Selected quad for the lemma: truth_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n divine_a faith_n revelation_n 3,458 5 9.7228 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A59853 The present state of the Socinian controversy, and the doctrine of the Catholick fathers concerning a trinity in unity by William Sherlock ... Sherlock, William, 1641?-1707. 1698 (1698) Wing S3325; ESTC R8272 289,576 406

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matter_n more_o particular_o i_o shall_v
latin_a father_n nay_o to_o the_o schoolman_n themselves_o and_o must_v be_v own_v by_o all_o man_n of_o sense_n that_o esse_fw-la vivere_fw-la intelligere_fw-la sapere_fw-la velle_fw-la bonum_fw-la esse_fw-la magnum_fw-la esse_fw-la etc._n etc._n to_o be_v to_o live_v to_o understand_v to_o be_v wise_a to_o will_v to_o be_v good_a and_o to_o be_v great_a or_o whatever_o else_o we_o can_v attribute_v to_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v but_o unum_fw-la omne_fw-la all_o one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o god_n i_o say_v if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o consequence_n of_o this_o be_v that_o to_o say_v that_o in_o this_o sense_n of_o be_v the_o father_n be_v the_o son_n be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v be_v equivalent_a to_o assert_v three_o distinct_a substance_n mind_n spirit_n life_n understanding_n will_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o trinity_n i_o can_v help_v it_o st._n austin_n be_v never_o yet_o charge_v with_o tritheism_n let_v they_o either_o deny_v what_o st._n austin_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o father_n teach_v about_o this_o matter_n and_o try_v if_o they_o can_v defend_v the_o absolute_a simplicity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n without_o it_o or_o let_v they_o deny_v if_o they_o think_v good_a that_o the_o father_n be_v the_o son_n be_v and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v in_o this_o notion_n of_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a be_v or_o try_v if_o they_o can_v find_v such_o a_o medium_n between_o perfect_a be_v and_o be_v not_o as_o can_v belong_v to_o any_o be_v which_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n or_o allow_v which_o be_v the_o true_a solution_n of_o it_o that_o be_v and_o be_v and_o be_v essence_n and_o essence_n and_o essence_n be_v but_o one_o eternal_a be_v one_o eternal_a essence_n as_o they_o be_v but_o one_o god_n of_o which_o more_o present_o i_o always_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o these_o term_n in_o the_o plural_a number_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v familiar_o use_v because_o few_o man_n can_v conceive_v of_o they_o as_o they_o be_v worthy_a of_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o father_n be_v u●ry_o cautious_a in_o use_v they_o which_o they_o very_o rare_o do_v but_o when_o they_o be_v extort_a from_o they_o by_o the_o perverse_a importunity_n of_o heretic_n but_o i_o can_v see_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o deny_v three_o self_n or_o three_o is_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n without_o deny_v a_o trinity_n and_o if_o each_o of_o these_o three_o be_v himself_o and_o not_o another_o and_o each_o of_o they_o be_v and_o be_v by_o himself_o this_o be_v the_o least_o we_o can_v say_v of_o the_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n and_o this_o be_v all_o with_o respect_n to_o their_o distinction_n that_o we_o need_v say_v of_o they_o so_o that_o if_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v so_o in_o a_o true_a and_o proper_a notion_n be_v in_o truth_n and_o reality_n what_o these_o name_n of_o father_n son_n and_o spirit_n signify_v that_o the_o father_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o true_a proper_a natural_a father_n the_o son_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o true_a proper_a genuine_a son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o a_o true_a proper_a sense_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n as_o the_o catholic_n father_n always_o profess_v they_o must_v be_v as_o true_o and_o perfect_o distinct_a as_o father_n and_o son_n be_v the_o only_a question_n than_o be_v whether_o these_o name_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n signify_v natural_o and_o proper_o when_o speak_v of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n or_o be_v only_o metaphorical_a and_o allusive_a name_n though_o what_o they_o shall_v be_v metaphor_n of_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o conceive_v and_o as_o absurd_a to_o conceive_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o metaphor_n in_o god_n who_o be_v all_o perfect_a essence_n and_o be_v the_o divine_a nature_n and_o perfection_n which_o we_o can_v conceive_v of_o as_o they_o be_v may_v be_v express_v by_o metaphor_n take_v from_o some_o thing_n which_o be_v analogous_a in_o creature_n upon_o which_o account_n we_o read_v of_o the_o hand_n and_o eye_n and_o ear_n and_o bowel_n and_o mouth_n of_o god_n creature_n may_v serve_v for_o metaphor_n for_o shadow_n and_o image_n to_o represent_v something_o of_o god_n to_o we_o but_o the_o reality_n of_o all_o be_v in_o god_n so_o that_o