themselves_o sufficient_a to_o show_v what_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n be_v for_o who_o but_o one_o that_o believe_v that_o christ_n be_v god_n can_v say_v with_o st._n paul_n i_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n that_o strengthen_v i_o or_o with_o st._n stephen_n at_o the_o instant_n of_o death_n cry_v out_o lord_n jesus_n receive_v my_o spirit_n from_o these_o and_o many_o other_o text_n it_o seem_v plain_a to_o i_o that_o christ_n be_v worship_v and_o acknowledge_v as_o god_n and_o that_o therefore_o he_o ought_v so_o to_o be_v worship_v and_o acknowledge_v we_o have_v all_o the_o same_o reason_n to_o believe_v as_o we_o have_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a the_o establishment_n of_o a_o false_a worship_n be_v a_o thorough_a disproof_n of_o the_o authority_n that_o command_v it_o suppose_v therefore_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v no_o way_n of_o elude_v this_o argument_n but_o by_o give_v another_o interpretation_n to_o all_o 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they_o choose_v rather_o to_o wrest_v and_o pervert_v the_o plain_a text_n than_o admit_v such_o seem_o inconsistent_a consequence_n here_o therefore_o i_o shall_v examine_v what_o ground_n there_o be_v in_o scripture_n for_o such_o a_o exposition_n and_o what_o we_o be_v oblige_v from_o thence_o to_o believe_v when_o we_o express_v our_o faith_n in_o this_o particular_a manner_n first_o then_o as_o to_o these_o form_n of_o expression_n that_o god_n be_v one_o and_o three_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o these_o name_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v apply_v to_o god_n in_o scripture_n in_o a_o different_a way_n from_o what_o any_o of_o his_o other_o name_n be_v for_o the_o other_o name_n of_o god_n signify_v only_o partial_a conception_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n such_o as_o self-existence_n power_n etc._n etc._n and_o be_v all_o contain_v within_o the_o same_o idea_n of_o god_n and_o so_o be_v indifferent_o use_v upon_o any_o occasion_n to_o express_v the_o whole_a idea_n of_o god_n to_o which_o they_o belong_v which_o be_v the_o same_o under_o every_o denomination_n these_o therefore_o can_v be_v the_o foundation_n of_o any_o distinction_n in_o the_o godhead_n but_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n according_a to_o our_o way_n of_o conceive_a thing_n signify_v something_o extrinsical_a and_o accessary_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o much_o as_o we_o know_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n by_o reason_n the_o whole_a idea_n of_o god_n be_v conceive_v as_o full_a and_o complete_a before_o the_o application_n of_o these_o term_n and_o though_o all_o of_o they_o are_z separately_z and_o together_o affirm_v of_o god_n yet_o each_o of_o they_o in_o so_o peculiar_a a_o manner_n that_o there_o be_v several_a occasion_n where_o when_o one_o of_o these_o term_n be_v use_v with_o relation_n to_o god_n it_o will_v be_v improper_a to_o use_v either_o of_o the_o other_o from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o these_o three_o name_n of_o god_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n must_v denote_v a_o threefold_a difference_n or_o distinction_n belong_v to_o god_n but_o such_o as_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o unity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o each_o of_o these_o name_n include_v the_o whole_a idea_n we_o have_v of_o god_n and_o something_o more_o so_o far_o as_o they_o express_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n they_o all_o adequate_o and_o exact_o signify_v the_o same_o it_o be_v the_o additional_a signification_n which_o make_v all_o the_o distinction_n betwixt_o they_o what_o particular_a kind_n or_o manner_n of_o distinction_n this_o be_v be_v not_o express_v in_o scripture_n but_o since_o the_o church_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o assign_v a_o name_n for_o it_o that_o of_o person_n seem_v to_o i_o as_o proper_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o whole_a tenor_n and_o