whole_a must_v be_v the_o same_o whole_a and_o in_o this_o unity_n of_o nature_n consist_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n i_o grant_v a_o whole_a of_o a_o whole_a be_v very_o unconceivable_a to_o we_o and_o so_o be_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o eternal_a self-originated_n be_v and_o of_o creation_n to_o the_o full_a as_o unconceivable_a as_o the_o eternal_a generation_n of_o a_o whole_a from_o a_o whole_a but_o this_o be_v a_o difficulty_n in_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o eternal_a generation_n not_o of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n if_o god_n beget_v a_o son_n as_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o he_o have_v a_o only_o beget_v son_n he_o must_v communicate_v his_o own_o nature_n to_o he_o and_o beside_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n that_o all_o the_o father_n have_v be_v the_o son_n be_v his_o whole_a nature_n and_o divinity_n reason_n assure_v we_o that_o god_n be_v a_o pure_a simple_a be_v without_o composition_n or_o part_n if_o he_o communicate_v his_o nature_n to_o his_o son_n he_o must_v communicate_v it_o whole_a and_o entire_a without_o division_n or_o separation_n and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o father_n and_o son_n he_o who_o beget_v and_o he_o who_o be_v beget_v be_v two_o and_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o the_o same_o whole_a divinity_n communicate_v by_o the_o father_n to_o the_o son_n be_v but_o the_o same_o one_o divinity_n and_o one_o divinity_n though_o actual_o subsist_v in_o three_o can_v be_v but_o one_o god_n not_o three_o go_n it_o be_v certain_a this_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a unity_n that_o can_v be_v between_z three_z who_o be_v true_o and_o real_o the_o same_o and_o yet_o distinct_a for_o they_o can_v nâ—ver_o be_v more_o one_o than_o to_o be_v three_o same_o be_v and_o three_o whole_n for_o the_o communication_n of_o a_o whole_a may_v make_v a_o number_n but_o can_v distinguish_v or_o multiply_v nature_n sect_n vi_o concern_v the_o unity_n of_o god_n but_o our_o socinian_n adversary_n and_o some_o who_o will_v not_o be_v think_v socinian_o have_v espouse_v such_o a_o notion_n of_o one_o god_n as_o make_v the_o faith_n of_o a_o trinity_n absolute_o irreconcilable_a with_o the_o faith_n of_o one_o god_n by_o one_o god_n they_o mean_v one_o who_o be_v god_n but_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o trinity_n own_v three_o each_o of_o who_o be_v by_o himself_o true_a and_o perfect_a god_n and_o i_o grant_v it_o be_v as_o absolute_o impossible_a to_o reconcile_v these_o two_o as_o it_o be_v to_o reconcile_v contradiction_n for_o to_o say_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o who_o be_v god_n and_o to_o say_v that_o there_o be_v three_o each_o of_o who_o be_v god_n be_v a_o manifest_a contradiction_n and_o yet_o without_o say_v this_o last_o we_o must_v deny_v a_o trinity_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o think_v to_o solve_v this_o with_o word_n without_o sense_n if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o who_o be_v god_n we_o must_v either_o make_v father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n three_o name_n or_o modes_n or_o manifestation_n of_o the_o same_o one_o numerical_a divine_a person_n which_o be_v the_o ancient_a explode_a anathematise_v heresy_n of_o noetus_n and_o sabellius_n or_o we_o must_v make_v the_o son_n and_o holy_a spirit_n to_o be_v mere_a creature_n if_o we_o allow_v any_o personality_n to_o they_o as_o arius_n macedonius_n paulus_n samosatenus_fw-la and_o such_o like_a heretic_n and_o our_o modern_a socinian_n do_v but_o we_o with_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o catholic_n church_n reject_v this_o notion_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n which_o be_v to_o assert_v the_o unity_n but_o to_o deny_v a_o trinity_n and_o because_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o prevail_v a_o notion_n at_o this_o time_n i_o shall_v shelter_v myself_o as_o well_o as_o i_o can_v under_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o catholic_n father_n and_o the_o catholic_n church_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n be_v always_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o appear_v from_o all_o the_o ancient_a creed_n but_o then_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v in_o one_o god_n as_o one_o god_n signify_v one_o divine_a separate_a person_n which_o be_v never_o express_v in_o any_o christian_a creed_n but_o in_o one_o god_n the_o father_n who_o have_v a_o only_o beget_v son_n and_o a_o eternal_a spirit_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o same_o godhead_n there_o be_v no_o christian_a creed_n which_o teach_v the_o belief_n of_o one_o god_n who_o be_v not_o a_o father_n and_o if_o the_o one_o god_n be_v a_o father_n he_o must_v have_v a_o son_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o substance_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n consubstantial_a with_o god_n the_o father_n must_v be_v god_n the_o son_n this_o be_v what_o tertullian_n tell_v we_o oxon._n that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n with_o his_o oeconomy_n that_o be_v with_o his_o only_a beget_v son_n and_o eternal_a spirit_n the_o catholic_n church_n so_o believe_v in_o one_o god_n as_o to_o acknowledge_v three_o person_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n each_o of_o which_o be_v true_o and_o real_o god_n ibid._n as_o they_o must_v necessary_o do_v if_o they_o believe_v a_o trinity_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n they_o be_v charge_v with_o tritheism_n or_o with_o assert_v three_o god_n because_o they_o own_v a_o trinity_n of_o divine_a substantial_a person_n real_o distinct_a from_o each_o other_o each_o of_o which_o be_v true_o and_o perfect_o god_n so_o that_o this_o be_v no_o new_a charge_n against_o the_o asserter_n of_o a_o real_a and_o substantial_a trinity_n and_o the_o ancient_a christian_n have_v no_o regard_n to_o it_o for_o tritheism_n in_o this_o objection_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o trinity_n or_o of_o three_o divine_a person_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n which_o be_v the_o true_a christian_n faith_n as_o to_o show_v this_o brief_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o real_a substantial_a trinity_n from_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n they_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v judaisme_n and_o heresy_n to_o place_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o person_n to_o teach_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o divine_a person_n as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n prax._n we_o may_v find_v enough_o to_o this_o purpose_n in_o tertullian_n against_o praxeas_n and_o athanasius_n against_o the_o sabellian_o in_o st._n hilary_n st._n austin_n and_o many_o other_o athanasius_n commend_v the_o jew_n for_o oppose_v the_o polytheism_n and_o idolatry_n of_o the_o gentile_n paris_n but_o then_o he_o charge_v they_o with_o as_o great_a impiety_n