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 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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
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 those_o place_n which_o seem_v to_o ascribe_v divine_a honour_n to_o christ_n which_o can_v no_o otherwise_o be_v do_v than_o by_o frame_v a_o particular_a dialect_n for_o this_o purpose_n and_o give_v new_a signification_n to_o word_n when_o apply_v to_o our_o saviour_n which_o they_o never_o have_v before_o when_o use_v upon_o other_o occasion_n i_o shall_v not_o enter_v upon_o a_o particular_a proof_n of_o this_o but_o pass_v on_o to_o another_o argument_n i_o observe_v from_o scripture_n which_o give_v i_o further_a assurance_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o son_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o whole_a proposition_n before_o advance_v and_o that_o be_v the_o character_n of_o jesus_n christ_n consider_v mere_o as_o a_o man._n now_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o david_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n be_v represent_v by_o all_o the_o evangelist_n as_o have_v his_o conversation_n in_o this_o world_n with_o all_o lowliness_n and_o humility_n and_o with_o perfect_a holiness_n and_o unblameableness_n of_o life_n and_o it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a that_o a_o person_n of_o this_o character_n shall_v have_v suffer_v any_o title_n to_o have_v be_v give_v he_o any_o honour_n or_o respect_n to_o have_v be_v pay_v he_o which_o be_v not_o strict_o and_o indispensable_o due_a to_o he_o much_o less_o have_v take_v the_o honour_n and_o worship_n peculiar_a to_o god_n only_o to_o himself_o if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v infallible_o conscious_a that_o of_o a_o truth_n god_n dwell_v in_o he_o i_o can_v possible_o conceive_v that_o one_o who_o decline_v all_o appearance_n of_o grandeur_n dominion_n and_o authority_n shall_v have_v allow_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o look_v like_o worship_n or_o adoration_n or_o may_v have_v be_v mistake_v for_o it_o or_o that_o he_o who_o know_v he_o be_v believe_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o such_o a_o sense_n which_o some_o thought_n blasphemy_n will_v not_o have_v undeceive_v his_o follower_n and_o justify_v himself_o to_o his_o enemy_n have_v he_o not_o real_o be_v what_o it_o be_v blasphemy_n to_o have_v pretend_v to_o be_v if_o he_o be_v not_o i_o may_v easy_o pursue_v these_o reflection_n a_o great_a deal_n further_o and_o bring_v more_o argument_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o have_v assert_v that_o these_o name_n or_o title_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v apply_v in_o scripture_n to_o the_o one_o true_a god_n but_o i_o judge_v it_o altogether_o unnecessary_a not_o only_o because_o it_o have_v be_v full_o make_v out_o already_o in_o several_a set_v discourse_n upon_o this_o subject_a but_o because_o it_o be_v so_o plain_o and_o express_o reveal_v that_o i_o be_o very_o persuade_v every_o man_n that_o read_v will_v believe_v be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o additional_a explication_n such_o a_o belief_n be_v charge_v with_o 3._o which_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v and_o indeed_o here_o lie_v the_o whole_a difficulty_n of_o the_o matter_n the_o main_a stress_n of_o the_o controversy_n for_o that_o god_n shall_v be_v call_v father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v as_o easy_o to_o be_v believe_v as_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v call_v adonai_n elohim_n and_o jehovah_n that_o the_o same_o thing_n shall_v be_v signify_v and_o express_v by_o several_a name_n be_v no_o such_o incredible_a mystery_n but_o if_o we_o allow_v that_o these_o term_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o apply_v to_o god_n in_o scripture_n it_o be_v not_o think_v sufficient_a to_o say_v that_o these_o be_v three_o several_a name_n which_o signify_v god_n but_o we_o be_v further_o require_v to_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v one_o and_o three_o the_o same_o god_n but_o three_o different_a hypostasis_n or_o person_n and_o that_o one_o of_o these_o three_o hypostasis_n or_o person_n be_v both_o god_n and_o man._n these_o be_v the_o hard_a say_n which_o puzzle_v some_o man_n understanding_n and_o make_v 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
