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But because with us the usage has already obtained, that by essence we
understand the same thing which is understood by substance; we do not
dare to say one essence, three substances, but one essence or
substance and three persons: as many writers in Latin, who treat of
these things, and are of authority, have said, in that they could not
find any other more suitable way by which to enunciate in words that
which they understood without words. For, in truth, as the Father
is not the Son, and the Son is not the Father, and that Holy
Spirit who is also called the gift of God is neither the Father nor
the Son, certainly they are three. And so it is said plurally, "I
and my Father are one." For He has not said, "is one," as the
Sabellians say; but, "are one." Yet, when the question is
asked, What three? human language labors altogether under great
poverty of speech. The answer, however, is given, three
"persons," not that it might be [completely] spoken, but that it
might not be left [wholly] unspoken.
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