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 nor_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o the_o wise_a creator_n who_o give_v be_v to_o man_n know_v well_o enough_o how_o to_o provide_v a_o habitation_n for_o his_o offspring_n second_o the_o precept_n be_v fruitful_a and_o multiply_v carry_v with_o it_o a_o limitation_n and_o replenish_v the_o earth_n so_o that_o we_o can_v never_o well_o conclude_v from_o it_o that_o generation_n shall_v have_v continue_v after_o the_o replenish_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o three_o what_o suppose_v this_o little_a map_n of_o earth_n have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o contain_v so_o numerous_a a_o offspring_n can_v not_o god_n have_v translate_v man_n after_o he_o have_v live_v some_o space_n upon_o the_o earth_n to_o some_o better_a habitation_n as_o he_o do_v with_o enoch_n and_o elijah_n consid_fw-la 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 live_v 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_fw-la 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_fw-la 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 atd_v 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 boby_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 ut_fw-la 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 thar_z 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 doudtfull_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 temove_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 beginning_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_o 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 bypass_a 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 vetse_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 poriod_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-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 multiply_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 although_o this_o be_v a_o perverse_a and_o corrupt_a generation_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 to_o anticipate_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 naswer_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 quingentorum_fw-la annorum_fw-la esset_fw-la noah_n i._n e._n quadragintos_fw-la octoginta_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la annos_fw-la ageret_fw-la 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 &_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 erroneus_fw-la sentiment_n some_o man_n have_v unhappy_o embrace_v in_o their_o enquiry_n for_o satisfaction_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o that_o i_o may_v shun_v
the_o deity_n but_o other_o have_v be_v more_o illiberal_a in_o their_o concession_n think_v it_o enough_o if_o they_o grant_v that_o god_n have_v a_o care_n of_o mankind_n although_o he_o never_o regard_v lesser_a matter_n and_o that_o curate_n magna_fw-la deus_fw-la fortunae_fw-la parva_fw-la relinquit_fw-la by_o mean_n of_o these_o wild_a conceit_n this_o error_n have_v proceed_v from_o bad_a to_o worse_o yet_o very_a few_o of_o the_o old_a philosopher_n or_o any_o other_o rank_n of_o man_n atheist_n those_o anomalus_fw-la birth_n except_v have_v ever_o that_o confidence_n in_o impiety_n to_o say_v with_o the_o epicurean_o that_o the_o world_n be_v perfect_o leave_v to_o its_o own_o fortuitous_a and_o casual_a resolution_n or_o that_o i_o may_v express_v it_o in_o their_o poet_n own_o phrase_n sive_fw-la nihil_fw-la positum_fw-la est_fw-la sed_fw-la sor_n incerta_fw-la vagatur_fw-la fertque_fw-la refertque_fw-la vice_n &_o habent_fw-la mortalia_fw-la casum_fw-la that_o the_o 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death_n be_v a_o piece_n of_o chance_n and_o govern_v by_o no_o supreme_a power_n it_o be_v but_o a_o archer_n draw_v his_o bow_n at_o a_o venture_n which_o by_o chance_n kill_v ahab_n but_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n inform_v we_o that_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o prophecy_n 1_o king_n 21._o 19_o be_v fulfil_v and_o that_o it_o come_v not_o to_o pass_v without_o the_o divine_a providence_n who_o rule_v among_o the_o child_n of_o men._n and_o now_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o two_o erroneous_a extreme_n which_o some_o man_n have_v inconsiderat_o run_v to_o for_o shelter_n the_o next_o thing_n i_o premise_v be_v to_o lay_v down_o the_o two_o common_a opinion_n that_o offer_v fair_a for_o remove_v the_o difficulty_n but_o i_o must_v say_v for_o the_o thing_n be_v palpable_a that_o i_o be_o now_o only_o to_o give_v the_o two_o former_a reject_a opinion_n of_o the_o stoic_n and_o epicurean_o dress_v up_o in_o better_a apparel_n and_o much_o refine_v from_o the_o impure_a dregs_o of_o heathenism_n as_o 1._o some_o run_v to_o the_o absolute_a and_o inconditionate_n decree_v of_o god_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o from_o the_o out-going_n of_o eternity_n previous_a to_o the_o divine_a consideration_n of_o