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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
body_n life_n part_n soul_n 16,643 5 5.3842 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A36110 A discourse, proving from Scripture and reason that the life of man is not limited by any absolute decree of God by the author of The duty of man, &c. Author of The duty of man. 1680 (1680) Wing D1617; ESTC R14478 40,954 140

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as_o that_o the_o production_n of_o the_o child_n infer_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o parent_n neither_o do_v that_o curious_a query_n concern_v the_o place_n for_o that_o suppose_a numerous_a offspring_n carry_v with_o it_o more_o reason_n for_o first_o it_o be_v nor_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o the_o wise_a creator_n who_o give_v be_v to_o man_n know_v well_o enough_o how_o to_o provide_v a_o habitation_n for_o his_o offspring_n second_o the_o precept_n be_v fruitful_a and_o multiply_v carry_v with_o it_o a_o limitation_n and_o replenish_v the_o earth_n so_o that_o we_o can_v never_o well_o conclude_v from_o it_o that_o generation_n shall_v have_v continue_v after_o the_o replenish_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o three_o what_o suppose_v this_o little_a map_n of_o earth_n have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o contain_v so_o numerous_a a_o offspring_n can_v not_o god_n have_v translate_v man_n after_o he_o have_v live_v some_o space_n upon_o the_o earth_n to_o some_o better_a habitation_n as_o 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thou_o shall_v die_v and_o the_o apostle_n have_v as_o plain_o express_v it_o as_o it_o can_v be_v wherefore_o as_o by_o one_o man_n sin_n enter_v into_o the_o world_n and_o death_n by_o sin_n and_o so_o death_n pass_v upon_o all_o man_n for_o that_o all_o have_v sin_v rom._n 4.12_o where_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o death_n be_v a_o punishment_n inflict_v for_o sin_n so_o that_o if_o man_n have_v never_o sin_v we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v he_o shall_v have_v die_v i_o confess_v without_o revelation_n we_o can_v never_o have_v guess_v this_o to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o death_n the_o heathen_a philosopher_n be_v exceed_o confuse_a in_o their_o notion_n concern_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o sin_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o death_n many_o of_o they_o think_v that_o death_n be_v a_o natural_a accident_n original_o appertinent_a to_o humane_a nature_n and_o indeed_o if_o revelation_n have_v not_o declare_v the_o contrary_a i_o have_v be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o death_n have_v be_v no_o 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life_n fifteen_o year_n for_o the_o message_n which_o god_n do_v send_v to_o hezekiah_n be_v this_o set_v thy_o house_n in_o order_n for_o thou_o shall_v die_v and_o not_o live_v but_o he_o have_v pray_v to_o god_n get_v this_o return_n i_o have_v hear_v thy_o prayer_n i_o have_v see_v thy_o tear_n behold_v i_o will_v add_v unto_o thy_o day_n fifteen_o year_n isa_n 38._o 5._o from_o which_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o god_n know_v that_o a_o period_n shall_v have_v be_v then_o put_v to_o his_o day_n if_o his_o prayer_n have_v not_o prevent_v it_o it_o be_v the_o people_n of_o nineveh_n repentance_n that_o prevent_v the_o threaten_a judgement_n that_o shall_v have_v put_v a_o period_n to_o their_o life_n which_o method_n if_o the_o old_a world_n have_v observe_v they_o have_v prevent_v that_o fatal_a flood_n in_o which_o they_o be_v drown_v three_o that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o prerogative_n of_o god_n almighty_a to_o know_v the_o period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n will_v be_v easy_o grant_v for_o those_o who_o deny_v god_n universal_a cognizance_n will_v never_o attribute_v it_o to_o any_o creature_n and_o those_o who_o do_v acknowledge_v the_o infinity_n of_o the_o divine_a knowledge_n will_v never_o say_v it_o