we_o may_v allow_v father_n and_o son_n in_o some_o sense_n to_o be_v metaphorical_a name_n when_o apply_v to_o god_n not_o that_o god_n the_o father_n be_v not_o in_o the_o high_a and_o most_o perfect_a sense_n a_o father_n and_o his_o son_n a_o most_o proper_a natural_a genuine_a son_n but_o because_o the_o divine_a generation_n be_v so_o perfect_a a_o communication_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o be_v from_o father_n to_o son_n that_o human_a generation_n creature-fathers_n and_o son_n be_v but_o obscure_a imperfect_a image_n and_o resemblance_n of_o it_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v speak_v metaphorical_o of_o god_n the_o metaphor_n and_o image_n be_v always_o in_o the_o creature_n the_o truth_n perfection_n and_o reality_n of_o all_o in_o god_n and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o certain_a and_o universal_a rule_n then_o if_o god_n be_v a_o father_n if_o he_o have_v a_o son_n a_o only_o beget_v son_n beget_v eternal_o of_o himself_o not_o make_v nor_o create_v but_o beget_v though_o this_o eternal_a generation_n be_v infinite_o above_o what_o we_o can_v conceive_v yet_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o god_n the_o father_n be_v more_o proper_o and_o perfect_o a_o father_n and_o his_o son_n more_o proper_o and_o perfect_o a_o son_n than_o any_o creature-fathers_n or_o son_n be_v but_o i_o think_v this_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o dispute_n if_o we_o own_o that_o god_n have_v a_o son_n who_o be_v himself_o true_a and_o perfect_a god_n for_o a_o son_n who_o be_v perfect_a god_n be_v god_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v a_o son_n prove_v that_o he_o receive_v his_o nature_n from_o his_o father_n for_o this_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o son_n that_o he_o be_v perfect_a god_n prove_v the_o perfection_n of_o his_o generation_n from_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n for_o to_o be_v perfect_a god_n of_o perfect_a god_n be_v to_o receive_v the_o whole_a perfect_a undivided_a nature_n of_o his_o father_n which_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a generation_n that_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o whole_a to_o beget_v a_o whole_a and_o if_o god_n the_o father_n and_o his_o son_n be_v true_o and_o perfect_o father_n and_o son_n they_o must_v be_v true_o and_o perfect_o distinct_a that_o be_v they_o be_v in_o a_o proper_a sense_n two_o and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v three_o and_o we_o need_v no_o other_o proof_n of_o this_o but_o the_o very_a name_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n if_o we_o understand_v they_o in_o a_o proper_a and_o natural_a sense_n sect_n v._o these_o name_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n prove_v the_o unity_n sameness_n identity_n of_o nature_n and_o godhead_n iii_o these_o name_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n as_o they_o signify_v and_o prove_v a_o real_a distinction_n between_o these_o three_o so_o they_o also_o signify_v and_o prove_v the_o unity_n sameness_n identity_n of_o nature_n and_o godhead_n which_o reconcile_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o trinity_n with_o the_o faith_n of_o one_o god_n the_o same_o one_o divine_a essence_n and_o godhead_n be_v and_o subsist_v whole_a perfect_a and_o entire_a in_o each_o of_o these_o divine_a three_o i_o shall_v explain_v and_o confirm_v this_o matter_n more_o at_o large_a hereafter_o and_o therefore_o at_o present_a shall_v only_o brief_o represent_v this_o notion_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o one_o eternal_a self-originated_n divine_a nature_n be_v one_o divinity_n and_o one_o god_n and_o nothing_o can_v destroy_v the_o unity_n of_o god_n but_o what_o destroy_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n by_o division_n or_o multiplication_n and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o i_o will_v desire_v to_o know_v why_o this_o be_v not_o and_o what_o be_v than_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n may_v be_v preserve_v in_o three_o each_o of_o who_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n if_o the_o same_o one_o divine_a nature_n or_o divinity_n subsist_v distinct_o in_o they_o all_o and_o the_o very_a character_n and_o relation_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n do_v necessary_o infer_v and_o prove_v the_o same_o one_o divinity_n in_o they_o all_o and_o therefore_o the_o christian_a trinity_n be_v so_o far_o from_o contradict_v that_o it_o establish_v the_o faith_n of_o one_o god_n as_o to_o explain_v this_o in_o a_o few_o word_n all_o christian_n agree_v that_o god_n who_o we_o call_v the_o father_n be_v a_o
