Hugo Grotius · 96 of 132

SECT. XXI. An answer to the objection of the Christians worshipping many gods.

IT remains that we answer two accusations, which the Jews assault the doctrine and worship of the Christians with. The first is this; they affirm that we worship many gods: but this is no more than an odious explication of a doctrine which appears strange to them. For there is no more reason why this should be objected against the Christians, than against Philo the Jew, who often affirms, that there are three things in God; and he calls the reason, or word of God, the name of God, the Maker of the world, not unbegotten as is God the Father of all; nor yet begotten in like manner as men are: the same is likewise called the angel, or the ambassador, who takes care of the universe by Philo himself, and by Muses the sun of Nehemannus: or against the cabalists, who distinguish God into three lights, and some of them by the same names as the Christians do, of the Father, Son or Word, and Holy Ghost. And to take that which is chiefly allowed amongst all the Hebrews; that spirit by which the prophets were moved is not any created thing, and yet is distinguished from him that seat it; as likewise that which is commonly called the Schechinah. Now, many of the Hebrews have this tradition, that that divine power, which they call Wisdom, should dwell in the Messiah, whence the Chaldee paraphrast calls the Messiah the Word of God; as the Messiah is also called by David, and others, by the venerable name of God, and also of Lord.