Selected quad for the lemma: church_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
church_n acknowledge_v faith_n true_a 3,733 5 4.5591 4 false
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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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term_n can_v belong_v for_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o create_a nature_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v have_v no_o idea_n of_o it_o it_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a in_o this_o case_n that_o we_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a notion_n of_o one_o substance_n and_o three_o hypostasis_n in_o the_o essential_a unity_n and_o distinction_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n three_o subsist_v relation_n in_o one_o individual_a essence_n and_o substance_n though_o when_o we_o abstract_o consider_v these_o term_n of_o one_o substance_n and_o three_o hypostasis_n we_o can_v form_v no_o consistent_a notion_n or_o idea_n of_o it_o and_o now_o let_v our_o socinian_n adversary_n who_o talk_v so_o loud_o of_o absurdity_n contradiction_n nonsense_n false_a count_a and_o tritheism_n try_v their_o skill_n to_o make_v good_a these_o charge_n against_o the_o divine_a subsist_v relation_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o same_o individual_a essence_n sect_n ix_o a_o more_o particular_a 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socinian_o and_o i_o be_v glad_a to_o find_v they_o censure_v and_o reject_v but_o wonder_v how_o they_o come_v to_o be_v number_v among_o those_o man_n who_o have_v labour_v in_o this_o good_a design_n of_o explain_v the_o trinity_n 2._o and_o reconcile_a the_o dispute_n about_o it_o well_o all_o these_o method_n have_v prove_v ineffectual_a let_v we_o then_o to_o omit_v other_o matter_n inquire_v what_o course_n our_o considerer_n take_v to_o make_v himself_o a_o fit_a and_o competent_a judge_n of_o this_o controversy_n take_v the_o account_n of_o it_o in_o his_o own_o word_n i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o deliver_v myself_o from_o prejudice_n and_o confusion_n of_o term_n and_o to_o speak_v just_o and_o intelligible_o 9_o and_o not_o be_v yet_o prepossess_v in_o favour_n of_o any_o particular_a explication_n the_o better_a to_o preserve_v my_o freedom_n of_o examine_v the_o subject_a in_o hand_n i_o have_v purposely_o forbear_v to_o search_v the_o father_n schoolman_n or_o fratres_n 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instruct_v in_o the_o meaning_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o can_v persuade_v themselves_o to_o be_v thus_o perfect_o indifferent_a whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a but_o this_o indifference_n be_v owe_v to_o a_o secret_a bias_n and_o inclination_n to_o infidelity_n or_o heresy_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o pretend_v such_o a_o absolute_a freedom_n of_o judgement_n without_o be_v perfect_o indifferent_a which_o side_n be_v true_a or_o false_a for_o if_o we_o wish_v and_o desire_v to_o find_v one_o side_n of_o the_o question_n true_a and_o the_o other_o false_a this_o be_v a_o bias_n and_o our_o judgement_n be_v not_o equal_o poise_v and_o certain_o in_o matter_n of_o such_o vast_a consequence_n as_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o especial_o that_o great_a fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n such_o a_o indifferency_n as_o this_o be_v can_v never_o recommend_v either_o a_o author_n or_o his_o write_n to_o sober_a christian_n will_v this_o considerer_n than_o 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to_o consult_v scripture_n be_v indeed_o a_o very_a good_a way_n and_o absolute_o necessary_a in_o matter_n of_o pure_a revelation_n which_o can_v be_v certain_o know_v no_o other_o way_n but_o the_o father_n at_o least_o be_v very_o good_a guide_n and_o have_v very_o great_a authority_n in_o expound_v scripture_n and_o our_o natural_a sentiment_n otherwise_o call_v natural_a reason_n be_v a_o very_a bad_a a_o very_a dangerous_a expositor_n of_o scripture_n in_o such_o supernatural_a mystery_n and_o have_v no_o authority_n in_o these_o mattter_n and_o how_o our_o considerer_n have_v be_v mislead_v by_o his_o natural_a sentiment_n will_v soon_o appear_v a_o few_o word_n may_v serve_v for_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o considerer_n but_o since_o this_o be_v the_o great_a pretence_n of_o socinian_o and_o other_o heretic_n to_o set_v up_o scripture_n and_o natural_a reason_n against_o scripture_n and_o the_o traditionary_a faith_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o our_o considerer_n and_o some_o other_o unwary_a writer_n chime_v in_o with_o they_o it_o will_v be_v very_o necessary_a to_o show_v how_o this_o betray_v the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o make_v reason_n and_o criticism_n the_o supreme_a judge_n of_o controversy_n and_o then_o man_n may_v dispute_v on_o without_o end_n and_o believe_v at_o last_o as_o they_o please_v 10._o the_o considerer_n tell_v we_o i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v in_o a_o protestant_a country_n that_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a standard_n of_o all_o necessary_a reveal_v truth_n neither_o in_o the_o present_a case_n be_v there_o any_o room_n for_o a_o traditionary_a faith_n for_o beside_o that_o all_o the_o father_n and_o ancient_a writer_n ground_n their_o exposition_n of_o the_o trinity_n whole_o upon_o scripture_n i_o can_v conceive_v that_o the_o subject_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o plain_a revelation_n as_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v more_o full_o in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n what_o this_o last_o clause_n mean_n we_o shall_v understand_v better_o hereafter_o but_o his_o deny_v a_o traditionary_a faith_n be_v very_o extraordinary_a for_o if_o we_o can_v prove_v from_o the_o most_o authentic_a record_n what_o the_o constant_a belief_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v be_v especial_o in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n of_o it_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o traditionary_a faith_n nor_o be_v it_o the_o less_o traditionary_a because_o the_o father_n and_o ancient_a writer_n sound_v their_o exposition_n of_o the_o trinity_n whole_o upon_o scripture_n for_o if_o this_o be_v true_a than_o we_o have_v a_o traditionary_a faith_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o a_o traditionary_a exposition_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o reason_n and_o proof_n of_o that_o faith_n both_o in_o one_o which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o great_a authority_n and_o safe_a guide_n than_o mere_a scripture_n and_o our_o natural_a sentiment_n and_o though_o protestant_n allow_v scripture_n to_o be_v the_o only_a standard_n of_o faith_n yet_o he_o may_v have_v remember_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n require_v we_o to_o expound_v scripture_n as_o the_o ancient_a father_n expound_v it_o but_o this_o whole_o be_v a_o mistake_n for_o the_o primitive_a father_n plead_v tradition_n as_o well_o as_o scripture_n against_o the_o ancient_a heretic_n as_o two_o distinct_a but_o agree_v testimony_n as_o this_o author_n may_v have_v know_v will_v he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o have_v consult_v irenaeus_n and_o tertullian_n de_fw-fr praescriptionibus_fw-la with_o divers_a other_o what_o he_o mean_v by_o a_o plain_a revelation_n i_o can_v tell_v it_o make_v it_o somewhat_o plain_o to_o know_v what_o the_o catholic_n faith_n have_v always_o be_v and_o what_o the_o catholic_n interpretation_n of_o scripture_n have_v always_o be_v which_o be_v the_o plain_a and_o strong_a answer_n to_o wit_n and_o criticism_n and_o natural_a sentiment_n when_o they_o contradict_v this_o traditionary_a faith_n but_o to_o discourse_v this_o matter_n more_o particular_o i_o shall_v
inquire_v 1._o what_o that_o catholic_n church_n be_v from_o whence_o we_o must_v receive_v this_o traditionary_a faith_n 2._o what_o evidence_n we_o have_v of_o this_o tradition_n concern_v the_o trinity_n in_o the_o catholic_n church_n 3._o of_o what_o authority_n this_o aught_o reasonable_o to_o be_v in_o expound_v scripture_n sect_n ii_o concern_v the_o traditionary_a faith_n of_o the_o church_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n first_o then_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o that_o catholic_n church_n be_v from_o whence_o we_o must_v receive_v this_o traditionary_a faith_n now_o since_o christ_n give_v the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o plant_v church_n to_o his_o apostle_n those_o only_o must_v be_v reckon_v the_o true_a apostolic_a church_n from_o which_o we_o must_v receive_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n which_o be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o by_o apostolic_a man_n and_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o they_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o prove_v any_o doctrine_n to_o be_v the_o true_a primitive_a faith_n that_o it_o be_v preach_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o apostolic_a church_n which_o be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o receive_v their_o faith_n from_o they_o for_o that_o only_o be_v the_o primitive_a and_o apostolic_a faith_n and_o therefore_o though_o arian_n and_o socinian_o can_v prove_v their_o heresy_n to_o be_v as_o ancient_a as_o the_o apostolic_a age_n as_o we_o grant_v something_o like_o they_o be_v this_o do_v not_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o apostolic_a church_n and_o this_o be_v very_o visible_a in_o those_o day_n what_o these_o church_n be_v which_o be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o they_o and_o be_v very_o visible_a still_o in_o the_o most_o authentic_a record_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o heretic_n which_o spring_v up_o in_o that_o age_n separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o apostle_n and_o thereby_o make_v a_o visible_a distinction_n between_o the_o true_a apostolic_a church_n and_o heretical_a conventicle_n and_o in_o after-age_n they_o either_o separate_v themselves_o or_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n