belong_v to_o the_o creature_n the_o only_a thing_n that_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v be_v these_o pretension_n to_o a_o foreknowledge_n of_o thing_n which_o the_o heathen_a world_n brag_v of_o but_o this_o plea_n be_v easy_o remove_v for_o 1._o in_o those_o dark_a age_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o impose_v upon_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o vulgar_a who_o in_o all_o age_n have_v be_v very_o credulous_a and_o apt_a to_o be_v thus_o deceive_v second_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o there_o pretend_a prediction_n be_v very_o enigmatical_a and_o dubious_a aio_fw-la te_fw-la aeacida_fw-la romanos_fw-la vincère_fw-fr posse_fw-la be_v a_o problem_n rather_o than_o a_o prophecy_n which_o may_v have_v conclude_v both_o way_n three_o the_o most_o part_n of_o their_o pretend_a prediction_n be_v only_a guess_n and_o conjecture_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v false_a and_o groundless_a yet_o four_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o god_n may_v for_o end_n know_v to_o himself_o reveal_v the_o period_n of_o particular_a person_n when_o and_o to_o who_o he_o think_v fit_a it_o be_v therefore_o single_o the_o property_n of_o god_n almighty_n who_o grasp_v all_o time_n and_o who_o can_v never_o be_v impeach_v for_o give_v a_o wrong_a divination_n to_o know_v the_o period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n in_o the_o last_o place_n i_o come_v to_o consider_v those_o material_a doubt_n and_o objection_n this_o principle_n may_v be_v urge_v with_o as_o 1._o it_o be_v hardly_o credible_a that_o god_n do_v certain_o know_v the_o period_n of_o humane_a life_n it_o be_v only_o contingent_o future_a this_o objection_n cicero_n can_v not_o answer_v therefote_v be_v persuade_v that_o some_o thing_n be_v contingent_o future_a he_o think_v god_n can_v not_o know_v such_o thing_n but_o the_o difficulty_n be_v not_o so_o great_a as_o to_o make_v we_o deny_v god_n have_v perfect_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n contingent_o future_a for_o 1._o the_o light_n of_o nature_n may_v teach_v we_o that_o we_o must_v not_o reject_v what_o be_v plain_a because_o we_o can_v comprehend_v what_o be_v obscure_a that_o there_o be_v in_o man_n a_o rational_a soul_n be_v beyond_o doubt_n and_o yet_o how_o irreconcilable_a be_v the_o opinion_n of_o learned_a man_n about_o its_o original_n whether_o it_o be_v by_o seminal_a production_n or_o by_o immediate_a creation_n again_o the_o union_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v a_o very_a mysterious_a riddle_n and_o the_o most_o ingenious_a hypothesis_n have_v be_v confess_v to_o be_v unsatisfactory_a and_o yet_o no_o man_n be_v ever_o so_o far_o infatuate_v as_o to_o deny_v
that_o in_o man_n there_o be_v a_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o like_a manner_n what_o although_o humane_a reason_n can_v reconcile_v the_o divine_a knowledge_n with_o the_o contingency_n of_o action_n yet_o may_v it_o not_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o this_o that_o god_n know_v all_o contingency_n because_o his_o understanding_n be_v infinite_a and_o indeed_o the_o prediction_n in_o scripture_n be_v so_o remarkable_a and_o plain_a evidence_n that_o god_n know_v all_o thing_n that_o now_o it_o can_v be_v reasonable_o question_v but_o suppose_v revelation_n have_v teach_v we_o nothing_o of_o this_o yet_o we_o may_v by_o natural_a principle_n know_v that_o god_n be_v the_o most_o perfect_a be_v that_o can_v be_v imagine_v and_o therefore_o of_o infinite_a comprehension_n that_o he_o be_v out_o maker_n and_o therefore_o must_v know_v all_o the_o intrigue_n of_o his_o creature_n but_o second_o the_o divine_a foreknowledge_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o thing_n for_o otherwise_o criminal_a action_n which_o do_v not_o escape_v his_o eye_n shall_v be_v cause_v by_o he_o who_o can_v not_o tempt_v any_o man_n to_o sin_n which_o be_v impossible_a if_o god_n shall_v reveal_v to_o i_o that_o titius_n be_v certain_o to_o do_v such_o a_o thing_n the_o next_o day_n my_o