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6. We acknowledge that the word of truth has in many places made use
of these expressions; yet we absolutely deny that the freedom of the
Spirit is in bondage to the pettiness of Paganism. On the contrary,
we maintain that Scripture varies its expressions as occasion
requires, according to the circumstances of the case. For instance,
the phrase "of which" does not always and absolutely, as they
suppose, indicate the material, but it is more in accordance with the
usage of Scripture to apply this term in the case of the Supreme
Cause, as in the words "One God, of whom are all things," and
again, "All things of God." The word of truth has, however,
frequently used this term in the case of the material, as when it says
"Thou shalt make an ark of incorruptible wood;" 'and "Thou shall
make the candlestick of pure gold ;" and "The first man is of the
earth, earthy; and "Thou art formed out of clay as I am." But
these men, to the end, as we have already remarked, that they may
establish the difference of nature, have laid down the law that this
phrase befits the Father alone. This distinction they have originally
derived from heathen authorities, but here they have shewn no faithful
accuracy of limitation. To the Son they have in conformity with the
teaching of their masters given the title of instrument, and to the
Spirit that of place, for they say in the Spirit, and through the
Son. But when they apply "of whom" to God they no longer follow
heathen example, but "go over, as they say, to apostolic usage, as
it is said, "But of him are ye in Christ Jesus," and "All
things of God." What, then, is the result of this systematic
discussion? There is one nature of Cause; another of Instrument;
another of Place. So the Son is by nature distinct from the
Father, as the tool from the craftsman; and the Spirit is distinct
in so far as place or time is distinguished from the nature of tools or
from that of them that handle them.
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