themselves_o in_o deny_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o who_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v and_o in_o accuse_v those_o of_o polytheism_n who_o worship_n the_o father_n by_o the_o son_n ibid._n and_o he_o exhort_v his_o reader_n to_o separate_v themselves_o from_o those_o judaizer_n who_o corrupt_a christianity_n with_o judaism_n who_o deny_v god_n of_o god_n and_o teach_v one_o god_n in_o the_o jewish_a notion_n of_o it_o in_o which_o he_o tax_v the_o sabellian_o who_o teach_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v like_o the_o word_n and_o wisdom_n of_o a_o man_n ibid._n within_o he_o in_o his_o heart_n and_o soul_n and_o therefore_o that_o god_n and_o his_o word_n be_v but_o one_o person_n st._n hilary_n frequent_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o corruption_n of_o the_o evangelical_n faith_n as_o he_o call_v it_o confitentium_fw-la under_o the_o pious_a profession_n of_o one_o god_n to_o deny_v the_o only_o beget_v god_n to_o deny_v christ_n to_o be_v bear_v god_n or_o to_o be_v true_a god_n but_o only_o a_o powerful_a creature_n thereby_o to_o preserve_v the_o faith_n of_o one_o god_n which_o they_o think_v the_o birth_n of_o god_n do_v overthrow_n in_o which_o he_o distinct_o charge_v the_o sabellian_o and_o arian_n the_o first_o for_o make_v god_n but_o one_o person_n for_o fear_v of_o introduce_v a_o trinity_n of_o god_n with_o a_o trinity_n of_o person_n the_o other_o for_o make_v christ_n a_o mere_a creature_n though_o the_o first_o and_o most_o powerful_a creature_n for_o fear_v of_o make_v a_o second_o god_n shall_v they_o have_v own_v he_o to_o be_v god_n of_o god_n of_o the_o same_o substance_n with_o the_o father_n in_o opposition_n to_o this_o he_o tell_v we_o what_o the_o true_a faith_n be_v 1._o which_o they_o have_v learn_v from_o divine_a revelation_n neither_o to_o preach_v two_o god_n nor_o one_o solitary_a divine_a person_n for_o so_o solus_fw-la must_v signify_v in_o this_o place_n and_o undertake_v to_o prove_v both_o from_o the_o evangelist_n and_o prophet_n that_o when_o we_o profess_v our_o faith_n in_o god_n the_o father_n and_o god_n the_o son_n we_o must_v neither_o own_o god_n the_o father_n and_o god_n the_o son_n to_o be_v one_o person_n as_o the_o
the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o socinian_n controversy_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o catholic_n father_n concern_v a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n by_o william_n sherlock_n d._n d._n dean_n of_o st._n paul_n master_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n london_n print_v for_o william_n rogers_n at_o the_o sun_n against_o st._n dunstan_n church_n in_o fleetstreet_n mdcxc_o viii_o the_o preface_n i_o have_v little_a to_o say_v to_o the_o reader_n have_v sufficient_o explain_v the_o design_n of_o this_o treatise_n in_o the_o first_o section_n those_o who_o remember_v how_o this_o controversy_n have_v be_v of_o late_o manage_v may_v possible_o expect_v what_o they_o will_v not_o find_v some_o sharp_a resentment_n of_o the_o ill_a usage_n i_o have_v meet_v with_o and_o as_o sharp_a return_v but_o i_o write_v not_o to_o revenge_v myself_o but_o to_o explain_v and_o vindicate_v the_o true_o ancient_a catholic_n and_o apostolic_a faith_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n which_o require_v a_o compose_v and_o sedate_v mind_n both_o in_o the_o writer_n and_o reader_n for_o this_o reason_n i_o have_v thus_o long_o delay_v the_o publication_n of_o this_o treatise_n the_o great_a part_n of_o which_o be_v print_v two_o year_n since_o that_o those_o who_o will_v ever_o grow_v cool_a may_v have_v time_n to_o recover_v their_o temper_n and_o do_v i_o not_o hope_v that_o the_o publication_n of_o it_o at_o this_o time_n will_v tend_v more_o to_o quiet_a man_n mind_n to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o heretic_n and_o to_o secure_v the_o catholic_n faith_n than_o a_o passive_a silence_n it_o shall_v never_o see_v the_o light_n how_o much_o soever_o my_o own_o reputation_n may_v suffer_v by_o it_o but_o i_o persuade_v myself_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o of_o the_o catholic_n father_n be_v not_o at_o so_o low_a a_o ebb_n even_o in_o this_o age_n as_o to_o be_v easy_o despise_v and_o therefore_o their_o explication_n their_o argument_n their_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n of_o heretic_n will_v have_v their_o due_a weight_n and_o i_o have_v not_o go_v one_o step_n further_o i_o appeal_v to_o the_o catholic_n father_n and_o be_o content_v to_o stand_v or_o fall_v by_o their_o sentence_n i_o have_v not_o wilful_o misrepresent_v their_o sense_n in_o any_o thing_n and_o have_v take_v all_o possible_a care_v not_o to_o mistake_v it_o and_o as_o far_o as_o human_a authority_n be_v concern_v here_o i_o must_v leave_v the_o matter_n for_o i_o know_v of_o no_o further_a appeal_n the_o content_n chap._n i._n sect_n i._o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o socinian_n controversy_n and_o how_o to_o reduce_v the_o dispute_n to_o the_o original_a question_n page_n 1._o sect_n ii_o how_o to_o reduce_v this_o dispute_n concern_v the_o trinity_n to_o scripture-term_n 4_o the_o form_n of_o baptism_n the_o rule_n and_o standard_n of_o faith_n ibid._n that_o these_o name_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v more_o easy_o understand_v and_o give_v we_o a_o true_a idea_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n than_o any_o artificial_a term_n 5_o etc._n etc._n sect_n iii_o that_o the_o title_n of_o god_n attribute_v in_o scripture_n distinct_o to_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n give_v we_o the_o best_a account_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o must_v determine_v the_o signification_n of_o ecclesiastical_a word_n 12_o this_o particular_o explain_v with_o respect_n to_o those_o term_n nature_n essence_n substance_n hypostasis_fw-la existence_n subsistence_n person_n etc._n etc._n 13_o etc._n etc._n sect_n iv._o these_o name_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n prove_v the_o real_a distinction_n of_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n 20_o etc._n etc._n sect_n v._o these_o name_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n prove_v the_o unity_n sameness_n identity_n of_o nature_n and_o godhead_n explain_v at_o large_a 24_o sect_n vi_o concern_v the_o unity_n of_o god_n 33_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o catholic_n church_n believe_v in_o one_o god_n ibid._n tritheism_n a_o old_a sabellian_n and_o arian_n objection_n against_o the_o trinity_n 34_o how_o answer_v by_o the_o catholic_n father_n 37_o etc._n etc._n chap._n ii_o a_o examination_n of_o some_o consideration_n concern_v the_o trinity_n sect_n i._o concern_v the_o way_n of_o manage_v this_o controversy_n 51_o what_o way_n the_o considerer_n dislike_v 52_o etc._n etc._n what_o way_n he_o take_v viz._n consult_v scripture_n and_o natural_a sentiment_n 56_o 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 60_o what_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v from_o whence_o we_o must_v receive_v