circumstance_n in_o which_o man_n be_v to_o be_v place_v god_n have_v so_o absolute_o determine_v the_o period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n that_o it_o can_v neither_o be_v lengthen_v nor_o extend_v by_o care_n and_o diligence_n nor_o shorten_v by_o intemperance_n sword_n or_o plague_n 2._o other_o who_o see_v the_o inconvenience_n and_o absurdity_n that_o follow_v upon_o the_o grant_v that_o opinion_n to_o be_v true_a be_v induce_v to_o believe_v that_o the_o period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n be_v ordinary_o mutable_a and_o may_v be_v both_o extend_v and_o shorten_v yet_o still_o they_o grant_v that_o god_n may_v as_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o he_o either_o extend_v or_o shorten_v it_o there_o be_v four_o very_a considerable_a particular_n that_o seem_v to_o strengthen_v the_o first_o opinion_n first_o there_o be_v many_o plain_a place_n of_o scripture_n that_o conclude_v the_o day_n of_o every_o man_n to_o be_v bound_v by_o the_o divine_a determination_n second_o there_o be_v many_o example_n in_o scripture_n which_o show_n that_o the_o period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n be_v from_o the_o out-going_n of_o eternity_n set_v and_o bound_v in_o by_o the_o divine_a will_n three_o it_o be_v a_o common_a opinion_n that_o the_o futurition_n of_o all_o thing_n depend_v upon_o the_o divine_a will_n antecedent_o to_o which_o thing_n be_v only_o possible_a and_o therefore_o four_o we_o can_v never_o give_v a_o rational_a and_o satisfy_a 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 basis_n of_o the_o sure_a absolute_a decree_n upon_o the_o other_o hand_n those_o who_o plead_v for_o the_o mutability_n of_o the_o period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n endeavour_v to_o remove_v the_o forenamed_a doubt_n and_o to_o show_v the_o great_a inconvenience_n it_o be_v liable_a to_o that_o it_o quite_o evacuate_v the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o encourage_v man_n to_o expose_v themselves_o to_o any_o danger_n &c._n &c._n as_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v appear_v afterward_o and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o the_o chief_a thing_n i_o aim_v at_o in_o this_o undertake_n viz._n to_o attempt_v a_o satisfy_a answer_n of_o the_o present_a doubt_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o which_o intendment_n i_o shall_v observe_v this_o method_n first_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v how_o the_o period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n may_v be_v say_v ro_o be_v determine_v second_o i_o shall_v show_v in_o what_o sense_n it_o be_v not_o determine_v and_o three_o how_o it_o be_v mutable_a and_o may_v be_v extend_v or_o shorten_v i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o how_o the_o period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v determine_v and_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o do_v this_o in_o the_o two_o follow_v particular_n 1._o the_o period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n be_v so_o far_o determine_v that_o it_o be_v not_o without_o a_o period_n to_o determine_v signify_v proper_o to_o set_v bound_n or_o limit_n to_o any_o thing_n now_o since_o it_o be_v appoint_v for_o all_o man_n once_o to_o die_v every_o man_n life_n be_v enclose_v &_o bound_v within_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o year_n and_o i_o must_v add_v that_o if_o i_o be_v not_o very_o much_o mistake_v this_o be_v the_o genuine_a sense_n of_o the_o most_o if_o not_o of_o all_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n that_o express_v the_o determination_n of_o man_n day_n and_o indeed_o job_n word_n see_v his_o day_n be_v determine_v etc._n etc._n seem_v to_o mean_v no_o other_o thing_n but_o this_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v unquestionable_a that_o god_n have_v appoint_v our_o bound_n which_o we_o can_v pass_v but_o 2._o the_o period_n of_o every_o particular_a man_n life_n be_v determine_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o divine_a prescience_n now_o because_o this_o be_v a_o very_a considerable_a particular_a and_o as_o i_o tell_v in_o the_o explain_n of_o the_o text_n that_o which_o be_v intend_v by_o job_n when_o he_o say_v the_o number_n of_o his_o month_n be_v with_o thou_o i_o shall_v therefore_o endeavour_v to_o make_v out_o this_o truth_n by_o the_o plain_a and_o most_o convince_a evidence_n that_o can_v be_v in_o order_n to_o this_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o god_n have_v a_o perfect_a comprehension_n of_o all_o thing_n past_a present_a or_o to_o come_v and_o by_o consequence_n fore-knows_a the_o period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n second_o i_o shall_v prove_v this_o by_o plain_a evidence_n from_o scriptural_a example_n three_o i_o shall_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v sole_o the_o prerogative_n of_o our_o maker_n to_o know_v