these_o thing_n be_v premise_v i_o doubt_v not_o but_o to_o offer_v such_o argument_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o mutability_n of_o the_o period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n as_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o conviction_n of_o any_o man_n who_o be_v not_o blind_v by_o prejudice_n or_o prepossess_v with_o some_o contrary_a notion_n and_o first_o upon_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n there_o be_v many_o promise_n in_o scripture_n assure_v we_o of_o length_n of_o day_n &_o on_o the_o other_o side_n there_o be_v many_o threaten_n of_o cut_a short_a the_o day_n of_o the_o wicked_a thus_o god_n promise_v length_n of_o day_n to_o obedient_a child_n exod._n 20._o 12._o honour_n thy_o father_n and_o mother_n that_o thy_o day_n may_v be_v long_o upon_o the_o land_n which_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n give_v thou_o deut._n 4._o 40._o thou_o shall_v keep_v therefore_o his_o statute_n and_o his_o commandment_n which_o i_o command_v thou_o this_o day_n that_o it_o may_v go_v well_o with_o thou_o and_o with_o thy_o child_n after_o thou_o and_o that_o thou_o may_v prolong_v thy_o day_n upon_o the_o earth_n which_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n give_v thou_o and_o particular_o the_o lord_n tell_v solomon_n 1_o king_n 3._o 4._o if_o thou_o will_v walk_v in_o my_o way_n to_o keep_v my_o statute_n and_o my_o commandment_n as_o thy_o father_n david_n do_v walk_v than_o i_o will_v lengthen_v thy_o dâ—ys_n the_o psalmist_n encourage_v man_n to_o consider_v the_o case_n of_o the_o poor_a upon_o this_o motive_n psal_n 42._o 1_o 2._o bless_a be_v he_o that_o consider_v the_o poor_a the_o lord_n will_v preserve_v he_o and_o keep_v he_o alive_a etc._n etc._n and_o upon_o this_o acount_n the_o wiseman_n also_o persuade_v man_n to_o observe_v and_o keep_v god_n law_n prov._n 3._o 1_o 2._o my_o son_n forget_v not_o my_o law_n but_o let_v thy_o heart_n keep_v my_o commandment_n for_o length_n of_o day_n and_o long_a life_n and_o peace_n shall_v they_o add_v to_o thou_o how_o much_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n conduce_v to_o our_o health_n be_v a_o thing_n daily_a experience_n atte_v and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n very_o excellent_o exhort_v timothy_n to_o exercise_v himself_o unto_o godliness_n for_o it_o be_v profitable_a unto_o all_o thing_n have_v promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v 1_o tim._n 4._o 8._o religion_n be_v as_o a_o bridle_n to_o keep_v man_n within_o due_a bound_n in_o their_o eat_n and_o drink_v it_o forbid_v all_o manner_n of_o excess_n which_o impares_fw-la our_o bodily_a health_n and_o oblige_v man_n to_o make_v use_n of_o lawful_a mean_n for_o their_o preservation_n and_o recovery_n if_o we_o consult_v experience_n we_o shall_v find_v these_o to_o be_v the_o man_n who_o for_o ordinary_a enjoy_v the_o long_a life_n it_o be_v true_a some_o good_a man_n may_v be_v natural_o of_o a_o brittle_a constitution_n and_o other_o god_n may_v remove_v for_o secret_a end_n know_v to_o himself_o yet_o for_o ordinary_a the_o godly_a man_n who_o natural_a temper_n be_v strong_a have_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o wicked_a man_n and_o certain_o religion_n in_o its_o due_a tendency_n prescribe_v the_o best_a rule_n for_o long_a life_n as_o righteousness_n tend_v to_o life_n so_o he_o that_o pursue_v evil_a as_o the_o wiseman_n tell_v we_o pursue_v it_o to_o his_o own_o death_n prov._n 11._o 19_o we_o have_v a_o large_a catalogue_n of_o the_o punishment_n inflict_v for_o sin_n exod._n 26._o where_o more_o particular_o v_o 16._o the_o lord_n threaten_v to_o appoint_v over_o those_o who_o obey_v not_o his_o law_n terror_n consumption_n and_o the_o burn_a ague_n &_o that_o man_n may_v not_o foolish_o think_v all_o these_o be_v but_o threaten_n which_o god_n intend_v not_o to_o inflict_v upon_o poor_a man_n the_o prophet_n isaiah_n tell_v we_o if_o you_o refuse_v and_o rebel_n you_o shall_v be_v devour_v with_o the_o sword_n for_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v it_o isa._n 1._o 20._o and_o the_o wiseman_n conclude_v it_o as_o certain_a prov._n 10._o 27._o the_o year_n of_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v shorten_v and_o to_o conclude_v the_o psalmist_n also_o tell_v we_o bloody_a and_o deceitful_a man_n shall_v not_o live_v out_o half_a their_o day_n psal._n 55._o 23._o which_o the_o poet_n very_o well_o express_v ad_fw-la generum_fw-la cereris_fw-la sine_fw-la caede_fw-la ac_fw-la sanguine_fw-la pauci_fw-la descendunt_fw-la reges_fw-la et_fw-la sicca_fw-la morte_fw-la tyranni_fw-la and_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o may_v be_v evident_a likewise_o from_o common_a experience_n by_o which_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o no_o man_n be_v so_o obnoxious_a to_o disease_n as_o the_o wicked_a who_o spend_v their_o time_n in_o chamber_v and_o wantonness_n in_o riot_n and_o excesss_n who_o have_v woe_n who_o have_v sorrow_n who_o have_v wound_n without_o cause_n they_o that_o tarry_v long_o at_o the_o wine_n prov._n 23._o 29_o 30._o what_o the_o wiseman_n say_v of_o one_o kind_n of_o vice_n may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o they_o lead_v down_o to_o the_o chamber_n of_o death_n prov._n 7._o 27._o but_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o obvious_a that_o i_o need_v not_o to_o enlarge_v upon_o they_o i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o argument_n with_o this_o consideration_n that_o since_o god_n almighty_a promise_n to_o extend_v and_o lengthen_v out_o or_o prolong_v their_o life_n who_o walk_v pious_o and_o observe_v his_o statute_n and_o threaten_v to_o shorten_v the_o day_n of_o the_o wicked_a who_o refuse_v to_o obey_v his_o law_n it_o can_v be_v rational_o imagine_v that_o the_o period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n be_v absolute_o determine_v another_o argument_n to_o confirm_v our_o assertion_n may_v be_v take_v from_o the_o pious_a &_o devout_a prayer_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o their_o turn_n from_o their_o sin_n by_o a_o hearty_a repentance_n both_o which_o conduce_v to_o the_o lengthen_v out_o of_o their_o day_n i_o put_v repentance_n and_o prayer_n together_o because_o of_o their_o near_a affinity_n to_o one_o another_o now_o that_o both_o these_o may_v be_v the_o moral_a cause_n of_o extend_v our_o life_n may_v appear_v to_o be_v true_a from_o common_a experience_n beside_o the_o many_o assertion_n and_o promise_n in_o scripture_n to_o this_o purpose_n first_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o may_v be_v evident_a from_o experience_n by_o which_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o if_o man_n have_v hearken_v to_o noah_n doctrine_n if_o they_o have_v repent_v of_o their_o wickedness_n within_o the_o space_n allow_v to_o they_o they_o have_v not_o perish_v in_o the_o deluge_n of_o water_n of_o repent_v nineve_n we_o read_v that_o god_n see_v their_o work_n that_o they_o turn_v from_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o god_n repent_v of_o the_o evil_n he_o have_v say_v that_o he_o will_v do_v unto_o they_o and_o he_o do_v it_o not_o jonah_n 3._o 10._o it_o be_v hezekiah_n prayer_n and_o tear_n that_o prolong_v his_o life_n go_v say_v the_o lord_n to_o his_o prophet_n isaiah_n and_o say_v to_o hezekiah_n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n the_o god_n of_o david_n thy_o father_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 and_o if_o prayer_n be_v of_o no_o force_n to_o what_o purpose_n be_v man_n so_o earnest_a in_o their_o sickness_n to_o beg_v the_o prayer_n of_o other_o on_o their_o behalf_n i_o confess_v if_o the_o period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n be_v fatal_o determine_v our_o prayer_n shall_v be_v very_o needless_a for_o can_v we_o be_v so_o senseless_a as_o to_o imagine_v that_o our_o prayer_n can_v move_v god_n to_o change_v his_o unalterable_a statute_n and_o decree_n but_o beside_o common_a experience_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o be_v likewise_o attest_v by_o plain_a evidence_n from_o scripture_n at_o what_o instant_n i_o shall_v speak_v concern_v a_o nation_n and_o concern_v a_o kingdom_n to_o pluck_v up_o and_o to_o pull_v down_o and_o to_o destroy_v it_o if_o that_o nation_n against_o who_o i_o have_v pronounce_v turn_v from_o their_o evil_n i_o will_v repent_v of_o the_o evil_a that_o i_o think_v to_o do_v unto_o they_o and_o at_o what_o instant_a i_o shall_v speak_v concern_v a_o kingdom_n to_o plant_v it_o if_o it_o do_v evil_a in_o my_o sight_n that_o it_o obey_v not_o my_o voice_n then_o will_v i_o repent_v of_o the_o good_a wherewith_o i_o say_v i_o will_v benefit_v they_o jer._n 18_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o methinks_v this_o be_v so_o plain_a a_o evidence_n of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o repentance_n that_o no_o reasonable_a man_n can_v have_v any_o doubt_n concern_v it_o but_o alas_o if_o god_n have_v from_o the_o outgoing_n of_o eternity_n fatal_o determine_v the_o destruction_n of_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n by_o