action_n to_o proceed_v i_o have_v not_o the_o least_o conception_n of_o for_o all_o that_o i_o conceive_v be_v only_o several_a idea_n of_o different_a particular_a action_n which_o no_o more_o express_v the_o idea_n of_o that_o principle_n from_o whence_o they_o spring_v than_o the_o idea_n of_o several_a particular_a line_n express_v the_o idea_n of_o that_o point_n they_o be_v draw_v from_o all_o that_o we_o can_v perceive_v or_o imagine_v of_o corporeal_a unity_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o connexion_n or_o joint_a position_n of_o several_a body_n which_o according_a as_o it_o be_v more_o or_o less_o perceivable_a according_a to_o the_o simplicity_n or_o multiformity_n of_o the_o figure_n result_v from_o it_o and_o the_o easiness_n or_o difficulty_n of_o separation_n make_v several_a degree_n of_o union_n which_o all_o receive_v the_o common_a denomination_n of_o unity_n now_o as_o extension_n by_o reason_n of_o its_o perpetual_a divisibility_n can_v give_v we_o a_o true_a 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communicate_v to_o he_o can_v tell_v which_o proceed_v from_o which_o nay_o we_o can_v tell_v what_o difference_n of_o action_n be_v sufficient_a to_o determine_v the_o different_a kind_n of_o principle_n they_o proceed_v from_o neither_o can_v any_o co-operation_n or_o consent_v of_o action_n make_v we_o conceive_v a_o spiritual_a union_n without_o conceive_v the_o same_o term_n of_o action_n too_o for_o suppose_v two_o soul_n be_v so_o exact_o frame_v alike_o that_o they_o always_o think_v and_o will_v the_o same_o thing_n at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o be_v conscious_a of_o each_o other_o thought_n and_o action_n if_o they_o be_v put_v into_o different_a body_n it_o be_v plain_a we_o can_v not_o proper_o say_v they_o be_v unite_v or_o make_v one_o and_o again_o suppose_v they_o be_v in_o the_o same_o body_n we_o can_v not_o possible_o conceive_v they_o to_o be_v two_o any_o otherwise_o than_o we_o know_v they_o capable_a of_o a_o separate_a existence_n that_o be_v if_o we_o 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personal_a unity_n and_o distinction_n be_v will_v be_v easy_o understand_v by_o explain_v the_o word_n person_n which_o signify_v one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n either_o a_o particular_a intelligent_a be_v or_o a_o office_n character_n or_o some_o such_o complex_fw-la notion_n applicable_a to_o such_o a_o be_v in_o the_o first_o sense_n one_o man_n or_o angel_n be_v one_o person_n and_o several_a man_n or_o angel_n be_v several_a person_n in_o the_o second_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n there_o may_v be_v so_o many_o person_n as_o there_o be_v different_a combination_n of_o the_o action_n relation_n and_o circumstance_n of_o intelligent_a being_n and_o thus_o have_v give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o meaning_n and_o signification_n of_o the_o term_n in_o which_o we_o be_v require_v to_o express_v our_o faith_n we_o be_v next_o to_o examine_v how_o far_o and_o in_o what_o sense_n we_o can_v believe_v this_o proposition_n that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o god_n be_v three_o different_a person_n now_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o if_o those_o before-specified_n be_v all_o the_o notion_n we_o be_v able_a to_o frame_v of_o unity_n and_o distinction_n than_o god_n must_v be_v one_o and_o three_o in_o some_o way_n or_o manner_n there_o lay_v down_o or_o else_o in_o some_o other_o way_n or_o manner_n not_o conceivable_a by_o human_a understanding_n first_o then_o let_v we_o see_v how_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n god_n can_v be_v one_o and_o three_o according_a to_o those_o notion_n our_o soul_n have_v frame_v of_o unity_n and_o distinction_n and_o here_o it_o be_v grant_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v one_o and_o