several_a individual_n we_o form_v a_o notion_n of_o one_o common_a nature_n which_o belong_v to_o they_o all_o as_o the_o notion_n of_o humanity_n or_o human_a nature_n which_o belong_v to_o all_o man_n and_o afford_v a_o common_a name_n and_o a_o common_a definition_n to_o they_o but_o this_o be_v only_o the_o work_n of_o the_o mind_n for_o there_o be_v no_o such_o one_o common_a human_a nature_n actual_o exist_v in_o all_o mankind_n 11._o but_o every_o man_n be_v a_o man_n by_o himself_o and_o have_v a_o particular_a human_a nature_n as_o he_o have_v a_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o his_o own_o which_o be_v not_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o any_o other_o man_n in_o the_o world_n and_o thus_o damascen_n own_v it_o be_v with_o all_o creature_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n who_o in_o truth_n and_o reality_n be_v distinct_a separate_a being_n who_o subsist_v apart_o by_o themselves_o as_o peter_n and_o paul_n and_o all_o other_o man_n do_v and_o be_v unite_v only_o in_o a_o common_a notion_n not_o in_o a_o common_a subsist_v nature_n which_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o all_o but_o then_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o in_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v a_o common_a nature_n and_o yet_o but_o one_o not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o mere_o in_o our_o notion_n and_o conception_n but_o in_o truth_n and_o reality_n the_o same_o one_o divine_a nature_n without_o the_o least_o diversity_n or_o separation_n actual_o and_o distinct_o subsist_v in_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v perfect_o the_o same_o be_v but_o one_o and_o real_o and_o substantial_o subsist_v in_o three_o be_v a_o common_a nature_n which_o be_v equal_o and_o perfect_o in_o they_o all_o thus_o damascen_n have_v declare_v his_o opinion_n full_o against_o the_o notional_a and_o specific_a unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n that_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v one_o only_o as_o human_a nature_n be_v one_o because_o it_o have_v one_o common_a name_n and_o definition_n which_o belong_v to_o all_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n whereas_o there_o be_v no_o one_o common_a human_a nature_n in_o subsistence_n but_o only_o in_o notion_n but_o the_o same_o one_o divine_a nature_n actual_o subsist_v in_o three_o and_o be_v the_o same_o one_o divinity_n in_o three_o and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o all_o the_o catholic_n father_n will_v appear_v from_o consider_v some_o notion_n which_o be_v common_a to_o they_o all_o 1._o they_o all_o agree_v that_o there_o be_v but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o one_o divinity_n and_o one_o god_n and_o one_o god_n because_o but_o one_o divinity_n and_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n nothing_o be_v more_o familiar_a with_o they_o than_o to_o call_v the_o holy_a trinity_n one_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d one_o divinity_n in_o three_o perfect_a hypostate_n now_o will_v any_o man_n say_v that_o the_o one_o divinity_n or_o one_o divine_a nature_n and_o one_o god_n be_v a_o mere_a notion_n be_v not_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o if_o this_o one_o divinity_n do_v real_o immutable_o inseparable_o subsist_v in_o three_o divine_a person_n as_o it_o must_v do_v if_o these_o three_o divine_a person_n with_o respect_n to_o this_o one_o divinity_n be_v natural_o and_o inseparable_o one_o god_n can_v this_o one_o common_a subsist_v divinity_n be_v a_o mere_a notion_n which_o have_v no_o hypostatical_a subsistence_n but_o only_o subsist_v in_o thought_n can_v the_o specific_a notional_a unity_n of_o human_a nature_n make_v three_o man_n one_o man_n as_o the_o one_o common_a divine_a nature_n make_v three_o person_n one_o god_n if_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v but_o a_o notion_n the_o unity_n of_o god_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o trinity_n which_o be_v this_o one_o god_n must_v be_v a_o mere_a notion_n also_o and_o so_o in_o truth_n and_o reality_n there_o be_v no_o more_o one_a god_n than_o there_o be_v but_o one_o man_n i_o ready_o grant_v that_o the_o father_n may_v be_v and_o often_o be_v in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n call_v god_n and_o the_o one_o god_n 1615._o as_o distinguish_v from_o the_o person_n of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o i_o deny_v that_o he_o be_v call_v the_o one_o god_n as_o consider_v without_o they_o or_o so_o much_o as_o in_o thought_n separate_v from_o they_o if_o we_o do_v not_o include_v the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n we_o must_v deny_v their_o godhead_n also_o unless_o we_o will_v say_v that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o beside_o he_o two_o divine_a person_n each_o of_o which_o be_v god_n but_o not_o the_o one_o god_n which_o must_v introduce_v a_o plurality_n of_o separate_a god_n for_o if_o they_o be_v not_o one_o they_o be_v more_o than_o one_o and_o if_o one_o person_n be_v the_o one_o god_n without_o the_o other_o 2._o they_o can_v be_v one_o god_n this_o show_v what_o necessity_n there_o be_v of_o own_v the_o holy_a and_o everblessed_n trinity_n to_o be_v the_o one_o god_n and_o one_o divinity_n natural_o and_o essential_o one_o and_o then_o the_o necessary_a consequence_n be_v that_o this_o one_o divine_a nature_n which_o actual_o and_o substantial_o subsist_v in_o three_o distinct_a divine_a person_n who_o for_o that_o reason_n be_v natural_o and_o essential_o one_o god_n can_v be_v a_o mere_a common_a specific_a nature_n but_o one_o common_a subsist_v nature_n but_o what_o possible_a sense_n can_v we_o make_v of_o this_o one_o common_a subsist_v