this_o st._n john_n account_v a_o great_a advantage_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o a_o infallible_a proof_n of_o false_a doctrine_n and_o heresy_n as_o it_o certain_o be_v at_o that_o time_n for_o if_o the_o apostle_n teach_v the_o true_a faith_n those_o who_o separate_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o preach_v another_o gospel_n which_o they_o never_o learn_v from_o they_o must_v be_v heretic_n 1_o joh._n 2.18_o 19_o little_a child_n it_o be_v the_o last_o time_n and_o as_o you_o have_v hear_v that_o antichrist_n shall_v come_v even_o now_o there_o be_v many_o antichrist_n whereby_o we_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o last_o time_n they_o go_v out_o from_o we_o but_o they_o be_v not_o of_o we_o for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v of_o we_o they_o no_o doubt_n will_v have_v continue_v with_o we_o but_o they_o go_v out_o that_o they_o may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v not_o all_o of_o we_o the_o separation_n of_o heretic_n in_o that_o age_n be_v a_o visible_a renounce_v the_o apostolic_a faith_n and_o communion_n and_o therefore_o how_o many_o heresy_n soever_o start_v up_o it_o be_v still_o visible_a where_o the_o apostolic_a faith_n and_o tradition_n be_v preserve_v and_o this_o be_v of_o admirable_a use_n to_o preserve_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n sincere_a and_o uncorrupt_a for_o have_v these_o heretic_n continue_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o apostle_n and_o apostolic_a church_n and_o secret_o propagate_v their_o heresy_n and_o infect_v great_a number_n of_o christian_n without_o divide_v into_o distinct_a and_o opposite_a communion_n it_o will_v have_v be_v a_o great_a dispute_n in_o the_o next_o age_n which_o have_v be_v the_o true_a apostolic_a faith_n when_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n which_o all_o their_o time_n live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o apostle_n shall_v preach_v contrary_a doctrine_n and_o pretend_v with_o equal_a confidence_n apostolic_a tradition_n which_o the_o great_a heretic_n may_v very_o plausible_o have_v do_v have_v they_o always_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o apostle_n but_o they_o go_v out_o from_o we_o say_v st._n john_n that_o they_o may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v not_o all_o of_o we_o that_o the_o world_n may_v know_v how_o to_o distinguish_v between_o catholic_n christian_n and_o heretic_n and_o between_o the_o true_a catholic_n faith_n and_o the_o corrupt_a innovation_n of_o perverse_a man_n and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n to_o this_o day_n why_o we_o shall_v keep_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n sincere_a and_o uncorrupt_a and_o not_o set_v our_o door_n open_a for_o arian_n and_o socinian_o and_o all_o sort_n of_o heretic_n to_o mix_v with_o we_o for_o though_o since_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n have_v b●en_v so_o break_v and_o divide_v by_o schism_n and_o faction_n and_o heresy_n it_o be_v no_o proof_n of_o the_o true_a apostolic_a faith_n mere_o that_o it_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o such_o a_o church_n though_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n still_o vain_o pretend_v to_o such_o authority_n yet_o it_o will_v soon_o ruin_v the_o christian_a church_n and_o the_o christian_a faith_n to_o have_v no_o distinction_n preserve_v between_o true_a apostolic_a church_n and_o the_o apostolic_a faith_n and_o the_o conventicle_n of_o heretic_n the_o impure_a offspring_n of_o cerinthus_n and_o ebion_n of_o photinus_n or_o arius_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o abhor_v that_o accommodating-design_n which_o some_o man_n have_v express_v so_o warm_a a_o zeal_n for_o to_o comprehend_v away_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n in_o some_o loose_a general_a expression_n without_o any_o particular_a determine_a sense_n and_o to_o purge_v our_o liturgy_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o savour_v of_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n that_o arian_n and_o socinian_o may_v join_v in_o communion_n with_o we_o which_o be_v a_o plausible_a pretence_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o christian_a charity_n and_o communion_n to_o betray_v the_o christian_a faith_n not_o express_o to_o renounce_v it_o but_o to_o bury_v it_o in_o silence_n as_o a_o useless_a and_o church-dividing_a dispute_n i_o be_o satisfy_v this_o holy_a faith_n can_v never_o be_v confute_v but_o can_v these_o man_n prevail_v it_o may_v soon_o be_v lost._n but_o to_o return_v this_o be_v a_o sure_a foundation_n for_o our_o inquiry_n into_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n to_o know_v what_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v for_o otherwise_o we_o may_v mistake_v old_a heresy_n for_o the_o primitive_a faith_n but_o those_o church_n which_o be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o apostolical_a man_n and_o receive_v their_o faith_n from_o they_o and_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o they_o be_v the_o true_a primitive_a and_o apostolic_a church_n and_o their_o faith_n be_v the_o true_a primitive_a apostolic_a faith_n and_o what_o that_o be_v justin_n martyr_n and_o irenaeus_n assure_v we_o the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o what_o their_o faith_n be_v as_o to_o all_o these_o three_o divine_a person_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o write_n of_o those_o ancient_a father_n who_o preserve_v the_o succession_n and_o communion_n of_o these_o apostolic_a church_n but_o this_o be_v not_o what_o i_o intend_v at_o present_a but_o from_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o those_o ancient_a heresy_n which_o be_v reject_v and_o condemn_v by_o the_o apostolic_a church_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o appear_v can_v not_o be_v the_o apostolic_a faith_n these_o heretic_n separate_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o apostolic_a church_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o receive_v their_o faith_n from_o they_o nor_o do_v they_o pretend_v to_o this_o while_o the_o apostle_n live_v though_o they_o forge_v new_a gospel_n and_o act_n and_o revelation_n for_o they_o when_o they_o be_v dead_a and_o thus_o all_o the_o heresy_n of_o simon_n magus_n menander_n cerinthus_n ebion_n valentinus_n and_o all_o those_o other_o division_n and_o subdivision_n of_o heretic_n who_o deny_v or_o corrupt_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n or_o his_o incarnation_n be_v all_o reject_v from_o the_o apostolical_a faith_n for_o these_o heretic_n do_v not_o receive_v their_o doctrine_n from_o the_o apostle_n and_o apostolic_a church_n as_o they_o themselves_o own_v by_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o apostolic_a church_n and_o these_o church_n give_v testimony_n against_o their_o corruption_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v know_v and_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o other_o confutation_n of_o they_o if_o we_o allow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o
dispute_n among_o themselves_o which_o their_o common_a adversary_n be_v so_o apt_a to_o improve_v into_o scepticism_n infidelity_n or_o heresy_n and_o therefore_o for_o a_o conclusion_n i_o shall_v only_o take_v a_o brief_a review_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o father_n concern_v this_o article_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n and_o apply_v it_o in_o a_o few_o word_n to_o our_o socinian_n adversary_n the_o faith_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n but_o this_o one_o god_n be_v a_o father_n who_o have_v a_o eternal_a son_n and_o a_o eternal_a spirit_n in_o the_o essential_a unity_n of_o the_o same_o undivided_a and_o undiversify_v godhead_n and_o this_o be_v the_o faith_n which_o all_o the_o catholic_n father_n have_v own_v and_o teach_v in_o their_o several_a age_n the_o whole_a christian_a church_n baptise_n as_o our_o saviour_n command_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n to_o believe_v in_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n a_o plain_a simple_a faith_n can_v man_n have_v be_v content_v to_o believe_v god_n concern_v himself_o let_v our_o socinian_n adversary_n tell_v we_o what_o there_o be_v absurd_a impossible_a or_o contradictious_a in_o this_o faith_n will_v they_o venture_v to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v absurd_a or_o contradictious_a that_o god_n shall_v have_v a_o son_n no_o in_o some_o sense_n they_o will_v allow_v this_o true_a they_o themselves_o believe_v in_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n they_o acknowledge_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o he_o be_v frequent_o call_v in_o scripture_n and_o that_o in_o a_o high_a sense_n than_o any_o other_o man_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o that_o he_o be_v but_o a_o man_n after_o all_o though_o advance_v by_o god_n to_o divine_a honour_n above_o all_o principality_n and_o power_n and_o make_v the_o judge_n both_o of_o the_o quick_a and_o of_o the_o dead_a and_o this_o they_o affirm_v to_o be_v all_o that_o the_o scripture_n mean_v in_o call_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o present_a dispute_n they_o know_v that_o the_o catholic_n church_n believe_v otherwise_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n beget_v of_o his_o father_n before_o all_o world_n god_n of_o god_n very_a god_n of_o very_a god_n and_o they_o know_v also_o that_o thus_o the_o catholic_n father_n expound_v those_o text_n which_o concern_v the_o sonship_n and_o divinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o they_o can_v but_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v very_o capable_a of_o such_o a_o exposition_n nay_o that_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o put_v any_o other_o sense_n upon_o many_o text_n and_o the_o only_a reason_n why_o they_o reject_v these_o catholic_n exposition_n be_v the_o pretend_a absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n here_o then_o we_o join_v issue_n with_o they_o and_o desire_v they_o to_o show_v we_o what_o be_v impossible_a or_o contradictious_a in_o this_o faith_n