divine_a rule_n and_o dominion_n it_o be_v this_o single_a consideration_n that_o make_v cato_n who_o be_v once_o a_o preacher_n of_o providence_n how_o orthodox_n i_o inquire_v not_o accuse_v the_o dominion_n and_o government_n of_o the_o god_n of_o instability_n and_o unjustness_n that_o caesar_n who_o tyrannical_o invade_v the_o right_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o rome_n shall_v be_v successful_a in_o so_o unjust_a attempt_n and_o pompey_n put_v to_o the_o worst_a and_o overthrow_v in_o the_o lawful_a defence_n of_o his_o country_n this_o stumble_v he_o exceed_o it_o be_v true_a some_o few_o of_o the_o learned_a and_o sober_a heathen_n do_v not_o thus_o rash_o fall_v foul_a upon_o providence_n but_o very_o wise_o infer_v the_o be_v of_o a_o future_a state_n where_o the_o virtuous_a shall_v be_v reward_v and_o the_o vicious_a punish_v and_o those_o holy_a man_n in_o scripture_n who_o do_v fret_v because_o of_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a quick_o perceive_v their_o folly_n and_o error_n and_o that_o the_o wicked_a be_v only_o feed_v like_o sheep_n for_o the_o slaughter_n and_o as_o the_o poet_n excellent_o express_v it_o tolluntur_fw-la in_o altum_fw-la ut_fw-la lapsu_fw-la graviore_fw-la ruant_fw-la job_n friend_n though_o they_o do_v not_o direct_o fall_v foul_a upon_o the_o divine_a providence_n yet_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o god_n will_v never_o have_v afflict_v job_n with_o such_o sad_a calamity_n if_o he_o have_v be_v upright_o and_o sincere_a remember_v say_v eliphaz_n who_o ever_o perish_v be_v innocent_a or_o where_o be_v the_o righteous_a cut_v off_o ch_n 4._o 7._o bildad_o tell_v job_n if_o thou_o be_v pure_a and_o upright_a sure_o now_o he_o will_v awake_v for_o thou_o ch_z 8._o 6._o to_o both_o these_o zophar_n succeed_v with_o a_o charge_n as_o grievous_a and_o bitter_a for_o thou_o have_v say_v my_o doctrine_n be_v pure_a and_o i_o be_o clean_a in_o thy_o eye_n but_o o_o that_o god_n will_v speak_v and_o open_v his_o lip_n against_o thou_o ch_z 11._o v._n 4_o 5._o these_o be_v the_o cordial_n job_n friend_n afford_v he_o whileas_o his_o afflict_a condition_n plead_v pity_n from_o his_o friend_n these_o accusation_n be_v heavy_a but_o he_o see_v it_o be_v needless_a to_o tell_v they_o that_o god_n may_v destroy_v the_o perfect_a as_o well_o as_o the_o wicked_a and_o although_o he_o will_v not_o plead_v not_o guilty_a for_o than_o he_o confess_v his_o own_o lip_n shall_v prove_v he_o perverse_a yet_o he_o humble_o conceive_v that_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a principle_n to_o conclude_v love_n or_o hatred_n from_o any_o such_o outward_a dispensation_n therefore_o find_v all_o his_o entreaty_n reject_v and_o his_o plea_n for_o his_o own_o defence_n slight_v he_o be_v at_o length_n force_v to_o beg_v their_o silence_n desire_v far_o rather_o to_o plead_v his_o cause_n with_o his_o maker_n who_o can_v discern_v his_o sincerity_n and_o therefore_o have_v order_v his_o cause_n ch_n 13._o 18._o and_o take_v a_o exact_a and_o accurate_a examination_n of_o his_o former_a way_n he_o begin_v his_o plead_n for_o a_o mitigation_n of_o his_o present_a calamity_n from_o v_o 23_o which_o he_o continue_v till_o interrupt_v by_o eliphas_n ch_n 15._o and_o among_o the_o many_o argument_n he_o urge_v that_o take_v from_o the_o determine_a day_n and_o unpassable_a bound_n prefix_v to_o man_n be_v not_o the_o small_a seeing_n his_o day_n be_v determine_v the_o number_n of_o his_o month_n be_v with_o thou_o thou_o have_v appoint_v his_o bound_n 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 these_o word_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a i_o shall_v spend_v a_o little_a time_n in_o their_o explanation_n see_v his_o day_n be_v determine_v etc._n etc._n the_o word_n which_o our_o translator_n render_v see_v be_v in_o the_o original_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o which_o some_o expositor_n think_v be_v use_v by_o way_n of_o query_n thus_o if_o his_o day_n be_v determine_v but_o the_o context_n seem_v to_o warrant_v our_o vulgar_a translation_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o it_o be_v very_o emphatic_a for_o it_o contain_v a_o implicit_a affirmation_n a_o phrase_n very_o ordinary_a when_o the_o thing_n for_o its_o certainty_n be_v confess_v and_o acknowledge_v but_o let_v we_o suppose_v that_o the_o word_n shall_v be_v render_v by_o way_n of_o query_n yet_o there_o