o7C) THE PREFACE.
ters, who were some of them men learned, dilii^cnt. ami subtle, than from them- selves, that they are judged to be of any great consideration. For I can truly say, that, upon the sedate examination of all that I could ever yet hear or get a sight of, either spoken or written by them, — that is, any amongst us, — I never yet ob- served an undertaking of so great importance managed Avith a greater evidence of incompetency and inability, to give any tolerable countenance unto it. If any of them shall for the future attempt to give any new countenance or props to their tottering errors, it will doubtless be attended unto by some of those many Avho cannot but know that it is incumbent on them " to contend earnestly for the faith once delivered unto the saints." This present brief endeavour is only to assist and direct those who are less exercised in the ways of managing controver- sies in religion, that they may have a brief comprehension of the truths opposed, with the firm foundations whereon they are built, and be in a readiness to shield their faith both against the fiery darts of Satan, and secure their minds against the " cunning sleight of men, who lie in wait to deceive." And wherein this dis- course seems in any thing to be too brief or concise, the author is not to be blamed who was confined unto these strait bounds by those whose requests enjoined him this service.
THE
DOCTRINE OF THE HOLY TRINITY
EXPLAINED AND VINDICATED.
The doctrine of the blessed Trinity may be considered two ways: First, In respect unto the revelation and proposal of it in the Scrip- ture, to direct us unto the author, object, and end of our faith, in our worship and obedience. Secondly, As it is farther declared and explained, in terms, expressions, and propositions, reduced from the original revelation of it, suited thereunto, and meet to direct and keep the mind from undue apprehensions of the things it believes, and to declare them, unto farther edification.
In the first way, it consists merely in the propositions wherein the revelation of God is expressed in the Scripture; and in this regard two things are required of us. First, To understand the terms of the propositions, as they are enunciations of truth ; and, Secondly, To believe the things taught, revealed, and declared in them.
In the first instance, no more, I say, is required of us, but that we assent unto the assertions and testimonies of God concerning himself, according to their natural and genuine sense, as he will be known, believed in, feared, and worshipped by us, as he is our Creator, Lord, and Rewarder; and that because he himself hath, by his re- velation, not only warranted us so to do, but also made it om^ duty, necessary and indispensable. Now, the sum of this revelation in this matter is, that God is one; — that this one God is Father, Son, and Holy Ghost ;—i\\a:i the Father is the Father of the Son; and the Son, the Son of the Father; and the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of the Father and the Son; and that, in respect of this their mutual rela- tion, they are distinct from each other.
This is the substance of the doctrine of the Trinity, as to the first direct concernment of faith therein. The first intention of the Scrip-
r>7S THE DOCTRINE OF THE
ture, in the revelation of God towards us, is, as was said, that we might fear him, beheve, worship, obey him, and Uve unto lihii, as God. That we may do this in a due manner, and worship the only true God, and not adore the false imaginations of our own minds, it declares, as was said, that this God is one, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; — that the Father is this one God; and therefore is to be believed in, worshipj^cd, obeyed, lived unto, and in all things con- sidered by us as the first cause, sovereign Lord, and last end of all ; — that the Son is the one true God; and therefore is to be believed in, worshipped, obeyed, lived unto, and in all things considered by us as the first cause, sovereign Lord, and last end of all ; — and so, also, of the Holy Ghost. This is the whole of faith's concernment in this matter, as it respects the direct revelation of God made by himself in the Scripture, and the first proper general end thereof. Let this be clearly confirmed by direct and positive divine testimonies, con- taining the declaration and revelation of God concerning himself, and faith is secured as to all it concerns; for it hath both its proper /or- nncd object, and is sufficiently enabled to be directive of di\dne wor- ship and obedience.
The explication of this doctrine unto edification, suitable unto the revelation mentioned, is of another consideration ; and two things are incumbent on us to take care of therein : — First, That what is afiirmed and taught do directly tend unto the ends of the revelation itself, by informing and enlightening of the mind in the knowledge of the mystery of it, so far as in this life we are, by divine assistance, capable to comprehend it; that is, that faith may be' increased, strengthened, and confirmed against temptations and oppositions of Satan, and men of corrupt minds; and that we may be distinctly directed unto, and encouraged in, the obedience unto, and worship of (Jod, that are required of us. Secondly, That nothing be afiirmed or taught herein that may beget or occasion any undue apprehensions concerning God, or our obedience unto him, with respect unto the best, highest, securest revelations that we have of him and our duty. These things being done and secured, the end of the declaration of this doctrine concerning God is attained.