First, we shall consider the persons absolutely, and then comparatively as regards each other. We must consider the persons absolutely first in common; and then singly.
The general consideration of the persons seemingly involves four points:
(1) The signification of this word "person";
(2) the number of the persons;
(3) what is involved in the number of persons, or is opposed thereto; as diversity, and similitude, and the like; and
(4) what belongs to our knowledge of the persons.
Four subjects of inquiry are comprised in the first point:
(1) The definition of "person."
(2) The comparison of person to essence, subsistence, and hypostasis.
(3) Whether the name of person is becoming to God?