this_o traditionary_a faith_n ibid._n what_o evidence_n we_o have_v for_o this_o tradition_n from_o the_o ancient_a heresy_n condemn_v by_o the_o catholic_n church_n 64_o of_o what_o authority_n the_o traditionary_a faith_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n ought_v to_o be_v in_o expound_v scripture_n 77_o sect_n iii_o what_o be_v sufficient_a to_o be_v believe_v concern_v the_o trinity_n 80_o his_o requisite_n to_o make_v it_o possible_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v a_o thing_n 81_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 84_o his_o examination_n of_o these_o term_n god_n unity_n identity_n distinction_n number_n and_o person_n and_o 1._o of_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n 86_o sect_n v._o his_o notion_n and_o idea_n of_o unity_n distinction_n person_n his_o sabellian_n notion_n of_o a_o person_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o single_a person_n in_o the_o trinity_n as_o person_n signify_v proper_o a_o particular_a intelligent_a be_v 88_o this_o he_o prove_v from_o his_o notion_n of_o unity_n and_o distinction_n the_o unity_n and_o distinction_n of_o idea_n of_o principle_n and_o of_o position_n 91_o what_o he_o mean_v by_o a_o obscure_a confuse_a knowledge_n and_o a_o general_a confuse_a faith_n of_o the_o trinity_n 101_o sect_n vi_o what_o the_o scripture_n require_v we_o to_o believe_v concern_v the_o trinity_n 103_o his_fw-la sabellian_n notion_n of_o one_o god_n to_o be_v adore_v under_o three_o different_a title_n and_o character_n ibid._n his_o scripture-proof_n of_o this_o examine_v 104_o etc._n etc._n his_o attempt_n to_o reconcile_v this_o with_o god_n be_v one_o and_o three_o 108_o etc._n etc._n and_o with_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o second_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n 113_o his_o account_n of_o the_o union_n of_o god_n and_o man._n 115_o what_o end_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n serve_v not_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o speculation_n but_o as_o a_o artificial_a representation_n of_o god_n love_n to_o man_n 120_o chap._n iii_o a_o account_n of_o the_o sabellian_n heresy_n and_o by_o what_o argument_n the_o catholic_n father_n oppose_v it_o 124_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o sabellianism_n 1_o those_o who_o make_v father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v only_o three_o name_n appearance_n and_o office_n of_o the_o same_o person_n and_o here_o the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o the_o son_n be_v a_o person_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n a_o person_n but_o whether_o they_o be_v distinct_a person_n from_o the_o father_n 125_o by_o what_o argument_n the_o catholic_n father_n oppose_v this_o heresy_n 127_o 2._o that_o the_o son_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o father_n only_o as_o a_o man_n word_n be_v distinguish_v from_o himself_o 133_o and_o by_o what_o argument_n the_o catholic_n father_n oppose_v this_o heresy_n 134_o 3._o some_o make_v god_n a_o compound_n be_v and_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o one_o god_n 143_o by_o what_o argument_n the_o father_n oppose_v it_o ibid._n chap._n iu._n concern_v the_o homoousion_n or_o one_o substance_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n 150_o sect_n i._o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o homoousion_n from_o those_o misrepresentation_n which_o be_v make_v of_o it_o and_o the_o answer_n which_o be_v give_v by_o the_o nicene_n father_n to_o such_o objection_n 152_o sect_n ii_o some_o rule_n for_o expound_v the_o homoousion_n 158_o sect_n iii_o what_o the_o nicene_n father_n mean_v by_o the_o homoousion_n 163_o sect_n iv._o a_o more_o particular_a inquiry_n into_o the_o full_a signification_n of_o the_o homoousion_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o specific_a unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n 170_o sect_n v._o that_o by_o the_o homoousion_n the_o nicene_n father_n do_v not_o mere_o understand_v a_o specific_a but_o a_o natural_a unity_n and_o sameness_n of_o substance_n between_o father_n and_o son_n 180_o damascen_n distinction_n between_o one_o in_o notion_n and_o one_o in_o reality_n ibid._n this_o appear_v from_o their_o notion_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 181_o and_o the_o catholic_n father_n lie_v the_o
be_v but_o one_o god_n but_o yet_o require_v we_o to_o believe_v his_o eternal_a son_n to_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n and_o his_o eternal_a spirit_n to_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v very_o reconcilable_a with_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n for_o as_o far_o as_o revelation_n must_v decide_v this_o dispute_n we_o be_v as_o much_o oblige_v to_o believe_v that_o the_o father_n be_v god_n the_o son_n god_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n god_n as_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n those_o who_o will_v not_o acquiesce_v in_o this_o must_v appeal_v from_o scripture_n to_o natural_a reason_n which_o be_v a_o very_a absurd_a and_o impudent_a appeal_n for_o the_o plain_a sense_n of_o it_o be_v this_o that_o they_o will_v believe_v their_o own_o reason_n before_o the_o scripture_n in_o matter_n relate_v to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o unity_n which_o all_o wise_a man_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v so_o much_o above_o human_a comprehension_n that_o be_v that_o they_o know_v the_o unity_n of_o god_n better_a than_o god_n himself_o do_v or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o they_o will_v never_o believe_v any_o revelation_n to_o come_v from_o god_n or_o any_o thing_n how_o express_a soever_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o revelation_n any_o far_a than_o their_o own_o reason_n approve_v it_o of_o which_o more_o elsewhere_o and_o yet_o i_o dare_v appeal_n to_o any_o man_n of_o a_o free_a and_o unbiased_a reason_n in_o this_o cause_n what_o be_v that_o natural_a notion_n we_o have_v of_o one_o god_n be_v it_o any_o thing_n more_o than_o that_o there_o be_v and_o can_v be_v but_o one_o eternal_a self-originated_n be_v who_o be_v the_o principle_n or_o cause_n of_o all_o other_o being_n and_o do_v not_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o all_o trinitarian_n with_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n own_o this_o do_v not_o all_o the_o christian_a creed_n teach_v we_o to_o profess_v our_o faith_n in_o one_o god_n the_o father_n from_o who_o the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n receive_v their_o godhead_n thus_o far_o then_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o the_o catholic_n faith_n agree_v do_v reason_n then_o deny_v that_o god_n can_v beget_v of_o himself_o a_o eternal_a son_n his_o own_o perfect_a image_n and_o likeness_n if_o it_o do_v than_o indeed_o scripture_n and_o reason_n contradict_v each_o other_o but_o i_o believe_v these_o man_n will_v not_o pretend_v to_o prove_v from_o reason_n that_o god_n can_v not_o beget_v a_o eternal_a son_n and_o if_o