their Zeal so reciprocally blew the fire of Contention, Ani∣mosity, and Persecution, till at last they sacrific'd each other to their mutual revenge.
Thus it was conceiv'd in ignorance, brought forth and main∣tain'd by cruelty; for though he that was strongest, impos'd his Opinion, persecuting the contrary, yet the Scale turning on the Trinitarian side, it has there continued through all the Romish Generations; and notwithstanding it hath obtain'd the name of Athanatian from Athanatius, an opiniated man, (witness his carriage towards Constantine the Emperor) because suppos'd to have been most concern'd in the framing that Creed in which this Doctrine is asserted; yet have I never seen one Copy void of a suspition, rather to have been the results of Popish School-men, which I could render more perspicuous, did not brevity necessitate me to an omission.
Be therefore caution'd, Reader, not to imbrace the determinati∣ons of prejudic'd Councils, for Evangelical Doctrine; to whom the Scriptures bear no certain testimony, neither was believ'd by the Primitive Saints, or thus stated by any I have read in the first, se∣cond, or third Centuries, particularly Ireneus, Justin Martyr, Ter∣tullian, Origen, Theophilact, with many others who appear wholly forreign to the matter in controversie. — But seeing that private Spi∣rits, and those none of the most ingenious, have been the Parents and Guardians of this so generally receiv'd Doctrine; let the time pass suffice, and be admonish'd to apply thy mind unto that Light and Grace which brings Salvation; that by obedience thereunto, those mists Tradition hath cast before thy eyes, may be expel'd, and thou receive a certain knowledge of that God, whom to know is Life Eternal, not to be a divided, but ONE pure intire and eternal Being; who in the fulness of time sent forth his Son, as the true Light which enlightneth every man; that whosoever follow'd him (the Light) might be translated from the dark Notions, and vain Con∣versations of men, to this Holy Light, in which onely sound Judg∣ment and eternal Life are obtainable; who so many hundred years since, in Person testified the virtue of it, and has communicated un∣to all, such a proportion, as may enable them to follow his Example.