nature_n which_o be_v real_o actual_o indivisible_o one_o and_o yet_o be_v common_a that_o be_v do_v real_o and_o distinct_o subsist_v in_o more_o than_o one_o to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v common_a and_o to_o be_v one_o not_o in_o notion_n as_o a_o species_n be_v common_a to_o all_o the_o individual_n but_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o nature_n sound_v very_o like_o a_o contradiction_n when_o we_o say_v the_o divine_a nature_n be_v common_a to_o three_o person_n and_o subsist_v distinct_o in_o three_o we_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v one_o singular_a solitary_a nature_n which_o can_v subsist_v but_o in_o one_o and_o constitute_v but_o one_o person_n which_o be_v the_o sabellian_n notion_n of_o the_o divine_a unity_n which_o the_o catholic_n church_n condemn_v as_o destroy_v a_o real_a trinity_n as_o i_o have_v show_v at_o large_a but_o how_o then_o can_v this_o common_a nature_n which_o be_v not_o singular_a but_o subsist_v perfect_o and_o distinct_o in_o three_o be_v actual_o and_o essential_o one_o for_o a_o natural_a unity_n be_v a_o numerical_a unity_n be_v one_o in_o number_n which_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v signify_v a_o singular_a nature_n for_o so_o it_o do_v in_o all_o creature_n and_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n it_o can_v be_v one_o by_o composition_n which_o the_o absolute_a simplicity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n can_v admit_v this_o be_v the_o great_a difficulty_n which_o we_o must_v not_o expect_v perfect_o to_o understand_v because_o a_o finite_a mind_n can_v never_o comprehend_v that_o be_v can_v never_o have_v a_o adequate_a notion_n of_o what_o be_v infinite_a but_o i_o shall_v give_v some_o account_n what_o the_o catholic_n father_n have_v say_v of_o this_o matter_n which_o will_v satisfy_v we_o that_o it_o be_v a_o natural_a not_o a_o mere_a specific_a unity_n which_o they_o intend_v and_o will_v give_v we_o such_o a_o notion_n of_o this_o venerable_a mystery_n as_o will_v deliver_v it_o from_o all_o inconsistency_n and_o contradiction_n 2._o i_o observe_v therefore_o that_o the_o catholic_n father_n lie_v the_o foundation_n of_o this_o sameness_n and_o homoousiotes_n of_o nature_n in_o the_o eternal_a generation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o father_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o nicene_n creed_n be_v oppose_v to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o the_o son_n be_v not_o of_o nothing_o as_o all_o creature_n be_v but_o receive_v his_o whole_a substance_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o his_o father_n st._n basil_n in_o express_a word_n make_v generation_n essential_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o homoousion_n for_o such_o being_n as_n upon_o account_n of_o likeness_n of_o nature_n may_v be_v call_v brother_n to_o each_o other_o be_v not_o therefore_o homoousious_a but_o when_o the_o cause_n and_o that_o which_o actual_o subsist_v from_o or_o out_o of_o that_o cause_n have_v the_o same_o nature_n than_o they_o be_v homoousious_a to_o each_o other_o 〈◊〉_d and_o in_o opposition_n to_o that_o perverse_a and_o heretical_a sense_n which_o some_o affix_v to_o the_o word_n homoousion_n that_o
same_o whole_a ibid._n and_o yet_o if_o he_o be_v so_o of_o the_o father_n as_o not_o to_o be_v the_o father_n but_o the_o son_n ibid._n he_o must_v be_v distinct_a in_o substance_n from_o the_o father_n he_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n but_o he_o receive_v his_o divinity_n by_o his_o birth_n he_o be_v god_n of_o god_n not_o god_n who_o beget_v but_o god_n who_o be_v beget_v not_o of_o nothing_o but_o of_o his_o father_n substance_n who_o be_v unbegotten_a and_o therefore_o though_o st._n hilary_n and_o all_o the_o catholic_n father_n with_o he_o reject_v all_o corporeal_a passion_n in_o the_o divine_a generation_n all_o corporeal_a desection_n division_n efflux_n or_o emanation_n of_o the_o divine_a substance_n which_o be_v incorporeal_a and_o indivisible_a yet_o they_o all_o assert_v a_o true_a and_o proper_a generation_n of_o the_o son_n and_o a_o impassable_a production_n and_o prolation_n of_o he_o whole_a of_o whole_a and_o st._n hilary_n tell_v we_o ibid._n that_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o arian_n under_o a_o specious_a pretence_n of_o condemn_v valentinus_n his_o emanation_n and_o aeons_n deny_v the_o prolation_n of_o the_o son_n from_o the_o father_n only_o to_o deny_v his_o generation_n whereas_o some_o kind_n of_o prolation_n be_v essential_a to_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o birth_n which_o can_v be_v conceive_v without_o it_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o whole_o reject_v all_o prolation_n and_o production_n of_o the_o son_n from_o the_o father_n but_o only_o reject_v all_o corporeal_a emanation_n which_o be_v very_o imperfect_a image_n of_o divine_a mystery_n and_o have_v nothing_o like_o the_o eternal_a generation_n of_o the_o son_n but_o only_o that_o the_o son_n be_v true_o beget_v of_o his_o father_n substance_n this_o be_v that_o adorable_a and_o unsearchable_a mystery_n of_o the_o divine_a generation_n the_o son_n be_v true_o and_o proper_o beget_v