Deity must exist in trinity; and a few of Pfander's expressions seem
calculated to give rise to such an impression. For example, lie argues thus:—
"If you reject the doctrine of trinity, and hold to simple unity, you
reduce your Creator to an inanimate existence" (p. 75); to which the
Mohammedan retorts— "You confuse the terms of personal and metaphysical
unity; the latter I do not hold: the former, viz., a Creator whose existence
is endowed with the attributes of intelligence and will, —such is my
God"; and the reply would be just, because, according to the supposed
reasoning fully carried out, the Christian Trinity would be not one but
three trinities. It must not, however, be understood that Pfander in
any degree intentionally employs the argument as an à priori and
independent one; on the contrary, his declared object is simply to show that
the doctrine of the Trinity as revealed does not oppose reason, and this he
repeatedly states. At the same time, we trust that in a future edition the
line of reasoning and cast of expression will be so far altered as to leave no
possibility of misconception.1