foreknowledge_n do_v nor_o necessitate_v titius_n to_o do_v that_o act_n so_o that_o upon_o the_o one_o hand_n as_o the_o foreknowledge_n of_o it_o have_v no_o influence_n upon_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o production_n nor_o cross_v the_o humane_a liberty_n for_o the_o divine_a foreknowledge_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n why_o thing_n exist_v but_o it_o suppose_v the_o existence_n of_o thing_n so_o upon_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o contingency_n of_o the_o period_n of_o humane_a life_n do_v not_o infer_v that_o it_o can_v be_v certain_o know_v by_o a_o infinite_a understanding_n who_o grasp_v all_o thing_n and_o season_n but_o the_o great_a difficulty_n be_v how_o the_o divine_a foreknowledge_n can_v be_v reconcile_v with_o the_o divine_a promise_n command_n commination_n and_o prohibition_n how_o it_o can_v consist_v with_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n to_o threaten_v man_n with_o shortness_n of_o life_n if_o they_o continue_v wicked_a and_o aebellious_a and_o to_o promise_v length_n of_o day_n if_o man_n will_v obey_v his_o commandment_n whileas_o he_o well_o know_v that_o the_o wicked_a man_n will_v continue_v in_o his_o wickedness_n and_o be_v filthy_a still_o and_o that_o the_o virtuous_a and_o good_a man_n will_v persevere_v in_o well_o do_v i_o confess_v this_o be_v a_o very_a great_a difficulty_n and_o have_v induce_v many_o learned_a man_n to_o doubt_v if_o god_n know_v thing_n contingent_o future_a not_o that_o they_o will_v impeach_v any_o of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n or_o derogate_v from_o the_o infinity_n of_o his_o knowledge_n but_o only_o they_o think_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n contingent_o future_a be_v such_o that_o they_o can_v be_v know_v as_o it_o be_v no_o diminution_n from_o omnipotency_n to_o say_v thing_n impossible_a or_o which_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n fall_v not_o under_o its_o object_n but_o yet_o since_o scripture_n have_v so_o clear_o reveal_v to_o we_o the_o divine_a foreknowledge_n of_o future_a action_n methinks_v he_o be_v very_o rash_a and_o inconsiderate_a considerate_a that_o doubt_v it_o it_o be_v a_o remarkable_a sentence_n of_o tertullian_n praescientia_fw-la dei_fw-la tantos_fw-la habet_fw-la testes_fw-la quantos_fw-la fecit_fw-la prophetas_fw-la hence_o the_o learned_a episcopius_n tell_v we_o that_o his_o religion_n and_o the_o reverence_n he_o have_v to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n will_v never_o suffer_v he_o to_o admit_v this_o argument_n which_o reflect_v so_o much_o upon_o the_o truth_n of_o divine_a prediction_n but_o i_o answer_v more_o particular_o that_o god_n promise_n and_o threaten_n be_v serious_a because_o although_o god_n know_v that_o some_o man_n who_o be_v threaten_v will_v continue_v in_o their_o wickedness_n yet_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o turn_v from_o their_o sin_n and_o the_o divine_a threaten_a be_v a_o argument_n which_o shall_v prevail_v upon_o man_n no_o man_n can_v doubt_v but_o god_n be_v serious_a with_o sinner_n in_o such_o case_n if_o a_o parent_n do_v certain_o know_v that_o his_o son_n be_v to_o commit_v a_o criminal_a act_n will_v any_o man_n think_v that_o that_o parent_n threaten_v of_o his_o son_n if_o he_o do_v commit_v that_o act_n be_v void_a of_o sincerity_n but_o 2._o as_o god_n know_v that_o some_o wicked_a man_n notwithstanding_o of_o the_o sever_a threaten_v will_v continue_v in_o their_o sin_n yet_o 1._o he_o know_v that_o even_o such_o obdurate_a person_n may_v do_v otherewise_o and_o 2._o he_o know_v that_o many_o man_n will_v have_v continue_v in_o their_o sin_n if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v threaten_v with_o punishment_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o the_o people_n of_o ninevie_n will_v have_v turn_v unto_o god_n if_o they_o have_v never_o be_v threaten_v now_o though_o god_n know_v that_o ninevie_n when_o threaten_a will_v repent_v yet_o since_o he_o also_o know_v that_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v