that_o there_o be_v something_o incomprehensible_a in_o this_o mystery_n that_o be_v something_o which_o we_o have_v no_o natural_a adequate_a idea_n of_o we_o ready_o acknowledge_v with_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n and_o some_o of_o our_o adversary_n grant_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v 16._o whereof_o we_o have_v no_o idea_n and_o than_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o very_o unreasonable_a to_o add_v but_o we_o be_v no_o way_n concern_v nor_o can_v we_o reason_n or_o discourse_n about_o those_o thing_n whereof_o we_o have_v no_o idea_n for_o the_o direct_a contrary_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o more_o natural_a consequence_n that_o if_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o reveal_v such_o thing_n to_o we_o of_o which_o we_o have_v no_o idea_n we_o be_v concern_v and_o oblige_v to_o believe_v they_o for_o if_o they_o may_v be_v true_a they_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o faith_n though_o they_o want_v the_o evidence_n of_o natural_a idea_n but_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o dispute_v this_o now_o but_o refer_v they_o to_o the_o bishop_n of_o worcester_n '_o s_o answer_n to_o mr._n lock_v '_o s_z second_o letter_n and_o to_o a_o late_a sermon_n and_o its_o vindication_n concern_v the_o danger_n of_o corrupt_v the_o faith_n by_o philosophy_n what_o i_o have_v now_o to_o say_v be_v of_o another_o nature_n viz._n that_o we_o have_v a_o idea_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n and_o such_o a_o idea_n as_o contain_v nothing_o absurd_a impossible_a or_o contradictious_a in_o it_o that_o very_a idea_n which_o i_o have_v so_o large_o explain_v one_o absolute_a divinity_n with_o two_o eternal_a essential_a procession_n in_o the_o unity_n and_o identity_n of_o nature_n the_o eternal_a father_n eternal_a self-originated_n mind_n with_o his_o eternal_a word_n his_o eternal_a son_n and_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n of_o father_n and_o son_n this_o be_v that_o idea_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o it_o and_o which_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v always_o teach_v every_o man_n may_v understand_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o jargon_n and_o nonsense_n and_o i_o think_v i_o have_v sufficient_o vindicate_v it_o from_o tritheism_n and_o contradiction_n and_o have_v no_o more_o to_o say_v of_o that_o nature_n till_o i_o hear_v what_o they_o have_v to_o object_v against_o what_o be_v already_o say_v and_o when_o they_o come_v to_o consider_v this_o matter_n again_o as_o man_n that_o shall_v certain_o be_v call_v to_o a_o account_n for_o it_o in_o this_o world_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o next_o i_o hope_v they_o will_v see_v reason_n to_o grow_v out_o of_o conceit_n with_o their_o own_o philosophy_n about_o emanation_n and_o procession_n a_o priority_n of_o time_n and_o priority_n of_o nature_n self-existence_n and_o necessary_a existence_n and_o such_o like_a arian_n objection_n which_o be_v make_v and_o answer_v many_o age_n since_o and_o which_o they_o may_v find_v sufficient_o answer_v in_o this_o treatise_n this_o bring_v back_o the_o dispute_n to_o scripture_n where_o the_o last_o appeal_n must_v lie_v in_o all_o such_o matter_n without_o appeal_n for_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n to_o natural_a idea_n and_o philosophy_n and_o if_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o catholic_n father_n be_v of_o any_o authority_n with_o these_o man_n i_o have_v already_o show_v how_o they_o expound_v scripture_n which_o will_v always_o be_v a_o venerable_a authority_n to_o modest_a man_n and_o sober_a christian_n how_o much_o soever_o it_o be_v despise_v by_o heretic_n but_o it_o be_v time_n to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o this_o treatise_n we_o may_v consider_v their_o exposition_n of_o scripture_n some_o other_o time_n the_o end_n dr_n sherloc●_n dean_n of_o st._n paul_n vindication_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n three_o edition_n quarto_o apology_n for_o write_v against_o socinian_o quarto_fw-la the_o danger_n of_o corrupt_v the_o faith_n by_o philosophy_n a_o sermon_n quarto_fw-la a_o vindication_n of_o the_o sermon_n in_o answer_n to_o some_o socinian_n remark_n a_o answer_n to_o the_o animad_fw-la version_n on_o the_o dean_n of_o st._n paul_n vindication_n of_o the_o trinity_n by_o i._n b._n a._n m._n quarto_fw-la a_o defence_n of_o the_o dean_n of_o st._n paul_n apology_n for_o write_v against_o socinian_o quarto_fw-la a_o defence_n of_o dr._n sherlock_n notion_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n quarto_fw-la the_o distinction_n between_o real_a and_o nominal_a trinitarian_n examine_v in_o answer_n to_o a_o socinian_n pamphlet_n quarto_fw-la all_o print_v for_o william_n rogers_n quâ_fw-la nec_fw-la dicuntur_fw-la ut_fw-la cogitantur_fw-la nec_fw-la cogitantur_fw-la ut_fw-la sunt_fw-la aug._n de_fw-fr trinit_fw-la l._n 5._o c._n 3._o cum_fw-la ergo_fw-la quaeritur_fw-la quid_fw-la tria_fw-la vel_fw-la quid_fw-la tres_fw-la conferimus_fw-la nos_fw-la ad_fw-la inventendum_fw-la aliquod_fw-la speciale_a well_fw-mi generale_fw-mi nomen_fw-la quo_fw-la complectamur_fw-la haec_fw-la tria_fw-la neque_fw-la occurrit_fw-la animo_fw-la quia_fw-la excedit_fw-la supereminentia_fw-la divinitatis_fw-la usitati_fw-la eloquii_fw-la facultatem_fw-la aug._n de_fw-fr trin._n l._n 7._o c._n 3._o ad_fw-la se_fw-la quip_n pater_n dicitur_fw-la persona_fw-la non_fw-la ad_fw-la filium_fw-la aut_fw-la spiritum_fw-la sanctum_fw-la aug._n de_fw-fr trin._n l._n 7._o c._n 6._o cur_n ergo_fw-la non_fw-la haec_fw-la tria_fw-la simul_fw-la unam_fw-la personam_fw-la dicimus_fw-la sicut_fw-la unam_fw-la essentiam_fw-la &_o deum_fw-la sed_fw-la tres_fw-la dicimus_fw-la personas_fw-la cum_fw-la tres_fw-la deos_fw-la aut_fw-la tres_fw-la essentias_fw-la non_fw-la dicamus_fw-la nisi_fw-la quia_fw-la volumus_fw-la vel_fw-la unum_fw-la aliquod_fw-la vocabulum_fw-la servire_fw-la huic_fw-la significationi_fw-la quâ_fw-la intelligitur_fw-la trinitas_fw-la ne_fw-la emnino_fw-la taceremus_fw-la interrogati_fw-la quid_fw-la tres_fw-la cum_fw-la tres_fw-la esse_fw-la fateremur_fw-la ibid._n
the_o apostle_n to_o be_v the_o only_a infallible_a rule_n of_o faith_n this_o be_v the_o argument_n from_o prescription_n which_o tertullian_n insist_o so_o large_o on_o and_o be_v frequent_o urge_v by_o irenaeus_n and_o other_o catholic_n writer_n which_o be_v not_o as_o some_o mistake_v it_o a_o argument_n mere_o from_o antiquity_n for_o though_o the_o true_a faith_n be_v ancient_a than_o any_o heresy_n yet_o some_o heresy_n have_v antiquity_n enough_o to_o make_v they_o venerable_a if_o that_o alone_o will_v do_v it_o but_o the_o argument_n be_v from_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o apostolic_a church_n which_o be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o have_v preserve_v a_o uninterrupted_a succession_n from_o they_o and_o all_o the_o world_n over_o teach_v the_o same_o faith_n without_o any_o material_a change_n or_o variation_n whereas_o none_o of_o these_o heresy_n how_o ancient_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v can_v pretend_v to_o such_o a_o original_a be_v never_o teach_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o any_o apostolical_a man_n nor_o be_v receive_v or_o own_v by_o any_o church_n plant_v by_o they_o and_o this_o be_v a_o unanswerable_a argument_n as_o long_o as_o we_o can_v reasonable_o suppose_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v preserve_v entire_a which_o it_o visible_o be_v at_o least_o till_o the_o first_o nicene_n council_n and_o during_o all_o this_o period_n have_v we_o no_o other_o way_n to_o know_v it_o we_o may_v learn_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n by_o its_o opposition_n to_o those_o heresy_n which_o it_o condemn_v 2_o dly_z and_o this_o be_v the_o only_a evidence_n which_o i_o shall_v at_o present_a insist_v on_o for_o the_o catholic_n tradition_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n for_o we_o may_v see_v the_o plain_a footstep_n of_o the_o ancient_n catholic_n tradition_n concern_v father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n in_o those_o ancient_a heresy_n simon_n magus_n be_v the_o first_o heretic_n we_o read_v of_o and_o may_v be_v very_o just_o account_v the_o father_n of_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_a heresy_n have_v lead_v the_o way_n and_o sow_v the_o seed_n and_o principle_n of_o they_o now_o if_o we_o believe_v that_o account_n which_o epiphanius_n give_v of_o he_o this_o wicked_a impostor_n pretend_v himself_o to_o be_v god_n both_o father_n and_o son_n and_o affirm_v that_o his_o lewd_a woman_n who_o be_v call_v sometime_o helena_n sometime_o selene_n be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n these_o name_n and_o distinction_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n he_o can_v not_o possible_o learn_v from_o any_o person_n but_o only_o from_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o which_o he_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o before_o his_o baptism_n he_o only_o pretend_v to_o be_v some_o great_a one_o and_o the_o delude_a people_n think_v he_o to_o be_v the_o great_a power_n of_o god_n 8._o act_n 9_o 10._o but_o when_o he_o be_v baptize_v and_o soon_o a●ter_v apostatise_v from_o the_o christian_a faith_n the_o devil_n who_o great_a power_n he_o be_v set_v he_o up_o for_o the_o god_n of_o the_o christian_n both_o father_n and_o son_n and_o though_o he_o blasphemous_o attribute_v these_o title_n of_o god_n the_o father_n and_o son_n to_o himself_o and_o wicked_o corrupt_v this_o faith_n by_o make_v the_o father_n and_o son_n but_o one_o person_n under_o different_a appearance_n that_o he_o appear_v to_o his_o countryman_n the_o samaritan_n as_o god_n the_o father_n and_o to_o the_o jew_n as_o the_o son_n yet_o there_o have_v be_v no_o pretence_n for_o this_o have_v not_o the_o christian_a church_n own_a jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n for_o have_v the_o father_n be_v god_n and_o the_o son_n a_o mere_a man_n it_o be_v certain_a father_n and_o son_n can_v never_o be_v the_o same_o person_n and_o beside_o the_o wickedness_n and_o impudence_n of_o the_o