imprimatur_fw-la guil._n sill_n rev_n do_o episc._n lond._n a_o sacris_fw-la dome_v jan._n 24._o 1677._o a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o period_n of_o humane_a life_n whether_o mutable_a or_o immutable_a by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o man_n lay_v down_o in_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n london_n print_v by_o h._n c._n for_o enoch_n wyer_n at_o the_o white_a hart_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1677._o to_o the_o honourable_a college_n of_o physician_n at_o london_n generous_n gentleman_n that_o i_o presume_v to_o prefix_v your_o great_a name_n to_o so_o mean_v a_o book_n proceed_v not_o from_o any_o confidence_n i_o have_v of_o its_o value_n but_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o discourse_n which_o your_o excellent_a profession_n be_v so_o much_o concern_v in_o for_o i_o must_v say_v that_o since_o i_o can_v understand_v the_o debate_n i_o have_v think_v their_o opinion_n who_o maintain_v the_o period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n to_o be_v unalterable_o fix_v by_o a_o absolute_a decree_n do_v endanger_v your_o profession_n so_o much_o that_o the_o truth_n be_v if_o it_o be_v true_a you_o may_v seek_v out_o some_o new_a world_n for_o your_o practice_n for_o here_o you_o shall_v be_v only_o like_o the_o idol-god_n who_o can_v neither_o do_v good_a nor_o evil_a this_o the_o excellent_a jo._n beverovicius_n do_v prudent_o foresee_v and_o partly_o endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v both_o himself_o and_o other_o by_o ask_v the_o advice_n of_o the_o learned_a man_n of_o his_o age_n but_o that_o the_o period_n of_o humane_a life_n may_v be_v both_o extend_v and_o shorten_v common_a experience_n do_v sufficient_o attest_v how_o many_o have_v be_v hurry_v to_o their_o grave_n by_o the_o unskilfulness_n of_o empiric_n and_o be_v there_o not_o multitude_n also_o that_o can_v witness_v you_o have_v be_v under_o god_n the_o cause_n their_o life_n have_v be_v prolong_v gentleman_n i_o know_v you_o can_v expect_v no_o panagyrick_n from_o such_o a_o unfit_a person_n as_o i_o acknowledge_v myself_o to_o be_v and_o methinks_v i_o also_o hear_v all_o man_n say_v that_o that_o be_v a_o business_n only_o for_o a_o homer_n to_o perform_v if_o 〈◊〉_d meanness_n of_o this_o present_n be_v censure_v by_o some_o yet_o i_o know_v you_o be_v more_o generous_a than_o to_o do_v so_o especial_o since_o the_o bestow_n of_o a_o more_o valuable_a and_o signal_n evidence_n of_o respect_n be_v only_o impede_v by_o the_o inability_n of_o honour_a gentleman_n your_o most_o devote_a servant_n r._n e._n the_o preface_n reader_n the_o follow_a discourse_n be_v of_o so_o small_a bulk_n that_o a_o preface_n may_v seem_v as_o needless_a and_o ridiculous_a as_o a_o index_n in_o some_o few_o hour_n it_o may_v be_v peruse_v and_o then_o both_o the_o design_n of_o the_o author_n and_o of_o the_o book_n may_v be_v know_v it_o may_v be_v thou_o desire_v to_o know_v what_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n but_o i_o know_v not_o if_o i_o be_v oblige_v to_o answer_v this_o and_o such_o like_a idle_a question_n yet_o to_o satisfy_v thy_o curiosity_n know_v that_o the_o author_n be_v unhappy_o engage_v to_o converse_v with_o a_o society_n of_o man_n who_o frequent_o debate_v this_o and_o such_o like_a query_n and_o most_o he_o be_v oppose_v by_o the_o great_a part_n as_o maintain_v a_o unreasonable_a position_n whether_o their_o charge_n be_v true_a or_o false_a be_v a_o thing_n better_o determine_v by_o other_o unconcerned_a than_o either_o by_o they_o or_o i_o i_o know_v very_o well_o their_o clamorous_a calumny_n and_o reproach_n which_o since_o i_o can_v shun_v i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o slight_v as_o indeed_o unworthy_a to_o be_v regard_v if_o man_n of_o good_a consideration_n dislike_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o discourse_n i_o promise_v they_o upon_o information_n i_o shall_v either_o endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v they_o or_o to_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o what_o they_o say_v nay_o further_o if_o there_o be_v any_o line_n in_o it_o inconsistent_a with_o piety_n and_o religion_n free_o reject_v it_o for_o i_o persuade_v thou_o if_o the_o author_n know_v any_o such_o he_o will_v burn_v the_o book_n for_o its_o sake_n but_o i_o hope_v upon_o trial_n there_o shall_v be_v find_v no_o harsh_a notion_n in_o it_o to_o offend_v the_o most_o squeamish_a conscience_n for_o the_o opinion_n i_o have_v reject_v be_v in_o my_o judgement_n inconsistent_a with_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o holiness_n repugnant_a to_o the_o freedom_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o destructive_a of_o all_o lawful_a mean_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o a_o man_n life_n while_o as_o that_o sentiment_n i_o embrace_v beget_v in_o man_n mind_n noble_a and_o generous_a conception_n to_o promote_v real_a piety_n and_o religion_n and_o to_o shun_v all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n and_o intemperance_n upon_o the_o account_n that_o piety_n be_v the_o mean_n to_o prolong_v our_o life_n and_o wickedness_n the_o cause_n of_o our_o short_a life_n and_o that_o this_o be_v no_o cheat_n or_o delusion_n the_o wise_a of_o man_n have_v leave_v upon_o record_n prov._n 11._o 19_o as_o righteousness_n tend_v to_o life_n so_o he_o that_o pursue_v evil_a pursue_v it_o to_o his_o own_o death_n this_o bring_v to_o my_o memory_n the_o psalmist_n advice_n with_o which_o i_o shall_v conclude_v what_o man_n be_v he_o that_o desire_v life_n and_o love_v many_o day_n that_o he_o may_v see_v good_a keep_v thy_o tongue_n from_o evil_n and_o thy_o lip_n from_o speak_a guile_n depart_v from_o evil_a and_o do_v good_a seek_v peace_n and_o pursue_v it_o but_o the_o wicked_a and_o deceitful_a man_n shall_v not_o live_v out_o half_a his_o day_n of_o the_o period_n of_o humane_a life_n job_n fourteen_o 5_o 6._o see_v his_o day_n be_v determine_v the_o number_n of_o his_o month_n be_v with_o thou_o that_o he_o can_v pass_v turn_v from_o he_o that_o he_o may_v rest_v till_o he_o shall_v accomplish_v as_o a_o hireling_n his_o day_n this_o excellent_a book_n of_o job_n represent_v to_o we_o a_o plain_a and_o unquestionable_a instance_n of_o the_o various_a success_n all_o humane_a action_n be_v liable_a to_o and_o of_o the_o promiscuous_a administration_n of_o divine_a providence_n to_o particular_a person_n here_o we_o may_v read_v of_o job_n happy_a and_o flourish_a condition_n that_o he_o be_v the_o great_a of_o all_o the_o man_n of_o the_o east_n and_o of_o his_o low_a and_o afflict_a state_n poor_a even_o to_o a_o proverb_n and_o in_o a_o condition_n that_o only_o plead_v pity_n and_o compassion_n and_o how_o again_o the_o lord_n bless_v the_o latter_a end_n of_o job_n more_o than_o his_o beginning_n from_o this_o various_a administration_n of_o providence_n man_n have_v take_v occasion_n to_o make_v divers_a inference_n the_o scoff_a atheist_n have_v from_o thence_o wicked_o conclude_v that_o god_n have_v no_o care_n of_o humane_a affair_n if_o god_n say_v these_o scoffer_n have_v any_o care_n of_o this_o world_n he_o will_v never_o suffer_v those_o man_n who_o have_v corrupt_v their_o way_n by_o treachery_n and_o deceit_n to_o prosper_v and_o enjoy_v a_o affluence_n of_o all_o worldly_a delight_n whereas_o the_o virtuous_a and_o godly_a man_n who_o take_v heed_n to_o his_o way_n lest_o he_o sin_n and_o who_o throughout_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n have_v careful_o study_v to_o keep_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n be_v notwithstanding_o a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n and_o acquaint_v with_o grief_n as_o plague_v all_o the_o day_n long_o and_o chastened_a every_o morning_n and_o have_v water_n of_o a_o full_a cup_n wring_v out_o to_o he_o if_o god_n say_v they_o concern_v himself_o with_o humane_a affair_n he_o will_v never_o suffer_v the_o tabernacle_n of_o robber_n to_o prosper_v and_o the_o house_n of_o the_o upright_a to_o be_v ruin_v and_o destroy_v this_o be_v without_o all_o contradiction_n a_o great_a stumbling-block_n and_o offence_n to_o the_o blind_a atheist_n and_o have_v even_o be_v a_o sad_a trial_n to_o the_o best_a of_o god_n people_n wherefore_o do_v the_o way_n of_o the_o wicked_a prosper_v wherefore_o be_v all_o they_o happy_a that_o deal_n very_o treacherous_o be_v a_o question_n jeremy_n can_v hardly_o at_o first_o resolve_n and_o we_o find_v job_n and_o the_o prophet_n habbakkuk_n very_o much_o puzzle_v with_o it_o and_o the_o psalmist_n plain_o consess_v that_o his_o foot_n be_v almost_o go_v and_o that_o his_o step_n have_v well_o nigh_o slip_v when_o he_o see_v the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a psal._n 73._o to_o see_v bad_a man_n prosper_v in_o their_o wicked_a purpose_n and_o undertake_n and_o good_a man_n unsuccessful_a and_o frustrate_v in_o their_o just_a attempt_n have_v be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o topic_n the_o epicurean_a atheist_n have_v make_v use_n of_o in_o their_o exempt_n this_o world_n from_o the_o
