_o scripture_n as_o contrary_a to_o reason_n but_o to_o prove_v from_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o that_o there_o be_v three_o who_o be_v this_o one_o god_n this_o be_v no_o contradiction_n to_o reason_n which_o teach_v but_o one_o god_n for_o scripture_n teach_v the_o same_o and_o all_o trinitarian_n acknowledge_v the_o same_o and_o must_v do_v so_o if_o they_o believe_v the_o athanasian_n creed_n and_o therefore_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o trinity_n do_v not_o contradict_v the_o natural_a belief_n of_o one_o god_n yes_o you_o will_v say_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v three_o person_n each_o of_o which_o be_v god_n and_o yet_o but_o one_o god_n be_v a_o contradiction_n but_o what_o principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n do_v it_o contradict_v reason_n tell_v we_o that_o three_o god_n can_v be_v one_o god_n but_o do_v