132. I would now go further. If our
opponents are pleased to apply the teaching of this passage to the
principle of the eternity of the Divine Substance, let them hear a
third exposition: Does not our Lord plainly appear to say that as
the Father is a living Father, so too the Son also lives?—and who
can but observe that here we must understand a reference to unity of
Life, forasmuch as the same Life is the Life of the Father and the Life
of the Son? “For as the Father hath Life in Himself, so
hath He given to the Son also to have Life in Himself.” S. John v. 26. He hath given—by reason of
unity with Him. He hath given, not to take away, but that He may
be glorified in the Son. He hath given, not that He, the Father,
might keep guard over it, but that the Son might have it in
possession.