after_o thing_n of_o a_o mysterious_a alloy_n and_o god_n know_v how_o miserable_o some_o man_n have_v mistake_v in_o their_o inquiry_n after_o a_o solution_n of_o the_o present_a doubt_n and_o if_o i_o can_v promise_v to_o myself_o to_o rectify_v those_o huge_a mistake_v some_o man_n have_v fall_v into_o this_o will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a justification_n of_o my_o present_a undertake_n but_o in_o order_n to_o the_o unfolding_n of_o this_o doubt_n i_o shall_v premise_v four_o thing_n which_o will_v contribute_v to_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o it_o first_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n that_o every_o man_n life_n have_v a_o period_n it_o be_v appoint_v for_o all_o man_n once_o to_o die_v this_o be_v a_o warfare_n from_o which_o there_o be_v no_o discharge_n what_o man_n be_v he_o that_o live_v and_o shall_v not_o see_v death_n as_o to_o this_o the_o prince_n and_o peasant_n stand_v upon_o even_a term_n and_o as_o the_o wiseman_n tell_v we_o the_o rich_a &_o poor_a meet_v together_o there_o be_v no_o justle_n in_o the_o grave_a for_o precedency_n i_o confess_v it_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o pain_n to_o consider_v the_o trivial_a instance_n take_v from_o the_o translation_n of_o euoch_n and_o elias_n to_o infringe_v this_o position_n for_o first_o we_o be_v not_o to_o debate_v what_o god_n may_v do_v he_o have_v a_o sovereignty_n over_o his_o creature_n and_o must_v not_o be_v call_v to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o his_o action_n all_o who_o way_n be_v tract_n of_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n second_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o translation_n he_o who_o will_v positive_o say_v that_o they_o do_v not_o undergo_v that_o which_o be_v equivalent_a to_o death_n will_v say_v more_o than_o he_o can_v prove_v i_o be_o apt_a to_o believe_v that_o no_o sober_a man_n will_v say_v that_o they_o enter_v their_o heavenly_a habitation_n with_o their_o unrefined_a body_n no_o more_o than_o those_o who_o rise_v at_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o last_o trumpet_n in_o the_o twinkle_n of_o a_o eye_n be_v carry_v into_o heaven_n without_o any_o change_n second_o it_o be_v also_o unquestionable_a that_o sin_n introduce_v this_o period_n to_o every_o man_n life_n the_o primitive_a threaten_n run_v thus_o in_o the_o day_n thou_o eat_v 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 5._o 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 other_o thing_n but_o such_o a_o natural_a accident_n but_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o any_o man_n that_o have_v converse_v with_o sacred_a writ_n shall_v be_v of_o this_o opinion_n and_o yet_o we_o find_v the_o pelagian_n of_o old_a be_v great_a stickler_n for_o it_o hence_o be_v it_o that_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o council_n have_v condemn_v it_o with_o a_o curse_n in_o the_o milevitan_a council_n can._n 2._o we_o read_v thus_o placuit_fw-la ut_fw-la quicunque_fw-la dicit_fw-la adam_n primum_fw-la hominem_fw-la mortalem_fw-la sactum_fw-la ita_fw-la ut_fw-la sive_fw-la peccaret_fw-la sive_fw-la non_fw-la peccaret_fw-la moreretur_fw-la in_o corpore_fw-la hoc_fw-la est_fw-la de_fw-fr corpore_fw-la exiret_fw-la non_fw-la peccati_fw-la meriâ—o_fw-la sed_fw-la necessitate_v naturae_fw-la anathema_n sit_v in_o after-age_n the_o scotist_n the_o most_o subtle_a of_o all_o scholastic_a writer_n incline_v much_o to_o this_o opinion_n against_o who_o the_o thomist_n their_o irreconcilable_a enemy_n take_v up_o the_o cudgel_n among_o modern_a writer_n the_o seem_o rational_a socinian_n have_v own_v this_o groundless_a conceit_n but_o i_o can_v stay_v to_o debate_v this_o at_o length_n only_o in_o brief_a if_o death_n have_v be_v natural_a to_o man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n it_o behove_v to_o have_v be_v because_o of_o these_o follow_a reason_n 1._o because_o adam_n natural_a constitution_n imply_v mortality_n the_o material_n of_o his_o constitution_n be_v not_o so_o amicable_a as_o to_o entertain_v a_o last_a amity_n and_o friendship_n 2._o it_o be_v the_o primitive_a precept_n be_v fruitful_a and_o multiply_v now_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o procreation_n include_v mortality_n in_o its_o notion_n and_o far_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v unconceivable_a how_o this_o little_a map_n of_o earth_n shall_v have_v contain_v a_o numerous_a multiply_a and_o never-dying_a offspring_n 3._o humane_a nature_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n do_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o meat_n and_o drink_n as_o be_v plain_a from_o gen._n 1._o 19_o now_o the_o end_n of_o eat_v and_o drink_v be_v not_o only_o to_o hold_v up_o but_o to_o repair_v the_o decay_n of_o our_o body_n which_o will_v sudden_o return_v to_o dust_n if_o they_o be_v not_o this_o renew_v &_o strengthen_v 4._o if_o death_n be_v only_o the_o effect_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o devil_n be_v call_v a_o murderer_n from_o the_o beginning_n because_o of_o his_o tempt_v our_o first_o parent_n to_o eat_v of_o the_o forbid_a fruit_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o since_o christ_n come_v to_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n that_o he_o also_o take_v away_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v death_n than_o which_o nothing_o be_v more_o contrary_a to_o daily_a experience_n 5._o immortality_n seem_v to_o be_v entail_v only_o to_o the_o state_n of_o future_a glory_n where_o corruption_n shall_v put_v on_o incorruption_n and_o mortality_n shall_v be_v swallow_v up_o in_o life_n and_o then_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o death_n rev._n 21._o 4._o these_o be_v the_o most_o material_a reason_n i_o can_v find_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o opinion_n in_o answer_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v desire_v the_o five_o follow_a consideration_n may_v be_v weigh_v consid._n 1._o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o the_o eternal_a wisdom_n furnish_v our_o first_o parent_n with_o all_o these_o accomplishment_n their_o specific_a nature_n can_v suffer_v the_o signature_n of_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n be_v legible_a in_o the_o low_a &_o least_o regard_v piece_n of_o the_o creation_n but_o in_o man_n in_o a_o more_o eminent_a manner_n conspicuous_a it_o be_v almost_o impossible_a for_o we_o in_o this_o fall_a state_n to_o conceive_v what_o those_o endowment_n be_v take_v conditional_o and_o so_o under_o various_a consideration_n it_o may_v be_v attribute_v either_o first_o to_o perfect_v saint_n who_o be_v state_v in_o glory_n where_o the_o primitive_a image_n lose_v by_o man_n fall_n be_v renew_v and_o perfect_v and_o of_o those_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o luke_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o can_v die_v no_o more_o luke_n 20._o 36._o or_o second_o to_o our_o first_o parent_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n for_o so_o long_o as_o they_o remain_v obedient_a to_o the_o law_n of_o heaven_n immortality_n be_v entail_v upon_o their_o nature_n for_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o primitive_a threaten_n be_v in_o the_o day_n thou_o eat_v thereof_o thou_o shall_v die_v where_o temporal_a death_n seem_v to_o be_v threaten_v which_o have_v be_v idle_a and_o vain_a if_o man_n have_v die_v although_o they_o have_v never_o eat_v the_o forbid_a fruit._n i_o know_v some_o man_n think_v that_o sin_n only_o lay_v a_o necessary_a obligation_n upon_o man_n to_o die_v and_o provoke_v god_n to_o remove_v that_o supernatural_a and_o superadded_a quality_n and_o gift_n which_o preserve_v they_o from_o death_n with_o such_o sort_n of_o man_n i_o have_v no_o great_a quarrel_n although_o i_o think_v that_o god_n can_v as_o easy_o have_v make_v man_n constitution_n so_o last_v and_o the_o constituent_a part_n of_o his_o fabric_n so_o harmonious_a that_o he_o shall_v have_v never_o die_v if_o he_o have_v not_o sin_v as_o to_o create_v a_o superad_v be_v to_o preserve_v he_o safe_a for_o reason_n will_v plead_v that_o that_o superadded_a gift_n require_v another_o and_o so_o in_o infinitum_fw-la but_o far_o it_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a to_o infer_v man_n corruption_n from_o that_o precept_n be_v fruitful_a and_o multiply_v for_o although_o in_o some_o sense_n
