§ 1. Preliminary Remarks 442
§ 2. Biblical Form of the Doctrine 443
What that Form is. — Scrijitural Proof of the Doctrine. — Pro- gressive Character of Divine Revelation. — Formula of Bap- tism. — Apostolic Benediction 448
§ 3. The Transition Period 448
Neciessity lor a more Definite Statement of the Doctrine. — Con- flict with Error. — Gnostics. — Platonizers. — Origen's Doctrine.
— Sabellianism. — Ai-ianism 452
§ 4. The Church Doctrine as presented by the Council of Nice . . 453
Objects for which that Council was convened. — Difference of Opinion among the Members, of the Council. — Semi-Arians.
— Orthodox. — Council of Constantinople. — The Athanasian Creed 457
§ 5. Points decided by the Councils of Nice and Constantinople . . 459 1. As against Sabellianism. — 2. As against the Arians and the Semi-Arians. — 3. The Mutual Relations of the Persons of the
Trinity 46C
5 6. Examination of the Nicene Doctrine 462
Subordination. — Eternal Generation. — Eternal Sonship . . 471
Objections urged against the Doctrine of Eternal Sonship . . 474
Relation of the Spirit to the other Persons of the Trinity . . 477
§7. Philosophical Forms of the Doctrine of the Trinity . . . .478