impostor_n in_o pretend_v himself_o to_o be_v father_n and_o son_n it_o have_v be_v ridiculous_a to_o pretend_v this_o to_o christian_n have_v he_o not_o know_v that_o the_o catholic_n faith_n teach_v the_o son_n to_o be_v true_a and_o real_a god_n as_o well_o as_o the_o father_n and_o than_o if_o he_o can_v persuade_v they_o that_o he_o be_v god_n the_o father_n he_o may_v with_o the_o same_o ease_n persuade_v they_o that_o he_o be_v god_n the_o son_n too_o under_o a_o different_a appearance_n thus_o when_o he_o pretend_v that_o his_o wicked_a strumpet_n be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o who_o he_o create_v the_o angel_n which_o create_v the_o world_n the_o very_a profanation_n of_o this_o holy_a mystery_n show_v what_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n in_o that_o age_n be_v concern_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o he_o can_v have_v no_o other_o inducement_n to_o make_v his_o woman_n who_o he_o call_v the_o holy_a ghost_n such_o a_o divine_a power_n but_o because_o he_o know_v the_o christian_a church_n believe_v the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v god_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o he_o make_v she_o to_o be_v his_o divine_a create_a intelligence_n another_o heresy_n concern_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n attribute_v divinity_n to_o he_o own_v he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n though_o not_o of_o the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n who_o they_o say_v be_v but_o a_o inferior_a angel_n but_o of_o the_o unknown_a and_o incomprehensible_a father_n and_o that_o he_o appear_v indeed_o in_o the_o world_n like_o a_o man_n but_o be_v no_o true_a and_o real_a man._n now_o what_o shall_v put_v such_o a_o wild_a conceit_n as_o this_o into_o their_o head_n have_v they_o not_o know_v this_o to_o be_v the_o catholic_n faith_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n their_o eye_n can_v not_o see_v he_o to_o be_v god_n 18._o but_o they_o see_v he_o to_o be_v a_o man_n and_o yet_o they_o deny_v he_o to_o be_v a_o man_n and_o teach_v that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o form_n and_o apparition_n of_o a_o man_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a indication_n what_o the_o catholic_n faith_n be_v that_o christ_n be_v both_o god_n and_o man._n this_o they_o can_v not_o believe_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n will_v so_o unite_v himself_o to_o human_a nature_n as_o to_o become_v true_a and_o real_a man_n and_o yet_o they_o think_v it_o so_o evident_a that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o at_o least_o see_v that_o this_o faith_n be_v account_v so_o sacred_a that_o they_o will_v not_o venture_v to_o deny_v that_o and_o therefore_o choose_v to_o deny_v his_o humanity_n and_o make_v a_o mere_a apparition_n of_o he_o but_o then_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n cerinthus_n and_o ebion_n think_v it_o too_o evident_a to_o be_v deny_v that_o he_o be_v a_o true_a and_o real_a man_n and_o therefore_o they_o teach_v that_o jesus_n be_v a_o man_n and_o no_o more_o than_o a_o man_n bear_v as_o other_o man_n be_v of_o joseph_n and_o mary_n but_o than_o it_o be_v worth_a consider_v how_o they_o come_v to_o make_v this_o the_o distinguish_a doctrine_n of_o their_o sect_n that_o christ_n be_v but_o a_o mere_a man_n if_o the_o apostolic_a church_n who_o they_o oppose_v and_o from_o who_o they_o separate_v have_v not_o teach_v that_o he_o be_v more_o than_o a_o man_n that_o he_o be_v god_n as_o well_o as_o man._n be_v there_o ever_o any_o dispute_v either_o before_o or_o since_o concern_v any_o other_o man_n in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v own_v to_o be_v a_o man_n whether_o he_o be_v a_o mere_a man_n or_o not_o when_o one_o sort_n of_o heretic_n deny_v christ_n to_o be_v a_o man_n and_o another_o deny_v he_o to_o be_v god_n and_o both_o of_o they_o in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o apostolic_a faith_n it_o be_v a_o very_a strong_a presumption_n at_o least_o what_o the_o true_a catholic_n apostolic_a faith_n be_v that_o christ_n be_v both_o god_n and_o man._n and_o yet_o cerinthus_n himself_o though_o he_o make_v jesus_n to_o be_v a_o mere_a man_n own_v christ_n to_o be_v a_o divine_a person_n and_o that_o this_o christ_n descend_v on_o jesus_n at_o his_o baptism_n in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o dove_n and_o rest_v on_o he_o or_o dwell_v in_o he_o and_o wrought_v miracle_n by_o he_o but_o leave_v he_o at_o his_o crucifixion_n and_o fly_v up_o again_o to_o heaven_n so_o that_o according_a to_o cerinthus_n from_o the_o time_n that_o jesus_n be_v baptize_v till_o he_o be_v crucify_v the_o divinity_n be_v very_o near_o and_o intimate_o unite_v to_o he_o not_o that_o he_o be_v god_n and_o man_n in_o one_o person_n as_o the_o catholic_n faith_n teach_v
those_o heresy_n which_o the_o catholic_n church_n condemn_v and_o from_o the_o corrupt_a remain_n of_o the_o ancient_a faith_n which_o appear_v in_o they_o for_o these_o heretic_n be_v original_o christian_n and_o profess_v themselves_o christian_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o whole_o renounce_v the_o christian_a faith_n but_o graft_v their_o heresy_n on_o it_o as_o to_o confine_v myself_o to_o the_o subject_a of_o the_o present_a dispute_n what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n whether_o three_o distinct_a real_a substantial_a person_n or_o not_o each_o of_o who_o be_v distinct_o by_o himself_o true_a and_o perfect_a god_n but_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o same_o divine_a nature_n and_o godhead_n now_o that_o this_o be_v the_o receive_a faith_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n we_o may_v learn_v both_o from_o the_o valentinian_o sabellian_n and_o arian_n though_o the_o valentinian_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o have_v corrupt_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n either_o with_o the_o platonic_a philosophy_n as_o that_o itself_o have_v be_v corrupt_v by_o the_o junior_a platonist_n or_o with_o the_o pagan_a theology_n yet_o the_o propagation_n of_o their_o aeons_n in_o different_a degree_n and_o descent_n from_o the_o first_o supreme_a aeon_n the_o unbegotten_a one_o and_o the_o invisible_a and_o incomprehensible_a father_n as_o they_o style_v he_o show_v what_o they_o think_v the_o catholic_n faith_n be_v concern_v the_o eternal_a generation_n of_o the_o son_n and_o procession_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o they_o take_v to_o be_v a_o substantial_a generation_n and_o procession_n and_o according_o in_o imitation_n of_o this_o faith_n assert_v a_o substantial_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o emanation_n of_o one_o aeon_n from_o another_o and_o which_o be_v more_o none_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n who_o write_v against_o this_o heresy_n as_o far_o as_o i_o have_v observe_v ever_o quarrel_n with_o they_o upon_o this_o account_n nay_o tertullian_n though_o he_o abominate_v these_o heresy_n own_v this_o probole_fw-la or_o emanation_n in_o a_o true_a catholic_n sense_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o these_o heretic_n borrow_v this_o word_n from_o the_o catholic_n faith_n though_o they_o fit_v it_o to_o their_o heresy_n and_o challenge_v any_o man_n to_o say_v whether_o the_o divine_a word_n be_v not_o produce_v by_o the_o father_n 8._o and_o if_o it_o be_v here_z say_v he_o be_v the_o prolation_n or_o emanation_n which_o the_o true_a catholic_n faith_n own_v and_o add_v that_o the_o fault_n of_o this_o heresy_n be_v not_o their_o produce_v one_o aeon_n from_o another_o but_o that_o beside_o the_o number_n of_o their_o fictitious_a aeons_n they_o do_v separate_v these_o emanation_n and_o aeons_n from_o their_o author_n that_o the_o aeons_n know_v not_o the_o father_n nay_o desire_v to_o know_v he_o but_o can_v not_o know_v he_o and_o be_v even_o dissolve_v with_o passion_n and_o desire_n whereas_o in_o the_o catholic_n faith_n there_o be_v the_o most_o inseparable_a union_n of_o the_o son_n with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o most_o intimate_v and_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o he_o so_o that_o tertullian_n allow_v of_o a_o real_a and_o substantial_a production_n of_o the_o person_n of_o the_o son_n from_o the_o person_n of_o the_o father_n as_o the_o valentinian_o pretend_v of_o their_o aeons_n and_o assert_n that_o these_o heretic_n learn_v this_o from_o the_o catholic_n faith_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o that_o the_o church_n must_v not_o reject_v this_o probole_fw-la prolation_n or_o emanation_n in_o a_o orthodox_n catholic_n use_v of_o those_o word_n because_o heretic_n abuse_v they_o to_o countenance_v their_o own_o heresy_n as_o for_o the_o noetian_o and_o sabellian_o for_o however_o they_o explain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n whether_o by_o three_o name_n or_o three_o power_n or_o three_o part_n while_o they_o teach_v that_o the_o one_o god_n be_v but_o one_o single_a person_n the_o heresy_n be_v the_o same_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o catholic_n church_n shall_v reject_v this_o heresy_n without_o assert_v three_o distinct_a real_a substantial_a person_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n each_o of_o who_o be_v as_o true_a and_o perfect_a god_n as_o each_o of_o three_o man_n peter_n james_n and_o john_n be_v a_o true_a perfect_a distinct_a man_n though_o these_o three_o man_n be_v not_o uni●ed_v as_o the_o three_o divine_a person_n be_v the_o occasion_n of_o this_o heresy_n be_v that_o they_o think_v that_o three_o real_a distinct_a person_n in_o the_o godhead_n be_v three_o god_n and_o therefore_o though_o be_v profess_v christian_n and_o consequent_o baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n they_o dare_v not_o deny_v father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n yet_o neither_o will_v they_o own_o three_o divine_a person_n but_o turn_v they_o into_o three_o name_n or_o three_o part_n of_o one_o person_n which_o have_v much_o more_o sense_n in_o it_o than_o three_o modes_n though_o three_o modes_n of_o the_o same_o person_n let_v they_o call_v they_o three_o personality_n if_o they_o please_v be_v