trouble_v thou_o take_v away_o their_o breath_n they_o die_v and_o return_v to_o their_o dust_n psal._n 104._o 29._o 3._o it_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o job_n former_a desire_n chap._n 3._o and_o 6._o why_o die_v i_o not_o from_o the_o womb_n why_o do_v i_o not_o give_v up_o the_o ghost_n when_o i_o come_v out_o of_o the_o belly_n for_o now_o shall_v i_o have_v lie_v still_o and_o be_v quiet_v i_o shall_v have_v steep_v then_o have_v i_o be_v at_o rest_n o_o that_o i_o may_v have_v my_o request_n even_o that_o it_o will_v please_v god_n to_o destroy_v i_o that_o the_o phrase_n can_v never_o admit_v the_o former_a gloss_n evident_o appear_v from_o the_o word_n immediate_o follow_v for_o if_o job_n have_v be_v plead_v for_o death_n why_o be_v that_o reason_n add_v that_o he_o may_v accomplish_v his_o day_n it_o be_v only_o then_o a_o cessation_n from_o his_o grievous_a affliction_n that_o he_o so_o earnest_o intreat_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v lord_n thy_o afflict_a hand_n be_v heavy_a and_o what_o be_o i_o but_o weak_a dust_n not_o able_a to_o bear_v thy_o heavy_a chastisement_n my_o soul_n be_v overburden_v with_o grief_n and_o will_v thou_o set_v thy_o terror_n before_o i_o to_o affright_v i_o have_v not_o poor_a man_n in_o this_o lapse_v state_n troop_n of_o misery_n attend_v he_o from_o which_o he_o may_v expect_v no_o freedom_n till_o mortality_n be_v swallow_v up_o in_o life_n and_o be_v not_o his_o few_o day_n labour_n and_o sorrow_n pain_n and_o affliction_n and_o will_v thou_o to_o those_o inseparable_a evil_n superadd_a a_o burden_n of_o pain_n more_o grievous_a and_o insufferable_a o_o do_v not_o measure_v out_o so_o dismal_a a_o condition_n to_o thy_o silly_a creature_n make_v i_o not_o the_o object_n of_o thy_o direful_a vengeance_n but_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o wrath_n remember_v mercy_n be_v thou_o not_o goodness_n itself_o and_o far_o more_o compassionate_a than_o the_o most_o tender_a parent_n and_o shall_v it_o be_v say_v thou_o have_v measure_v out_o so_o acute_a torment_n to_o vex_v thy_o poor_a creature_n i_o confess_v perfection_n be_v not_o the_o thing_n i_o plead_v yet_o may_v not_o i_o say_v it_o be_v not_o for_o my_o iniquity_n nor_o for_o my_o sin_n that_o thou_o have_v afflict_v i_o and_o let_v this_o consideration_n also_o prevail_v with_o thou_o that_o my_o untender_a friend_n sad_o mistake_v thy_o design_n in_o afflict_v i_o they_o conclude_v it_o be_v for_o some_o secret_a heinous_a crime_n that_o thy_o judgement_n be_v upon_o i_o o_o that_o thou_o will_v turn_v from_o thy_o wrath_n that_o i_o may_v enjoy_v some_o rest_n before_o i_o go_v whence_o i_o shall_v not_o return_v this_o phrase_n turn_v from_o he_o be_v sometime_o take_v in_o a_o very_a bad_a sense_n thus_o we_o find_v the_o wicked_a sad_o characterise_v as_o a_o people_n who_o desire_n god_n to_o depart_v from_o they_o but_o as_o it_o be_v utter_v by_o the_o people_n of_o god_n under_o the_o pressure_n of_o affliction_n it_o imply_v no_o more_o but_o a_o serious_a desire_n that_o god_n will_v be_v please_v to_o remove_v that_o burden_n now_o in_o such_o innocent_a petition_n there_o appear_v no_o crime_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o affliction_n simple_o consider_v be_v grievous_a even_o to_o the_o best_a of_o mankind_n there_o be_v no_o affliction_n say_v the_o apostle_n for_o the_o present_a that_o be_v joyous_a but_o grievous_a it_o be_v true_a impatience_n under_o affliction_n be_v a_o excess_n which_o no_o excuse_n whatsoever_o can_v pardon_v there_o be_v some_o person_n of_o such_o hasty_a complexion_n that_o they_o rise_v in_o passion_n against_o god_n if_o they_o meet_v with_o the_o least_o affliction_n just_o like_o that_o wretched_a man_n who_o say_v this_o evil_n be_v of_o the_o lord_n why_o shall_v we_o wait_v any_o long_o upon_o he_o but_o those_o petition_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o holy_a writ_n although_o at_o the_o first_o view_n they_o seem_v to_o be_v peremptory_a and_o absolute_a yet_o they_o be_v true_o qualify_v and_o submissive_a and_o at_o the_o most_o only_o express_v the_o harmless_a resentment_n of_o innocent_a nature_n that_o can_v but_o express_v how_o contrary_a affliction_n be_v to_o it_o that_o he_o may_v rest_v ut_fw-la quiescat_fw-la sc_n paululum_fw-la that_o his_o affliction_n be_v remove_v he_o may_v yet_o enjoy_v a_o little_a space_n to_o solace_v himself_o till_o he_o accomplish_v his_o day_n i_o will_v purposely_o decline_v the_o answer_n of_o that_o query_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o wish_v death_n when_o our_o condition_n be_v charge_v with_o a_o surplusage_n of_o calamity_n for_o the_o brevity_n i_o design_n will_v not_o suffer_v i_o to_o survey_v the_o difficulty_n of_o that_o case_n only_o in_o the_o general_n i_o shall_v add_v two_o thing_n 1._o if_o the_o affliction_n be_v violent_a fierce_a and_o seem_o durable_a render_v we_o uncapable_a of_o exercise_v any_o duty_n i_o question_v not_o but_o common_a reason_n will_v suggest_v to_o every_o sober_a man_n that_o in_o that_o case_n death_n be_v more_o eligible_a than_o life_n yet_o 2._o since_o we_o be_v ignorant_a what_o god_n design_n to_o we_o by_o send_v we_o such_o afflicti-ons_a it_o be_v our_o part_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o lord_n will_v and_o say_v good_a be_v the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n thus_o although_o we_o may_v comparative_o and_o submissive_o wish_v death_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o some_o acute_a trial_n yet_o it_o be_v never_o lawful_a to_o be_v peremptory_a and_o absolute_a in_o such_o desire_n for_o frequent_o the_o happy_a event_n make_v man_n conclude_v that_o it_o be_v good_a for_o they_o they_o be_v afflict_v rest_v etc._n etc._n methinks_v the_o very_a sound_n of_o this_o word_n be_v full_a of_o ravish_a sweetness_n and_o pleasure_n and_o yet_o to_o those_o who_o be_v state_v in_o a_o condition_n of_o woe_n and_o misery_n it_o be_v bitter_a and_o harsh_a as_o the_o most_o ravish_a and_o pleasant_a music_n be_v in_o the_o ear_n of_o he_o who_o be_v sad_a those_o who_o never_o taste_v the_o honeycomb_n know_v not_o its_o sweetness_n the_o man_n who_o have_v be_v always_o drudge_n and_o slave_n have_v no_o discern_v what_o liberty_n be_v and_o those_o who_o from_o their_o birth_n have_v be_v accustom_v to_o pain_n know_v not_o their_o misery_n so_o sensible_o but_o to_o have_v once_o enjoy_v blessing_n and_o on_o a_o sudden_a to_o be_v deprive_v of_o they_o not_o only_o the_o unexpected_a change_n but_o also_o their_o former_a happiness_n add_v to_o their_o misery_n and_o make_v their_o condition_n more_o unsufferable_a if_o man_n have_v be_v create_v to_o toil_n and_o labour_n his_o eat_n of_o bread_n in_o the_o sweat_n of_o his_o face_n have_v be_v no_o curse_n but_o to_o have_v be_v place_v in_o a_o bless_a and_o happy_a state_n and_o by_o his_o folly_n to_o be_v hurl_v into_o a_o state_n of_o misery_n and_o pain_n that_o complete_v his_o calamity_n and_o make_v he_o sensible_a how_o miserable_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o have_v be_v happy_a this_o single_a consideration_n seem_v to_o add_v very_o much_o to_o job_n misery_n his_o condition_n be_v once_o more_o than_o ordinary_a happy_a and_o the_o amission_n of_o the_o comfort_n he_o former_o enjoy_v make_v he_o pathetical_o cry_v out_o o_o that_o i_o be_v as_o in_o month_n past_a as_o in_o the_o day_n when_o god_n preserve_v i_o but_o now_o as_o