be_v two_o doubt_n that_o must_v be_v remove_v else_o their_o quarrel_v with_o our_o translation_n be_v vain_a and_o impertinent_a 1._o it_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o it_o have_v then_o be_v a_o receive_a opinion_n that_o the_o day_n of_o man_n be_v determine_v else_o job_n have_v never_o make_v use_n of_o this_o argument_n in_o his_o plead_n for_o a_o cessation_n from_o trouble_n 2._o if_o job_n have_v indeed_o doubt_v that_o man_n day_n be_v determine_v it_o be_v no_o wise_a nor_o rational_a plea_n especial_o since_o he_o be_v plead_v with_o god_n who_o know_v whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o not_o and_o since_o he_o may_v have_v make_v use_n of_o indubitable_a topic_n but_o i_o pass_v by_o this_o debate_n as_o trivial_a his_o day_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v debate_v by_o some_o why_o job_n make_v use_v of_o the_o three_o person_n and_o not_o of_o the_o first_o the_o reason_n some_o give_v be_v this_o because_o the_o three_o person_n use_v for_o the_o first_o denote_v contempt_n and_o modesty_n and_o therefore_o job_n in_o his_o low_a state_n be_v please_v thus_o to_o abase_v himself_o especial_o since_o plead_v with_o his_o maker_n but_o this_o conjecture_n be_v not_o full_o satisfactory_a for_o job_n in_o several_a of_o his_o other_o plea_n make_v use_v of_o the_o first_o person_n which_o methinks_v he_o will_v not_o have_v do_v if_o he_o have_v make_v use_n of_o the_o three_o person_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o former_a consideration_n therefore_o from_o the_o promiscuous_a usurpation_n of_o the_o person_n we_o may_v easy_o conjecture_v that_o when_o the_o argument_n he_o bring_v do_v in_o a_o more_o peculiar_a manner_n reach_v his_o own_o private_a condition_n than_o he_o make_v use_v of_o the_o first_o person_n a_o instance_n of_o this_o we_o have_v ch_n 13._o 23_o 24_o etc._n etc._n but_o now_o this_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o determine_a day_n and_o unpassable_a bound_n set_v to_o man_n be_v a_o general_a one_o which_o all_o man_n as_o well_o as_o he_o may_v plead_v therefore_o he_o speak_v in_o the_o three_o person_n yet_o always_o eye_v his_o own_o condition_n the_o like_a instance_n we_o find_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n man_n that_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o woman_n be_v of_o few_o day_n and_o full_a of_o trouble_n here_o he_o speak_v in_o the_o three_o person_n and_o not_o in_o the_o first_o for_o to_o be_v of_o few_o day_n and_o full_a of_o trouble_n be_v the_o character_n of_o every_o man_n few_n and_o evil_n say_v jacob_n to_o pharaoh_n have_v the_o day_n of_o the_o year_n of_o my_o life_n be_v gen._n 47._o 9_o be_v determine_v etc._n etc._n this_o word_n in_o the_o original_a proper_o signify_v to_o dig_v or_o cut_v through_o here_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v metaphorical_o because_o god_n do_v as_o exact_o know_v the_o number_n of_o man_n day_n as_o if_o the_o most_o accurate_a search_n be_v make_v it_o be_v true_a in_o all_o humane_a determination_n it_o be_v reasonable_a that_o consultation_n precede_v some_o space_n must_v intervene_v betwixt_o their_o know_v of_o a_o thing_n and_o their_o determination_n about_o it_o i_o confess_v it_o be_v dispute_v whether_o the_o humane_a will_v be_v of_o itself_o a_o know_a faculty_n or_o if_o it_o must_v follow_v in_o its_o choice_n the_o dictate_v of_o the_o intellect_n i_o will_v not_o dispute_v this_o now_o but_o there_o be_v truth_n in_o that_o general_a maxim_n ignoti_fw-la nulla_fw-la cupido_fw-la but_o to_o fancy_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o priority_n between_o the_o divine_a knowledge_n and_o volition_n be_v a_o gross_a mistake_n irreconcilable_a with_o the_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a perfection_n of_o god_n who_o uno_fw-la actu_fw-la &_o ictu_fw-la as_o they_o speak_v comprehend_v and_o will_v all_o future_a event_n the_o number_n of_o his_o month_n be_v with_o thou_o etc._n etc._n this_o phrase_n hold_v out_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o the_o exactness_n and_o infiniteness_n of_o the_o divine_a knowledge_n and_o second_o the_o divine_a rule_n and_o dominion_n first_o it_o hold_v out_o the_o divine_a knowledge_n to_o be_v infinite_a and_o exact_a the_o number_n of_o his_o month_n be_v with_o thou_o that_o be_v thou_o be_v a_o god_n who_o knowledge_n reach_v the_o small_a portion_n of_o our_o time_n even_o to_o