the_o same_o heresy_n if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o suppositum_fw-la as_o one_o man_n may_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o three_o or_o three_o and_o twenty_o modes_n and_o be_v but_o one_o human_a person_n still_o noetus_n and_o sabellius_n do_v certain_o apprehend_v that_o by_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n the_o catholic_n church_n understand_v three_o distinct_a substantial_a divine_a person_n or_o else_o why_o shall_v they_o charge_v they_o with_o tritheism_n upon_o this_o account_n and_o turn_v three_o person_n into_o three_o name_n or_o three_o part_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o god_n to_o avoid_v the_o imputation_n of_o three_o god_n and_o if_o this_o have_v not_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n what_o mean_v their_o zeal_n against_o this_o heresy_n for_o all_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n can_v find_v a_o medium_fw-la between_o sabellianism_n and_o three_o divine_a substantial_a person_n a_o trinity_n must_v be_v three_o somewhat_n as_o it_o have_v be_v late_o call_v and_o than_o it_o must_v either_o be_v one_o suppositum_fw-la or_o person_n under_o three_o name_n or_o three_o modes_n or_o compound_v of_o three_o part_n or_o be_v three_o distinct_a suppositum_n and_o person_n now_o if_o this_o have_v be_v the_o catholic_n faith_n that_o the_o trinity_n be_v but_o one_o suppositum_fw-la or_o person_n under_o three_o name_n or_o mode_n etc._n etc._n i_o can_v imagine_v why_o the_o catholic_n church_n shall_v have_v quarrel_v with_o these_o heretic_n or_o they_o with_o the_o catholic_n church_n unless_o they_o both_o mistake_v one_o another_o but_o if_o the_o sabellian_o and_o catholic_n understand_v themselves_o and_o each_o other_o and_o do_v intend_v to_o contradict_v each_o other_o we_o certain_o know_v what_o the_o catholic_n faith_n be_v for_o there_o be_v nothing_o contradict_v a_o noetian_a and_o sabellian_n trinity_n but_o a_o trinity_n of_o distinct_a substantial_a divine_a person_n and_o novatianus_n well_o observe_v that_o these_o heretic_n do_v acknowledge_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n that_o whoever_o christ_n be_v it_o be_v evident_a from_o those_o character_n give_v of_o he_o in_o scripture_n that_o he_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n and_o because_o the_o father_n be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n and_o christ_n true_a and_o perfect_a god_n for_o fear_v of_o own_v two_o god_n they_o make_v the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n to_o be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n 18._o the_o arian_n deny_v the_o eternal_a godhead_n of_o christ_n and_o make_v a_o creature_n of_o he_o though_o the_o most_o excellent_a creature_n the_o minister_n and_o instrument_n of_o god_n in_o make_v the_o world_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o heresy_n be_v the_o same_o viz._n for_o fear_n of_o a_o plurality_n of_o god_n shall_v they_o allow_v christ_n to_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n and_o this_o still_o be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n what_o they_o think_v the_o catholic_n faith_n to_o be_v not_o only_o that_o christ_n be_v true_a and_o real_a god_n but_o that_o he_o be_v true_o and_o real_o a_o distinct_a person_n from_o god_n the_o father_n so_o distinct_a that_o if_o they_o shall_v acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v true_a god_n he_o will_v be_v a_o second_o god_n which_o they_o think_v contradict_v the_o faith_n of_o one_o god_n well_o though_o they_o will_v not_o own_v he_o to_o be_v true_a god_n yet_o they_o own_v he_o to_o be_v a_o distinct_a person_n from_o the_o father_n as_o distinct_a as_o god_n and_o a_o creature_n be_v distinct_a do_v the_o catholic_n now_o quarrel_v with_o the_o arian_n that_o they_o have_v make_v a_o substantial_a person_n of_o the_o son_n as_o in_o reason_n t●ey_v aught_o to_o have_v do_v have_v th●y_o not_o believe_v
contradiction_n as_o he_o can_v require_v we_o to_o believe_v and_o consequent_o that_o whatever_o be_v plain_o reveal_v imply_v no_o contradiction_n how_o much_o soever_o it_o may_v be_v above_o our_o comprehension_n because_o god_n do_v require_v we_o to_o believe_v what_o he_o plain_o reveal_v this_o have_v put_v a_o end_n to_o this_o dispute_n and_o leave_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o trinity_n possible_a whatever_o difficulty_n we_o may_v apprehend_v in_o conceive_v it_o but_o this_o great_a zeal_n against_o believe_a contradiction_n when_o apply_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v a_o very_a untoward_a insinuation_n as_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n as_o common_o understand_v be_v clog_v with_o contradiction_n and_o that_o we_o must_v cast_v all_o such_o contradiction_n which_o in_o the_o socinian_n account_n be_v the_o doctrine_n itself_o out_o of_o our_o faith_n and_o therefore_o that_o whatever_o the_o scripture_n say_v we_o must_v put_v no_o such_o sense_n on_o it_o as_o imply_v any_o contradiction_n to_o our_o former_a knowledge_n this_o be_v a_o admirable_a foundation_n for_o consideration_n concern_v the_o trinity_n and_o what_o a_o admirable_a superstructure_n he_o have_v raise_v on_o it_o we_o shall_v soon_o see_v i_o may_v possible_o discourse_v this_o point_n of_o contradiction_n more_o at_o large_a elsewhere_o at_o present_a i_o shall_v only_o tell_v this_o author_n that_o as_o self-evident_a as_o he_o think_v it_o this_o proposition_n be_v false_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o believe_v what_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n to_o our_o former_a knowledge_n and_o that_o god_n can_v require_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o i_o grant_v that_o all_o logical_a contradiction_n which_o be_v resolve_v into_o be_v and_o be_v not_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v believe_v because_o they_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v true_a and_o such_o be_v his_o contradiction_n about_o the_o whole_a and_o its_o part_n for_o to_o say_v that_o the_o whole_a be_v not_o big_a than_o any_o of_o its_o part_n be_v to_o say_v that_o a_o whole_a be_v a_o whole_a and_o be_v not_o a_o whole_a and_o that_o a_o part_n be_v a_o part_n and_o be_v not_o a_o part._n but_o contradictory_n idea_n may_v both_o be_v true_a and_o therefore_o both_o be_v believe_v and_o every_o man_n believe_v great_a number_n of_o they_o the_o idea_n of_o heat_n and_o cold_a white_a and_o black_a body_n and_o spirit_n extension_n and_o no_o extension_n eternity_n and_o time_n to_o have_v a_o beginning_n and_o to_o have_v no_o beginning_n be_v contradictory_n ideas_n and_o yet_o we_o believe_v they_o all_o that_o be_v we_o believe_v and_o know_v that_o there_o real_o be_v such_o thing_n who_o nature_n be_v direct_o opposite_a and_o contrary_a to_o each_o other_o now_o when_o there_o be_v such_o contrariety_n and_o contradiction_n in_o create_a nature_n it_o may_v just_o be_v think_v very_o strange_a to_o true_a considerer_n that_o our_o natural_a idea_n shall_v be_v make_v the_o adequate_a measure_n of_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o the_o possibility_n or_o impossibility_n of_o thing_n that_o we_o must_v not_o believe_v what_o god_n reveal_v concern_v himself_o if_o it_o contradict_v any_o natural_a idea_n and_o yet_o i_o challenge_v this_o considerer_n and_o all_o the_o socinian_n sabellian_n arian_n fraternity_n to_o show_v i_o any_o appearance_n of_o contradiction_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n but_o what_o be_v of_o this_o kind_n that_o be_v not_o logical_a contradiction_n but_o contradiction_n to_o our_o other_o natural_a idea_n and_o if_o our_o natural_a idea_n of_o create_a nature_n contradict_v each_o other_o it_o will_v be_v wonderful_a indeed_o if_o the_o divine_a uncreated_a nature_n shall_v not_o contradict_v all_o our_o natural_a idea_n every_o thing_n we_o know_v of_o god_n be_v a_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o all_o the_o idea_n we_o have_v of_o creature_n a_o uncreated_a and_o a_o create_a nature_n a_o infinite_a and_o a_o finite_a nature_n be_v direct_a contradiction_n to_o each_o other_o eternity_n without_o succession_n omnipresence_n without_o extension_n part_n or_o place_n a_o pure_a simple_a act_n which_o be_v all_o in_o one_o without_o composition_n a_o omnipotent_a thought_n which_o think_v all_o thing_n into_o be_v and_o into_o a_o beautiful_a order_n these_o and_o such_o like_a idea_n of_o god_n be_v direct_a contradiction_n to_o all_o the_o idea_n we_o have_v of_o creature_n and_o can_v any_o contradiction_n then_o to_o any_o idea_n of_o create_a nature_n be_v think_v a_o reasonable_a objection_n against_o believe_v any_o thing_n which_o god_n reveal_v to_o we_o concern_v himself_o but_o of_o this_o more_o hereafter_o sect_n iv._o concern_v his_o state_n of_o the_o question_n that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o god_n be_v three_o different_a person_n these_o be_v his_o preliminary_n axiom_n postulata_n all_o in_o the_o strict_a demonstrative_a way_n but_o now_o he_o come_v to_o apply_v all_o this_o more_o close_o to_o the_o business_n in_o hand_n but_o then_o he_o very_o unfortunate_o stumble_v at_o the_o threshold_n the_o proposition_n he_o propose_v to_o examine_v by_o these_o principle_n be_v this_o that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o god_n be_v three_o different_a person_n 14._o where_o he_o meet_v with_o this_o proposition_n in_o these_o very_a term_n i_o know_v not_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v no_o such_o proposition_n in_o scripture_n nor_o do_v i_o ever_o meet_v with_o it_o in_o any_o catholic_n writer_n it_o be_v very_o far_o from_o give_v we_o a_o true_a and_o adequate_a notion_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n concern_v the_o trinity_n it_o be_v of_o a_o doubtful_a signification_n and_o in_o the_o most_o obvious_a sense_n of_o these_o word_n which_o i_o fear_v will_v appear_v to_o have_v be_v intend_v by_o this_o considerer_n be_v manifest_a heresy_n for_o if_o by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o god_n he_o mean_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o who_o be_v god_n and_o that_o this_o one_o and_o same_o god_n