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say_v the_o socinian_o all_o this_o be_v unintelligible_a and_o impossible_a to_o be_v believe_v unless_o we_o can_v believe_v without_o understand_v the_o term_n this_o considerer_n assert_v the_o premise_n he_o have_v best_o consider_v again_o how_o he_o will_v avoid_v the_o conclusion_n another_o socinian_n topick_n be_v contradiction_n and_o this_o our_o considerer_n make_v another_o requisite_a to_o the_o possibility_n of_o believe_v that_o the_o thing_n do_v not_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n to_o our_o former_a knowledge_n that_o be_v to_o any_o natural_a idea_n and_o here_o he_o learned_o dispute_v against_o believe_a contradiction_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o require_v we_o to_o believe_v contradiction_n 13._o but_o if_o instead_o of_o all_o this_o he_o have_v only_o say_v that_o god_n can_v reveal_v such_o plain_a and_o evident_a
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 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 aâ—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
but_o yet_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o divine_a and_o human_a person_n though_o christ_n be_v one_o person_n and_o jesus_n another_o and_o therefore_o as_o the_o nicene_n creed_n which_o we_o find_v also_o in_o the_o ancient_a oriental_a creed_n teach_v we_o to_o believe_v in_o one_o god_n the_o father_n almighty_n maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o of_o all_o thing_n visible_a and_o invisible_a not_o to_o exclude_v christ_n from_o be_v the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n but_o in_o opposition_n to_o those_o heretic_n who_o will_v not_o allow_v the_o supreme_a god_n who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n but_o attribute_v the_o creation_n of_o this_o world_n to_o one_o or_o more_o inferior_a angel_n so_o they_o add_v and_o in_o one_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n in_o opposition_n to_o those_o who_o make_v christ_n and_o jesus_n two_o person_n and_o yet_o in_o this_o very_a heresy_n we_o may_v see_v what_o the_o ancient_n catholic_n faith_n be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v god_n and_o man_n as_o cerinthus_n himself_o own_v though_o he_o will_v not_o unite_v christ_n and_o jesus_n into_o one_o person_n nor_o make_v the_o union_n inseparable_a the_o valentinian_n heresy_n though_o dress_v up_o after_o the_o mode_n of_o the_o pagan_a theology_n be_v a_o manifest_a corruption_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o a_o more_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o divine_a mystery_n and_o we_o may_v still_o see_v the_o break_a remain_n of_o the_o catholic_n tradition_n of_o the_o trinity_n among_o they_o their_o pleroma_n by_o which_o they_o seem_v to_o understand_v the_o fullness_n of_o the_o deity_n as_o st._n paul_n use_v that_o phrase_n 2_o col._n 9_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n dwell_v in_o christ_n bodily_a i_o say_v this_o pleroma_n consist_v of_o several_a aeons_n or_o divine_a person_n which_o be_v propagate_v from_o the_o unknown_a and_o incomprehensible_a father_n in_o gradual_a descent_n and_o all_o together_o make_v up_o the_o complete_a and_o perfect_a deity_n which_o be_v more_o or_o few_o according_a to_o the_o various_a fancy_n of_o heretic_n now_o from_o these_o wild_a conceit_n we_o may_v in_o some_o measure_n learn_v what_o the_o catholic_n faith_n be_v that_o the_o godhead_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o one_o single_a and_o solitary_a person_n but_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o foecundity_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o communicate_v itself_o to_o more_o person_n than_o one_o for_o have_v it_o be_v the_o know_a and_o receive_v faith_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o person_n in_o the_o godhead_n as_o well_o as_o but_o one_o god_n there_o have_v be_v no_o pretence_n for_o these_o heretic_n who_o call_v themselves_o christian_n and_o boast_v of_o a_o more_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n to_o have_v invent_v such_o a_o number_n of_o aeons_n which_o they_o include_v within_o their_o pleroma_n as_o the_o several_a emanation_n of_o their_o deity_n and_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o most_o of_o the_o name_n which_o they_o give_v to_o their_o several_a aeons_n be_v scripture-name_n and_o title_n which_o the_o pagan_a theology_n know_v nothing_o of_o and_o which_o they_o can_v learn_v no_o where_o but_o from_o the_o christian_a church_n basilides_n i_o think_v be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o who_o give_v we_o any_o distinct_a account_n of_o these_o aeons_n which_o be_v new_o model_v by_o valentinus_n and_o other_o succeed_a heretic_n and_o his_o first_o and_o supreme_a aeon_n 24._o as_o epiphanius_n tell_v we_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o unbegotten_a one_o who_o only_o be_v the_o father_n of_o all_o and_o by_o other_o be_v call_v the_o propater_n and_o the_o unknown_a invisible_a incomprehensible_a father_n now_o though_o the_o heathen_n very_o familiar_o call_v their_o supreme_a god_n the_o father_n of_o god_n and_o man_n with_o