be_v everlasting_a there_o be_v no_o fear_n of_o lose_v it_o heaven_n be_v a_o place_n free_a from_o trouble_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v embitter_v that_o pleasant_a state_n philosopher_n have_v a_o say_n that_o the_o end_n of_o motion_n be_v rest_n this_o be_v indeed_o true_a of_o all_o those_o motion_n and_o trial_n the_o servant_n of_o god_n meet_v with_o the_o way_n to_o the_o kingdom_n be_v spread_v over_o with_o thistle_n through_o many_o tribulation_n we_o must_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o those_o wave_n of_o affliction_n will_v quick_o over_o and_o when_o the_o day_n break_v these_o shadow_n will_v flee_v away_o this_o winter_n will_v soon_o be_v pass_v and_o the_o sing_n of_o the_o bird_n will_v come_v and_o christian_n who_o by_o say_v and_o patience_n continue_v in_o well-doing_n shall_v ere_o be_v long_o be_v place_v in_o those_o mansion_n of_o rest_n that_o be_v in_o emanuels_n land_n alas_o how_o insensible_a do_v we_o remain_v under_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o our_o outward_a comfort_n when_o we_o be_v bless_v with_o food_n liberty_n and_o health_n we_o be_v but_o sensible_o stupid_a and_o ignorant_a what_o be_v the_o value_n of_o those_o mercy_n but_o if_o hunger_n and_o want_n begin_v to_o pinch_v we_o if_o our_o former_a liberty_n be_v hedge_v in_o if_o sickness_n and_o pain_n seize_v upon_o we_o than_o we_o begin_v to_o gather_v some_o sense_n and_o we_o accuse_v ourselves_o for_o our_o ingratitude_n to_o god_n till_o he_o shall_v accomplish_v as_o a_o hireling_n his_o day_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o this_o similitude_n i_o shall_v in_o four_o particular_n compare_v the_o day_n of_o man_n with_o the_o day_n of_o a_o hierling_n and_o in_o each_o of_o they_o make_v application_n to_o job_n case_n 1._o the_o day_n of_o a_o hierling_n denote_v a_o time_n set_v prefix_a and_o limit_v for_o the_o performance_n of_o some_o particular_a piece_n of_o service_n and_o be_v not_o the_o day_n of_o man_n also_o allot_v he_o for_o to_o do_v his_o master_n business_n we_o be_v not_o bear_v to_o be_v idle_a and_o negligent_a sure_a god_n have_v some_o great_a design_n in_o the_o creation_n of_o man_n than_o this_o now_o this_o particular_a quadrate_n very_o well_o with_o job_n case_n and_o seem_v to_o make_v the_o meaning_n of_o job_n word_n to_o run_v thus_o lord_n thou_o have_v give_v i_o a_o be_v and_o appoint_v i_o a_o work_n to_o accomplish_v but_o alas_o while_o i_o be_o thus_o excruciate_v with_o horror_n and_o pain_n i_o be_o unfit_a for_o thy_o service_n the_o surplusage_n of_o misery_n measure_v out_o to_o i_o disinable_v i_o to_o go_v about_o thy_o work_n be_v entreat_v therefore_o o_o merciful_a father_n to_o turn_v from_o thy_o displeasure_n remove_v the_o present_a heavy_a calamity_n i_o be_o overburden_v with_o that_o i_o may_v yet_o accomplish_v the_o remainder_n of_o my_o time_n in_o thy_o work_n and_o service_n 2._o this_o set_v and_o fix_a day_n of_o the_o hireling_n be_v full_a of_o pain_n labour_n and_o toil_n he_o be_v poor_a wretch_n both_o late_a and_o early_o at_o work_n and_o seldom_o have_v he_o any_o interwal_n of_o rest_n unless_o his_o master_n be_v more_o than_o ordinary_a gentle_a and_o benign_a and_o when_o he_o be_v thus_o indulge_v a_o little_a ease_n he_o must_v not_o with_o the_o sluggard_n say_v o_o si_fw-la hoc_fw-la esset_fw-la laborare_fw-la he_o must_v to_o his_o work_n again_o for_o upon_o this_o depend_v his_o payment_n no_o wage_n be_v the_o result_n of_o not_o work_v and_o in_o some_o case_n stripe_n and_o whip_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o negligence_n and_o what_o be_v man_n life_n at_o the_o best_a state_n it_o be_v but_o sorrow_n and_o trouble_n till_o mortality_n be_v swallow_v up_o in_o life_n our_o pleasure_n upon_o which_o we_o put_v the_o high_a value_n be_v either_o purchase_v or_o accompany_v with_o pain_n and_o labour_n if_o we_o be_v in_o a_o prosperous_a state_n our_o mind_n be_v either_o distract_v with_o care_n to_o make_v it_o more_o prosperous_a or_o with_o fear_n puzzle_v and_o perplex_v lest_o it_o be_v overcleud_v and_o if_o we_o be_v in_o a_o low_a and_o adverse_a state_n we_o grieve_v and_o repine_v nay_o knowledge_n the_o most_o excellent_a of_o earthly_a pleasure_n be_v yet_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o wise_a of_o man_n but_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n