threaten_v they_o shall_v have_v continue_v in_o their_o wickedness_n therefore_o no_o man_n can_v question_v the_o seriousness_n of_o the_o divine_a threaten_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v dispatch_v the_o first_o particular_a how_o the_o period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v determine_v i_o come_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o inquire_v in_o what_o sense_n it_o be_v not_o determine_v now_o because_o i_o have_v already_o reject_v the_o stoical_a fate_n all_o that_o i_o shall_v speak_v concern_v this_o head_n may_v be_v comprehend_v in_o these_o follow_a particular_n viz._n the_o period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n be_v not_o fatal_o limit_v and_o bound_v by_o any_o absolute_a or_o inconditionate_n decree_n of_o god_n almighty_n now_o because_o many_o learned_a man_n violent_o urge_v that_o god_n have_v from_o the_o out-going_n of_o eternity_n absolute_o decree_v the_o bound_n of_o every_o man_n life_n without_o any_o consideration_n of_o those_o circumstance_n in_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v place_v so_o that_o man_n do_v what_o they_o please_v can_v neither_o extend_v nor_o shorten_v the_o lease_n of_o their_o life_n i_o shall_v therefore_o endeavour_v to_o make_v this_o assertion_n plain_a and_o remove_v those_o objection_n that_o it_o may_v seem_v liable_a to_o and_o the_o rather_o because_o in_o such_o kind_n of_o assertion_n as_o be_v beside_o the_o common_a opinion_n man_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o suspect_v some_o sinistrious_a deisgn_n that_o the_o period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n be_v not_o fatal_o determine_v by_o any_o secret_a inconditional_a decree_n will_v appear_v from_o the_o argument_n we_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o in_o prove_v the_o inability_n of_o the_o period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n now_o i_o shall_v only_o consider_v those_o absurdity_n and_o inconvenience_n that_o follow_v upon_o the_o admission_n of_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n as_o first_o if_o the_o period_n of_o humane_a life_n be_v fatal_o determine_v than_o those_o wretched_a miscreant_n who_o with_o their_o own_o hand_n put_v a_o period_n to_o their_o life_n may_v easy_o excuse_v themselves_o before_o their_o judge_n for_o since_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o they_o be_v physical_o predetermine_v to_o do_v so_o how_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o they_o can_v do_v otherwise_o be_v there_o any_o resist_n of_o the_o divine_a decree_n alas_o it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o power_n to_o help_v it_o and_o how_o then_o can_v they_o be_v condemn_v for_o it_o it_o be_v a_o know_a maxim_n nemo_fw-la peccat_fw-la in_o eo_fw-la quod_fw-la vitare_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la the_o necessity_n they_o be_v place_v in_o seem_v to_o excuse_v their_o sin_n but_o if_o notwithstanding_o we_o shall_v suppose_v that_o such_o brutish_a action_n be_v real_o criminal_a we_o run_v ourselves_o upon_o another_o absurdity_n and_o that_o be_v we_o reflect_v upon_o the_o divine_a holiness_n and_o goodness_n for_o if_o god_n have_v true_o determine_v those_o brutish_a action_n by_o a_o previous_a secret_a and_o unalterable_a decree_n if_o he_o have_v before_o irrevocable_o determine_v and_o so_o entangle_v in_o such_o a_o train_n of_o cause_n as_o shall_v necessary_o make_v they_o offer_v violence_n to_o themselves_o how_o can_v we_o vindicate_v the_o divine_a sanctity_n from_o the_o blot_n of_o be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n alas_o daily_a experience_n show_v we_o how_o apt_a man_n be_v to_o make_v use_n of_o this_o argument_n for_o their_o own_o vindication_n when_o they_o do_v what_o be_v criminal_a they_o tell_v we_o they_o be_v fatal_o determine_v by_o a_o external_a power_n in_o act_v they_o and_o with_o this_o consideration_n they_o solace_v themselves_o as_o if_o they_o be_v as_o innocent_a as_o fool_n or_o madman_n be_v but_o let_v no_o man_n deceive_v