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

XIV. But some perhaps will say, while we thus amplify the distinction of these glorious three, we shall seem to have too friendly a look towards, or shall say in effect, what Dr. Sherlock is so highly blamed for saying, and make three Gods. I answer, that if with sincere minds we enquire after truth, for its own sake, we shall little regard the friendship or enmity, honour or dishonour of this or that man. If this were indeed so; doth what was ⟨p. 39⟩true become false, because such a man hath said it? But it is remote from being so. There is no more, here positively asserted than generally so much distinction between the Father, Son, and Spirit, as is in it self necessary to the founding the distinct attributions, which in the Scriptures are severally given them [that when the word or wisdom was said to be with God (understanding it, as the case requires with God the Father) in the creation of all things, we may not think nothing more is said than that he was with himself; that when the Word is said to be made flesh, 'tis equally said the Father was made flesh, or the Holy Ghost; that when the Holy Ghost is said to have proceeded from, or have been sent by the Father, or the Son, he is said to have proceeded from himself, or have sent himself.] But, in the mean time this is offered without determining precisely, how great distinction is necessary to this purpose. It is not here positively said ⟨p. 40⟩these three are three distinct substances, three infinite minds or spirits. We again and again insist, and inculcate, how becoming, and necessary it is to abstain from over-bold enquiries, or positive determinations concerning the limits, or the extent of this distinction, beyond what the Scriptures have, in general, made necessary to the mentioned purpose; that we may not throw our selves into guilt, nor cast our minds into unnecessary straits, by affirming this or that to be necessary, or impossible in these matters.

XIV. But some perhaps will say, while we thus amplify the distinction of these glorious three, we shall seem to have too friendly a look towards, or shall say in effect, what Dr. Sherlock is so highly blam'd for saying, and make three Gods. I answer, that if with sincere minds we enquire after truth, for its own sake, we shall little regard the friendship or enmity, honour or dishonour of this or that man. If this were indeed so; doth what was