design_n of_o the_o holy_a write_n as_o any_o other_o that_o can_v have_v be_v choose_v for_o that_o purpose_n for_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n whether_o we_o consider_v the_o primitive_a sense_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o word_n the_o general_a and_o constant_a use_n of_o they_o or_o the_o particular_a connexion_n and_o circumstance_n in_o which_o they_o be_v mention_v in_o scripture_n have_v plain_o a_o personal_a signification_n each_o of_o they_o without_o any_o figure_n of_o speech_n be_v determine_v to_o signify_v some_o intelligent_a be_v act_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v there_o relate_v there_o need_v no_o proof_n of_o this_o the_o plain_a distinction_n of_o person_n import_v by_o those_o term_n be_v the_o chief_a argument_n make_v use_v of_o to_o show_v that_o they_o can_v all_o be_v apply_v to_o god_n but_o must_v necessary_o signify_v three_o distinct_a being_n but_o that_o they_o be_v all_o apply_v to_o god_n in_o scripture_n have_v be_v prove_v already_o and_o therefore_o father_n son_n and_o
this_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v confuse_v notion_n of_o thing_n which_o no_o particular_a idea_n our_o mind_n be_v furnish_v with_o can_v render_v clear_a to_o we_o for_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o degree_n and_o limit_n of_o our_o knowledge_n and_o take_v a_o strict_a survey_n of_o our_o whole_a stock_n of_o thought_n we_o shall_v find_v there_o be_v very_o few_o thing_n that_o we_o know_v full_o and_o distinct_o most_o of_o our_o notion_n differ_v only_o as_o more_o or_o less_o confuse_a more_o or_o less_o general_a there_o be_v a_o certain_a scale_n of_o knowledge_n wherein_o every_o thing_n be_v so_o fit_v and_o proportion_v to_o our_o faculty_n that_o we_o can_v descend_v below_o such_o a_o determinate_a pitch_n in_o our_o conception_n or_o explication_n of_o any_o object_n propose_v to_o we_o as_o for_o instance_n suppose_v a_o blindman_n have_v a_o desire_n to_o know_v what_o colour_n be_v it_o be_v certain_a he_o can_v never_o form_v a_o true_a distinct_a idea_n of_o it_o but_o yet_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o general_a confuse_a knowledge_n which_o want_v but_o one_o degree_n of_o particularity_n to_o be_v clear_a and_o perfect_a conception_n he_o may_v know_v that_o colour_n be_v not_o any_o substance_n but_o some_o mode_n or_o determination_n which_o owe_v its_o existence_n and_o support_v to_o some_o other_o be_v that_o it_o be_v not_o extension_n or_o any_o other_o accident_n or_o quality_n perceivable_a by_o any_o of_o the_o sense_n he_o enjoy_v he_o may_v further_o be_v make_v to_o understand_v that_o it_o be_v some_o kind_n of_o sensation_n produce_v by_o the_o impression_n of_o other_o body_n upon_o that_o part_n of_o a_o man_n which_o be_v call_v the_o eye_n which_o other_o man_n perceive_v though_o he_o do_v not_o now_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o such_o a_o man_n know_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o colour_n more_o by_o far_o than_o another_o blindman_n who_o have_v not_o make_v the_o same_o inquiry_n and_o reflection_n about_o it_o and_o so_o much_o as_o will_v secure_v he_o from_o have_v any_o other_o idea_n impose_v upon_o he_o for_o that_o of_o colour_n which_o be_v so_o distinguish_v and_o circumstantiate_v to_o he_o that_o shall_v he_o now_o receive_v his_o sight_n he_o will_v present_o acknowledge_v the_o mark_n before_o describe_v to_o he_o and_o yet_o after_o all_o it_o may_v be_v true_o say_v while_o he_o continue_v blind_a he_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o idea_n of_o colour_n because_o he_o have_v no_o distinct_a idea_n of_o that_o particular_a kind_n of_o sensation_n to_o which_o his_o general_a idea_n be_v apply_v and_o therefore_o he_o can_v go_v no_o low_o in_o his_o explication_n of_o the_o notion_n he_o have_v of_o colour_n for_o if_o he_o explain_v it_o by_o any_o sensation_n which_o he_o receive_v from_o his_o other_o sense_n the_o idea_n he_o have_v then_o in_o his_o mind_n be_v indeed_o more_o particular_a and_o distinct_a but_o