Now I have fulfilled my promise, for we have proved the giving of instruction about the Godhead to them that were ignorant of the Godhead, and about the resurrection of the flesh to them that denied this latter. Cease therefore from contending, and confess the two natures of the Saviour.
Eran. -There were two before the union, but, after combining, they made one nature.
Orth. -When do you say that the union was effected?
Eran. -I say at the exact moment of the conception.
Orth. -And do you deny that the divine Word existed before the conception?
Eran. -I say that He was before the ages.
Orth. -And that the flesh was co-existent with Him?
Eran. -By no means.
Orth. -But was formed, after the salutation of the angel, of the Holy Ghost?
Eran. -So I say.
Orth. -Therefore before the union there were not two natures but only one. For if the Godhead pre-existed, but the manhood was not coexistent, being formed after the angelic salutation, and the union being coincident with the formation, then before the union there was one nature, that which exists always and existed before the ages. Now let us again consider this point. Do you understand the making of flesh or becoming man to be anything other than the union?
Eran. -No.
Orth. -For when He took flesh He was made flesh.
Eran. -Plainly.
Orth. -And the union coincides with the taking flesh.
Eran. -So I say.
Orth. -So before the making man there was one nature. For if both union and making man are identical, and He was made man by taking man's nature, and the form of God took the form of a servant, then before the union the divine nature was one.
Eran. -And how are the union and the making man identical?
Orth. -A moment ago you confessed that there is no distinction between these terms.
Eran. -You led me astray by your arguments.
Orth. -Then, if you like, let us go over the same ground again.
Eran. -We had better so do.
Orth. -Is there a distinction between the incarnation and the union, according to the nature of the transaction?
Eran. -Certainly; a very great distinction.
Orth. -Explain fully the character of this distinction.