he_o sad_o complain_v they_o that_o be_v young_a than_o i_o have_v i_o in_o derision_n if_o job_n in_o this_o state_n of_o woe_n have_v be_v persuade_v of_o the_o certain_a change_n of_o his_o condition_n and_o that_o his_o latter_a end_n shall_v be_v more_o bless_v than_o his_o beginning_n the_o expect_a hope_n of_o this_o have_v serve_v to_o allay_v and_o mitigate_v his_o sorrow_n and_o to_o render_v his_o case_n more_o sufferable_a and_o easy_a it_o be_v the_o hop_n of_o rest_n that_o put_v strength_n in_o the_o weary_a traveller_n it_o be_v the_o expect_a reward_n and_o assurance_n of_o a_o future_a blessedness_n and_o better_a resurrection_n which_o make_v those_o worthy_n heb._n 11._o so_o cheerful_o undergo_v suffer_v what_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o saint_n rest_n be_v i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o represent_v it_o be_v so_o far_o above_o any_o thing_n we_o can_v in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n conceive_v or_o imagine_v the_o advantage_n that_o attend_v our_o present_a tranquillity_n and_o rest_n be_v many_o and_o great_a which_o to_o enumerate_v will_v be_v prolix_a and_o tedious_a but_o if_o from_o that_o we_o shall_v frame_v to_o ourselves_o a_o idea_n of_o that_o celestial_a rest_n how_o imperfect_a will_v it_o be_v any_o rest_v we_o enjoy_v here_o be_v uncertain_a a_o unthought-of_a causality_n may_v impair_v it_o but_o the_o rest_n that_o remain_v for_o the_o people_n of_o god_n
every_o age_n who_o die_v a_o natural_a death_n we_o may_v suppose_v that_o eight_o hundred_o year_n be_v the_o common_a period_n before_o the_o flood_n but_o then_o after_o the_o flood_n the_o mutability_n of_o this_o common_a period_n be_v conspicuous_a for_o in_o the_o next_o age_n after_o the_o flood_n it_o be_v cut_v short_a two_o hundred_o year_n and_o in_o the_o next_o three_o succeed_v generation_n it_o be_v abridge_v to_o four_o hundred_o year_n and_o in_o the_o three_o succeed_a age_n to_o the_o former_a it_o be_v reduce_v to_o two_o hundred_o year_n and_o in_o abraham_n time_n it_o seem_v not_o to_o have_v be_v extend_v to_o a_o hundred_o year_n in_o reduce_v the_o life_n of_o mankind_n into_o short_a bound_n now_o than_o it_o be_v in_o the_o infancy_n of_o the_o world_n the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n do_v very_o plain_o appear_v for_o 1._o although_o it_o be_v true_a that_o sin_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o misery_n yet_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o as_o man_n begin_v to_o multiply_v so_o they_o become_v more_o corrupt_v and_o as_o the_o earth_n be_v replenish_v with_o man_n so_o with_o multiply_a misery_n and_o those_o not_o only_o particular_a but_o common_a war_n and_o bloodshed_n slavery_n and_o toil_n pain_n and_o disease_n be_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n very_o rare_a and_o singular_a now_o these_o be_v ordinary_a and_o common_a and_o be_v it_o not_o then_o a_o great_a mercy_n that_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n be_v few_o since_o so_o full_a of_o evil_n but_o 2._o if_o man_n live_v as_o long_o now_o as_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n a_o land_n will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o contain_v its_o inhabitant_n and_o this_o be_v a_o far_o great_a inconvenience_n and_o disadvantage_n than_o the_o shorten_n the_o lease_n of_o our_o being_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v extend_v that_o the_o earth_n may_v be_v replenish_v and_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o this_o common_a period_n be_v shorten_v according_a as_o man_n miultply_v i_o confess_v god_n threaten_v to_o destroy_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o a_o land_n for_o their_o transgression_n it_o be_v because_o man_n have_v corrupt_v themselves_o that_o god_n bring_v a_o flood_n of_o water_n upon_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o the_o divine_a justice_n be_v accompany_v with_o astonish_a goodness_n for_o he_o do_v not_o as_o just_o he_o may_v have_v instant_o cut_v off_o that_o perverse_a generation_n but_o he_o give_v they_o the_o space_n of_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o year_n to_o repent_v yet_o say_v god_n his_o day_n shall_v be_v a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o year_n gen._n 6._o 3._o that_o be_v altough_o this_o be_v a_o perverse_a and_o corrupt_a geveration_n yet_o because_o man_n be_v but_o flesh_n i_o will_v give_v he_o this_o time_n to_o repent_v of_o his_o wickedness_n and_o if_o notwithstanding_o he_o will_v not_o after_o such_o warning_n mend_v his_o manner_n i_o will_v destroy_v he_o i_o know_v many_o learned_a man_n think_v that_o god_n here_o only_o threaten_v to_o shorten_v the_o common_a period_n of_o man_n life_n and_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v contract_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o year_n but_o this_o exposition_n be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o experience_n of_o some_o age_n next_o follow_v the_o flood_n in_o which_o man_n live_v much_o long_o than_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o year_n but_o they_o say_v god_n use_v not_o toanticipate_v his_o time_n in_o bring_v judgement_n upon_o a_o nation_n or_o people_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v very_o true_a but_o methinks_v man_n have_v no_o ground_n to_o think_v that_o in_o the_o present_a case_n god_n anticipate_v the_o time_n in_o bring_v judgement_n upon_o they_o for_o we_o can_v think_v that_o noah_n be_v complete_a five_o hundred_o year_n old_a when_o god_n threaten_v to_o destroy_v the_o world_n and_o indeed_o any_o man_n who_o be_v but_o a_o little_a acquaint_v with_o the_o jewish_a custom_n of_o reckon_n of_o year_n know_v how_o usual_a it_o be_v with_o they_o to_o name_v the_o great_a part_n of_o any_o thing_n for_o the_o whole_a st._n austin_n be_v so_o clear_a in_o this_o i_o will_v rather_o set_v it_o down_o in_o his_o word_n than_o my_o own_o intelligendum_fw-la est_fw-la hoc_fw-la deum_fw-la dixisse_fw-la cum_fw-la circa_fw-la finem_fw-la que_a entorum_fw-la annorum_fw-la esset_fw-la noah_n i_o e._n quadragintos_fw-la octoginta_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la annos_fw-la agereâ—_n quos_fw-la more_fw-it svo_fw-la scriptura_fw-la quingentos_fw-la vocat_fw-la nomine_fw-la totius_fw-la maximam_fw-la partem_fw-la plerumque_fw-la significans_fw-la aug._n the_o civ_o dei_fw-la lib._n 15._o c._n 24._o thus_o much_o i_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o common_a period_n of_o humane_a life_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o age_n of_o the_o world_n i_o shall_v now_o add_v a_o little_a concern_v its_o changeableness_n in_o respect_n of_o place_n and_o i_o confess_v in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v so_o variable_a that_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o pitch_v upon_o particular_n only_o in_o the_o general_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o this_o common_a period_n be_v not_o the_o same_o in_o all_o place_n in_o a_o temperate_a climate_n this_o common_a term_n be_v extend_v but_o where_o there_o be_v a_o excess_n of_o heat_n or_o a_o unconstancy_n of_o the_o weather_n in_o those_o place_n this_o common_a period_n be_v shorten_v but_o pass_v this_o i_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v the_o particular_a period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n there_o be_v two_o way_n it_o be_v common_o take_v 1._o as_o it_o imply_v the_o disunion_n of_o the_o part_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o excess_n of_o some_o one_o quality_n or_o other_o or_o 2._o as_o it_o imply_v the_o period_n of_o humane_a life_n whatever_o way_n it_o be_v occasion_v without_o any_o relation_n either_o to_o the_o defect_n or_o excess_n of_o any_o quality_n and_o thus_o the_o learned_a episcopius_n state_n the_o case_n in_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o jo._n beverovicius_n but_o to_o make_v this_o yet_o more_o plain_a i_o shall_v consider_v that_o text_n 1._o sam._n 26._o 10._o as_o the_o lord_n live_v the_o lord_n shall_v smite_v he_o or_o his_o day_n shall_v come_v to_o die_v or_o he_o shall_v descend_v into_o battle_n and_o perish_v though_o david_n be_v anoint_v king_n yet_o he_o dare_v not_o stretch_v forth_o his_o hand_n against_o the_o lord_n anoint_v neither_o will_v he_o permit_v abishai_n who_o inconsiderat_o offer_v to_o do_v it_o know_v none_o can_v do_v so_o and_o be_v guiltless_a therefore_o he_o comfort_v and_o solace_n himself_o with_o