the_o judgement_n he_o make_v upon_o they_o must_v be_v utter_o false_a whereas_o before_o his_o knowledge_n be_v only_o general_a and_o confuse_a but_o yet_o true_a i_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o this_o plain_a familiar_a instance_n of_o sense_n to_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o those_o who_o in_o high_a speculation_n complain_v that_o the_o term_n bring_v to_o explain_v they_o be_v too_o general_a and_o abstract_a and_o demand_v a_o further_a explication_n of_o what_o we_o can_v possible_o know_v beyond_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o particularity_n which_o the_o term_n already_o make_v use_n of_o do_v express_v in_o vain_a therefore_o and_o unjust_o be_v we_o urge_v to_o explain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n more_o particular_o when_o we_o have_v bring_v it_o down_o to_o the_o utmost_a particularity_n we_o be_v capable_a of_o conceive_v and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n free_o acknowledge_v we_o do_v know_v it_o so_o distinct_o as_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v know_v for_o then_o only_o be_v the_o use_n of_o general_a abstract_a term_n to_o be_v condemn_v either_o when_o the_o subject_n we_o be_v upon_o will_v admit_v of_o a_o more_o particular_a and_o sensible_a explication_n or_o if_o it_o will_v not_o when_o by_o too_o much_o refine_v and_o abstract_v we_o deceive_v ourselves_o and_o think_v some_o term_n we_o have_v find_v out_o make_v the_o thing_n clear_a to_o we_o though_o we_o have_v not_o real_o more_o distinct_a conception_n of_o it_o than_o we_o have_v before_o and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n these_o very_a term_n make_v it_o more_o obscure_a and_o difficult_a to_o other_o and_o this_o be_v what_o i_o remark_v before_o as_o a_o prejudice_n to_o be_v avoid_v in_o a_o impartial_a search_n after_o truth_n but_o so_o long_o as_o we_o acknowledge_v we_o have_v only_o a_o general_a confuse_a notion_n of_o the_o trinity_n or_o such_o a_o threefold_a distinction_n in_o the_o godhead_n as_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n we_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o explain_v this_o notion_n in_o general_a abstract_a term_n because_o we_o lay_v no_o great_a a_o stress_n upon_o the_o term_n than_o they_o will_v true_o bear_v and_o require_v only_o a_o faith_n proportionate_a to_o our_o knowledge_n that_o be_v a_o general_a confuse_a faith_n which_o we_o expect_v a_o clear_a and_o more_o distinct_a revelation_n of_o hereafter_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v dispatch_v the_o first_o branch_n of_o my_o discourse_n wherein_o i_o propose_v to_o consider_v how_o far_a it_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v a_o trinity_n ii_o i_o come_v now_o to_o my_o second_o general_n enquiry_n viz._n what_o it_o be_v the_o scripture_n require_v we_o to_o believe_v in_o this_o matter_n for_o a_o distinct_a resolution_n of_o which_o question_n i_o shall_v observe_v the_o follow_a method_n first_o i_o shall_v bare_o and_o positive_o lay_v down_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n so_o far_o as_o i_o judge_v it_o express_o contain_v in_o scripture_n second_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o assert_v three_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o particular_a additional_a explication_n that_o have_v or_o may_v be_v give_v of_o the_o scripture-account_a of_o this_o article_n 1._o in_o speak_v to_o the_o first_o it_o must_v be_v allow_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o proposition_n as_o this_o that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o god_n be_v three_o different_a person_n formal_o and_o in_o term_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o sacred_a write_n either_o of_o the_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n neither_o be_v it_o pretend_v that_o there_o be_v any_o word_n of_o the_o same_o signification_n or_o importance_n with_o the_o word_n trinity_n use_v in_o scripture_n with_o relation_n to_o god_n there_o be_v one_o text_n which_o plain_o enough_o affirm_v