three_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o respect_n we_o can_v conceive_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v in_o one_o determinate_a position_n or_o vbi_fw-la and_o in_o three_o separate_a vbi_n all_o at_o once_o we_o can_v conceive_v that_o one_o principle_n or_o nature_n shall_v be_v but_o one_o and_o yet_o three_o different_a principle_n or_o nature_n too_o or_o that_o any_o object_n shall_v be_v true_o and_o adequate_o represent_v to_o any_o mind_n or_o understanding_n under_o one_o idea_n and_o true_o and_o adequate_o represent_v under_o three_o different_a idea_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o believe_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n because_o it_o imply_v a_o plain_a contradiction_n to_o the_o clear_a and_o most_o certain_a knowledge_n we_o can_v have_v of_o unity_n and_o distinction_n so_o that_o if_o one_o may_v be_v three_o in_o the_o same_o respect_n it_o be_v one_o than_o one_o and_o three_o must_v stand_v for_o other_o idea_n than_o we_o conceive_v when_o we_o pronounce_v these_o word_n and_o if_o so_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v other_o name_n and_o not_o be_v call_v one_o and_o three_o since_o therefore_o we_o can_v say_v that_o god_n be_v one_o and_o three_o in_o the_o same_o respect_n in_o the_o next_o place_n let_v we_o inquire_v in_o what_o different_a respect_v this_o may_v be_v affirm_v of_o he_o now_o as_o to_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n this_o be_v easy_o believe_v and_o acknowledge_v as_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o all_o our_o other_o notion_n of_o the_o deity_n the_o chief_a difficulty_n lie_v in_o assign_v the_o distinction_n in_o attempt_v which_o the_o best_a and_o clear_a way_n of_o proceed_v will_v be_v by_o go_v over_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o distinction_n beforementioned_a i_o will_v begin_v with_o that_o of_o position_n and_o here_o it_o be_v plain_a at_o first_o sight_n that_o we_o can_v possible_o conceive_v god_n under_o any_o difference_n of_o position_n we_o can_v exclude_v omnipotence_n from_o any_o imaginable_a point_n of_o space_n it_o be_v the_o limit_a power_n and_o faculty_n of_o create_a being_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o local_a distinction_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o endeavour_v to_o represent_v god_n to_o our_o thought_n in_o this_o manner_n we_o consider_v he_o as_o omnipresent_v and_o i_o can_v no_o more_o conceive_v three_o omnipresent_v than_o i_o can_v conceive_v three_o straight_a line_n draw_v between_o the_o same_o point_n but_o though_o there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o undivided_a omnipresence_n may_v there_o not_o be_v three_o infinite_a being_n coequal_a to_o one_o another_o and_o commensurate_a to_o one_o infinite_a space_n this_o be_v far_o above_o my_o conception_n too_o infinite_a swallow_n up_o all_o my_o thought_n whatever_o idea_n we_o apply_v this_o term_n infinite_a to_o i_o think_v it_o impossible_a to_o apply_v it_o to_o another_o of_o the_o same_o denomination_n as_o for_o example_n if_o i_o apply_v it_o to_o power_n i_o can_v consider_v it_o as_o applicable_a to_o more_o than_o one_o infinite_a power_n for_o infinite_a power_n include_v all_o the_o possibility_n of_o action_n so_o that_o to_o conceive_v more_o than_o one_o infinite_a power_n will_v be_v to_o conceive_v more_o power_n than_o be_v possible_a which_o be_v a_o gross_a and_o palpable_a absurdity_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v conceive_v