for_o in_o much_o wisdom_n there_o be_v much_o grief_n and_o he_o that_o increase_v knowledge_n increase_v sorrow_n the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v not_o unfit_o compare_v to_o ezekiel_n roll_v which_o be_v full_a of_o woe_n if_o one_o misery_n or_o woe_n pass_v behold_v another_o come_v as_o one_o wave_n succeed_v another_o and_o by_o all_o these_o calamity_n we_o may_v learn_v what_o a_o evil_a sin_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o which_o be_v all_o those_o calamity_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o sweat_n of_o thy_o face_n shall_v thou_o eat_v thy_o bread_n till_o thou_o return_v unto_o the_o ground_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n job_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o plead_v with_o god_n thus_o lord_n be_v not_o my_o time_n at_o best_a but_o lamentable_a and_o miserable_a and_o will_v thou_o superadd_a to_o this_o inevitable_a misery_n a_o surplusage_n of_o pain_n and_o affliction_n o_o deal_v kind_o with_o thy_o servant_n who_o be_v devote_v to_o thy_o fear_n turn_v from_o i_o that_o i_o may_v rest_v till_o i_o shall_v accomplish_v as_o a_o hireling_n my_o day_n three_o true_a it_o be_v that_o the_o hireling_n day_n be_v but_o labour_n and_o pain_n yet_o the_o brevity_n and_o shortness_n thereof_o make_v he_o regard_v it_o the_o less_o it_o be_v but_o a_o day_n and_o that_o will_v quick_o be_v over_o and_o go_v and_o what_o be_v the_o life_n of_o man_n it_o be_v but_o as_o a_o handbredth_n of_o a_o small_a extension_n or_o like_v to_o a_o pass_a shadow_n which_o we_o scarce_o soon_o perceive_v than_o it_o vanish_v man_n that_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o woman_n be_v of_o few_o day_n he_o come_v forth_o like_o a_o flower_n and_o be_v cut_v down_o his_o decay_a be_v within_o some_o few_o minute_n of_o his_o bud_n as_o the_o poet_n speak_v of_o rose_n &_o dum_fw-la nascuntur_fw-la consenuisse_fw-la rosas_n now_o from_o this_o reason_n job_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o argue_v thus_o lord_n thou_o know_v how_o frail_a and_o brittle_a i_o be_o and_o if_o thou_o contend_v thus_o with_o i_o how_o quick_o shall_v i_o return_v to_o the_o dust_n i_o beseech_v thou_o consider_v that_o my_o time_n be_v however_o but_o short_a and_o let_v thy_o goodness_n appear_v in_o remove_v thy_o stroke_n away_o from_o i_o for_o i_o be_o consume_v by_o the_o blow_n of_o thy_o hand_n o_o spare_v i_o that_o i_o may_v recover_v strength_n before_o i_o go_v hence_o and_o be_v no_o more_o four_o there_a and_o wage_n the_o hireling_n expect_v make_v the_o accomplish_n of_o his_o day_n more_o easy_a and_o tolerable_a the_o word_n render_v accomplish_v signify_v to_o will_n and_o delight_n in_o a_o thing_n earnest_o donec_fw-la optata_fw-la veniat_fw-la dies_fw-la it_o be_v a_o day_n wish_a and_o long_v for_o and_o much_o delight_v in_o when_o it_o come_v and_o indeed_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o comparison_n seem_v to_o lie_v in_o this_o which_o make_v the_o meaning_n of_o job_n word_n to_o be_v this_o lord_n now_o my_o trouble_n and_o pain_n excruciat_n and_o torment_n i_o and_o my_o life_n be_v more_o wearisome_a to_o i_o than_o the_o hireling_n day_n can_v be_v to_o he_o therefore_o turn_v away_o thy_o wrath_n from_o i_o that_o in_o the_o finish_n of_o my_o course_n i_o may_v be_v as_o jovial_a and_o cheerful_a as_o the_o hiereling_n be_v when_o his_o day_n be_v accomplish_v and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o explanation_n of_o these_o word_n the_o next_o thing_n i_o design_v in_o this_o undertake_n be_v to_o inquire_v how_o the_o day_n of_o every_o man_n life_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v determine_v and_o whether_o the_o period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n be_v so_o fix_v and_o bound_v that_o by_o his_o care_n good_a managery_n and_o use_v of_o the_o mean_n it_o can_v be_v extend_v nor_o shorten_v by_o his_o negligence_n intemperance_n or_o expose_v of_o himself_o to_o famine_n sword_n or_o plague_n it_o be_v very_o certain_a from_o this_o plain_a text_n of_o scripture_n that_o the_o day_n of_o every_o man_n life_n be_v determine_v but_o the_o manner_n how_o be_v leave_v unexplain_v and_o this_o we_o do_v not_o learn_v from_o scripture_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o our_o curiosity_n will_v forbear_v any_o enquiry_n into_o thing_n that_o be_v hide_v but_o alas_o our_o inclination_n be_v so_o wicked_a and_o perverse_a that_o nitimur_fw-la in_o vetitum_fw-la we_o be_v always_o bend_v and_o eager_a in_o our_o inquiry_n