receive_v his_o whole_a be_v and_o nature_n from_o his_o father_n be_v substance_n of_o his_o father_n substance_n whole_a of_o whole_a and_o therefore_o one_o and_o the_o same_o substance_n with_o the_o father_n not_o that_o substance_n which_o be_v the_o person_n of_o the_o father_n nor_o a_o new_a or_o another_o separate_a substance_n as_o it_o be_v in_o human_a generation_n but_o the_o nature_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o father_n bear_v and_o repeat_v in_o the_o nativity_n of_o the_o son_n as_o st._n hilary_n speak_v 183._o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v but_o one_o divinity_n one_o infinite_a eternal_a nature_n and_o substance_n but_o they_o be_v thrice_o this_o one_o substance_n and_o as_o perfect_o and_o distinct_o three_o in_o this_o one_o substance_n as_o any_o other_o three_o be_v three_o substance_n st._n austin_n be_v certain_o in_o the_o right_n when_o he_o assert_v that_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o essence_n must_v not_o be_v consider_v either_o as_o a_o genus_fw-la or_o species_n nor_o the_o divine_a person_n as_o individual_n and_o show_v particular_o the_o impropriety_n of_o each_o though_o he_o know_v not_o under_o what_o notion_n to_o conceive_v they_o 7._o but_o incline_v most_o to_o some_o common_a matter_n or_o substance_n which_o be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o as_o carrying_z the_o near_a resemblance_n and_o analogy_n in_o it_o though_o this_o he_o do_v not_o very_o well_o like_v neither_o of_o which_o more_o present_o it_o will_v be_v of_o great_a use_n brief_o to_o consider_v this_o matter_n for_o the_o difficulty_n consist_v more_o in_o want_n of_o word_n to_o express_v this_o unity_n and_o distinction_n by_o than_o in_o the_o notion_n itself_o the_o singularity_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n and_o substance_n in_o the_o sabellian_n notion_n of_o one_o substance_n the_o nicene_n father_n universal_o reject_v as_o irreconcilable_a with_o a_o real_a distinction_n of_o person_n which_o destroy_v the_o faith_n of_o a_o real_a trinity_n a_o mere_a specific_a unity_n of_o nature_n and_o substance_n which_o be_v a_o mere_a logical_a notion_n fall_v short_a of_o the_o natural_a and_o essential_a unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n and_o yet_o we_o have_v no_o word_n to_o serve_v as_o a_o middle_a term_n between_o the_o unity_n of_o singularity_n and_o a_o specific_a unity_n of_o nature_n for_o there_o be_v no_o such_o unity_n as_o this_o in_o create_v nature_n and_o therefore_o no_o name_n for_o it_o and_o yet_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o a_o trinity_n of_o person_n be_v neither_o of_o these_o but_o bear_v some_o resemblance_n and_o analogy_n to_o both_o as_o to_o show_v this_o brief_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v not_o a_o mere_a specific_a unity_n a_o species_n be_v only_o a_o idea_n or_o pattern_n of_o nature_n according_a to_o which_o particular_a creature_n be_v form_v and_o such_o creature_n as_o be_v make_v according_a to_o the_o same_o pattern_n be_v specifical_o the_o same_o and_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v observe_v this_o correspondence_n and_o ideal_o sameness_n of_o nature_n so_o we_o rank_v they_o under_o the_o same_o species_n so_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o species_n but_o among_o create_a being_n for_o they_o must_v be_v all_o make_v and_o make_v according_a to_o the_o same_o original_a pattern_n but_o a_o eternal_a and_o necessary_a nature_n be_v not_o make_v and_o therefore_o not_o make_v according_a to_o any_o pattern_n nor_o can_v any_o other_o be_v make_v according_a to_o its_o pattern_n for_o what_o be_v make_v can_v be_v necessary_a and_o eternal_a so_o that_o the_o divine_a nature_n can_v be_v but_o one_o and_o one_o numerical_a nature_n be_v no_o species_n it_o can_v communicate_v its_o own_o substance_n by_o a_o eternal_a generation_n and_o procession_n but_o it_o can_v be_v a_o pattern_n and_o idea_n for_o any_o other_o being_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n which_o be_v not_o its_o own_o substance_n 6._o for_o this_o reason_n st._n austin_n reject_v this_o specific_a unity_n he_o distinguish_v between_o say_v that_o the_o divine_a person_n be_v una_fw-la essentia_fw-la &_o vnius_fw-la essentiae_fw-la one_o essence_n or_o substance_n and_o that_o they_o be_v ex_fw-la una_fw-la essentia_fw-la of_o one_o essence_n the_o first_o may_v signify_v a_o natural_a unity_n and_o must_v do_v so_o when_o apply_v to_o the_o trinity_n the_o second_o signify_v only_o a_o common_a specific_a nature_n and_o unity_n when_o we_o speak_v of_o man_n we_o may_v use_v either_o expression_n that_o they_o be_v one_o essence_n or_o that_o they_o be_v of_o one_o essence_n because_o in_o both_o case_n when_o apply_v to_o creature_n one_o essence_n signify_v specifical_o as_o a_o common_a pattern_n of_o nature_n according_a to_o which_o not_o only_o three_o but_o many_o three_o may_v be_v make_v but_o the_o whole_a divine_a essence_n be_v in_o the_o trinity_n and_o can_v subsist_v in_o any_o other_o person_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o a_o common_a specific_a nature_n but_o then_o there_o be_v something_o