three_o infinite_a being_n distinct_a from_o one_o another_o any_o more_o than_o three_o infinite_a power_n or_o three_o infinite_a space_n because_o all_o distinction_n imply_v some_o limitation_n and_o limitation_n be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o infinity_o we_o can_v indeed_o conceive_v infinite_a power_n as_o in_o some_o manner_n bound_v by_o infinite_a wisdom_n justice_n mercy_n or_o the_o like_a but_o in_o no_o wise_a as_o limit_v by_o any_o other_o power_n we_o can_v therefore_o conceive_v one_o infinite_a be_v as_o bound_v by_o another_o infinite_a be_v for_o than_o we_o shall_v conceive_v infinite_a power_n limit_v by_o another_o power_n and_o the_o like_a of_o all_o other_o attribute_n which_o be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o for_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o infinite_a be_v include_v in_o it_o all_o the_o imaginable_a kind_n of_o infinite_a perfection_n but_o if_o we_o say_v there_o be_v three_o infinite_a being_n and_o all_o the_o perfection_n of_o each_o be_v coincident_a what_o ground_n can_v we_o have_v for_o such_o a_o distinction_n not_o so_o much_o to_o use_v the_o former_a instance_n as_o for_o that_o of_o three_o straight_a line_n between_o the_o same_o point_n for_o there_o the_o different_a time_n of_o describe_v the_o same_o line_n may_v in_o some_o manner_n help_v we_o to_o form_v a_o confuse_a conception_n of_o different_a line_n but_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o represent_v to_o its_o self_n three_o eternal_a being_n of_o coincident_a perfection_n here_o be_v nothing_o for_o the_o imagination_n to_o lay_v hold_n of_o no_o manner_n of_o ground_n to_o deceive_v ourselves_o into_o a_o confuse_a belief_n of_o such_o a_o distinction_n and_o therefore_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v there_o be_v three_o distinct_a principle_n or_o nature_n all_o of_o the_o same_o infinite_a perfection_n which_o together_o we_o call_v god_n and_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o omnipresent_v infinite_o perfect_a be_v how_o can_v he_o be_v true_o and_o full_o represent_v to_o any_o mind_n under_o three_o different_a idea_n the_o truth_n of_o a_o idea_n consist_v in_o its_o agreement_n and_o conformity_n to_o the_o original_a it_o represent_v and_o if_o so_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a there_o shall_v be_v three_o idea_n exact_o and_o adequate_o conformable_a to_o the_o same_o original_a and_o yet_o different_a from_o one_o another_o either_o these_o difference_n find_v in_o the_o idea_n be_v not_o in_o the_o real_a pattern_n and_o then_o the_o representation_n be_v false_a or_o they_o be_v and_o then_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o object_n be_v destroy_v it_o be_v true_a indeed_o we_o do_v often_o apply_v different_a idea_n to_o the_o same_o individual_a object_n but_o these_o be_v either_o partial_a and_o inadequate_a conception_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o essence_n of_o it_o or_o expressive_a of_o something_o accessary_a and_o extrinsical_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n such_o as_o modes_n circumstance_n and_o relation_n those_o partial_a conception_n we_o frame_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v what_o we_o call_v the_o attribute_n of_o god_n which_o how_o different_a soever_o from_o one_o another_o in_o our_o thought_n be_v all_o necessary_o include_v in_o the_o simple_a idea_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o such_o a_o distinction_n as_o we_o be_v now_o inquire_v after_o for_o when_o i_o say_v that_o god_n be_v holy_a wise_a or_o powerful_a i_o only_o say_v that_o explicit_o and_o in_o part_n which_o i_o say_v implicit_o and_o in_o full_a when_o i_o pronounce_v the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o the_o meaning_n of_o such_o proposition_n be_v no_o more_o but_o this_o that_o a_o holy_a wise_a powerful_a be_v of_o all_o other_o infinite_a perfection_n be_v holy_a wise_a powerful_a etc._n etc._n all_o which_o perfection_n though_o consider_v separately_z under_o different_a appearance_n by_o our_o imperfect_a faculty_n be_v real_o but_o one_o simple_a idea_n can_v be_v apply_v to_o but_o one_o single_a person_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n person_n as_o it_o signify_v a_o particular_a intelligent_a be_v nature_n or_o principle_n and_o that_o for_o the_o reason_n just_o now_o mention_v concern_v the_o conformity_n of_o idea_n with_o their_o pattern_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o according_a to_o the_o notion_n we_o be_v capable_a of_o frame_v of_o unity_n and_o distinction_n which_o i_o have_v particular_o examine_v with_o reference_n to_o the_o holy_a trinity_n all_o the_o personal_a distinction_n we_o can_v conceive_v