generatio_fw-la unius_fw-la est_fw-la alterius_fw-la corruptio_fw-la yet_o the_o state_n of_o be_v even_o since_o the_o fall_n to_o which_o that_o axiom_n have_v only_a respect_n be_v not_o so_o brittle_a 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 not_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 he_o do_v with_o enoch_n and_o elijah_n consid._n 3_o though_o man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o meat_n and_o drink_n yet_o his_o nutriment_n be_v not_o noxious_a and_o hurtful_a to_o he_o as_o now_o it_o be_v it_o be_v for_o man_n disobedience_n that_o a_o curse_n be_v upon_o the_o ground_n before_o which_o there_o be_v no_o fear_n of_o hurt_n from_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o tree_n and_o the_o herb_n of_o the_o field_n which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n grant_v to_o man_n for_o food_n in_o that_o state_n and_o indeed_o if_o we_o but_o consider_v that_o even_o in_o this_o fall_a state_n there_o be_v a_o huge_a difference_n between_o the_o life_n of_o those_o who_o live_v upon_o wholesome_a food_n and_o observe_v a_o moderate_a diet_n and_o of_o those_o who_o be_v careless_a in_o their_o diet_n and_o feed_v upon_o husk_n we_o can_v but_o think_v the_o former_a consideration_n reasonable_a especial_o since_o that_o bless_a state_n exclude_v all_o manner_n of_o excess_n consid._n 4._o great_a and_o manifold_n be_v the_o bless_a benefit_n that_o be_v confer_v upon_o mankind_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o redeemer_n now_o man_n who_o be_v at_o odds_o with_o his_o maker_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o rebellion_n be_v again_o take_v into_o favour_n and_o the_o disobedient_a world_n be_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n and_o although_o the_o be_v of_o sin_n be_v not_o quite_o abolish_v yet_o the_o curse_n be_v remove_v and_o death_n be_v not_o proper_o now_o a_o punishment_n consid._n 5._o immortality_n conjoin_v with_o a_o state_n of_o perfect_a felicity_n be_v reserve_v for_o heaven_n favourite_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n our_o first_o parent_n be_v liable_a to_o death_n if_o they_o rebel_v but_o the_o saint_n above_o be_v confirm_v in_o their_o bless_a state_n and_o as_o our_o lord_n christ_n tell_v we_o they_o can_v die_v no_o more_o but_o this_o much_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o remove_n the_o former_a doubt_n the_o three_o thing_n i_o premise_v be_v that_o it_o be_v very_o usual_a in_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v in_o all_o language_n to_o put_v the_o whole_a sometime_o for_o the_o part_n thus_o man_n be_v say_v to_o die_v to_o cease_v to_o be_v mortal_a because_o the_o body_n be_v liable_a to_o corruption_n and_o not_o that_o the_o whole_a man_n or_o all_o the_o essential_a constituent_a part_n cease_v and_o thus_o when_o we_o dispute_v concern_v the_o period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n we_o must_v not_o foolish_o fancy_v that_o a_o period_n be_v put_v to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o soul_n but_o only_o that_o its_o union_n with_o the_o body_n be_v dissolve_v otherwise_o a_o dismal_a stroke_n will_v be_v give_v to_o our_o religion_n and_o what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o virtuous_a i_o confess_v it_o be_v very_o hard_a and_o difficult_a to_o demonstrate_v the_o immortality_n of_o our_o soul_n by_o natural_a reason_n it_o be_v true_a by_o reason_n i_o may_v prove_v that_o our_o nature_n be_v spiritual_a and_o that_o we_o elicit_v act_n which_o be_v beyond_o the_o power_n of_o matter_n but_o yet_o we_o can_v never_o be_v full_o ascertain_v that_o there_o be_v a_o life_n after_o this_o if_o revelation_n have_v not_o plain_o discover_v it_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n very_o wise_o entertain_v some_o hope_n of_o a_o life_n after_o this_o upon_o moral_a argument_n take_v from_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o his_o justice_n in_o distribute_v reward_n and_o punishment_n but_o alas_o how_o doubtful_a be_v their_o hope_n and_o with_o how_o much_o hesitation_n do_v they_o discourse_v of_o it_o but_o by_o the_o help_n of_o revelation_n these_o doubt_n be_v full_o remove_v and_o we_o now_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n