without_o the_o help_n of_o inference_n or_o deduction_n that_o god_n be_v three_o and_o one_o but_o this_o be_v a_o dispute_v passage_n and_o no_o where_o else_o repeat_v in_o the_o same_o or_o the_o like_a term_n i_o shall_v not_o insist_v upon_o it_o nor_o do_v i_o think_v such_o a_o trinity_n as_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v stand_v much_o in_o need_n of_o the_o support_n of_o this_o text_n the_o matter_n and_o subject_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o this_o point_n be_v frequent_o large_o and_o circumstantial_o mention_v and_o as_o it_o appear_v to_o i_o interweave_v into_o the_o very_a design_n of_o the_o scripture_n now_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o that_o the_o scripture_n plain_o and_o express_o teach_v concern_v a_o trinity_n be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a god_n the_o author_n and_o maker_n of_o all_o thing_n but_o that_o one_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v and_o adore_v by_o we_o under_o those_o three_o different_a title_n or_o character_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n which_o term_n whatever_o they_o signify_v according_a to_o my_o judgement_n upon_o a_o fair_a and_o impartial_a consideration_n of_o all_o circumstance_n that_o can_v determine_v their_o sense_n be_v evident_o apply_v to_o god_n in_o many_o place_n of_o holy_a writ_n and_o consequent_o be_v true_o and_o proper_o applicable_a to_o he_o 2._o the_o proof_n of_o which_o assertion_n be_v the_o second_o thing_n i_o undertake_v but_o here_o i_o find_v myself_o forestall_v by_o the_o successful_a endeavour_n of_o a_o great_a many_o learned_a man_n who_o have_v careful_o and_o nice_o examine_v every_o text_n that_o can_v be_v bring_v either_o for_o the_o establishment_n or_o confutation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n i_o shall_v not_o therefore_o trouble_v my_o reader_n with_o a_o particular_a detail_n of_o all_o their_o argument_n but_o only_o acquaint_v he_o true_o and_o fair_o what_o be_v the_o chief_a motive_n which_o influence_v and_o dispose_v i_o to_o make_v such_o a_o judgement_n as_o i_o have_v
just_a before_o declare_v now_o the_o reason_n which_o determine_v my_o opinion_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v such_o as_o free_o offer_v themselves_o upon_o a_o unprejudiced_a read_n of_o scripture_n and_o consider_v the_o design_n connexion_n and_o analogy_n of_o those_o write_n and_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o believe_v if_o any_o man_n else_o take_v the_o same_o method_n and_o consider_v thing_n togegether_o and_o not_o only_o in_o loose_a text_n and_o passage_n the_o first_o result_n of_o his_o thought_n will_v be_v the_o same_o viz._n these_o term_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n must_v all_o be_v so_o understand_v as_o to_o include_v the_o same_o god_n in_o their_o signification_n and_o that_o any_o other_o sense_n or_o explication_n of_o the_o word_n will_v be_v attend_v with_o great_a difficulty_n but_o this_o be_v a_o reflection_n which_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o agreement_n and_o coherence_n of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o scripture_n it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a improper_a and_o 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it_o i_o shall_v leave_v to_o every_o man_n be_v particular_a reflection_n another_o thing_n which_o mighty_o confirm_v i_o in_o this_o belief_n that_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n so_o often_o name_v in_o scripture_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o god_n under_o those_o three_o different_a appellation_n be_v this_o that_o the_o son_n who_o be_v the_o same_o with_o he_o that_o be_v in_o other_o place_n call_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o sometime_o only_a jesus_n or_o christ_n be_v worship_v with_o a_o religious_a worship_n by_o those_o that_o follow_v he_o and_o embrace_v his_o gospel_n for_o if_o he_o that_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o christ_n be_v thus_o to_o be_v worship_v it_o plain_o