in_o the_o deity_n must_v be_v found_v upon_o some_o accessary_a idea_n extrinsical_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n a_o certain_a combination_n of_o which_o idea_n make_v up_o the_o second_o notion_n signify_v by_o the_o word_n person_n and_o if_o we_o fair_o and_o impartial_o examine_v our_o own_o thought_n upon_o this_o subject_a we_o shall_v find_v that_o when_o we_o name_n god_n the_o father_n we_o conceive_v the_o idea_n of_o god_n so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o conceive_v it_o as_o act_v so_o and_o so_o under_o such_o respect_n and_o relation_n and_o when_o we_o name_n god_n the_o son_n we_o conceive_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o same_o idea_n of_o god_n over_o again_o under_o different_a relation_n and_o so_o likewise_o of_o the_o holy-ghost_n but_o if_o this_o be_v all_o that_o be_v mean_v by_o trinity_n in_o unity_n three_o person_n and_o one_o god_n where_o be_v that_o stupendous_a mystery_n so_o much_o reverence_v and_o adore_v by_o some_o what_o become_v of_o the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o obscurity_n complain_v of_o by_o other_o what_o be_v it_o that_o have_v puzzle_v the_o understanding_n and_o stagger_v the_o faith_n of_o so_o many_o learned_a and_o inquisitive_a man_n in_o all_o age_n since_o this_o doctrine_n be_v first_o deliver_v this_o be_v a_o invincible_a prejudice_n against_o the_o account_n now_o give_v and_o indeed_o against_o any_o other_o explication_n whatsoever_o that_o have_v nothing_o in_o it_o hard_o to_o be_v understand_v or_o believe_v for_o how_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o what_o have_v pass_v for_o a_o mystery_n these_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n shall_v now_o at_o last_o be_v comprehend_v as_o plain_o as_o a_o common_a ordinary_a notion_n but_o if_o this_o account_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v too_o easy_a and_o fall_v far_o short_a of_o those_o high_a expression_n of_o distinction_n find_v in_o scripture_n as_o i_o think_v it_o do_v and_o no_o other_o ground_v upon_o any_o notion_n our_o soul_n have_v frame_v of_o unity_n and_o distinction_n can_v be_v true_a or_o consistent_a as_o i_o have_v before_o particular_o prove_v than_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o god_n must_v be_v one_o and_o three_o in_o some_o way_n or_o manner_n not_o conceivable_a by_o humane_a understanding_n and_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v in_o this_o case_n be_v the_o subject_a of_o my_o next_o enquiry_n which_o i_o be_o persuade_v may_v very_o easy_o and_o quick_o be_v resolve_v for_o if_o we_o be_v full_o satisfy_v from_o revelation_n that_o these_o term_n one_o and_o three_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v affirm_v of_o god_n but_o not_o in_o any_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n we_o be_v here_o in_o this_o present_a state_n capable_a of_o conceive_v and_o moreover_o if_o it_o be_v true_a as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v it_o be_v that_o we_o can_v believe_v a_o thing_n no_o far_o than_o we_o understand_v the_o term_n in_o which_o it_o be_v propose_v to_o we_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o hence_o that_o all_o we_o can_v possible_o believe_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o god_n be_v three_o in_o some_o way_n or_o manner_n we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v and_o if_o we_o be_v sure_o we_o can_v comprehend_v what_o this_o distinction_n be_v whereby_o god_n be_v three_o in_o vain_a do_v we_o look_v out_o for_o term_n to_o express_v something_o which_o we_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o conception_n of_o whatever_o word_n we_o use_v whether_o person_n hypostasis_fw-la or_o any_o other_o we_o can_v invent_v or_o language_n furnish_v we_o with_o they_o all_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o be_v some_o kind_n of_o distinction_n we_o do_v not_o understand_v and_o we_o may_v rack_v our_o thought_n tire_v our_o imagination_n and_o break_v all_o the_o fibre_n of_o our_o brain_n and_o yet_o never_o be_v able_a to_o deliver_v ourselves_o clear_a all_o therefore_o that_o we_o can_v know_v of_o the_o trinity_n by_o reason_n can_v amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o a_o obscure_a confuse_a knowledge_n which_o we_o be_v force_v to_o express_v in_o general_a and_o abstract_a term_n because_o we_o be_v sure_o no_o other_o reach_v our_o thought_n though_o these_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o explain_v all_o we_o mean_v by_o they_o nor_o be_v