this_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o reason_n as_o i_o be_o certain_a it_o never_o can_v than_o reason_n do_v not_o contradict_v scripture_n which_o teach_v we_o that_o god_n have_v a_o only_o beget_v son_n and_o if_o god_n have_v a_o only_o beget_v son_n reason_n will_v teach_v we_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n must_v be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n and_o yet_o not_o another_o god_n because_o he_o have_v one_o and_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o his_o father_n this_o be_v all_o that_o any_o christian_a need_n to_o believe_v concern_v this_o matter_n and_o all_o this_o every_o christian_a may_v understand_v and_o all_o this_o every_o one_o who_o sincere_o believe_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n do_v and_o must_v agree_v in_o those_o who_o do_v not_o i_o will_v at_o any_o time_n undertake_v to_o prove_v to_o be_v secret_a heretic_n and_o enemy_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o as_o for_o those_o who_o do_v i_o will_v never_o dispute_v with_o they_o about_o some_o term_n of_o art_n and_o the_o propriety_n of_o word_n in_o a_o matter_n which_o be_v so_o much_o above_o all_o word_n and_o form_n of_o speech_n and_o here_o i_o leave_v this_o matter_n upon_o a_o sure_a bottom_n and_o here_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o join_v issue_n with_o our_o socinian_n adversary_n our_o only_a controversy_n as_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n with_o they_o be_v whether_o the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n each_o of_o they_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n if_o we_o can_v prove_v this_o which_o have_v be_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o all_o age_n we_o need_v dispute_v no_o other_o matter_n with_o they_o nor_o can_v any_o dispute_n among_o ourselves_o give_v any_o support_n to_o their_o cause_n a_o dispute_n about_o word_n may_v look_v like_o a_o difference_n in_o faith_n when_o both_o contend_a party_n may_v mean_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o those_o must_v do_v who_o sincere_o own_o and_o believe_v that_o the_o son_n be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n and_o that_o neither_o of_o they_o be_v the_o father_n nor_o each_o other_o and_o therefore_o those_o different_a explication_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n which_o the_o socinian_o of_o late_o have_v so_o much_o triumph_v in_o and_o make_v more_o and_o great_a than_o real_o they_o be_v and_o more_o senseless_a too_o by_o their_o false_a representation_n can_v do_v they_o no_o real_a service_n among_o wise_a man_n though_o it_o may_v help_v to_o amuse_v the_o ignorant_a if_o any_o man_n have_v subtle_o distinguish_v away_o the_o catholic_n faith_n they_o may_v take_v they_o to_o themselves_o and_o increase_v their_o party_n by_o they_o but_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n as_o i_o hope_v it_o be_v not_o it_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o catholic_n faith_n that_o some_o man_n open_o oppose_v it_o and_o other_o at_o least_o in_o some_o man_n opinion_n do_v secret_o undermine_v it_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o guard_v the_o christian_a faith_n against_o all_o inconvenient_a or_o dangerous_a explication_n which_o seem_v to_o approach_v near_o heresy_n if_o this_o be_v do_v with_o due_a christian_a temper_n and_o moderation_n but_o i_o hope_v the_o dispute_n of_o the_o trinitarian_n be_v not_o so_o irreconcilable_a but_o that_o they_o will_v all_o unite_v against_o a_o pestilent_a and_o insolent_a heresy_n which_o now_o promise_v itself_o glorious_a success_n only_o from_o their_o private_a quarrel_n chap._n ii_o a_o examination_n of_o some_o consideration_n concern_v the_o trinity_n sect_n i._o concern_v the_o way_n of_o manage_v this_o controversy_n before_o i_o put_v a_o end_n to_o this_o discourse_n it_o will_v contribute_v very_o much_o to_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v and_o give_v a_o clear_a notion_n of_o the_o use_n of_o it_o to_o apply_v these_o principle_n to_o the_o examination_n of_o a_o late_a treatise_n entitle_v some_o consideration_n concern_v the_o trinity_n the_o author_n i_o know_v not_o he_o write_v with_o temper_n and_o though_o he_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o find_v fault_n he_o do_v it_o civil_o and_o therefore_o he_o ought_v to_o meet_v with_o civil_a usage_n and_o so_o he_o shall_v from_o i_o as_o far_o as_o the_o bare_a censure_n of_o his_o principle_n will_v admit_v i_o be_v i_o confess_v startle_v at_o the_o first_o entrance_n to_o find_v he_o own_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o these_o point_n concern_v the_o trinity_n 1._o for_o if_o after_o the_o most_o perfect_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o we_o must_v ever_o expect_v and_o the_o universal_a tradition_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n for_o above_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n this_o faith_n be_v still_o uncertain_a it_o be_v time_n to_o leave_v off_o all_o inquiry_n about_o it_o as_o for_o the_o many_o absurd_a and_o blasphemous_a exposition_n that_o have_v be_v make_v of_o this_o doctrine_n if_o by_o they_o he_o mean_v the_o ancient_a heresy_n which_o infest_a the_o church_n they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o render_v our_o faith_n uncertain_a that_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v he_o anon_o the_o very_a condemnation_n of_o those_o heresy_n by_o the_o catholic_n church_n give_v we_o a_o more_o certain_a account_n what_o the_o true_a catholic_n faith_n be_v i_o agree_v with_o he_o that_o the_o warm_a and_o indiscreet_a management_n of_o contrary_a party_n have_v be_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o religion_n among_o unthinking_a people_n who_o hence_o conclude_v the_o uncertainty_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o it_o concern_v good_a man_n to_o remove_v this_o prejudice_n by_o distinguish_v the_o catholic_n faith_n from_o the_o dispute_n about_o ecclesiastical_a word_n and_o the_o catholic_n sense_n of_o they_o and_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v this_o may_v be_v do_v and_o then_o the_o faith_n be_v secure_a notwithstanding_o these_o dispute_n and_o as_o for_o any_o other_o offence_n or_o scandal_n let_v those_o look_v to_o it_o who_o either_o give_v or_o take_v it_o this_o considerer_n dislike_v all_o the_o way_n and_o method_n which_o have_v hitherto_o be_v take_v to_o compose_v these_o dispute_n 1._o he_o