at_o death_n go_v immediate_o into_o glory_n four_o because_o the_o explication_n of_o term_n be_v very_o necessary_a for_o the_o unfolding_n of_o doubt_n i_o shall_v consider_v the_o twofold_a notion_n and_o acception_n the_o period_n of_o humane_a life_n be_v liable_a to_o 1._o sometime_o it_o be_v take_v in_o a_o large_a sense_n for_o that_o common_a and_o ordinary_a period_n which_o the_o author_n of_o our_o nature_n have_v settle_v which_o man_n by_o the_o common_a course_n of_o nature_n arrive_v at_o now_o many_o learned_a man_n upon_o good_a ground_n think_v that_o this_o be_v the_o determine_a bound_n mention_v in_o scripture_n 2._o sometime_o it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o last_o moment_n of_o every_o man_n life_n at_o whatever_o time_n it_o happen_v whether_o 1._o in_o the_o begin_n of_o man_n day_n or_o 2._o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o day_n thus_o the_o psalmist_n pray_v that_o god_n will_v not_o cut_v he_o off_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o day_n or_o 3._o when_o man_n come_v to_o be_v of_o a_o good_a old_a age_n and_o full_a of_o year_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o abraham_n he_o die_v in_o a_o good_a old_a age_n a_o old_a man_n and_o full_a of_o year_n gen._n 25._o 8._o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o common_a period_n of_o humane_a life_n seem_v to_o be_v certain_a and_o indubitable_a we_o evident_o enough_o perceive_v that_o man_n in_o the_o age_n and_o place_n wherein_o we_o live_v exceed_v not_o unless_o rare_o the_o bound_n fix_v upon_o psal._n 90._o 10._o the_o day_n of_o our_o year_n be_v threescore_o year_n and_o ten_o and_o if_o by_o reason_n of_o more_o strength_n they_o be_v fourscore_o year_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o we_o shall_v descend_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o other_o animal_n and_o vegetable_n we_o will_v find_v it_o true_a enough_o that_o the_o individual_n of_o every_o specific_a nature_n have_v a_o common_a period_n which_o do_v not_o sensible_o alter_v but_o where_o there_o be_v a_o manifest_a difference_n of_o the_o climate_n temperature_n and_o soil_n again_o it_o be_v very_o unquestionable_a that_o this_o common_a period_n have_v not_o be_v equal_o extend_v in_o all_o age_n and_o place_n it_o be_v true_a for_o many_o hundred_o year_n bypass_a it_o have_v suffer_v very_o little_a alteration_n but_o sure_o from_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v not_o so_o nor_o can_v we_o upon_o any_o good_a ground_n be_v ascertain_v that_o it_o will_v continue_v the_o same_o that_o it_o be_v now_o till_o the_o end_n of_o all_o flesh_n come_v though_o i_o will_v not_o positive_a affirm_v that_o man_n life_n will_v be_v insensible_o shorten_v till_o they_o become_v uncapable_a for_o procreation_n but_o to_o determine_v what_o have_v be_v the_o common_a period_n of_o humane_a life_n in_o by_o past-age_n of_o the_o world_n be_v a_o theme_n very_o difficult_a and_o hard_a for_o 1._o although_o from_o abraham_n time_n till_o this_o present_a age_n it_o have_v alter_v but_o little_a or_o nothing_o as_o we_o may_v collect_v from_o gen._n 15._o 13_o and_o 16._o where_o a_o generation_n be_v equal_v to_o a_o hundred_o year_n as_o the_o verse_n collate_v make_v it_o evident_a yet_o before_o the_o flood_n and_o in_o some_o few_o age_n follow_v it_o this_o common_a term_n be_v not_o conclude_v within_o the_o short_a bound_n it_o be_v now_o although_o then_o it_o be_v indeed_o exceed_o mutable_a before_o the_o fatal_a flood_n we_o read_v not_o of_o any_o who_o live_v not_o above_o seven_o hundred_o year_n unless_o abel_n who_o be_v murder_v and_o enoch_n who_o god_n take_v to_o himself_o nor_o of_o any_o who_o exceed_v nine_o hundred_o sixty_o and_o nine_o year_n now_o the_o common_a period_n not_o be_v so_o denominate_v from_o some_o few_o particular_a instance_n but_o from_o what_o happen_v to_o the_o most_o of_o mankind_n in_o
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