in_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o substantial_o communicate_v to_o the_o son_n and_o to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o bear_v some_o analogy_n to_o a_o species_n and_o to_o a_o specific_a unity_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o catholic_n father_n in_o their_o dispute_n both_o with_o the_o sabellian_o and_o arian_n frequent_o express_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o nature_n as_o subsist_v in_o three_o distinct_a person_n by_o a_o specific_a unity_n the_o notion_n and_o idea_n of_o a_o common_a nature_n which_o subsist_v in_o many_o individual_n be_v call_v a_o species_n the_o same_o common_a notion_n and_o definition_n belong_v to_o all_o the_o individual_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n now_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o real_a trinity_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o same_o one_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v original_o in_o the_o father_n be_v communicate_v to_o the_o son_n and_o holy_a spirit_n and_o do_v subsist_v distinct_o and_o substantial_o in_o all_o three_o and_o therefore_o have_v this_o resemblance_n to_o a_o species_n that_o it_o be_v a_o common_a nature_n which_o have_v the_o same_o notion_n and_o definition_n and_o be_v the_o same_o in_o three_o but_o not_o mere_o by_o a_o notional_a identity_n and_o sameness_n but_o by_o the_o real_a identity_n of_o substance_n there_o be_v but_o one_o divine_a substance_n unmake_v uncreated_a unbegotten_a but_o communicate_v whole_a and_o entire_a to_o the_o son_n by_o a_o eternal_a generation_n and_o to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o a_o eternal_a procession_n so_o that_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v so_o far_o a_o species_n as_o by_o its_o actual_a communication_n to_o the_o son_n and_o holy_a spirit_n and_o its_o distinct_a subsistence_n in_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n it_o be_v in_o truth_n and_o reality_n a_o common_a nature_n and_o substance_n which_o a_o species_n be_v only_o in_o notion_n and_o idea_n the_o notion_n and_o definition_n of_o human_a nature_n in_o
proper_a speak_n with_o reference_n to_o this_o sameness_n of_o nature_n any_o more_o say_v that_o there_o be_v three_o man_n than_o that_o there_o be_v three_o humanity_n when_o a_o man_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o subsist_v idea_n of_o humanity_n will_v not_o as_o far_o as_o this_o sameness_n and_o identity_n reach_v human_a nature_n be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o mere_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d both_o one_o and_o a_o common_a nature_n not_o mere_o by_o a_o logical_a and_o notional_a unity_n and_o community_n but_o by_o a_o actual_a subsistence_n in_o all_o without_o the_o least_o difference_n or_o diversity_n as_o the_o idea_n of_o human_a nature_n be_v both_o one_o and_o common_a to_o the_o whole_a kind_a this_o indeed_o be_v but_o a_o imaginary_a case_n as_o to_o finite_a creature_n who_o never_o be_v and_o never_o can_v be_v so_o perfect_o one_o and_o the_o same_o as_o their_o idea_n be_v but_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o most_o sensible_a representation_n we_o can_v make_v of_o the_o sameness_n and_o identity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o have_v real_o and_o actual_o all_o that_o sameness_n and_o identity_n which_o we_o only_o suppose_v in_o creature_n to_o help_v our_o conception_n of_o the_o divine_a unity_n how_o different_a hypostasis_n may_v be_v one_o in_o nature_n by_o this_o sameness_n and_o identy_n of_o nature_n the_o divine_a nature_n and_o essence_n be_v more_o perfect_o simple_a and_o uncompounded_a than_o any_o notion_n and_o idea_n which_o we_o can_v frame_v of_o it_o and_o therefore_o must_v subsist_v as_o simple_o as_o the_o simple_a idea_n and_o consequent_o must_v be_v as_o perfect_o one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o all_o three_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n as_o the_o same_o idea_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o with_o itself_o and_o though_o this_o be_v not_o the_o whole_a notion_n of_o the_o sameness_n and_o identity_n of_o nature_n which_o require_v not_o only_o two_o perfect_a same_o be_v but_o that_o one_o be_v of_o the_o other_o without_o division_n or_o separation_n yet_o this_o be_v essential_a to_o this_o notion_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o identity_n of_o nature_n without_o it_o this_o be_v what_o the_o catholic_n father_n intend_v in_o many_o passage_n which_o some_o modern_a writer_n have_v so_o miserable_o mistake_v and_o misrepresent_v as_o to_o charge_v those_o wise_a man_n and_o learned_a philosopher_n with_o the_o most_o wild_a and_o absurd_a conceit_n and_o those_o great_a advocate_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n with_o the_o worst_a of_o heresy_n even_o tritheism_n itself_o i_o can_v do_v right_o to_o my_o cause_n without_o do_v right_o to_o these_o great_a light_n of_o the_o church_n in_o give_v a_o plain_a account_n of_o this_o matter_n and_o to_o explain_v what_o they_o mean_v by_o this_o sameness_n and_o identity_n of_o nature_n and_o to_o show_v how_o groundless_a this_o imputation_n of_o tritheism_n