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 poloni_n or_o read_v over_o any_o late_a treatise_n concern_v this_o controversy_n while_o i_o be_v compose_v the_o present_a essay_n resolve_v to_o consult_v nothing_o but_o scripture_n and_o my_o own_o natural_a sentiment_n and_o draw_v all_o my_o reflection_n from_o thence_o take_v only_o such_o which_o easy_o and_o without_o constraint_n offer_v themselves_o thus_o des_n cartes_n make_v a_o new_a philosophy_n and_o this_o be_v the_o best_a way_n that_o can_v be_v think_v of_o to_o make_v a_o new_a faith_n this_o have_v a_o appearance_n of_o great_a indifferency_n and_o impartiality_n but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n when_o man_n boast_v in_o this_o as_o a_o virtue_n and_o attainment_n and_o a_o excellent_a disposition_n of_o mind_n for_o the_o examination_n of_o matter_n of_o faith_n i_o never_o in_o my_o life_n yet_o see_v any_o one_o example_n to_o the_o contrary_a but_o that_o when_o man_n who_o have_v be_v educate_v in_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o tolerable_o 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 own_o that_o it_o be_v indifferent_a to_o he_o when_o he_o undertake_v this_o design_n whether_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n shall_v upon_o examination_n appear_v true_a or_o false_a if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o socinian_o will_v tell_v he_o that_o he_o have_v not_o preserve_v a_o freedom_n of_o judgement_n and_o then_o he_o do_v well_o in_o not_o consult_v the_o fratres_n poloni_n for_o he_o have_v condemn_v they_o without_o hear_v or_o if_o he_o be_v persuade_v concern_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v it_o indifferent_a to_o he_o whether_o the_o sabellian_n or_o arian_n or_o true_a catholic_n notion_n of_o a_o trinity_n contain_v in_o the_o nicene_n and_o athanasian_n creed_n be_v the_o true_a faith_n that_o be_v be_v it_o indifferent_a to_o he_o whether_o the_o ancient_a heresy_n condemn_v by_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o that_o faith_n which_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v always_o own_a and_o profess_a be_v the_o true_a faith_n for_o my_o part_n i_o confess_v i_o be_o not_o thus_o indifferent_a i_o will_v never_o shut_v my_o eye_n against_o plain_a conviction_n which_o be_v all_o the_o freedom_n of_o judge_v which_o be_v allowable_a but_o my_o prejudices_fw-la be_v and_o i_o hope_v always_o will_v be_v on_o the_o side_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n no_o wise_a man_n can_v be_v thus_o indifferent_a and_o we_o shall_v find_v this_o considerer_n be_v not_o so_o very_o indifferent_a for_o the_o main_a principle_n he_o reason_n on_o be_v some_o popular_a mistake_v and_o prejudices_fw-la which_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v espouse_v without_o due_a consideration_n but_o let_v we_o allow_v he_o to_o be_v as_o free_a and_o unprejudiced_a as_o he_o please_v i_o can_v think_v that_o he_o take_v a_o good_a method_n to_o understand_v this_o sacred_a mystery_n he_o lay_v aside_o father_n schoolman_n and_o other_o late_a treatise_n concern_v this_o controversy_n and_o consult_v nothing_o but_o scripture_n and_o his_o own_o natural_a sentiment_n 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 bâ—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
the_o son_n to_o be_v a_o distinct_a substantial_a person_n this_o dispute_v we_o hear_v nothing_o of_o but_o the_o only_a dispute_n be_v concern_v the_o consubstantiality_n of_o the_o son_n with_o the_o father_n and_o that_o prove_v that_o they_o do_v own_o the_o son_n to_o be_v a_o substantial_a person_n for_o be_v he_o not_o in_o a_o true_a proper_a sense_n a_o person_n and_o a_o substantial_a person_n he_o can_v not_o be_v consubstantial_a with_o the_o father_n nay_o sy_n austin_n express_o tell_v we_o that_o arius_n agree_v with_o the_o catholic_n against_o the_o sabellian_o 5._o in_o make_v the_o son_n a_o distinct_a person_n from_o the_o father_n and_o if_o so_o the_o catholic_n teach_v that_o the_o son_n be_v as_o distinct_a a_o person_n as_o arius_n do_v though_o not_o a_o separate_a and_o create_a person_n as_o he_o do_v now_o when_o arius_n will_v have_v reduce_v christ_n into_o the_o number_n of_o creature_n though_o he_o make_v he_o the_o first_o and_o most_o excellent_a creature_n create_v before_o the_o world_n and_o god_n minister_n in_o make_v the_o world_n as_o like_v to_o god_n as_o a_o creature_n can_v possible_o be_v but_o not_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o god_n the_o catholic_n church_n will_v not_o bear_v this_o but_o in_o a_o most_o venerable_a synod_n collect_v from_o most_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n condemn_v this_o as_o contrary_a to_o the_o faith_n always_o receive_v and_o own_a in_o their_o several_a church_n thus_o far_o at_o least_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n be_v sacred_a and_o venerable_a and_o the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o all_o these_o several_a church_n be_v a_o more_o certain_a proof_n of_o the_o apostolic_a faith_n than_o all_o the_o wit_n and_o subtlety_n of_o arius_n for_o wit_n may_v patronize_v new_a error_n but_o can_v prove_v that_o to_o be_v the_o ancient_a apostolic_a faith_n which_o the_o church_n have_v never_o receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n nor_o ever_o hear_v of_o before_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o very_a sensible_a proof_n what_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n till_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a and_o consequent_o what_o that_o faith_n be_v which_o the_o church_n receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o this_o abundant_o satisfy_v i_o that_o whatever_o loose_a expression_n we_o may_v meet_v with_o in_o some_o of_o the_o father_n before_o the_o arian_n controversy_n be_v start_v and_o manage_v with_o great_a art_n and_o subtilty_n though_o i_o know_v of_o none_o but_o what_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o very_a orthodox_n sense_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v not_o arian_n nor_o intend_v any_o such_o thing_n in_o what_o they_o say_v for_o have_v arianism_n be_v the_o traditionary_a faith_n of_o the_o church_n it_o must_v have_v be_v know_v to_o be_v so_o and_o then_o how_o come_v the_o church_n to_o be_v so_o strange_o alarm_v at_o the_o first_o news_n of_o it_o or_o what_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o those_o venerable_a father_n and_o confessor_n in_o that_o great_a council_n who_o either_o do_v not_o know_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n or_o do_v so_o horrible_o prevaricate_v in_o the_o condemnation_n of_o arius_n when_o they_o have_v no_o other_o apparent_a interest_n or_o temptation_n to_o do_v so_o but_o a_o warm_a and_o hearty_a zeal_n for_o the_o true_o ancient_a and_o apostolic_a faith_n it_o be_v certain_a arius_n never_o pretend_v catholic_n tradition_n for_o his_o opinion_n but_o undertake_v to_o reform_v the_o catholic_n faith_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o philosophy_n and_o to_o reconcile_v it_o to_o scripture_n by_o new-coined_a interpretation_n though_o in_o this_o he_o fail_v and_o find_v the_o great_a athanasius_n a_o over-match_n for_o he_o it_o be_v not_o with_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v with_o art_n and_o science_n of_o human_a invention_n which_o may_v be_v improve_v in_o every_o age_n by_o great_a wit_n or_o new_a observation_n but_o faith_n depend_v upon_o revelation_n not_o invention_n and_o we_o can_v no_o more_o make_v a_o new_a catholic_n faith_n by_o the_o power_n of_o wit_n and_o reason_n than_o we_o can_v