absolute_o determine_v the_o period_n of_o his_o life_n second_o psal._n 39_o 5._o lord_n make_v i_o to_o know_v my_o end_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o my_o day_n what_o it_o be_v that_o i_o may_v know_v how_o frail_a i_o be_o this_o place_n be_v strange_o bring_v to_o confirm_v the_o former_a opinion_n for_o the_o psalmist_n do_v not_o desire_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o period_n of_o his_o life_n he_o do_v not_o ask_v when_o he_o shall_v die_v only_o he_o beg_v the_o divine_a aid_n and_o assistance_n that_o he_o may_v wise_o improve_v the_o short_a time_n he_o have_v to_o live_v i_o can_v stand_v to_o consider_v such_o text_n of_o scripture_n as_o these_o which_o be_v no_o way_n acquaint_v with_o the_o doctrine_n they_o be_v bring_v to_o defend_v there_o be_v only_o one_o text_n that_o seem_v to_o favour_v this_o opinion_n viz._n job_n 14._o 5_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 thou_o have_v appoint_v his_o bound_n that_o he_o can_v pass_v but_o i_o have_v consider_v this_o all_o along_o in_o this_o discourse_n i_o confess_v some_o in_o return_n to_o this_o say_v that_o all_o job_n word_n be_v not_o approve_v of_o god_n therefore_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o conclude_v any_o thing_n from_o they_o but_o this_o be_v a_o very_a insufficient_a answer_n that_o which_o satisfy_v i_o be_v this_o that_o job_n here_o only_o say_v that_o our_o day_n be_v determine_v but_o he_o speak_v nothing_o how_o they_o be_v determine_v now_o in_o what_o sense_n 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 have_v already_o consider_v second_o there_o be_v many_o example_n in_o scripture_n which_o show_v that_o the_o period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n be_v bound_v and_o limit_v by_o a_o absolute_a decree_n the_o most_o remarkable_a be_v that_o act._n 4._o 28_o both_o herod_n and_o pontius_n pilate_n with_o the_o gentile_n and_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v gather_v together_o for_o to_o do_v whatsoever_o thy_o hand_n and_o thy_o counsel_n determine_v before_o to_o be_v do_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n frequent_o stir_v up_o the_o multitude_n to_o lay_v hand_n upon_o christ_n but_o their_o endeavour_n be_v always_o to_o no_o purpose_n and_o the_o account_n the_o scripture_n give_v for_o this_o be_v because_o his_o hour_n be_v not_o come_v in_o return_n to_o this_o i_o shall_v desire_v it_o may_v be_v consider_v that_o when_o we_o say_v the_o period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n may_v be_v extend_v or_o shorten_v the_o meaning_n be_v not_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o we_o never_o doubt_v but_o the_o great_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n may_v make_v what_o reserve_v case_n he_o please_v from_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o thing_n and_o no_o wonder_n though_o the_o present_a case_n which_o be_v upon_o all_o account_n so_o extraordinary_a be_v exempt_a from_o the_o general_a rule_n and_o for_o such_o exempt_a case_n to_o which_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v allowance_n make_v no_o reasonable_a man_n can_v think_v they_o do_v any_o prejudice_n to_o the_o thing_n i_o have_v be_v prove_v three_o it_o be_v a_o common_a opinion_n that_o the_o futurition_n of_o thing_n depend_v only_o upon_o the_o divine_a will_n antecedent_o to_o which_o thing_n be_v only_o possible_a in_o answer_n to_o which_o i_o easy_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o come_v to_o pass_v contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a will_n the_o most_o criminal_a action_n be_v order_v by_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o permit_v to_o be_v but_o yet_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o think_v that_o he_o decree_v every_o future_a action_n else_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o vindecate_v the_o holiness_n of_o god_n upon_o which_o consideration_n many_o learned_a man_n have_v be_v induce_v to_o deny_v god_n immediate_a concur_v with_o the_o creature_n in_o all_o its_o operation_n &_o yet_o we_o need_v not_o run_v ourselves_o upon_o this_o rock_n for_o we_o may_v safe_o enough_o maintain_v that_o the_o divine_a will_n be_v immediate_o efficatious_a for_o god_n who_o create_v man_n with_o a_o freedom_n of_o will_n design_v that_o he_o shall_v act_v without_o constraint_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o man_n act_v freeiy_a be_v because_o god_n will_v man_n to_o act_v so_o which_o plain_o discover_v that_o the_o most_o contingent_a action_n depend_v immediate_o upon_o the_o divine_a will_n four_o we_o can_v never_o give_v a_o rational_a nor_o satisfy_v account_n how_o the_o divine_a knowledge_n concern_v the_o period_n of_o humane_a life_n be_v infallible_a and_o certain_a if_o it_o be_v not_o