the_o period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n and_o last_o i_o shall_v answer_v the_o most_o material_a objection_n and_o doubt_n that_o be_v bring_v against_o it_o first_o that_o god_n have_v a_o perfect_a comprehension_n of_o all_o thing_n past_a present_a and_o to_o come_v be_v so_o reasonable_a a_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n that_o it_o have_v be_v general_o own_v by_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o learned_a heathen_a and_o those_o impious_a wretch_n who_o at_o every_o turn_n take_v the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a in_o attest_v he_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o sometime_o themselves_o know_v be_v false_a sufficient_o imply_v that_o they_o believe_v god_n infinite_a knowledge_n beside_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o be_v plan_o hold_v out_o in_o scripture_n it_o be_v to_o this_o city_n of_o refuge_n peter_n do_v flee_v when_o his_o love_n be_v seem_o call_v in_o question_n lord_n say_v he_o thou_o know_v all_o thing_n john_n 21._o 16._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 cricumspection_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-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 considerarion_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 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 hat_n 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 &_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 &_o so_o punctual_o fulfil_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 &_o place_n of_o jezebel_n death_n be_v foretell_v &_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._n 9_o 26._o but_o far_o 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 devout_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 nineveh_n repentance_n that_o prevent_v the_o threaten_a judgement_n that_o shall_v have_v put_v a_o period_n to_o their_o life_n which_o method_n if_o the_o old_a world_n have_v observe_v they_o have_v prevent_v that_o fatal_a flood_n in_o which_o they_o be_v drown_v three_o that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o prerogative_n of_o god_n almighty_a to_o know_v the_o period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n will_v be_v easy_o grant_v for_o those_o who_o deny_v god_n universal_a cognizance_n will_v never_o attribute_v it_o to_o any_o creature_n and_o those_o who_o do_v acknowledge_v the_o infinity_n of_o the_o divine_a knowledge_n will_v never_o say_v it_o belong_v to_o the_o creature_n the_o only_a thing_n that_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v be_v these_o pretension_n to_o a_o foreknowledge_n of_o thing_n which_o the_o heathen_a world_n brag_v of_o but_o this_o plea_n be_v easy_o remove_v for_o 1._o in_o those_o dark_a age_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o impose_v upon_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o vulgar_a who_o in_o all_o age_n have_v be_v very_o credulous_a and_o apt_a to_o be_v thus_o deceive_v second_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o there_o pretend_a prediction_n be_v very_o enigmatical_a and_o dubious_a aio_fw-la te_fw-la aeacida_fw-la romanos_fw-la 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 objection_n this_o principle_n may_v be_v urge_v with_o as_o 1._o it_o be_v hardly_o credible_a that_o god_n do_v certain_o know_v the_o period_n of_o humane_a life_n it_o be_v only_o contingent_o future_a this_o objection_n cicero_n can_v not_o answer_v 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 by_o seminal_a production_n or_o by_o immediate_a creation_n again_o the_o union_n of_o soul_n
arguement_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 and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n there_o be_v many_o threaten_n of_o cut_v 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 ex._n 20._o 12._o honour_n thy_o father_n &_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 &_o with_o thy_o child_n after_o thou_o &_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 &_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 &_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 day_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 &_o keep_v he_o alive_a etc._n etc._n and_o upon_o this_o account_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 gâ—od_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 burningague_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 &_o rebel_v 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 &_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 &_o 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 excess_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 theraten_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 nineveh_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_n may_v &_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 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 3._o 8._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 &_o concern_v a_o kingdom_n to_o pluck_v up_o &_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_n 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 11._o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10_o methinks_v this_o be_v so_o plain_a a_o evidnce_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 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