be_v i_o shall_v begin_v with_o their_o natural_a proof_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n against_o the_o pagan_a polytheism_n which_o they_o unanimous_o resolve_v into_o this_o sameness_n and_o identity_n of_o nature_n they_o prove_v that_o there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o one_o divinity_n because_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o the_o least_o conceivable_a change_n and_o diversity_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v a_o number_n for_o what_o be_v and_o always_o must_v be_v the_o same_o with_o itself_o can_v be_v another_o or_o a_o second_o nature_n and_o one_o divinity_n be_v but_o one_o god_n this_o they_o prove_v from_o all_o the_o notion_n which_o we_o have_v of_o god_n especial_o that_o comprehensive_a one_o of_o a_o absolute_a and_o perfect_a be_v for_o absolute_a perfection_n be_v and_o can_v be_v but_o one_o without_o any_o possibility_n of_o change_n for_o all_o change_n and_o diversity_n must_v be_v either_o for_o the_o better_a or_o for_o the_o worse_o and_o absolute_a perfection_n can_v admit_v of_o neither_o and_o without_o diversity_n and_o alterity_n there_o can_v be_v but_o one._n a_o infinite_a nature_n which_o nothing_o can_v distinguish_v from_o itself_o can_v be_v but_o one_o and_o can_v we_o imagine_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v add_v to_o or_o take_v from_o it_o to_o make_v this_o distinction_n it_o will_v destroy_v not_o only_o its_o unity_n but_o it_o be_v infinity_o too_o it_o will_v indeed_o make_v a_o number_n but_o not_o of_o absolute_a perfect_a being_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o divine_a perfection_n by_o themselves_o praef._n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v any_o difference_n or_o diversity_n and_o consequent_o any_o number_n in_o they_o be_v not_o eternal_a truth_n and_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o omnipotent_a power_n always_o one_o and_o the_o same_o can_v eternal_a truth_n and_o infinite_a wisdom_n in_o any_o thing_n vary_v from_o itself_o to_o make_v two_o eternal_a truth_n and_o infinite_a wisdom_n now_o remove_v all_o possible_a diversity_n and_o you_o necessary_o destroy_v a_o plurality_n of_o god_n for_o a_o perfect_a sameness_n and_o identity_n must_v reduce_v we_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o one_o god_n for_o what_o be_v perfect_o the_o same_o be_v not_o many_o but_o one_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d well!_o but_o can_v there_o be_v more_o than_o one_o of_o these_o eternal_a infinite_o wise_a infinite_o good_a and_o omnipotent_a nature_n no_o for_o if_o this_o nature_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v always_o the_o same_o and_o be_v unmake_v and_o self-originated_n it_o can_v be_v but_o one_o for_o though_o in_o create_v nature_n several_a of_o the_o same_o kind_n may_v be_v make_v according_a to_o the_o same_o pattern_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o idea_n of_o any_o create_a nature_n which_o hinder_v the_o multiplication_n of_o its_o individual_n yet_o a_o nature_n which_o subsist_v of_o itself_o and_o be_v absolute_o uncapable_a of_o any_o diversity_n and_o consequent_o of_o number_n can_v be_v but_o one_o for_o a_o self-subsisting_a nature_n must_v subsist_v according_a to_o its_o own_o essential_a idea_n that_o be_v according_a to_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o that_o be_v but_o one_o for_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v judge_v of_o these_o matter_n what_o we_o can_v possible_o conceive_v shall_v ever_o be_v two_o we_o must_v conclude_v to_o be_v one._n but_o beside_o this_o these_o father_n observe_v that_o if_o there_o be_v more_o than_o one_o self-originated_n divinity_n or_o more_o divine_a nature_n than_o one_o they_o must_v be_v divide_v and_o separate_v from_o each_o other_o for_o if_o to_o the_o sameness_n and_o identity_n of_o nature_n you_o add_v a_o inseparable_a and_o indivisible_a union_n too_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v more_o than_o one._n and_o yet_o two_o or_o more_o such_o divide_a and_o separate_v nature_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n and_o essence_n which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d uncircumscribed_a and_o omnipresent_v whereas_o two_o divide_v and_o separate_v nature_n which_o be_v not_o where_o each_o other_o be_v must_v be_v circumscribe_v and_o not_o omnipresent_v and_o this_o destroy_v the_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o both_o for_o a_o confine_v and_o limit_a presence_n as_o it_o be_v a_o imperfection_n itself_o so_o confine_n and_o limit_n all_o other_o perfection_n as_o it_o confine_v wisdom_n power_n and_o goodness_n within_o a_o certain_a limit_a sphere_n of_o action_n and_o now_o it_o may_v be_v some_o may_v think_v that_o these_o argument_n conclude_v as_o strong_o against_o a_o trinity_n of_o divine_a person_n each_o of_o which_o be_v by_o himself_o true_a and_o perfect_a god_n as_o against_o a_o plurality_n of_o divide_a and_o separate_a divinity_n and_o upon_o second_o thought_n i_o suspect_v this_o may_v be_v what_o our_o considerer_n intend_v in_o those_o surprise_v argument_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o