A calm and sober enquiry concerning the possibility of a Trinity in the Godhead…

LETTER III.

Worthy SIR,

I Am very loath troublesomely to importune you. But the very little time I had for the view of your 8th. Letter, before I wrote mine by the last Post not allowing me fully to write my sense as to that part which concerned my former Letter; I take leave now to add, ⟨p. 132⟩that my design in it (as well as the profest design of the Letter it self) was to offer you the occasion of employing that clear understanding, wherewith God hath blest you, above most, in considering whether a greater latitude cannot be allowed us in conceiving the distinction of the three in the Godhead consistently with the Unity thereof, than your notion of a person will extend to. And if it can, whether it ought not to be represented (at least as possible) to give a less exceptionable ground to the Doctrines of the incarnation and satisfaction of the second Person, in order whereto it seems to me highly requisite. This was that I really intended, and not the vindicating the Sentiments of that Author, which you might observe that letter animadverts upon. The Scripture seems to allow a greater latitude, by the ground it gives us to apprehend three hypostases; which so much differ from the notion you give of persons, that one hypostasis may sustain three such persons as you describe. The ⟨p. 133⟩only thing that seems to straiten us in this matter, is the usual Doctrine of the Schools about the divine simplicity. I confess I greatly coveted to have had your thoughts engaged in sifting and examining that Doctrine; so far as to consider whether there be really any thing in it, cogent and demonstrable that will be repugnant to what is overturned in that Letter. And I the rather desired more room might be gained in this matter, apprehending the Unitarians (as they more lately affect to call themselves) might, upon the whole, think you more theirs, than ours; and while they agree with you concerning the possibility of such a Trinity as you assert, may judge their advantage against the other mentioned Doctrines, no less than it was.