and_o evident_o follow_v from_o hence_o according_a to_o all_o the_o notion_n we_o have_v of_o god_n and_o religion_n either_o from_o nature_n or_o revelation_n that_o the_o son_n be_v also_o god_n the_o same_o true_a and_o only_o god_n with_o the_o 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now_o that_o christ_n receive_v the_o honour_n and_o worship_n due_a to_o god_n only_o be_v plain_a from_o abundance_n of_o place_n of_o scripture_n where_o we_o find_v he_o be_v not_o only_o adore_v with_o all_o the_o outward_a expression_n of_o reverence_n and_o devotion_n but_o confess_v and_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v god_n by_o a_o application_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n to_o he_o such_o as_o agree_v only_o to_o god_n and_o be_v incommunicable_a to_o any_o other_o as_o may_v be_v prove_v at_o large_a if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v do_v already_o but_o this_o be_v full_o insist_v upon_o by_o other_o i_o shall_v only_o name_v two_o passage_n to_o this_o purpose_n the_o one_o phil._n 4._o 13._o the_o other_o act._n 7._o 59_o which_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o be_v of_o
holy_a ghost_n may_v be_v consider_v as_o person_n or_o personal_a character_n which_o do_v not_o imply_v any_o distinction_n of_o be_v or_o nature_n the_o greek_n be_v suppose_v to_o have_v mean_v the_o same_o by_o hypostasis_n as_o we_o do_v by_o person_n this_o word_n be_v sometime_o the_o very_a translation_n of_o the_o other_o and_o if_o so_o there_o be_v the_o same_o ground_n for_o the_o use_n of_o both_o but_o if_o they_o mean_v any_o thing_n else_o they_o can_v hardly_o have_v so_o good_a warrant_n for_o it_o from_o revelation_n now_o that_o one_o of_o these_o person_n or_o hypostasis_n shall_v be_v both_o god_n and_o man_n there_o be_v this_o foundation_n in_o the_o scripture_n for_o he_o who_o be_v there_o call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v certain_o appear_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n be_v in_o all_o respect_n sin_n only_o except_v true_o and_o proper_o man_n as_o his_o birth_n necessity_n suffering_n and_o death_n sufficient_o testify_v it_o be_v certain_a also_o that_o the_o same_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o be_v make_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n be_v affirm_v by_o st._n paul_n phil._n 3._o 7_o 8._o to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o form_n of_o god_n when_o he_o take_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n upon_o he_o but_o beside_o this_o and_o many_o other_o text_n to_o the_o same_o effect_n it_o be_v plain_a from_o what_o before_o have_v be_v prove_v that_o god_n do_v suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v worship_v and_o adore_v in_o and_o by_o the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n the_o least_o that_o can_v be_v infer_v from_o which_o be_v that_o god_n be_v more_o immediate_o and_o peculiar_o present_a in_o christ_n than_o ever_o he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v any_o where_o else_o as_o in_o the_o heaven_n jewish_a temple_n between_o the_o cherubim_n in_o prophet_n and_o holy_a man_n who_o speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n what_o create_v object_n be_v ever_o allow_v to_o intercept_v the_o worship_n 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i_o have_v give_v of_o those_o notion_n of_o unity_n and_o distinction_n that_o i_o have_v not_o any_o just_a or_o distinct_a conception_n of_o the_o union_n of_o spiritual_a being_n either_o with_o body_n or_o with_o one_o another_o but_o this_o i_o will_v venture_v to_o say_v that_o i_o can_v as_o well_o conceive_v god_n and_o man_n together_o under_o one_o idea_n at_o one_o view_n as_o i_o can_v conceive_v a_o soul_n and_o body_n so_o unite_v all_o that_o i_o know_v of_o the_o union_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v that_o there_o be_v some_o intelligent_a power_n that_o make_v use_v of_o the_o organ_n of_o my_o body_n and_o act_n in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o motion_n there_o produce_v and_o i_o