idea_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o position_n and_o place_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o single_a person_n in_o the_o true_a and_o proper_a notion_n of_o a_o person_n for_o a_o intelligent_a person_n in_o the_o trinity_n this_o to_o be_v sure_o be_v the_o argument_n which_o a_o socinian_n writer_n allege_v with_o so_o much_o triumph_v out_o of_o athenagoras_n to_o disprove_v the_o trinity_n though_o that_o very_o ancient_a and_o learned_a writer_n understand_v very_o well_o the_o difference_n between_o polytheism_n and_o the_o trinity_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n confute_v the_o one_o and_o profess_v the_o other_o which_o may_v have_v make_v that_o author_n suspect_v that_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o true_a force_n of_o this_o argument_n since_o not_o only_o athenagoras_n but_o all_o the_o other_o father_n think_v it_o a_o good_a argument_n against_o polytheism_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n
this_o as_o they_o all_o own_o for_o the_o father_n make_v no_o scruple_n to_o say_v that_o god_n beget_v god_n essence_n essence_n wisdom_n wisdom_n life_n life_n and_o that_o the_o son_n be_v beget_v and_o only_o beget_v god_n god_n of_o god_n light_a of_o light_n wisdom_n of_o wisdom_n and_o beget_v wisdom_n upon_o these_o authority_n richardus_fw-la victorinus_n contend_v earnest_o that_o we_o ought_v in_o plain_a term_n to_o own_o 23._o that_o substance_n beget_v substance_n and_o that_o those_o who_o deny_v it_o reject_v the_o doctrine_n of_o all_o the_o catholic_n father_n but_o peter_n lombard_n and_o most_o other_o schoolman_n especial_o since_o the_o council_n of_o lateran_n justify_v themselves_o in_o this_o matter_n by_o say_v that_o the_o father_n intend_v no_o more_o in_o such_o expression_n than_o what_o they_o themselves_o own_v though_o they_o reject_v that_o way_n of_o speak_v when_o the_o father_n teach_v that_o god_n beget_v god_n essence_n essence_n substance_n 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but_o by_o communication_n from_o another_o and_o in_o a_o essential_a relation_n to_o he_o as_o the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n have_v which_o be_v the_o same_o divinity_n in_o three_o and_o but_o one_o in_o three_o and_o therefore_o i_o think_v the_o school_n be_v very_o much_o in_o the_o right_n for_o reject_v tres_fw-la dii_fw-la three_o god_n when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o own_v tres_fw-la deitatem_fw-la habentes_fw-la three_o who_o have_v the_o divinity_n for_o these_o do_v not_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n the_o first_o unless_o qualify_v be_v polytheism_n the_o second_o the_o christian_a trinity_n in_o unity_n though_o i_o confess_v i_o shall_v not_o choose_v to_o call_v the_o father_n one_o who_o have_v the_o divinity_n but_o simple_o god_n because_o he_o be_v absolute_o and_o original_o so_o and_o not_o by_o communication_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n be_v both_o in_o scripture_n and_o in_o the_o father_n eminent_o call●d_v god_n and_o the_o one_o god_n rochester_n whereas_o the_o other_o divine_a per●●●s_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o as_o technician_n observe_v never_o call_v god_n when_o join_v with_o the_o father_n though_o they_o be_v when_o speak_v of_o distinct_o by_o themselves_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o school_n forbid_v the_o use_n of_o abstract_n or_o substantive_n term_n in_o the_o plural_a number_n when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o d●vine_a person_n but_o allow_v of_o plural_a adjective_n because_o substantive_n signify_v absolute_o and_o multiply_v nature_n as_o well_o as_o person_n or_o suppositum_n but_o adjective_n may_v signify_v relative_o and_o multiply_v person_n without_o multiply_a nature_n as_o three_o eternal_o three_o omnipotents_a three_o infinite_n in_o a_o substantive_n sense_n signify_v three_o eternal_a omnipotent_a infinite_a nature_n as_o well_o as_o person_n but_o three_o who_o be_v eternal_a omnipotent_a infinite_a signify_v a_o trinity_n of_o eternal_a omnipotent_a infinite_a person_n but_o do_v not_o necessary_o signify_v a_o trinity_n of_o nature_n since_o these_o three_o may_v subsist_v in_o the_o same_o eternal_a omnipotent_a infinite_a nature_n and_o each_o of_o they_o have_v this_o eternal_a infinite_a nature_n and_o all_o the_o same_o but_o still_o the_o difficulty_n remain_v if_o person_n or_o suppositum_fw-la and_o nature_n be_v perfect_o the_o same_o how_o the_o father_n can_v communicate_v his_o nature_n and_o not_o his_o person_n how_o there_o can_v be_v three_o incommunicable_a person_n and_o suppositum_n and_o but_o one_o nature_n and_o that_o communicable_a to_o more_o than_o one_o that_o thus_o it_o be_v and_o how_o it_o may_v be_v be_v better_a explain_v by_o a_o example_n than_o by_o any_o word_n without_o it_o etc._n and_o i_o shall_v instance_n in_o a_o live_a substantial_a image_n this_o be_v the_o true_a character_n of_o the_o second_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n that_o he_o be_v so_o the_o son_n as_o to_o 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though_o person_n and_o nature_n be_v perfect_o the_o same_o