be_v three_o different_a person_n it_o be_v the_o heresy_n of_o sabellius_n at_o least_o if_o he_o will_v have_v own_v the_o term_n different_a which_o incline_v more_o to_o the_o signification_n of_o diversity_n than_o of_o mere_a distinction_n which_o savour_v of_o arianism_n and_o more_o proper_o relate_v to_o nature_n than_o to_o person_n we_o meet_v with_o different_a form_n of_o speech_n in_o catholic_n writer_n concern_v the_o unity_n and_o trinity_n in_o the_o godhead_n all_o which_o must_v be_v reconcile_v to_o form_v a_o distinct_a and_o complete_a notion_n of_o the_o trinity_n that_o deus_n est_fw-la vnus_fw-la &_o trinus_fw-la god_n be_v one_o and_o three_o be_v very_o ancient_a and_o very_o catholic_n that_o the_o father_n be_v the_o one_o god_n in_o a_o peculiar_a and_o eminent_a sense_n be_v both_o the_o language_n of_o scripture_n and_o of_o the_o church_n that_o each_o person_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v by_o himself_o true_a and_o perfect_a god_n be_v likewise_o the_o doctrine_n both_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o catholic_n father_n that_o the_o trinity_n be_v one_o god_n that_o father_n and_o son_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d vnum_fw-la one_o divinity_n christ_n himself_o teach_v we_o that_o father_n son_n and_o spirit_n be_v also_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d one_o st._n john_n teach_v we_o and_o nothing_o be_v more_o familiar_a both_o with_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a father_n than_o to_o call_v the_o trinity_n one_o god_n and_o in_o consequence_n of_o this_o that_o one_o god_n be_v the_o trinity_n though_o this_o they_o rather_o choose_v to_o express_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d one_o divinity_n in_o three_o person_n and_o whoever_o will_v give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n of_o the_o trinity_n must_v have_v respect_n to_o all_o these_o notion_n and_o not_o content_v himself_o with_o any_o one_o of_o they_o as_o to_o make_v the_o best_a of_o it_o the_o considerer_n here_o do_v when_o he_o only_o propose_v to_o inquire_v how_o one_o and_o the_o same_o god_n be_v three_o person_n but_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v inquire_v also_o in_o what_o sense_n each_o person_n be_v by_o himself_o true_a and_o perfect_a god_n and_o the_o person_n of_o the_o father_n in_o a_o peculiar_a and_o eminent_a sense_n the_o one_o god_n and_o to_o have_v frame_v his_o notion_n of_o unity_n and_o distinction_n with_o a_o equal_a regard_n to_o all_o these_o catholic_n exposition_n which_o will_v have_v secure_v he_o from_o the_o sabellian_n heresy_n which_o now_o his_o word_n be_v very_o guilty_a of_o whatever_o he_o himself_o be_v but_o let_v we_o now_o proceed_v to_o his_o examination_n of_o these_o term_n god_n unity_n identity_n distinction_n and_o number_n and_o person_n 14._o as_o to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n he_o confess_v he_o have_v not_o a_o
as_o he_o represent_v it_o but_o the_o personal_a union_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n of_o christ_n to_o human_a nature_n he_o be_v not_o only_o as_o conscious_a of_o all_o the_o divine_a perfection_n in_o himself_o 41._o as_o a_o man_n be_v conscious_a of_o his_o own_o thought_n which_o yet_o by_o the_o way_n be_v absolute_o impossible_a without_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n in_o his_o own_o person_n but_o he_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v god_n the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n not_o the_o same_o person_n with_o his_o father_n but_o one_o with_o he_o be_v a_o man_n thus_o regular_o and_o constant_o inspire_v he_o will_v know_v that_o he_o be_v thus_o inspire_v and_o he_o will_v also_o know_v that_o these_o divine_a perfection_n be_v not_o in_o himself_o not_o seat_v in_o his_o own_o human_a person_n nor_o under_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o own_o will_n as_o his_o own_o natural_a power_n be_v and_o therefore_o must_v know_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o mere_a man_n still_o not_o god-man_n so_o that_o this_o constant_a and_o regular_a inspiration_n this_o uninterrupted_a presence_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o deity_n which_o be_v all_o he_o allow_v in_o this_o matter_n can_v make_v any_o person_n god-man_n this_o inspiration_n be_v not_o a_o subsist_v person_n be_v not_o the_o person_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v not_o incarnate_a by_o its_o union_n to_o man_n no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v incarnate_a in_o other_o prophet_n the_o man_n be_v the_o person_n and_o therefore_o a_o mere_a creature_n still_o though_o never_o so_o divine_o inspire_v this_o be_v such_o a_o incarnation_n as_o socinian_n themselves_o own_o in_o as_o high_a expression_n as_o the_o considerer_n can_v invent_v cerinthus_n own_v something_o more_o that_o christ_n who_o descend_v on_o jesus_n at_o his_o baptism_n be_v a_o divine_a person_n not_o a_o mere_a inspiration_n and_o rest_v on_o he_o and_o be_v most_o intimate_o unite_v to_o he_o till_o his_o crucifixion_n that_o sect_n of_o the_o noetian_o and_o sabellian_o who_o be_v call_v patripassian_n for_o they_o do_v not_o seem_v by_o the_o account_n we_o have_v of_o they_o to_o have_v be_v all_o of_o that_o mind_n do_v acknowledge_v the_o incarnation_n of_o god_n in_o a_o true_a and_o proper_a sense_n as_o the_o catholic_n church_n do_v the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n but_o then_o their_o trinity_n be_v but_o one_o proper_a single_a divine_a person_n distinguish_v by_o three_o name_n or_o personal_a character_n which_o be_v the_o express_a doctrine_n of_o the_o considerer_n their_o whole_a trinity_n be_v incarnate_a suffer_v and_o die_v in_o the_o incarnation_n and_o suffering_n of_o christ_n the_o father_n as_o well_o as_o the_o son_n as_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o divine_a person_n who_o be_v father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o if_o this_o one_o person_n be_v in_o a_o true_a and_o proper_a sense_n incarnate_a but_o this_o the_o catholic_n church_n abhor_v and_o condemn_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o patripassian_a heresy_n other_o of_o they_o be_v sabellian_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n but_o photinian_o or_o samosatenian_o that_o be_v socinian_o as_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o incarnation_n as_o athanasius_n often_o intimate_v and_o if_o i_o understand_v he_o this_o be_v the_o considerer_n way_n who_o believe_v a_o trinity_n in_o one_o single_a person_n and_o a_o inspire_a man_n for_o a_o god_n incarnate_a and_o thus_o we_o have_v lose_v the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n and_o must_v part_v with_o every_o thing_n which_o be_v peculiar_a and_o essential_a to_o christianity_n with_o they_o and_o now_o one_o will_v wonder_v after_o all_o this_o what_o he_o have_v to_o say_v more_o about_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v his_o next_o enquiry_n 41._o what_o the_o scripture_n necessary_o oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v in_o this_o point_n that_o be_v concern_v the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n though_o he_o have_v be_v careful_a all_o along_o never_o to_o use_v this_o term_n incarnation_n as_o be_v sensible_a that_o all_o he_o say_v about_o god-man_n will_v not_o reach_v the_o catholic_n notion_n of_o incarnation_n when_o i_o meet_v with_o this_o enquiry_n i_o be_v in_o hope_n that_o there_o be_v something_o behind_o to_o unsay_v all_o that_o he_o have_v hitherto_o say_v for_o if_o what_o he_o have_v already_o say_v be_v true_a it_o be_v certain_a the_o scripture_n require_v we_o to_o believe_v nothing_o about_o they_o but_o upon_o examination_n i_o find_v that_o the_o question_n be_v fallacious_o state_v and_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o it_o be_v what_o the_o scripture_n oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v instead_o of_o what_o have_v hitherto_o pass_v for_o the_o true_a catholic_n faith_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n i_o shall_v not_o dispute_v this_o point_n with_o he_o now_o to_o show_v what_o he_o mean_v will_v be_v confutation_n enough_o 42._o we_o must_v not_o he_o say_v look_v upon_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n as_o a_o nice_a abstract_a speculation_n design_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o understand_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 ever_o we_o have_v before_o this_o doctrine_n be_v deliver_v this_o we_o grant_v that_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v not_o design_v mere_o for_o speculation_n but_o for_o practice_n but_o yet_o all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n be_v matter_n of_o speculation_n and_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o must_v be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o practice_n or_o else_o the_o revelation_n of_o it_o be_v of_o no_o use_n at_o all_o the_o question_n than_o be_v whether_o we_o must_v not_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n or_o how_o much_o we_o must_v believe_v of_o they_o must_v we_o not_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v in_o a_o true_a and_o proper_a sense_n a_o eternal_a and_o only-begotten_a son_n beget_v from_o eternity_n of_o his_o own_o substance_n his_o true_a perfect_a live_v subsist_v image_n must_v we_o not_o believe_v that_o this_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n do_v in_o a_o true_a proper_a notion_n become_v man_n by_o unite_n human_a nature_n to_o his_o own_o person_n and_o that_o in_o human_a nature_n he_o suffer_v and_o die_v for_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n true_o no_o if_o i_o understand_v he_o all_o this_o be_v a_o nice_a abstract_a speculation_n and_o a_o very_a perplex_v exercise_n of_o our_o understand_n and_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o understand_v no_o more_o by_o god_n give_v his_o own_o son_n to_o die_v for_o we_o but_o his_o love_n and_o g●od_n will_v to_o mankind_n as_o it_o be_v a_o great_a motive_n and_o excitement_n to_o piety_n but_o how_o can_v we_o learn_v god_n love_n and_o good_a will_n to_o mankind_n from_o this_o