may_v as_o well_o consider_v god_n unite_v to_o man_n when_o he_o so_o act_v by_o the_o ministry_n and_o operation_n of_o man_n that_o the_o action_n of_o god_n seem_v convey_v to_o we_o the_o same_o way_n as_o the_o action_n of_o one_o man_n be_v to_o another_o have_v those_o who_o upon_o some_o occasion_n speak_v by_o the_o extraordinary_a assistance_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n be_v constant_o so_o direct_v and_o assist_v how_o will_v they_o have_v distinguish_v the_o motion_n of_o their_o soul_n from_o the_o impression_n of_o god_n and_o why_o then_o shall_v not_o we_o think_v such_o a_o extraordinary_a power_n as_o this_o as_o much_o unite_a to_o such_o man_n as_o that_o common_a ordinary_a power_n we_o call_v the_o soul_n be_v to_o those_o body_n in_o which_o it_o act_n and_o exert_n itself_o some_o have_v be_v of_o opinion_n that_o what_o we_o call_v the_o soul_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o constant_a regular_a inspiration_n or_o a_o determinate_a concurrence_n of_o god_n almighty_n with_o such_o and_o such_o motion_n and_o capacity_n of_o matter_n but_o whether_o this_o be_v so_o or_o no_o as_o most_o probable_o it_o be_v not_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o very_o plain_a from_o scripture_n that_o such_o a_o power_n which_o we_o ascribe_v to_o god_n do_v as_o constant_o and_o regular_o act_n in_o and_o through_o christ_n as_o the_o human_a soul_n be_v perceive_v to_o do_v in_o any_o other_o man_n as_o appear_v from_o his_o absolute_a security_n from_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n and_o error_n from_o his_o constant_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o design_n of_o man_n and_o the_o will_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n and_o from_o his_o readiness_n and_o ability_n to_o work_v miracle_n at_o any_o time_n and_o upon_o any_o occasion_n all_o which_o be_v manifest_a token_n of_o a_o uninterrupted_a presence_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o deity_n especial_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o calmness_n and_o evenness_n of_o spirit_n observable_a in_o our_o saviour_n entire_o free_a from_o all_o the_o transport_v of_o overrule_a impression_n it_o be_v a_o further_a argument_n that_o he_o do_v not_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n at_o time_n or_o by_o measure_n but_o be_v as_o conscious_a of_o all_o the_o divine_a perfection_n in_o himself_o as_o a_o 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be_v so_o plain_o reveal_v as_o to_o be_v easy_o understand_v by_o ordinary_a capacity_n upon_o a_o fair_a and_o careful_a examination_n 2._o that_o in_o order_n to_o this_o end_n it_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o represent_v god_n in_o a_o sensible_a manner_n though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o take_v care_n to_o assure_v we_o that_o god_n be_v in_o his_o own_o nature_n a_o be_v of_o different_a perfection_n not_o conceivable_a by_o human_a understanding_n and_o be_v thus_o represent_v only_o in_o condescension_n to_o our_o weakness_n for_o the_o help_n and_o assistance_n of_o our_o devotion_n so_o that_o all_o expression_n of_o this_o kind_n where_o god_n be_v the_o subject_a be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o high_a and_o more_o spiritual_a sense_n but_o still_o with_o some_o analogy_n to_o what_o they_o proper_o and_o usual_o signify_v thus_o to_o use_v a_o common_a instance_n when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n look_v down_o and_o 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convey_v to_o other_o by_o the_o help_n of_o word_n or_o any_o other_o sign_n but_o only_o by_o the_o same_o divine_a impression_n so_o that_o whatever_o idea_n the_o apostle_n and_o inspire_a writer_n may_v have_v of_o a_o trinity_n by_o immediate_a infusion_n the_o term_n they_o have_v make_v use_n of_o can_v give_v we_o but_o this_o imperfect_a discovery_n of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v without_o the_o like_a assistance_n this_o then_o be_v the_o utmost_a we_o be_v require_v to_o believe_v or_o be_v