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 &c_n &c_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 exect_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 month_n and_o day_n thou_o alone_o know_v all_o those_o circumstance_n and_o to_o know_v the_o particular_a portion_n of_o day_n allow_v to_o every_o man_n do_v certain_o require_v a_o infinite_a and_o exact_a knowledge_n i_o will_v not_o curious_o inquire_v what_o truth_n there_o be_v in_o the_o pretend_a diabolical_a prediction_n of_o future_a event_n and_o whether_o stargazer_n from_o the_o conjunction_n and_o contrary_a aspect_n of_o celestial_a body_n can_v foretell_v the_o future_a number_n of_o the_o day_n and_o month_n of_o terrestrial_a and_o inferior_a sublunary_a being_n a_o pass_a view_n of_o this_o i_o will_v have_v occasion_n to_o take_v afterward_o at_o present_a we_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o this_o that_o a_o exact_a and_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o our_o day_n and_o month_n be_v only_o the_o prerogative_n of_o he_o who_o hold_v our_o life_n in_o be_v the_o pretend_a knowledge_n any_o creature_n boast_v of_o be_v conjectural_a and_o uncertain_a if_o not_o as_o frequent_o it_o be_v fictitious_a unless_o when_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n for_o some_o secret_n and_o to_o we_o unknown_a end_n reveals_z to_o his_o creature_n such_o future_a event_n but_o second_o the_o phrase_n hold_v out_o the_o divine_a rule_n and_o dominion_n the_o number_n of_o his_o month_n be_v with_o thou_o that_o be_v they_o be_v in_o thy_o power_n thou_o may_v either_o prolong_v or_o shorten_v the_o day_n of_o man_n and_o i_o think_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o whole_a verse_n be_v comprehend_v under_o these_o two_o head_n which_o i_o shall_v afterward_o discourse_v of_o at_o more_o length_n thou_o have_v appoint_v his_o bound_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v not_o fate_n or_o fortune_n but_o the_o wise_a god_n who_o appoint_v to_o every_o man_n his_o time_n now_o the_o bound_n set_v to_o man_n may_v be_v consider_v under_o a_o twofold_a notion_n first_o as_o it_o signify_v that_o common_a and_o ordinary_a period_n which_o the_o god_n of_o nature_n have_v settle_v which_o man_n by_o the_o common_a course_n of_o nature_n may_v fulfil_v if_o no_o adcidental_a circumstance_n hinder_v and_o it_o seem_v the_o psalmist_n only_o understand_v this_o common_a term_n of_o humane_a life_n
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 strength_n they_o be_v fourscore_o etc._n etc._n or_o second_o it_o may_v be_v understand_v in_o a_o more_o strict_a sense_n as_o it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o last_o moment_n of_o every_o individual_a and_o particular_a person_n and_o of_o both_o these_o i_o shall_v more_o full_o discourse_v afterward_o and_o show_v that_o the_o word_n seem_v to_o refer_v to_o the_o common_a term_n of_o humane_a life_n or_o if_o they_o mean_v this_o particular_a term_n in_o what_o sense_n they_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v determine_v appoint_a etc._n etc._n these_o and_o such_o like_o condescend_v phrase_n have_v be_v most_o unhappy_o use_v and_o sad_o misunderstand_v in_o the_o school_n some_o man_n no_o soon_o read_v in_o scripture_n of_o god_n determine_v or_o appoint_v but_o they_o instant_o conclude_v a_o physical_a previous_a necessitate_v act_n which_o inevitable_o and_o irresistible_o determine_v man_n and_o this_o kind_n of_o determination_n they_o plead_v for_o in_o all_o case_n so_o that_o man_n even_o in_o their_o vicious_a action_n be_v irresistible_o determine_v to_o do_v so_o i_o know_v no_o opinion_n which_o have_v render_v the_o reform_a church_n more_o odious_a than_o this_o will_v to_o god_n i_o can_v say_v the_o censure_n be_v causeless_a and_o that_o i_o be_v force_v to_o apologise_v for_o say_v our_o divine_n have_v err_v in_o this_o case_n but_o alas_o the_o opinion_n be_v grow_v strong_a and_o not_o long_o since_o it_o be_v not_o much_o less_o than_o heresy_n to_o condemn_v it_o and_o even_o to_o this_o day_n it_o be_v the_o study_n of_o some_o teacher_n to_o instill_v it_o into_o the_o heart_n of_o their_o hearer_n for_o the_o correct_v of_o this_o sour_a opinion_n i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o add_v some_o thing_n in_o this_o follow_a discourse_n now_o i_o shall_v desire_v it_o to_o be_v consider_v that_o while_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o divine_a determination_n appointment_n etc._n etc._n we_o speak_v of_o thing_n