respect_n to_o his_o create_a power_n yet_o as_o the_o notion_n of_o father_n be_v found_v in_o a_o substantial_a generation_n as_o these_o heretic_n plain_o understand_v it_o so_o it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a character_n of_o god_n under_o the_o gospel_n who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n his_o only_a beget_v son_n it_o be_v certain_a the_o first_o person_n in_o the_o godhead_n be_v never_o call_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o one_o that_o be_v unbegotten_a but_o to_o distinguish_v he_o from_o one_o who_o be_v beget_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o only_o beget_v who_o be_v god_n also_o but_o god_n oâ—_n god_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a what_o tertullian_n tell_v we_o of_o heracleon_n haeret._n that_o he_o make_v his_o first_o aeâ—n_n to_o be_v illud_fw-la quod_fw-la pronunciat_fw-la which_o some_o critic_n not_o understanding_n think_v to_o be_v a_o defect_n in_o the_o copy_n but_o the_o sense_n be_v plain_a that_o his_o first_o aeon_n be_v he_o that_o pronounce_v or_o speak_v by_o which_o he_o represent_v the_o eternal_a generation_n of_o the_o word_n so_o that_o his_o first_o aeon_n be_v the_o pronouncer_n or_o speaker_n that_o be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o eternal_a word_n which_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n be_v with_o god_n and_o be_v god_n which_o show_v that_o this_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o disguise_a corruption_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n concern_v the_o eternal_a generation_n of_o the_o word_n from_o the_o eternal_a unbegotten_a father_n to_o confirm_v this_o i_o observe_v far_o that_o most_o of_o the_o name_n which_o they_o give_v to_o their_o other_n aeons_n be_v such_o name_n title_n or_o character_n as_o the_o scripture_n give_v to_o christ_n or_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o they_o have_v multiply_v into_o so_o many_o distinct_a person_n or_o aeons_n such_o as_o the_o mind_n word_n prudence_n power_n and_o wisdom_n truth_n life_n light_n the_o only_o beget_v the_o paraclete_n and_o the_o like_a valentinus_n indeed_o as_o epiphanius_n observe_v do_v model_n his_o thirty_o aeons_n according_a to_o hesiod_n genealogy_n and_o number_n of_o god_n and_o with_o some_o manifest_a allusion_n to_o they_o but_o yet_o he_o retain_v as_o many_o scripture-name_n as_o he_o can_v the_o better_a to_o reconcile_v unwary_a people_n to_o his_o fabulous_a genealogy_n as_o the_o hide_a and_o mysterious_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a such_o fable_n shall_v ever_o have_v obtain_v any_o credit_n have_v they_o not_o be_v graft_v on_o the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o pretend_v to_o improve_v it_o with_o new_a degree_n of_o light_n and_o knowledge_n when_o these_o heresy_n be_v pretty_a well_o silence_v up_o start_n noetus_n and_o sabellius_n who_o run_v into_o the_o other_o extreme_a the_o valentinian_o have_v corrupt_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n by_o multiply_v three_o divine_a person_n into_o thirty_o aeons_n beside_o all_o their_o other_o pagan_a and_o fabulous_a conceit_n about_o they_o this_o offend_v these_o man_n as_o downright_a polytheism_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v no_o better_a and_o to_o avoid_v this_o they_o reject_v a_o trinity_n of_o real_a and_o substantial_a person_n for_o a_o trinity_n of_o name_n that_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v but_o three_o name_n of_o the_o same_o person_n who_o be_v sometime_o call_v the_o father_n at_o other_o time_n the_o son_n or_o the_o holy_a ghost_n with_o respect_n to_o his_o different_a appearance_n or_o operation_n or_o they_o make_v the_o son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n not_o two_o person_n but_o two_o personal_a attribute_n in_o god_n his_o wisdom_n or_o power_n or_o they_o make_v the_o trinity_n but_o three_o part_n of_o one_o compound_v god_n as_o a_o man_n consist_v of_o body_n soul_n and_o spirit_n which_o of_o late_o have_v be_v revive_v among_o we_o under_o different_a name_n after_o these_o man_n arise_v arius_n and_o his_o follower_n who_o out_o of_o great_a zeal_n also_o for_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n frame_v a_o new_a and_o more_o subtle_a heresy_n they_o be_v sensible_a that_o father_n and_o son_n be_v not_o two_o name_n but_o two_o real_a distinct_a person_n and_o therefore_o they_o attribute_v the_o whole_a entire_a divinity_n to_o the_o father_n and_o make_v the_o son_n not_o to_o be_v god_n by_o nature_n but_o the_o most_o perfect_a and_o excellent_a creature_n as_o perfect_a a_o image_n of_o god_n as_o any_o creature_n can_v be_v but_o not_o consubstantial_a with_o god_n nor_o coequal_a and_o coeternal_a with_o he_o all_o these_o heresy_n be_v reject_v and_o condemn_v by_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o their_o several_a age_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o appear_v and_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o this_o be_v one_o very_o good_a way_n to_o learn_v what_o the_o catholic_n faith_n be_v from_o its_o opposition_n to_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