found_v upon_o the_o sure_a basis_n of_o a_o absolute_a decree_n this_o objection_n i_o have_v partly_o remove_v already_o while_o i_o show_v that_o god_n know_v whatso_n ever_o be_v true_a because_o his_o cognisance_n be_v infinite_a wherefore_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o think_v that_o god_n can_v not_o have_v a_o perfect_a comprehension_n of_o thing_n if_o he_o have_v not_o decree_v they_o absolute_o now_o to_o make_v this_o yet_o more_o plain_a i_o shall_v prove_v by_o instance_n from_o scripture_n that_o god_n have_v a_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o never_o decree_v as_o absolute_o future_a and_o first_o it_o be_v a_o very_a remarkable_a instance_n which_o we_o have_v 1._o sam._n 23._o 11_o 12._o where_o david_n hear_v that_o saul_n be_v to_o come_v to_o keilah_n he_o earnest_o beseech_v god_n to_o tell_v he_o if_o the_o man_n of_o keilah_n will_v deliver_v he_o and_o his_o man_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o saul_n and_o if_o saul_n will_v come_v down_o to_o both_o which_o he_o get_v this_o answer_n that_o saul_n will_v come_v down_o and_o that_o the_o keilite_n will_v deliver_v he_o up_o and_o yet_o though_o event_n show_v that_o none_o of_o those_o come_v to_o pass_v because_o the_o fulfil_n of_o both_o do_v depend_v upon_o david_n stay_v in_o keilah_n and_o yet_o god_n certain_o know_v that_o it_o david_n have_v not_o depart_v from_o keilah_n they_o shall_v have_v deliver_v he_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o saul_n and_o far_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o david_n be_v not_o inquire_v what_o be_v the_o present_a propension_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o keilite_n but_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o event_n of_o his_o stay_n and_o according_o he_o receive_v a_o answer_n from_o god_n another_o instance_n we_o have_v 2_o king_n 13._o 19_o where_o elisha_n the_o prophet_n be_v very_o wroth_a with_o joash_n king_n of_o israel_n because_o he_o do_v not_o smite_v upon_o the_o ground_n five_o or_o six_o time_n and_o the_o reason_n the_o prophet_n add_v be_v for_o then_o have_v thou_o smite_v syria_n till_o thou_o have_v consume_v it_o which_o make_v it_o as_o evident_a as_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v that_o god_n foreknow_v that_o joash_n shall_v have_v smite_v syria_n till_o he_o have_v consume_v it_o if_o he_o have_v smite_v upon_o the_o ground_n five_o or_o six_o time_n it_o be_v no_o difficult_a task_n to_o prove_v this_o by_o a_o multitude_n of_o instance_n from_o scripture_n but_o i_o think_v i_o need_v add_v no_o more_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o consider_v man_n and_o for_o other_o a_o million_o of_o demonstration_n will_v be_v urge_v to_o no_o purpose_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o propose_v that_o god_n have_v not_o by_o any_o absolute_a or_o inconditionate_n decree_v fatal_o determine_v the_o period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o thing_n propose_v namely_o whether_o the_o period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n be_v mutable_a and_o before_o i_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v so_o i_o must_v premise_v two_o caution_n first_o when_o we_o say_v the_o period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n be_v mutable_a we_o mean_v no_o more_o but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v shorten_v by_o our_o intemperance_n or_o neglect_v of_o the_o mean_n and_o be_v extend_v by_o our_o good_a managery_n and_o religious_a manner_n of_o live_v second_o when_o i_o say_v the_o period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n be_v movable_a the_o meaning_n be_v not_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_o so_o and_o that_o it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o for_o this_o will_v not_o be_v consistent_a with_o our_o dependent_a condition_n therefore_o there_o be_v allowance_n to_o be_v make_v to_o extraordinary_a case_n the_o act_n of_o divine_a providence_n in_o the_o government_n of_o humane_a affair_n be_v sometime_o extraordinary_a and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n &_o goodness_n to_o make_v what_o reserve_v case_n he_o think_v fit_a from_o the_o general_a rule_n yet_o for_o ordinary_a the_o period_n of_o humane_a life_n be_v mutable_a and_o god_n do_v not_o exclude_v the_o power_n of_o second_o cause_n in_o govern_v the_o world_n