our_o knowledge_n can_v reach_v the_o best_a conception_n we_o can_v frame_v to_o ourselves_o of_o the_o divine_a volition_n be_v dangerous_a and_o imperfect_a our_o capacity_n in_o this_o lapse_v state_n be_v more_o narrow_a than_o we_o be_v aware_a of_o and_o although_o they_o be_v raise_v to_o a_o high_a pitch_n yet_o we_o can_v never_o comprehend_v his_o way_n of_o work_v who_o in_o all_o his_o way_n be_v unsearchable_a it_o be_v true_o sad_a to_o see_v the_o contend_a world_n so_o serious_a and_o restless_a in_o dig_v those_o deep_n that_o be_v unfathomable_a it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o man_n do_v not_o find_v their_o pretend_a knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a volition_n on_o the_o basis_n of_o their_o own_o silly_a volition_n and_o do_v not_o argue_v from_o what_o we_o find_v in_o ourselves_o to_o be_v the_o same_o in_o god_n it_o be_v true_a the_o holy_a spirit_n have_v condescend_v to_o express_v thing_n suitable_a to_o our_o understanding_n and_o mean_a capacity_n therefore_o we_o read_v in_o scripture_n of_o the_o divine_a determination_n appointment_n etc._n etc._n but_o yet_o to_o abuse_v such_o condescend_v expression_n and_o to_o imagine_v that_o there_o be_v real_o such_o purpose_n and_o volition_n in_o god_n as_o these_o we_o perceive_v in_o ourselves_o this_o be_v a_o heinous_a crime_n pray_v let_v we_o satisfy_v ourselves_o with_o this_o that_o god_n in_o a_o eminent_a and_o transcend_a manner_n do_v these_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v do_v without_o willing_a decree_a etc._n etc._n that_o he_o can_v pass_v or_o as_o other_o render_v it_o and_o he_o shall_v not_o pass_v which_o phrase_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o the_o particular_a period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n be_v so_o fatal_o fix_v that_o he_o can_v neither_o shorten_v nor_o prolong_v it_o for_o this_o be_v contrary_n to_o many_o clear_a text_n of_o scripture_n as_o shall_v afterward_o full_o appear_v but_o by_o this_o phrase_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o common_a term_n of_o humane_a life_n which_o be_v not_o so_o mutable_a as_o the_o particular_a nor_o yet_o altogether_o so_o that_o it_o can_v be_v alter_v for_o god_n have_v still_o reserve_v in_o his_o own_o power_n the_o shorten_n and_o prolong_v of_o it_o and_o further_o we_o must_v not_o apprehend_v that_o the_o particular_a term_n of_o humane_a being_n be_v so_o mutable_a that_o god_n know_v they_o not_o and_o can_v foretell_v the_o precise_a period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n or_o that_o the_o divine_a counsel_n concern_v thing_n future_a be_v mutable_a no_o sure_a god_n have_v declare_v the_o contrary_n i_o be_o god_n and_o there_o be_v none_o like_o i_o say_v the_o almighty_a declare_v the_o end_n from_o the_o beginning_n and_o from_o ancient_a time_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o yet_o do_v say_v my_o counsel_n must_v stand_v and_o i_o will_v do_v all_o my_o pleasure_n isa_n 46._o 9_o two_o thing_n there_o be_v which_o occasion_n man_n to_o change_v their_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n 1._o their_o want_n of_o power_n to_o execute_v they_o 2._o their_o finite_a and_o shallow_a knowledge_n which_o can_v foresee_v those_o future_a circumstance_n which_o render_v their_o design_n ineffectual_a but_o now_o there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n that_o can_v pose_v the_o almighty_a with_o he_o all_o thing_n be_v possible_a it_o be_v the_o prophet_n argument_n the_o lord_n of_o host_n have_v purpose_v who_o shall_v disannul_v it_o his_o hand_n be_v stretch_v out_o and_o who_o shall_v turn_v it_o back_o isa_n 24._o 17._o and_o further_a there_o be_v no_o circumstance_n or_o condition_n that_o lie_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o unseen_a to_o he_o who_o knowledge_n be_v infinite_a and_o who_o equal_o comprehend_v thing_n past_a present_a and_o to_o come_v therefore_o be_v it_o that_o man_n can_v pass_v these_o bound_n perfix_v by_o the_o divine_a foreknowledge_n but_o of_o this_o afterward_o turn_v from_o he_o &c_n &c_n it_o be_v quaery_v whether_o job_n here_o petition_v a_o withdraw_a of_o god_n support_v presence_n and_o a_o cessation_n by_o death_n or_o a_o cessation_n from_o the_o affliction_n and_o trouble_n he_o lie_v under_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n that_o plead_v for_o the_o former_a interpretation_n 1._o because_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d place_v absolute_o signify_v to_o cease_v by_o death_n 1_o sam._n 2._o 5._o and_o they_o that_o be_v hungry_a cease_v i._n e._n die_v 2._o because_o the_o support_a hand_n of_o providence_n be_v remove_v man_n return_v to_o the_o dust_n thou_o hide_v thy_o face_n they_o be_v 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 sleep_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 entreat_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