doctrine_n if_o it_o be_v not_o true_a if_o god_n have_v no_o eternal_a son_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o give_v his_o eternal_a son_n to_o become_v man_n and_o to_o suffer_v and_o die_v for_o we_o the_o gospel_n prove_v the_o great_a love_n of_o god_n to_o sinner_n by_o the_o incarnation_n death_n and_o suffering_n of_o his_o son_n that_o if_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v this_o doctrine_n strict_o and_o literal_o true_a we_o lose_v the_o gospel_n proof_n of_o god_n love_n to_o sinner_n and_o of_o the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o sacrifice_n to_o expiate_v our_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o power_n of_o his_o intercession_n as_o the_o eternal_a only-begotten_a and_o well-beloved_a son_n of_o god_n but_o our_o considerer_n will_v not_o allow_v this_o these_o title_n and_o relation_n must_v be_v chief_o consider_v with_o reference_n to_o the_o great_a work_n of_o man_n salvation_n but_o must_v they_o not_o be_v consider_v as_o three_o distinct_a proper_a person_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n who_o have_v their_o distinct_a part_n and_o office_n in_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n no_o but_o distinct_a relation_n and_o office_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o single_a divine_a person_n who_o be_v the_o one_o supreme_a god_n and_o be_v all_o in_o one_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a gh●st_n saviour_n mediator_n comforter_n 43._o but_o how_o then_o can_v these_o title_n and_o relation_n signify_v a_o eternal_a distinction_n in_o the_o godhead_n a_o eternal_a f●t●●r_n a_o eternal_a son_n and_o a_o eternal_a spirit_n when_o th●se_a office_n relate_v only_o to_o man_n salvation_n be_v not_o eternal_a this_o he_o resolve_v into_o the_o eternal_a purpose_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n to_o redeem_v mankind_n by_o the_o death_n and_o constant_a mediation_n of_o a_o man_n choose_v and_o enable_v for_o this_o work_n by_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n dwell_v in_o he_o and_o in_o consideration_n of_o
ask_v for_o or_o to_o conceive_v what_o be_v the_o place_n of_o god_n of_o the_o word_n or_o of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o if_o a_o man_n will_v deny_v that_o the_o son_n be_v or_o be_v beget_v because_o he_o can_v conceive_v nor_o find_v out_o the_o place_n of_o his_o essence_n or_o substance_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n he_o may_v deny_v that_o there_o be_v a_o father_n or_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n so_o that_o athanasius_n acknowledge_v the_o son_n to_o be_v as_o true_a and_o substantial_a a_o son_n as_o the_o father_n be_v a_o substantial_a father_n and_o that_o he_o do_v as_o perfect_o and_o complete_o subsist_v by_o himself_o as_o the_o father_n do_v but_o deny_v that_o it_o hence_o follow_v as_o the_o sabellian_o object_v that_o the_o son_n if_o he_o be_v a_o distinct_a substantial_a person_n himself_o must_v be_v divide_v and_o part_v from_o the_o substance_n of_o his_o father_n and_o that_o if_o he_o subsist_v distinct_o by_o himself_o he_o must_v subsist_v in_o a_o separate_a place_n from_o his_o father_n that_o this_o distinction_n of_o person_n and_o subsistence_n can_v be_v conceive_v without_o a_o local_a separation_n for_o he_o tell_v they_o all_z these_o mistake_v be_v owe_v to_o corporeal_a imagination_n that_o they_o conceive_v of_o god_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o body_n that_o because_o body_n can_v generate_v another_o without_o part_v and_o divide_v of_o substance_n nor_o subsist_v without_o be_v in_o some_o place_n nor_o subsist_v distinct_o without_o be_v in_o distinct_a and_o separate_a place_n therefore_o if_o god_n beget_v a_o son_n and_o this_o son_n subsist_v distinct_o by_o himself_o this_o son_n must_v go_v out_o of_o the_o divine_a substance_n and_o be_v local_o separate_v from_o god_n the_o father_n as_o a_o human_a son_n be_v from_o his_o father_n whereas_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o substance_n can_v be_v divide_v nor_o do_v god_n subsist_v in_o a_o place_n and_o therefore_o the_o son_n may_v be_v substantial_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n and_o subsist_v distinct_o by_o himself_o without_o any_o division_n of_o the_o divine_a substance_n or_o separation_n of_o place_n let_v we_o now_o proceed_v to_o a_o three_o sort_n of_o these_o heretic_n who_o do_v allow_v a_o real_a and_o substantial_a difference_n between_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n but_o make_v god_n a_o compound_n be_v but_o one_o person_n as_o well_o as_o one_o god_n and_o that_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o one_o god_n this_o st._n austin_n call_v triformis_fw-la deus_fw-la and_o tell_v we_o 74._o that_o these_o heretic_n do_v not_o allow_v the_o father_n to_o be_v perfect_a in_o himself_o nor_o the_o son_n perfect_a in_o himself_o nor_o the_o holy_a ghost_n perfect_a in_o himself_o that_o neither_o of_o these_o consider_v by_o themselves_o be_v perfect_a god_n but_o that_o all_o three_o together_o make_v one_o complete_a and_o perfect_a god_n this_o all_o the_o catholic_n father_n unanimous_o reject_v and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o composition_n in_o the_o pure_a and_o simple_a nature_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n that_o each_o person_n be_v by_o himself_o true_a and_o perfect_a god_n not_o a_o incomplete_a part_n of_o the_o deity_n thus_o athanasius_n warn_v we_o against_o this_o heresy_n 662._o which_o conceive_v the_o trinity_n like_o three_o bodily_a part_n inseparable_o unite_v to_o each_o other_o which_o he_o say_v be_v a_o ungodly_a reason_n contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o perfect_a unbodied_a being_n and_o therefore_o attribute_n the_o perfection_n of_o the_o godhead_n to_o each_o person_n who_o be_v a_o real_a trinity_n inseparable_o unite_v in_o the_o same_o form_n and_o nature_n that_o the_o father_n be_v perfect_a essence_n and_o be_v without_o any_o defect_n the_o root_n and_o fountain_n of_o the_o son_n and_o spirit_n that_o the_o son_n in_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o deity_n be_v the_o live_a word_n and_o perfect_a offspring_n of_o the_o father_n that_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o fullness_n of_o the_o son_n not_o part_n of_o another_o be_v but_o whole_a and_o entire_a in_o himself_o that_o we_o must_v conceive_v they_o inseparable_o unite_v to_o each_o other_o but_o yet_o three_o real_a subsist_v person_n in_o the_o same_o form_n and_o species_n which_o be_v original_o in_o the_o father_n shine_v in_o the_o son_n and_o be_v manifest_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o he_o add_v that_o he_o do_v not_o compound_v the_o trinity_n nor_o force_v it_o into_o a_o monad_n or_o unit_fw-la that_o be_v one_o single_a person_n to_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n nor_o conceive_v of_o god_n as_o of_o a_o man_n who_o be_v compound_v of_o three_o part_n spirit_n soul_n and_o body_n for_o such_o a_o composition_n can_v belong_v to_o a_o simple_a nature_n this_o be_v the_o constant_a language_n of_o the_o ancient_a writer_n 10._o that_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v not_o compound_v of_o part_n nor_o be_v god_n a_o compound_n be_v that_o each_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n be_v a_o complete_a and_o perfect_a person_n and_o three_o complete_a and_o perfect_a person_n can_v be_v one_o by_o composition_n as_o three_o incomplete_a part_n be_v that_o each_o person_n by_o himself_o be_v perfect_a god_n and_o perfect_a essence_n though_o when_o we_o unite_v they_o and_o number_v three_o we_o acknowledge_v but_o one_o perfect_a god_n for_o the_o deity_n be_v not_o compound_v but_o in_o three_o 13_o each_o of_o which_o be_v complete_a and_o perfect_a there_o be_v one_o perfect_a be_v without_o composition_n and_o without_o part_n that_o be_v the_o same_o one_o divine_a nature_n subsist_v distinct_o not_o by_o part_n or_o composition_n but_o whole_a and_o entire_a in_o three_o let_v we_o now_o then_o consider_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o question_n between_o these_o sabellian_o and_o the_o catholic_n father_n these_o heretic_n own_v at_o last_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v three_o distinct_a substance_n but_o not_o three_o substantial_a whole_n but_o three_o substantial_a part_n which_o by_o their_o union_n and_o composition_n make_v up_o one_o whole_a entire_a god_n the_o catholic_n father_n join_v with_o they_o so_o far_o as_o to_o own_o these_o divine_a person_n to_o be_v three_o substantial_a subsist_v person_n but_o reject_v their_o notion_n of_o a_o compound_a god_n or_o three_o part_n of_o the_o deity_n with_o the_o utmost_a abhorrence_n and_o affirm_v that_o each_o person_n be_v by_o himself_o entire_a and_o perfect_a god_n perfect_a and_o complete_a divine_a essence_n or_o substance_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o damascen_n speak_v and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o one_o god_n by_o composition_n or_o as_o one_o person_n be_v one_o god_n but_o as_o three_o complete_a and_o perfect_a person_n each_o of_o which_o be_v perfect_a god_n can_v be_v one_o god_n now_o i_o think_v after_o this_o we_o need_v not_o dispute_v what_o the_o metaphysical_a notion_n of_o person_n and_o personality_n be_v for_o a_o person_n in_o this_o sacred_a mystery_n signify_v one_o who_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n and_o therefore_o be_v whatever_o god_n be_v for_o the_o true_a and_o perfect_a definition_n of_o god_n must_v belong_v to_o every_o person_n who_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n if_o then_o we_o acknowledge_v god_n to_o be_v infinite_a substance_n mind_n life_n knowledge_n power_n every_o person_n who_o be_v god_n must_v be_v all_o this_o and_o if_o each_o person_n be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n and_o yet_o no_o one_o person_n be_v the_o other_o nor_o the_o motion_n affection_n or_o personal_a power_n nor_o part_n of_o the_o other_o than_o each_o person_n be_v distinct_o and_o by_o himself_o complete_a and_o perfect_a god_n and_o therefore_o have_v distinct_o in_o himself_o all_o those_o attribute_n and_o perfection_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o perfect_a notion_n and_o idea_n of_o god_n and_o to_o make_v any_o person_n less_o than_o what_o god_n be_v be_v to_o make_v he_o no_o god_n but_o athanasius_n have_v another_o argument_n against_o the_o sabellian_n compound_v deity_n 662._o which_o must_v put_v all_o composition_n of_o the_o deity_n for_o ever_o out_o of_o countenance_n the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o that_o god_n send_v his_o son_n and_o that_o the_o son_n send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n whereas_o be_v the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n three_o inseparable_a part_n of_o one_o compound_a deity_n how_o can_v this_o one_o god_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n send_v part_n of_o himself_o and_o one_o part_n of_o the_o same_o one_o god_n send_v another_o to_o send_v and_o to_o be_v send_v necessary_o suppose_v person_n real_o and_o substantial_o distinct_a such_o as_o can_v give_v and_o receive_v and_o execute_v command_n who_o