write_v a_o true_a history_n of_o what_o the_o apostle_n do_v and_o teach_v out_o of_o our_o own_o invention_n without_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o ancient_a record_n man_n may_v do_v such_o thing_n if_o they_o please_v but_o one_o will_v be_v heresy_n and_o the_o other_o a_o romance_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o bold_a and_o brave_a attempt_n of_o secinus_fw-la and_o his_o disciple_n they_o be_v so_o modest_a indeed_o as_o not_o to_o pretend_v antiquity_n to_o be_v on_o their_o side_n they_o can_v find_v no_o other_o antiquity_n for_o themselves_o but_o in_o cerinthus_n and_o ebion_n who_o separate_v from_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o be_v reject_v by_o they_o and_o it_o do_v not_o seem_v very_o modest_a to_o set_v up_o such_o man_n as_o these_o against_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n the_o socinian_o who_o know_v very_o well_o what_o the_o charge_n of_o novelty_n signify_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n that_o a_o new_a faith_n be_v but_o another_o name_n for_o new_a heresy_n though_o they_o reject_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o catholic_n tradition_n of_o the_o faith_n from_o the_o apostolic_a age_n yet_o they_o appeal_v to_o scripture_n and_o natural_a sentiment_n as_o the_o great_a and_o best_a antiquity_n in_o opposition_n to_o apostolic_a tradition_n this_o be_v our_o considerer_n way_n which_o he_o prefer_v before_o a_o traditionary_a faith_n and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o socinian_o may_v oppose_v it_o to_o a_o traditionary_a faith_n and_o if_o we_o must_v always_o expound_v scripture_n by_o our_o natural_a sentiment_n this_o author_n have_v best_a consider_v whether_o he_o can_v prove_v a_o trinity_n by_o natural_a reason_n or_o fair_o reconcile_v the_o natural_a notion_n of_o one_o god_n with_o the_o catholic_n faith_n of_o the_o trinity_n or_o of_o three_o each_o of_o who_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n from_o the_o mere_a principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n for_o if_o he_o can_v he_o must_v not_o in_o his_o way_n find_v a_o trinity_n in_o scripture_n but_o of_o this_o more_o hereafter_o 3._o let_v we_o now_o in_o opposition_n to_o this_o pretence_n consider_v of_o what_o authority_n the_o traditionary_a faith_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n ought_v to_o be_v in_o expound_v scripture_n the_o holy_a scripture_n at_o least_o in_o pretence_n be_v allow_v on_o all_o hand_n to_o be_v a_o complete_a and_o authentic_a rule_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o question_n be_v since_o man_n differ_v so_o much_o in_o expound_v scripture_n what_o be_v the_o safe_a rule_n to_o expound_v scripture_n by_o whether_o the_o traditionary_a faith_n of_o the_o church_n or_o our_o natural_a sentiment_n or_o natural_a reason_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o we_o must_v learn_v the_o critical_a sense_n of_o every_o text_n from_o catholic_n tradition_n for_o we_o have_v not_o in_o all_o point_v such_o a_o traditionary_a exposition_n of_o scripture_n though_o even_o in_o this_o respect_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o catholic_n father_n have_v unanimous_o agree_v in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o most_o material_a text_n relate_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n and_o the_o divinity_n and_o incarnation_n of_o christ._n they_o sometime_o indeed_o allege_v such_o text_n especial_o out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o our_o modern_a critic_n will_v not_o allow_v to_o be_v proper_a and_o apposite_a but_o even_o this_o show_n what_o their_o faith_n be_v and_o yet_o these_o very_a exposition_n which_o have_v be_v so_o ancient_o and_o unanimous_o receive_v though_o they_o may_v appear_v at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n too_o force_v and_o mystical_a have_v too_o sacred_a and_o venerable_a a_o authority_n to_o be_v wanton_o reject_v we_o may_v learn_v from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n what_o mysterious_a and_o hide_a sense_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n such_o as_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a we_o shall_v never_o have_v find_v in_o they_o have_v not_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n explain_v their_o meaning_n and_o the_o near_a any_o writer_n be_v to_o the_o apostolic_a age_n the_o more_o they_o be_v addict_v to_o these_o mystical_a interpretation_n which_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o learn_v it_o from_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o but_o this_o be_v not_o what_o i_o now_o intend_v my_o present_a argument_n reach_v no_o far_a than_o this_o that_o if_o we_o can_v learn_v what_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n concern_v the_o holy_a trinity_n and_o the_o divinity_n and_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n have_v always_o be_v then_o 1._o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a to_o conclude_v that_o they_o
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
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 inquiry_n into_o the_o difference_n between_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o nature_n and_o person_n with_o a_o account_n of_o some_o catholic_n form_n of_o speech_n relate_v to_o the_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n but_o since_o one_o nature_n and_o essence_n and_o three_o hypostasis_n or_o person_n be_v the_o catholic_n language_n and_o necessary_a to_o guard_v the_o faith_n from_o those_o two_o extreme_n of_o sabellianism_n and_o arianism_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o consider_v how_o to_o apply_v these_o ecclesiastical_a term_n to_o the_o three_o and_o one_o in_o the_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n and_o here_o be_v i_o so_o dispose_v i_o may_v enter_v into_o a_o very_a large_a and_o perplex_a dispute_n but_o my_o design_n as_o far_o as_o possible_o i_o can_v attain_v it_o be_v only_o to_o explain_v what_o the_o catholic_n father_n mean_v by_o these_o term_n and_o to_o give_v a_o plain_a and_o sensible_a notion_n of_o they_o and_o after_o what_o i_o have_v already_o so_o large_o discourse_v concern_v nature_n and_o hypostasis_fw-la i_o have_v little_o more_o to_o do_v than_o to_o compare_v they_o together_o and_o to_o show_v in_o what_o the_o catholic_n father_n place_v this_o distinction_n and_o as_o nothing_o be_v of_o great_a consequence_n than_o right_o to_o understand_v this_o matter_n so_o nothing_o require_v great_a caution_n nor_o great_a application_n of_o mind_n whosoever_o be_v conversant_a in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n must_v acknowledge_v it_o not_o only_o reasonable_a but_o necessary_a to_o distinguish_v between_o their_o faith_n and_o their_o philosophy_n their_o faith_n which_o they_o receive_v srom_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o universal_a tradition_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v plain_a and_o simple_a and_o the_o same_o in_o all_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n