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 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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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not_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o nice_a abstract_a speculation_n design_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o understanding_n but_o as_o a_o plain_a revelation_n of_o god_n love_n and_o good_a will_n towards_o man_n and_o a_o great_a motive_n and_o incitement_n to_o piety_n than_o any_o we_o have_v before_o this_o doctrine_n be_v deliver_v have_v man_n stand_v confirm_v in_o his_o original_a righteousness_n and_o there_o have_v be_v no_o need_n of_o redemption_n it_o be_v high_o probable_a god_n have_v never_o be_v consider_v by_o man_n in_o his_o state_n of_o probation_n under_o any_o such_o distinction_n as_o be_v now_o reveal_v to_o we_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v think_v those_o different_a title_n and_o relation_n by_o which_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o express_v that_o eternal_a distinction_n in_o the_o godhead_n to_o we_o shall_v be_v chief_o consider_v by_o we_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o great_a work_n of_o man_n salvation_n thus_o far_o then_o the_o scripture_n 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please_v to_o represent_v his_o love_n to_o mankind_n in_o the_o high_a image_n of_o nature_n that_o of_o a_o father_n sacrifice_v a_o only_a well-beloved_a son_n the_o exact_a transcript_n and_o resemblance_n of_o himself_o perfect_o innocent_a and_o obedient_a to_o his_o will_n in_o all_o thing_n we_o be_v to_o believe_v that_o by_o the_o suffering_n and_o death_n of_o christ_n god_n have_v give_v great_a proof_n of_o his_o love_n towards_o we_o than_o any_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o do_v to_o another_o and_o that_o such_o a_o action_n of_o a_o earthly_a parent_n suggest_v the_o near_a and_o like_a conception_n we_o can_v possible_o frame_v of_o what_o our_o heavenly_a father_n have_v do_v for_o we_o though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v it_o come_v infinite_o short_a of_o express_v the_o riches_n and_o fullness_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o lovingkindness_n and_o the_o same_o use_v and_o spiritual_a improvement_n be_v to_o be_v make_v of_o all_o other_o 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there_o plain_o attribute_v and_o do_v true_o belong_v to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o divine_a nature_n that_o there_o be_v such_o frequent_a and_o evident_a assertion_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n and_o yet_o such_o plain_a expression_n of_o distinction_n signify_v by_o these_o term_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n as_o imply_v a_o consistency_n of_o unity_n and_o distinction_n in_o the_o godhead_n that_o this_o distinction_n whatever_o it_o be_v be_v not_o the_o same_o with_o that_o we_o conceive_v betwixt_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n which_o be_v partial_a conception_n of_o his_o essence_n nor_o a_o mere_a difference_n of_o name_n office_n or_o relation_n such_o as_o be_v signify_v by_o the_o like_a term_n when_o apply_v to_o man_n though_o these_o be_v all_o the_o difference_n we_o can_v express_o conceive_v as_o applicable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o some_o other_o
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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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 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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 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