peter_n james_n and_o john_n be_v the_o very_a same_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v a_o specific_a sameness_n and_o unity_n of_o nature_n between_o they_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o same_o not_o mere_o in_o notion_n and_o idea_n but_o substantial_o the_o same_o and_o therefore_o all_o the_o name_n of_o a_o specific_a sameness_n and_o unity_n do_v in_o a_o more_o perfect_a and_o excellent_a manner_n belong_v to_o the_o sameness_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o subsist_v perfect_o indivisible_o and_o yet_o distinct_o in_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o sameness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o subsist_v distinct_o in_o three_o divine_a person_n we_o have_v no_o other_o word_n to_o express_v it_o by_o but_o such_o as_o signify_v a_o specific_a unity_n and_o we_o must_v use_v such_o word_n as_o we_o have_v and_o qualify_v their_o sense_n as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v as_o for_o instance_n those_o word_n whereby_o we_o signify_v a_o common_a specific_a nature_n which_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o all_o the_o individual_n of_o the_o same_o species_n be_v the_o best_a we_o have_v to_o express_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o common_a to_o three_o person_n and_o thus_o the_o catholic_n father_n use_v they_o without_o scruple_n and_o speak_v of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o of_o its_o be_v common_a to_o all_o the_o three_o divine_a person_n in_o the_o same_o word_n and_o phrase_n as_o they_o use_v concern_v a_o common_a specific_a nature_n which_o lead_v some_o into_o a_o great_a mistake_n as_o if_o they_o mean_v no_o more_o by_o it_o but_o a_o specific_a sameness_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n that_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n have_v one_o substance_n no_o otherwise_o than_o as_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n have_v one_o and_o the_o same_o humane_a nature_n for_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v not_o one_o mere_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o in_o mere_a notion_n and_o idea_n but_o actual_o indivisible_o inseparable_o one_o nor_o be_v it_o a_o common_a nature_n mere_o as_o it_o have_v a_o common_a name_n and_o definition_n but_o by_o a_o actual_a inexistence_n in_o three_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n it_o be_v very_o difficult_a what_o three_z to_o call_v father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n so_o as_o to_o avoid_v the_o heresy_n of_o both_o extreme_n for_o there_o be_v no_o example_n of_o such_o three_o in_o nature_n they_o be_v certain_o three_o for_o the_o father_n be_v not_o the_o son_n nor_o the_o holy_a ghost_n nor_o the_o son_n the_o father_n or_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o each_o of_o the_o three_o be_v perfect_a god_n and_o therefore_o a_o infinite_a mind_n a_o infinite_a spirit_n and_o the_o most_o perfect_a essence_n and_o substance_n and_o that_o substance_n which_o be_v the_o person_n of_o the_o son_n be_v not_o that_o substance_n which_o be_v the_o person_n of_o the_o father_n no_o more_o than_o the_o person_n of_o the_o son_n be_v the_o person_n of_o the_o father_n or_o a_o unbegotten_a be_v a_o beget_v nature_n and_o substance_n and_o therefore_o in_o opposition_n to_o sabellius_n they_o assert_v three_o substantial_a person_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d three_o hypostasis_n or_o personal_a substance_n as_o hypostasis_fw-la signify_v tria_fw-la in_o substantia_fw-la tres_fw-la substantias_fw-la tres_fw-la res_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n do_v assert_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o divine_a nature_n and_o substance_n which_o indivisible_o and_o inseparable_o though_o distinct_o subsist_v in_o all_o three_o for_o the_o understanding_n of_o which_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o as_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v common_a to_o three_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a species_n but_o be_v real_o and_o actual_o one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o all_o so_o these_o three_o divine_a person_n which_o have_v one_o and_o the_o same_o common_a nature_n be_v not_o in_o a_o strict_a and_o proper_a notion_n individual_v of_o the_o same_o common_a nature_n though_o we_o have_v no_o name_n for_o these_o three_o but_o such_o as_o signify_v individual_n as_o person_n hypostasis_n subsistence_n etc._n etc._n and_o there_o be_v no_o create_a person_n hypostasis_fw-la or_o subsistence_n but_o what_o be_v a_o individual_a to_o show_v you_o the_o difference_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o individual_a between_o the_o three_o divine_a person_n and_o three_o individual_a humane_a person_n i_o observe_v that_o every_o humane_a person_n be_v such_o a_o individual_a as_o have_v a_o particular_a humane_a nature_n of_o his_o own_o which_o be_v not_o the_o particular_a nature_n of_o any_o other_o person_n the_o notion_n and_o definition_n of_o humane_a nature_n be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o man_n but_o the_o same_o numerical_a humane_a nature_n do_v not_o subsist_v in_o all_o but_o every_o particular_a individual_a man_n have_v one_o particular_a individual_a humane_a nature_n appropriate_v to_o himself_o that_o be_v which_o be_v his_o particular_a person_n and_o as_o many_o particular_a person_n as_o there_o be_v so_o many_o particular_a humane_a nature_n and_o particular_a man_n there_o be_v but_o now_o the_o divine_a person_n be_v not_o three_o such_o individual_n as_o these_o because_o they_o have_v not_o three_o individual_a divine_a nature_n but_o the_o same_o one_o divine_a nature_n common_a to_o they_o all_o original_o in_o the_o father_n and_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 from_o father_n and_o son_n to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o a_o eternal_a procession_n how_o impossible_a soever_o it_o be_v for_o our_o finite_a understanding_n to_o comprehend_v these_o mystery_n of_o the_o eternal_a generation_n and_o procession_n it_o be_v not_o so_o hard_a to_o conceive_v the_o difference_n between_o three_o person_n who_o have_v one_o individual_a nature_n common_a to_o they_o all_o but_o subsist_v so_o distinct_o in_o each_o of_o they_o as_o to_o make_v they_o three_o distinct_a person_n and_o three_o person_n who_o have_v three_o individual_a nature_n of_o the_o same_o kind_a and_o species_n as_o for_o instance_n three_o human_a person_n which_o have_v three_o individual_a human_a nature_n be_v by_o the_o confession_n of_o all_o mankind_n three_o man_n but_o can_v we_o conceive_v one_o individual_a human_a nature_n which_o original_o constitute_v but_o one_o person_n to_o communicate_v itself_o whole_a and_o entire_a without_o division_n or_o separation_n to_o two_o other_o person_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v three_o human_a person_n each_o of_o which_o person_n be_v distinct_o and_o by_o himself_o true_a and_o perfect_a man_n but_o not_o three_o man_n for_o man_n be_v a_o name_n of_o nature_n and_o if_o person_n can_v be_v multiply_v without_o multiply_v the_o nature_n as_o we_o at_o present_a suppose_n there_o must_v be_v three_o human_a person_n in_o one_o individual_a human_a nature_n that_o be_v three_o person_n and_o one_o man_n but_o not_o three_o man_n no_o more_o than_o three_o human_a nature_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v there_o three_o individual_a divine_a nature_n self-originated_n and_o independent_a on_o each_o other_o though_o perfect_o the_o same_o in_o their_o notion_n and_o definition_n three_o such_o person_n will_v be_v as_o perfect_o three_o god_n as_o three_o human_a person_n that_o have_v three_o individual_a human_a nature_n be_v three_o men._n but_o whereas_o the_o scripture_n teach_v and_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v always_o believe_v there_o be_v but_o one_o infinite_a self-originated_n divine_a nature_n original_o in_o the_o father_n and_o by_o communication_n in_o the_o son_n and_o holy_a spirit_n these_o three_o divine_a person_n be_v each_o of_o they_o true_a and_o perfect_a god_n but_o not_o three_o god_n because_o they_o have_v not_o three_o individual_a divine_a nature_n but_o one_o divine_a nature_n subsist_v distinct_o but_o whole_a and_o perfect_a in_o they_o all_o this_o i_o think_v may_v give_v we_o some_o notion_n of_o one_o numerical_a common_a nature_n which_o be_v no_o species_n and_o of_o person_n which_o be_v no_o individual_n st._n austin_n show_v particular_o ●_o how_o improper_a it_o be_v to_o call_v the_o one_o divine_a essence_n a_o genus_fw-la and_o the_o three_o divine_a person_n species_n or_o to_o call_v the_o divine_a essence_n a_o species_n and_o the_o divine_a person_n individual_n for_o in_o both_o these_o case_n we_o must_v multiply_v the_o name_n of_o essence_n with_o the_o species_n and_o individual_n as_o we_o not_o only_o say_v three_o horse_n but_o three_o animal_n and_o as_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n be_v three_o individual_n so_o they_o be_v three_o man_n in_o consequence_n of_o which_o we_o must_v