this_o consideration_n that_o god_n shall_v rid_v he_o of_o saul_n one_o of_o these_o three_o way_n 1._o by_o smite_v he_o with_o some_o disease_n and_o now_o to_o what_o a_o numberless_a number_n of_o disease_n be_v our_o frail_a nature_n incident_a variety_n of_o malady_n prey_n upon_o frail_a man_n and_o million_o of_o misery_n attend_v he_o the_o pestilence_n walk_v at_o noonday_n and_o the_o air_n which_o he_o breathe_v may_v blow_v out_o the_o spark_n of_o his_o life_n 2._o or_o his_o day_n will_v come_v that_o be_v or_o he_o will_v die_v a_o natural_a death_n now_o saul_n be_v well-stricken_a in_o year_n and_o he_o know_v that_o by_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n he_o can_v not_o live_v long_o 3_o or_o he_o shall_v descend_v into_o battle_n and_o perish_v that_o be_v if_o some_o disease_n cut_v he_o not_o off_o or_o if_o his_o day_n come_v not_o yet_o he_o shall_v be_v expose_v to_o a_o violent_a death_n or_o he_o shall_v descend_v into_o battle_n sometime_o a_o violent_a death_n be_v pure_o casual_a thus_o it_o be_v with_o those_o eighteen_o upon_o who_o the_o tower_n in_o siloam_n fall_v luke_n 13._o 4._o sometime_o it_o be_v only_o improper_o casual_a as_o when_o one_o of_o two_o equal_o expose_v to_o danger_n be_v only_o kill_v and_o sometime_o it_o be_v only_o and_o proper_o violent_a such_o be_v saul_n death_n such_o be_v achitophel_n and_o haman_n the_o way_n to_o this_o discourse_n in_o hand_n be_v thus_o far_o clear_v i_o shall_v now_o prosecute_v the_o design_n of_o it_o in_o this_o method_n 1._o i_o shall_v set_v down_o those_o erroneous_a opinion_n into_o which_o some_o man_n have_v unhappy_o fall_v in_o their_o enquiry_n for_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o present_a case_n 2._o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o the_o two_o common_a opinion_n that_o offer_v fair_a for_o solve_v this_o doubt_n 3._o i_o shall_v attempt_v a_o full_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n and_o last_o i_o shall_v conclude_v with_o some_o reflection_n upon_o the_o whole_a discourse_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o those_o erroneous_a sentiment_n some_o man_n have_v unhappy_o embrace_v in_o their_o inquiry_n for_o satisfaction_n
john_n 21._o 17._o and_o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n make_v use_v of_o this_o topick_n to_o induce_v we_o to_o circumspection_n all_o thing_n be_v naked_a and_o open_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o he_o with_o who_o we_o have_v to_o do_v heb._n 4._o 13._o and_o god_n himself_o appeal_v to_o the_o infinity_n of_o his_o knowledge_n in_o the_o demonstration_n of_o his_o deity_n and_o challenge_v the_o idol-god_n to_o produce_v their_o cause_n and_o show_v what_o shall_v happen_v that_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o thing_n may_v be_v know_v isa._n 41._o 21_o 22._o the_o psalmist_n upbraid_v the_o idol_n god_n in_o that_o they_o have_v eye_n and_o see_v not_o but_o he_o always_o comfort_v himself_o with_o this_o consideration_n that_o the_o god_n in_o who_o he_o trust_v do_v behold_v his_o condition_n all_o which_o instance_n make_v it_o undoubtable_a that_o god_n have_v a_o infinite_a cognizance_n and_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v hide_v from_o his_o eye_n who_o equal_o behold_v thing_n past_a present_a and_o to_o come_v now_o if_o it_o be_v so_o plain_a and_o evident_a that_o god_n have_v such_o a_o infinite_a knowledge_n no_o man_n can_v reasonable_o doubt_v that_o god_n know_v the_o period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n but_o if_o any_o shall_v ask_v how_o be_v it_o that_o god_n know_v certain_o the_o period_n of_o humane_a life_n i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a bold_a and_o fruitless_a enquiry_n which_o concern_v not_o we_o to_o know_v his_o understanding_n be_v infinite_a and_o shall_v silly_a man_n think_v to_o comprehend_v and_o measure_v it_o by_o his_o finite_a knowledge_n the_o psalmist_n modest_o acknowledge_v that_o such_o knowledge_n be_v too_o wonderful_a for_o he_o it_o be_v high_a say_v he_o i_o can_v attain_v unto_o it_o psal._n 139._o 6._o and_o elsewhere_o he_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v only_o bold_a atheist_n who_o ask_v how_o do_v god_n know_v and_o be_v there_o knowledge_n in_o the_o most_o high_a i_o confess_v the_o schoolman_n as_o they_o be_v call_v weary_v themselves_o with_o such_o vain_a dispute_n and_o they_o be_v as_o peremptory_a in_o determine_v the_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n knowledge_n of_o future_a thing_n as_o if_o they_o have_v prove_v their_o assertion_n with_o mathematical_a demonstration_n some_o of_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o thing_n future_a be_v real_o present_a with_o god_n in_o eternity_n which_o methinks_v be_v a_o very_a noble_a paradox_n other_o run_v to_o the_o divine_a decree_n and_o make_v it_o the_o basis_n of_o the_o divine_a knowledge_n other_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n in_o contemplate_v his_o own_o essence_n see_v all_o the_o representation_n and_o idea_n of_o future_a thing_n and_o therefore_o know_v they_o certain_o we_o may_v add_v many_o other_o conjecture_n but_o these_o may_v let_v we_o know_v how_o vain_o curious_a such_o wit_n be_v but_o that_o which_o may_v satisfy_v any_o sober_a enquirer_n be_v this_o that_o god_n be_v infinite_a in_o knowledge_n and_o therefore_o know_v certain_o the_o period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n it_o be_v true_o future_a the_o second_o thing_n i_o premise_v be_v to_o prove_v that_o god_n know_v the_o period_n of_o humane_a life_n by_o example_n from_o scripture_n now_o i_o think_v this_o will_v need_v but_o little_a proof_n since_o the_o prediction_n concern_v the_o period_n of_o person_n be_v so_o many_o and_o plain_a so_o many_o hundred_o year_n foretell_v and_o so_o punctual_o fullfil_v without_o a_o failure_n in_o a_o tittle_n the_o death_n of_o eli_n two_o son_n hophni_n and_o phineas_n be_v foretell_v 1_o sam_n 2._o 24._o and_o punctual_o fulfil_v as_o we_o may_v read_v chap._n 4._o 11._o both_o the_o manner_n and_o place_n of_o jezebel_n death_n be_v foretell_v and_o the_o dog_n shall_v eat_v jezebel_n in_o the_o portion_n of_o jezreel_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v none_o to_o bury_v she_o 2_o king_n 9_o 10._o which_o prediction_n be_v fulfil_v without_o a_o failure_n in_o any_o circumstance_n as_o we_o read_v in_o the_o close_a of_o that_o chapter_n but_o the_o most_o remarkable_a instance_n be_v those_o manifold_a prediction_n concern_v the_o death_n of_o holy_a jesus_n all_o the_o prophet_n as_o the_o apostle_n observe_v act._n 3_o have_v foretell_v that_o christ_n shall_v suffer_v they_o have_v condescend_v upon_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o suffering_n upon_o the_o time_n and_o upon_o the_o circumstance_n relate_v to_o it_o the_o psalmist_n in_o a_o figurative_a speech_n a_o very_a usual_a way_n of_o express_v thing_n among_o the_o prophet_n speak_v of_o his_o be_v pierce_v so_o do_v the_o prophet_n zechariah_n and_o they_o shall_v look_v upon_o i_o who_o they_o have_v pierce_v zech._n 12._o 10._o daniel_n do_v punctual_o speak_v of_o the_o time_n and_o after_o threescore_o and_o two_o week_n shall_v messiah_n be_v cut_v off_o but_o not_o for_o himself_o dan_o 9_o 26._o but_o far_a god_n do_v not_o only_o know_v the_o actual_a but_o also_o the_o possible_a bound_n of_o every_o man_n life_n that_o be_v god_n do_v know_v that_o a_o period_n shall_v have_v be_v put_v to_o the_o day_n of_o many_o man_n if_o they_o have_v not_o by_o their_o hearty_a repentance_n and_o devoute_a prayer_n prevent_v its_o lash_n it_o be_v king_n hezekia_n prayer_n to_o god_n that_o extend_v his_o 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 nineves_fw-la 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 vincere_fw-la 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 objectione_n this_o principl_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 therefore_o 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