who_o have_v a_o eternal_a son_n and_o a_o eternal_a spirit_n that_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v each_o of_o they_o by_o himself_o true_a and_o perfect_a god_n and_o all_o but_o one_o god_n which_o be_v a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n and_o unity_n in_o trinity_n that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o true_a and_o proper_a sense_n three_o and_o one_o this_o be_v the_o catholic_n faith_n wherein_o they_o all_o agree_v but_o then_o those_o philosophical_a term_n which_o the_o importunity_n of_o heretic_n who_o corrupt_v either_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o unity_n or_o trinity_n force_v they_o to_o use_v in_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o mystery_n be_v of_o a_o different_a consideration_n these_o have_v not_o always_o be_v the_o same_o nor_o have_v all_o agree_v in_o they_o and_o the_o wise_a man_n have_v own_v great_a impropriety_n in_o they_o all_o when_o apply_v to_o this_o sacred_a mystery_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v otherwise_o for_o that_o infinite_a difference_n and_o diversity_n there_o be_v between_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n nay_o all_o create_a nature_n can_v never_o admit_v of_o any_o common_a term_n proper_a to_o express_v both_o the_o most_o perfect_a creature_n bear_v only_o some_o imperfect_a analogy_n and_o resemblance_n to_o what_o we_o conceive_v of_o god_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o apply_v such_o word_n and_o term_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o be_v borrow_v from_o creature_n and_o we_o have_v no_o other_o we_o must_v understand_v they_o only_o by_o way_n of_o analogy_n and_o accommodation_n and_o when_o we_o expound_v such_o term_n as_o be_v use_v by_o the_o catholic_n father_n in_o such_o a_o accommodate_v sense_n we_o must_v apply_v they_o no_o further_o than_o that_o particular_a matter_n they_o intend_v to_o represent_v by_o they_o i_o have_v already_o shâ—wn_v this_o in_o several_a particular_a passage_n relate_v to_o the_o homoousion_n but_o now_o i_o be_o more_o particular_o to_o consider_v the_o difference_n between_o essence_n and_o hypostasis_fw-la and_o i_o shall_v only_o show_v how_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n stand_v what_o have_v occasion_v this_o difficulty_n what_o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o controversy_n be_v and_o how_o we_o may_v form_v some_o sensible_a notion_n of_o this_o distinction_n and_o if_o i_o shall_v mistake_v in_o so_o nice_a a_o point_n as_o this_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v be_v a_o pardonable_a mistake_n while_o i_o make_v no_o change_n in_o the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o intend_v it_o only_o as_o a_o essay_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o silence_n or_o qualify_v the_o dispute_n about_o word_n the_o greek_a father_n attribute_v all_o the_o heresy_n relate_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n 3._o to_o this_o one_o mistake_n that_o essence_n and_o hypostasis_fw-la be_v the_o same_o for_o than_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o essence_n in_o the_o bless_a trinity_n there_o must_v consequent_o be_v but_o one_o hypostasis_fw-la which_o be_v sabellianism_n or_o if_o there_o be_v three_o hypostasis_n there_o must_v be_v three_o nature_n and_o essence_n either_o in_o the_o arian_n or_o tritheistick_n notion_n thus_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o incarnation_n two_o nature_n must_v be_v two_o person_n or_o hypostasis_n as_o nestorius_n teach_v or_o one_o person_n must_v be_v but_o one_o mix_v and_o compound_v nature_n too_o which_o be_v the_o heresy_n of_o eutyches_n this_o some_o father_n thought_n a_o fundamental_a error_n in_o philosophy_n introduce_v by_o aristotle_n who_o make_v the_o first_o substance_n which_o be_v the_o only_a true_a and_o proper_a substance_n 23._o to_o be_v that_o which_o be_v predicate_v of_o no_o subject_n nor_o be_v in_o any_o subject_a that_o be_v what_o we_o call_v a_o subsist_v individual_a as_o this_o man_n or_o this_o horse_n and_o therefore_o theorianus_n observe_v that_o the_o catholic_n father_n understand_v essence_n and_o hypostasis_fw-la in_o a_o very_a different_a sense_n from_o the_o greek_a philosopher_n armen_n that_o be_v by_o essence_n and_o substance_n they_o do_v not_o mean_a one_o singular_a individuum_fw-la or_o singular_a nature_n and_o substance_n as_o aristotle_n do_v but_o a_o common_a nature_n not_o a_o common_a notion_n as_o genus_fw-la or_o species_n which_o be_v aristotle_n second_o substance_n but_o a_o common_a subsist_v nature_n which_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o whole_a and_o perfect_a in_o every_o individual_a of_o the_o same_o kind_n and_o what_o aristotle_n call_v his_o first_o substance_n a_o singular_a subsist_v nature_n that_o they_o call_v hypostasis_fw-la a_o common_a subsist_v nature_n with_o its_o individuate_a character_n and_o property_n it_o be_v evident_a some_o age_n past_a before_o these_o word_n essence_n and_o hypostasis_fw-la be_v thus_o nice_o distinguish_v or_o at_o least_o before_o this_o distinction_n be_v so_o unanimous_o receive_v for_o as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v these_o word_n be_v use_v very_o promiscuous_o which_o occasion_v the_o alexandrian_a schism_n and_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v to_o i_o that_o this_o distinction_n be_v settle_v by_o athanasius_n and_o the_o bishop_n with_o he_o in_o that_o synod_n as_o some_o seem_v to_o think_v though_o soon_o after_o it_o general_o prevail_v as_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o st._n basil_n gregory_n nyssen_n st._n cyril_n of_o alexandria_n damascen_n leontius_n theorianus_n theodorus_n abucara_n ignatius_n sinaita_n and_o general_o all_o the_o catholic_n writer_n of_o the_o eutychian_a and_o severian_n age_n who_o universal_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o essence_n and_o hypostasis_fw-la differ_v as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o that_o which_o be_v universal_a differ_v from_o what_o be_v proper_a and_o singular_a now_o so_o far_o these_o father_n be_v certain_o in_o the_o right_n that_o if_o they_o must_v apply_v philosophical_a term_n to_o divine_a mystery_n which_o the_o cavil_v objection_n of_o heretic_n make_v necessary_a there_o be_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n for_o they_o to_o change_v their_o signification_n for_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o common_a to_o
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 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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 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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