capable_a of_o believe_v concern_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n viz._n that_o these_o three_o different_a term_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o apply_v in_o scripture_n to_o the_o one_o only_o supreme_a god_n that_o all_o the_o action_n office_n and_o relation_n which_o be_v in_o scripture_n ascribe_v to_o any_o of_o these_o name_n except_v those_o proper_a to_o the_o humane_a nature_n of_o christ_n be_v 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distinction_n which_o we_o have_v but_o a_o confuse_a perception_n of_o and_o can_v comprehend_v or_o explain_v by_o any_o particular_a idea_n which_o unknown_a inexplicable_a distinction_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o these_o difference_n express_o conceive_v by_o we_o and_o since_o the_o church_n have_v think_v fit_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o unity_n and_o peace_n and_o for_o the_o suppress_v all_o private_a dispute_n and_o interpretation_n to_o appoint_v set_v form_n to_o express_v this_o our_o faith_n in_o i_o think_v the_o athanasian_n creed_n as_o rational_a a_o explication_n of_o the_o trinity_n as_o can_v well_o be_v make_v the_o worst_a that_o the_o enemy_n of_o this_o doctrine_n can_v say_v of_o it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o unnecessary_a multiplication_n of_o term_n and_o too_o nice_a a_o endeavour_n to_o explain_v what_o can_v be_v explain_v but_o not_o that_o it_o be_v false_a or_o absurd_a nothing_o be_v there_o assert_v in_o any_o sense_n inconsistent_a with_o the_o 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conceive_v and_o to_o repeat_v a_o former_a instance_n may_v not_o a_o blind_a man_n be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v what_o a_o friend_n of_o unsuspected_a integrity_n tell_v he_o of_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o colour_n though_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o form_v a_o particular_a idea_n of_o it_o and_o if_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v deny_v what_o difference_n can_v be_v assign_v why_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v under_o as_o great_a a_o obligation_n of_o believe_v the_o trinity_n though_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o conceive_v it_o distinct_o a_o threefold_a distinction_n in_o the_o godhead_n consistent_a with_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n be_v as_o plain_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n as_o any_o other_o article_n of_o faith_n nor_o be_v those_o general_a abstract_a term_n we_o find_v in_o our_o creed_n to_o be_v condemn_v as_o mere_a useless_a and_o perplex_v nicety_n for_o though_o they_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o make_v we_o understand_v the_o trinity_n full_o and_o distinct_o yet_o they_o be_v proper_a limitation_n to_o exclude_v all_o the_o false_a and_o unworthy_a apprehension_n of_o this_o doctrine_n which_o pretender_n to_o a_o more_o particular_a explication_n may_v introduce_v iii_o and_o now_o what_o dangerous_a consequence_n can_v possible_o attend_v such_o a_o faith_n as_o this_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o adversary_n of_o the_o trinity_n have_v draw_v up_o a_o heavy_a charge_n against_o this_o doctrine_n and_o take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o liberty_n in_o their_o discourse_n about_o it_o but_o the_o principal_a objection_n that_o have_v be_v make_v by_o any_o of_o they_o be_v but_o three_o to_o which_o all_o the_o rest_n may_v be_v reduce_v and_o these_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v by_o the_o account_n before_o give_v be_v very_o frivolous_a and_o unjust_a 1._o the_o first_o pernicious_a consequence_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n stand_v charge_v with_o be_v the_o introduction_n of_o a_o plurality_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v 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same_o time_n we_o make_v profession_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o a_o trinity_n or_o three_o person_n 2._o in_o the_o next_o place_n