way_n of_o death_n he_o that_o abide_v in_o this_o city_n shall_v die_v by_o the_o sword_n and_o by_o the_o famine_n and_o by_o the_o pestilence_n but_o he_o that_o go_v out_o and_o fall_v to_o the_o chaldean_n that_o besiege_v you_o he_o shall_v live_v and_o his_o life_n shall_v be_v unto_o he_o for_o a_o prey_n which_o place_n plain_o show_v that_o god_n have_v not_o decree_v the_o period_n of_o their_o life_n by_o any_o inconditionate_n decree_n for_o the_o mean_n both_o of_o prolong_v and_o of_o cut_v short_a their_o life_n be_v put_v in_o their_o choice_n and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o i_o shall_v say_v to_o the_o three_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o speak_v concern_v the_o mutability_n of_o the_o period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n for_o ordinary_a all_o that_o now_o remain_v be_v to_o conclude_v with_o some_o practical_a reflection_n upon_o what_o have_v be_v say_v and_o first_o whatever_o debate_v there_o may_v be_v concern_v the_o period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o man_n life_n have_v a_o period_n it_o be_v appoint_v for_o all_o man_n once_o to_o die_v and_o from_o this_o warefare_n there_o be_v no_o discharge_n pray_v what_o be_v become_v of_o all_o those_o who_o live_v in_o former_a age_n have_v they_o not_o go_v the_o way_n of_o all_o live_n and_o shall_v we_o think_v to_o shun_v the_o approach_n of_o this_o last_o enemy_n may_v not_o the_o multiply_a experience_n we_o have_v of_o other_o man_n frailty_n &_o mortality_n convince_v we_o that_o we_o be_v brittle_a and_o must_v return_v to_o the_o dust_n we_o be_v of_o the_o like_a constitution_n that_o they_o be_v of_o and_o we_o can_v expect_v to_o be_v otherwise_o deal_v with_o what_o man_n be_v he_o that_o live_v and_o shall_v not_o see_v death_n and_o yet_o many_o man_n live_v as_o unconcerned_a as_o if_o they_o have_v the_o perpetuity_n of_o their_o being_n insure_v to_o they_o and_o have_v conclude_v a_o agreement_n with_o death_n and_o have_v secret_a intelligence_n with_o the_o grave_a it_o be_v true_o a_o business_n worthy_a to_o be_v regret_v that_o man_n who_o be_v live_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o house_n of_o mourning_n daily_o visit_v with_o pain_n and_o disease_n and_o have_v no_o promise_n at_o least_o for_o one_o moment_n security_n yet_o live_v unconcerned_a and_o never_o mind_n those_o pleasure_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o praise_n worthy_a and_o commendable_a custom_n among_o the_o jew_n to_o build_v their_o sepulcher_n in_o their_o garden_n as_o we_o may_v guess_v from_o joh._n 19_o 4â—_n that_o so_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o pleasure_n they_o may_v behold_v monument_n of_o their_o mortality_n true_o if_o we_o do_v frequent_o meditate_v upon_o our_o latter_a end_n we_o shall_v live_v more_o like_a christian_n than_o we_o now_o do_v the_o end_n have_v have_v a_o very_a great_a influence_n upon_o man_n endeavour_n hence_o be_v that_o general_a maxim_n finis_fw-la vltimus_fw-la praescrib_fw-la at_o regulas_fw-la totius_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la and_o it_o seem_v that_o the_o psalmist_n upon_o this_o account_n pray_v lord_n make_v i_o know_v my_o end_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o my_o day_n that_o i_o may_v know_v how_o frail_a i_o be_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o we_o shall_v order_v our_o conversation_n aright_o if_o we_o have_v this_o consideration_n in_o our_o view_n we_o shall_v have_v but_o low_a and_o contemptible_a thought_n of_o the_o perish_a pleasure_n which_o we_o now_o so_o much_o delight_n in_o then_o we_o shall_v be_v argue_v out_o of_o our_o folly_n in_o spend_v our_o year_n as_o a_o tale_n that_o be_v tell_v it_o be_v threaten_v as_o a_o sad_a plague_n to_o the_o oppressor_n that_o the_o number_n of_o his_o year_n be_v hide_v from_o he_o job_n 15._o 20._o he_o be_v a_o person_n that_o never_o consider_v that_o his_o appoint_a time_n approach_v and_o that_o god_n will_v bring_v he_o into_o the_o grave_a the_o place_n appoint_v for_o all_o live_n and_o it_o be_v lay_v down_o as_o the_o cause_n why_o jerusalem_n come_v down_o wonderful_o that_o she_o remember_v not_o her_o last_o end_n i_o be_o 1._o 9_o and_o true_o it_o may_v be_v also_o reckon_v as_o the_o cause_n why_o christian_n live_v so_o contrary_a to_o the_o commendable_a rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o profess_v if_o we_o do_v but_o entertain_v somewhat_o more_o familiar_a thought_n of_o our_o appoint_a time_n we_o can_v not_o but_o rectify_v those_o abuse_n we_o be_v guilty_a of_o but_o alas_o all_o the_o passage_n of_o our_o time_n be_v fill_v up_o with_o care_n about_o thing_n that_o perish_v we_o can_v walk_v to_o the_o grave_a with_o our_o friend_n who_o we_o once_o love_v as_o entire_o as_o our_o own_o life_n and_o reap_v as_o little_a advantage_n by_o their_o death_n as_o if_o we_o have_v never_o be_v acquaint_v with_o they_o never_o remember_v that_o we_o must_v go_v to_o they_o but_o they_o can_v return_v to_o we_o but_o second_o although_o the_o period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n be_v fix_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o divine_a foreknowledge_n yet_o to_o we_o it_o be_v uncertain_a we_o know_v not_o when_o this_o enemy_n may_v surprise_v we_o of_o this_o we_o may_v say_v what_o our_o lord_n christ_n say_v of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n but_o of_o that_o day_n and_o hour_n we_o know_v not_o when_o we_o least_o suspect_v its_o approach_n it_o may_v call_v we_o to_o go_v hence_o and_o be_v no_o more_o how_o many_o million_o of_o strange_a and_o unexpected_a accident_n attend_v we_o the_o pestilence_n walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o destruction_n waste_v at_o noonday_n astonish_v dispensation_n may_v alarm_n we_o by_o night_n and_o the_o devour_a arrow_n flee_v by_o day_n psal._n 91._o 5._o 6._o when_o we_o go_v abroad_o we_o can_v promise_v to_o ourselves_o a_o safe_a return_n and_o at_o home_n when_o we_o put_v off_o our_o clothes_n we_o can_v tell_v if_o we_o shall_v ever_o put_v they_o on_o again_o the_o grave_n be_v always_o ready_a for_o we_o what_o strange_a kind_n of_o unknown_a disease_n do_v our_o age_n produce_v from_o which_o we_o can_v promise_v to_o ourselves_o any_o exemption_n we_o live_v among_o cruel_a and_o mad_a man_n and_o do_v we_o know_v but_o those_o beast_n of_o prey_n may_v devour_v we_o when_o we_o look_v for_o peace_n destruction_n may_v come_v this_o be_v the_o rich_a man_n fate_n who_o while_o he_o be_v promise_v himself_o rest_n for_o many_o day_n that_o same_o night_n his_o soul_n be_v require_v of_o he_o we_o be_v always_o apt_a to_o put_v the_o thought_n of_o this_o day_n fat_a from_o we_o when_o we_o enjoy_v health_n we_o never_o think_v of_o any_o change_n and_o that_o sickness_n may_v seir_v upon_o we_o and_o put_v a_o period_n to_o our_o life_n we_o live_v indeed_o at_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o uncertainty_n man_n also_o know_v not_o his_o time_n as_o the_o fish_n that_o be_v take_v in_o a_o evil_a net_n and_o as_o the_o bird_n that_o be_v catch_v in_o the_o snare_n so_o be_v the_o son_n of_o man_n snare_v in_o a_o evil_a time_n when_o it_o fall_v sudden_o upon_o they_o eccl._n 9_o 12._o we_o look_v upon_o death_n as_o the_o unfaithful_a servant_n do_v upon_o his_o master_n come_v we_o think_v death_n do_v delay_v its_o come_n but_o if_o we_o be_v not_o fool_n we_o shall_v always_o realize_v the_o quickness_n of_o its_o approach_n may_v be_v we_o be_v young_a and_o strong_a how_o many_o such_o have_v be_v call_v away_o in_o the_o morning_n of_o their_o ago_o go_v too_o now_o say_v the_o apostle_n james_n you_o that_o say_v to_o day_n or_o to_o morrow_n we_o will_v go_v into_o such_o a_o â—â—y_n and_o continue_v there_o a_o year_n and_o buy_v and_o sell_v and_o get_v gain_n whereas_o you_o know_v not_o what_o shall_v be_v on_o the_o morrow_n jam._n 4._o 13._o 14._o alas_o our_o day_n at_o best_a be_v but_o labour_n and_o sorrow_n for_o they_o be_v soon_o cut_v off_o and_o we_o flee_v away_o when_o a_o few_o year_n be_v go_v we_o must_v go_v the_o way_n of_o all_o flesh_n and_o yet_o upon_o the_o happy_a improvement_n of_o this_o depend_v our_o everlasting_a happiness_n or_o misery_n for_o there_o be_v no_o work_n nor_o device_n nor_o knowledge_n nor_o wisdom_n in_o the_o grave_a whither_o we_o be_v go_v eccl._n 9_o 10._o finis_fw-la