this_o ancient_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n he_o sly_o wrest_v and_o apply_v to_o the_o article_n concern_v the_o three_o person_n of_o the_o godhead_n but_o let_v we_o fly_v from_o and_o abhor_v such_o wicked_a artifices_fw-la and_o know_v that_o the_o church_n speak_v after_o another_o manner_n and_o that_o person_n signify_v a_o individual_a intelligent_a incommunicable_a substance_n and_o it_o will_v be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o form_n and_o fix_v this_o notion_n in_o our_o mind_n to_o contemplate_v the_o baptism_n of_o christ_n where_o all_o three_o person_n be_v most_o evident_o represent_v and_o distinguish_v the_o father_n speak_v in_o a_o audible_a voice_n this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n the_o son_n be_v see_v stand_v in_o the_o river_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n descend_v on_o he_o in_o a_o visible_a appearance_n but_o since_o the_o considerer_n make_v a_o great_a flourish_n with_o his_o idea_n and_o clear_a and_o distinct_a conception_n and_o fetch_v his_o proof_n 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be_v divide_v into_o and_o this_o be_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o scripture_n father_n schoolman_n and_o all_o man_n of_o improve_a and_o exercise_v reason_n teach_v and_o it_o be_v strange_a he_o shall_v not_o find_v this_o notion_n of_o unity_n among_o all_o his_o natural_a idea_n which_o be_v the_o only_a natural_a notion_n of_o the_o divine_a unity_n and_o belong_v to_o no_o other_o be_v and_o this_o will_v have_v give_v he_o a_o true_a catholic_n notion_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n in_o a_o trinity_n of_o person_n for_o all_o agree_v that_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v indivisible_o and_o inseparable_o one._n and_o this_o be_v another_o thing_n i_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o know_v the_o reason_n of_o why_o in_o such_o a_o enquiry_n concern_v the_o unity_n and_o distinction_n of_o the_o trinity_n he_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o that_o old_a catholic_n distinction_n that_o god_n be_v one_o in_o nature_n and_o three_o in_o person_n which_o will_v have_v be_v a_o good_a direction_n to_o he_o what_o kind_n of_o unity_n and_o what_o distinction_n to_o have_v inquire_v after_o what_o unity_n belong_v to_o nature_n and_o what_o it_o be_v which_o distinguish_v person_n but_o our_o considerer_n have_v no_o regard_n to_o the_o different_a notion_n of_o nature_n and_o person_n but_o apply_v all_o his_o notion_n of_o unity_n to_o a_o person_n which_o as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v true_a belong_v to_o nature_n and_o from_o the_o unity_n of_o nature_n prove_v against_o the_o catholic_n faith_n that_o there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o proper_a divine_a person_n and_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n i_o be_o sorry_a for_o that_o have_v mention_v a_o very_a good_a notion_n he_o let_v it_o slip_v between_o his_o finger_n without_o make_v any_o use_n of_o it_o 20._o he_o tell_v we_o that_o identity_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o repetition_n of_o unity_n as_o number_n be_v of_o difference_n this_o be_v very_a catholic_n and_o it_o be_v great_a pity_n we_o hear_v no_o more_o of_o it_o upon_o this_o principle_n the_o father_n justify_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n in_o a_o trinity_n of_o person_n for_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v but_o one_o a_o perfect_a monad_n and_o be_v communicate_v whole_a and_o entire_a without_o the_o least_o division_n or_o separation_n to_o the_o son_n and_o holy_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o be_v perfect_o and_o identical_o one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o all_o three_o for_o the_o perfect_a repetition_n of_o a_o monad_n and_o unit_fw-la make_v no_o number_n god_n and_o god_n and_o god_n be_v not_o three_o god_n but_o one_o god_n because_o the_o same_o divine_a nature_n without_o the_o least_o difference_n or_o diversity_n be_v distinct_o in_o they_o all_o and_o the_o repetition_n of_o what_o be_v perfect_o the_o same_o make_v no_o number_n but_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v three_o for_o they_o be_v real_o distinguish_v from_o each_o other_o not_o by_o any_o difference_n of_o nature_n but_o only_o by_o personal_a difference_n or_o the_o different_a manner_n of_o have_v the_o same_o nature_n that_o the_o father_n have_v the_o whole_a divine_a nature_n original_o in_o himself_o be_v god_n of_o himself_o the_o son_n receive_v the_o same_o divine_a nature_n by_o a_o eternal_a generation_n and_o be_v god_n of_o god_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o like_a manner_n by_o a_o eternal_a procession_n from_o father_n and_o son_n this_o incommunicable_o distinguish_v person_n that_o one_o can_v never_o be_v another_o and_o this_o be_v difference_n enough_o to_o make_v a_o number_n not_o to_o make_v three_o god_n of_o they_o because_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v perfect_o one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o three_o but_o to_o distinguish_v they_o into_o three_o person_n each_o of_o who_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n and_o all_o but_o one_o god_n why_o the_o considerer_n shall_v wave_v such_o a_o notion_n as_o this_o of_o unity_n and_o distinction_n which_o any_o one_o will_v have_v think_v his_o own_o notion_n of_o identity_n and_o number_n must_v unavoidable_o have_v lead_v he_o into_o i_o can_v guess_v but_o i_o hope_v this_o may_v satisfy_v he_o that_o there_o be_v other_o notion_n of_o unity_n and_o distinction_n than_o what_o he_o insist_o on_o and_o such_o as_o may_v be_v as_o easy_o understand_v and_o which_o fair_o reconcile_v the_o belief_n of_o three_o proper_a divine_a intelligent_a person_n with_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n but_o let_v we_o now_o brief_o consider_v his_o idea_n of_o unity_n and_o distinction_n 1._o the_o first_o be_v the_o unity_n of_o idea_n this_o he_o discourse_n of_o very_a confuse_o 13_o and_o do_v not_o seem_v well_o please_v with_o it_o himself_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o idea_n he_o place_n in_o be_v perceivable_a at_o one_o view_n and_o have_v one_o uniform_a appearance_n which_o make_v it_o one_o idea_n indeed_o right_a or_o wrong_n but_o prove_v no_o other_o kind_n of_o unity_n this_o he_o grow_v sensible_a of_o that_o the_o reality_n of_o thing_n may_v not_o answer_v our_o idea_n or_o appearance_n and_o i_o know_v not_o how_o they_o shall_v unless_o our_o idea_n answer_v the_o reality_n of_o thing_n for_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v the_o pattern_n for_o our_o idea_n not_o our_o idea_n for_o thing_n but_o the_o considerer_n by_o forsake_v his_o good_a old_a rule_n for_o new_a method_n of_o think_v have_v quite_o mistake_v the_o question_n when_o we_o inquire_v into_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o unity_n the_o meaning_n be_v not_o when_o we_o conceive_v of_o any_o thing_n as_o one_o but_o what_o it_o be_v that_o make_v any_o thing_n one._n the_o unity_n of_o idea_n whether_o simple_a or_o compound_v may_v be_v answer_n enough_o to_o the_o first_o question_n thaâ—_n aâ—l_v that_o be_v comprise_v in_o one_o idea_n if_o our_o idea_n be_v right_a belong_v to_o one_o thing_n but_o as_o he_o