therefore_o we_o be_v accuse_v of_o believe_a contradiction_n and_o consequent_o of_o destroy_v all_o the_o certainty_n of_o natural_a knowledge_n which_o fence_n be_v down_o there_o be_v no_o error_n so_o gross_a or_o absurd_a but_o may_v be_v obtrude_v upon_o we_o and_o transubstantiation_n have_v as_o good_a a_o pretence_n to_o be_v a_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n as_o the_o trinity_n but_o i_o need_v not_o make_v any_o particular_a answer_n to_o this_o objection_n have_v prove_v at_o large_a already_o that_o we_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v believe_v a_o trinity_n in_o any_o sense_n that_o contradict_v the_o plain_a and_o evident_a principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n we_o do_v not_o believe_v there_o can_v be_v more_o god_n than_o one_o that_o one_o can_v be_v three_o in_o the_o same_o respect_n it_o be_v one_o or_o that_o one_o god_n can_v be_v three_o person_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n three_o man_n be_v three_o person_n or_o any_o other_o proposition_n that_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o those_o natural_a notion_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o our_o other_o knowledge_n but_o the_o patron_n of_o transubstantiation_n can_v make_v this_o plea_n who_o in_o this_o one_o particular_a deny_v those_o very_a principle_n which_o upon_o all_o other_o occasion_n they_o rely_v upon_o with_o the_o great_a assurance_n do_v they_o only_o affirm_v that_o christ_n be_v present_a in_o that_o sacrament_n in_o some_o way_n or_o manner_n they_o can_v not_o comprehend_v but_o in_o no_o way_n repugnant_a to_o the_o plain_a and_o necessary_a dictate_v of_o well-informed_n sense_n and_o right_a reason_n there_o may_v be_v then_o some_o resemblance_n find_v betwixt_o this_o doctrine_n and_o that_o of_o the_o trinity_n but_o at_o present_a the_o comparison_n be_v palpable_o and_o notorious_o unjust_a 3._o but_o three_o it_o be_v further_o object_v that_o though_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n as_o we_o explain_v it_o can_v not_o be_v prove_v to_o contain_v downright_a contradiction_n yet_o at_o least_o it_o must_v be_v count_v and_o esteem_v as_o a_o mystery_n and_o the_o imposition_n of_o mystery_n for_o article_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o thing_n of_o very_o ill_a consequence_n in_o answer_n to_o which_o charge_n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o as_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n so_o in_o most_o other_o object_n of_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n there_o be_v something_o that_o we_o plain_o and_o certain_o understand_v and_o something_o that_o we_o can_v possible_o comprehend_v thus_o a_o man_n by_o inward_a reflection_n be_v infallible_o conscious_a of_o his_o own_o thought_n and_o he_o judge_n whatever_o he_o perceive_v within_o himself_o to_o proceed_v from_o one_o common_a principle_n which_o he_o call_v his_o soul_n and_o which_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o its_o operation_n he_o be_v full_o persuade_v be_v something_o of_o a_o different_a kind_n from_o his_o body_n though_o it_o always_o act_n in_o consent_n with_o it_o but_o what_o this_o soul_n be_v or_o in_o what_o manner_n unite_v to_o his_o body_n he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o conceive_v and_o therefore_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o human_a soul_n take_v all_o together_o may_v as_o just_o be_v style_v a_o mystery_n as_o the_o trinity_n we_o ought_v not_o then_o to_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o word_n mystery_n since_o if_o we_o strict_o examine_v our_o thought_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o almost_o every_o thing_n we_o pretend_v to_o know_v come_v under_o that_o name_n even_o those_o thing_n we_o have_v the_o great_a assurance_n of_o our_o very_a soul_n and_o being_n this_o be_v observe_v we_o may_v consider_v the_o trinity_n either_o with_o respect_n to_o what_o may_v be_v understand_v of_o it_o or_o what_o can_v so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o