a_o absolute_a and_o inconditionate_n decree_n repentance_n can_v never_o alter_v the_o determination_n it_o be_v the_o apostle_n advice_n jam._n 5._o 14._o be_v any_o sick_a among_o you_o let_v he_o call_v for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o let_v they_o pray_v over_o he_o i_o know_v there_o be_v other_o mean_n to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o order_n to_o the_o procure_n of_o health_n than_o repentance_n and_o prayer_n and_o of_o these_o we_o shall_v speak_v anon_o but_o yet_o this_o i_o think_v may_v be_v true_o say_v that_o sometime_o when_o all_o other_o remedy_n have_v be_v either_o ineffectual_a or_o not_o to_o be_v have_v repentance_n and_o prayer_n have_v do_v the_o business_n and_o complete_v the_o cure_n and_o sure_o these_o be_v duty_n profitable_a at_o all_o time_n i_o know_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n tell_v we_o many_o extravagant_a story_n of_o the_o wonder_n and_o miracle_n that_o have_v be_v perform_v by_o the_o prayer_n of_o holy_a man_n those_o i_o shall_v not_o now_o mention_v only_o i_o shall_v say_v that_o although_o it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o the_o prayer_n of_o saint_n upon_o the_o earth_n do_v either_o mitigate_v and_o alleviate_v the_o pain_n of_o those_o that_o be_v in_o hell_n or_o free_v they_o from_o that_o miserable_a state_n as_o some_o man_n have_v confident_o enough_o report_v yet_o it_o be_v sufficient_o credible_a that_o the_o effectual_a fervem_fw-la prayer_n of_o the_o righteous_a avail_n much_o jam._n 5._o 16._o a_o three_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o our_o life_n may_v be_v extend_v or_o shorten_v may_v be_v take_v from_o the_o use_n of_o medicament_n common_a reason_n will_v teach_v man_n that_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o prescribe_v any_o medicine_n to_o those_o that_o be_v dead_a and_o true_o the_o case_n will_v be_v much_o alike_o if_o the_o period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n be_v determine_v by_o a_o inconditionate_n decree_n for_o although_o man_n may_v then_o make_v use_n of_o medicament_n yet_o i_o think_v i_o may_v true_o say_v that_o their_o operation_n shall_v be_v very_o ineffectual_a but_o that_o man_n may_v to_o good_a purpose_n employ_v the_o physician_n when_o they_o be_v sick_a and_o expect_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n benefit_n by_o the_o use_n of_o medicament_n apply_v by_o the_o art_n of_o physic_n no_o reasonable_a man_n can_v doubt_v that_o the_o life_n of_o many_o have_v be_v lengthen_v and_o prolong_v by_o the_o excellent_a remedy_n apply_v by_o the_o expert_a and_o skilful_a physician_n be_v a_o truth_n so_o obvious_a to_o common_a experience_n that_o i_o need_v not_o enlarge_v upon_o it_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n how_o many_o have_v die_v before_o their_o time_n only_o by_o their_o employ_v ignorant_a physician_n it_o be_v a_o famous_a instance_n that_o we_o have_v record_v of_o one_o mane_n the_o father_n of_o the_o manichee_n who_o have_v return_v into_o persia_n at_o that_o time_n when_o the_o king_n son_n lie_v sick_a of_o a_o dangerous_a disease_n he_o among_o many_o other_o physician_n be_v present_a all_o the_o other_o plain_o declare_v that_o the_o disease_n be_v dangerous_a but_o manes_n who_o be_v only_o a_o pretend_a physician_n confident_o desire_v that_o they_o may_v be_v all_o remove_v and_o he_o will_v take_v care_n of_o the_o king_n son_n &_o withal_o promise_v to_o restore_v he_o to_o health_n in_o a_o short_a space_n but_o the_o event_n be_v quite_o contrary_a for_o within_o a_o short_a time_n the_o king_n son_n die_v which_o do_v so_o provoke_v the_o king_n of_o persia_n that_o he_o instant_o cause_v manes_n to_o be_v put_v to_o a_o miserable_a death_n what_o mischief_n have_v be_v do_v by_o unskilful_a physician_n too_o many_o sad_a example_n do_v daily_o attest_v but_o yet_o if_o the_o period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n be_v determine_v by_o a_o absolute_a and_o inconditionate_n decree_n no_o man_n can_v blame_v the_o ignorant_a physician_n nor_o needs_o any_o person_n be_v trouble_v if_o they_o neglect_v the_o mean_n for_o god_n have_v determine_v they_o shall_v do_v so_o which_o indeed_o make_v martha_n speech_n to_o our_o lord_n christ_n to_o be_v ridiculous_a if_o thou_o have_v be_v here_o my_o brother_n have_v not_o die_v that_o naaman_n the_o syrian_a shall_v wash_v himself_o in_o the_o river_n of_o jordan_n seven_o time_n and_o then_o be_v clean_a of_o his_o leprosy_n be_v indeed_o miraculous_a but_o yet_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o if_o he_o have_v not_o do_v so_o his_o leprosy_n have_v remain_v whether_o that_o custom_n in_o the_o primitive_a christian_a church_n of_o anoint_v the_o sick_a with_o oil_n be_v miraculous_a or_o not_o i_o shall_v not_o dispute_v but_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v then_o a_o mean_v use_v for_o the_o recovery_n of_o the_o sick_n there_o be_v one_o objection_n which_o some_o man_n very_o impertinent_o urge_v against_o what_o i_o have_v be_v speak_v and_o that_o be_v asa_n his_o go_v to_o the_o physician_n which_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o disallow_v to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o king_n asa_n be_v not_o therefore_o reprehend_v because_o he_o ask_v advice_n of_o the_o physician_n but_o because_o he_o trust_v only_o in_o they_o and_o seek_v not_o the_o lord_n as_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a from_o 2_o chron._n 16._o 12._o and_o sure_o no_o reasonable_a man_n will_v have_v any_o doubt_n but_o this_o be_v a_o very_a culpable_a neglect_n in_o asa._n four_o nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n which_o have_v a_o physical_a efficacy_n in_o the_o shorten_n of_o man_n life_n as_o all_o kind_n of_o excess_n namely_o immoderate_a eat_n and_o drink_v all_o inordinate_a passion_n of_o mind_n etc._n etc._n as_o also_o the_o bad_a and_o unwholesome_a constitution_n of_o a_o kingdom_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o effectual_o conduce_v to_o the_o lengthen_v of_o our_o day_n namely_o all_o kind_n of_o moderation_n and_o temperance_n the_o wholsomness_n of_o the_o region_n wherein_o we_o live_v and_o our_o good_a managery_n what_o kind_n of_o person_n be_v those_o who_o for_o ordinary_a live_v long_a be_v they_o not_o those_o who_o careful_o moderate_v their_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o who_o govern_v their_o passion_n and_o who_o live_v in_o the_o wholesome_a place_n we_o common_o say_v that_o man_n who_o live_v in_o a_o populous_a city_n be_v shorter-lived_n than_o those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o country_n i_o have_v already_o show_v how_o some_o vice_n in_o their_o proper_a tendency_n shorten_v man_n life_n and_o that_o in_o some_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n man_n live_v much_o long_o than_o in_o other_o all_o which_o methinks_v plain_o tell_v we_o the_o period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n be_v not_o fatal_a but_o mutable_a according_a as_o man_n be_v careful_a or_o negligent_a of_o themselves_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v another_o condesirable_a argument_n and_o so_o draw_v this_o discourse_n to_o a_o conclusion_n and_o that_o be_v do_v we_o evident_o perceive_v that_o many_o man_n have_v live_v long_o if_o they_o have_v notwretched_o and_o unreasonable_o expose_v themselves_o to_o danger_n and_o be_v it_o not_o evident_a that_o many_o million_o who_o have_v die_v in_o battle_n will_v have_v have_v their_o day_n prolong_v if_o they_o have_v never_o descend_v into_o battle_n that_o god_n have_v from_o the_o outgoing_n of_o eternity_n by_o a_o absolute_a and_o inconditionate_n decree_v determine_v both_o the_o time_n and_o manner_n of_o every_o man_n death_n this_o be_v more_o than_o we_o can_v learn_v from_o revelation_n and_o i_o think_v it_o be_v very_o inconsistent_a and_o irreconcilable_a with_o those_o many_o plain_a text_n that_o show_v it_o be_v lawful_a in_o time_n of_o eminent_a danger_n to_o flee_v for_o our_o safety_n in_o time_n of_o famine_n and_o when_o any_o egregious_a contagion_n such_o as_o the_o pestilence_n spread_v in_o any_o place_n how_o many_o hundred_o prolong_v their_o life_n by_o their_o flight_n from_o battle_n if_o david_n and_o his_o man_n have_v remain_v in_o keilah_n it_o be_v certain_a they_o shall_v have_v be_v deliver_v up_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o saul_n and_o what_o the_o event_n shall_v have_v be_v we_o may_v easy_o conjecture_v if_o god_n by_o a_o special_a providence_n have_v not_o interpose_v for_o their_o safety_n but_o beside_o the_o many_o instance_n we_o may_v produce_v we_o have_v a_o positive_a precept_n to_o flee_v from_o any_o eminent_a danger_n mat._n 10._o 23._o when_o they_o persecute_v you_o in_o this_o city_n flee_v into_o another_o which_o plain_o show_v that_o this_o be_v a_o lawful_a mean_n of_o prolong_v our_o life_n in_o such_o case_n it_o be_v a_o notable_a instance_n we_o have_v jer._n 27._o 18_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n behold_v i_o set_v before_o you_o the_o way_n of_o life_n and_o the_o