these_o we_o shall_v speak_v anon_o but_o yet_o this_o i_o think_v may_v be_v true_o say_v that_o sometime_o when_o all_o other_o remedy_n have_v be_v either_o ineffectual_a or_o not_o to_o be_v have_v repentance_n and_o prayer_n have_v do_v the_o business_n and_o complete_v the_o cure_n and_o sure_o these_o be_v duty_n profitable_a at_o all_o time_n i_o know_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n tell_v we_o many_o extravagant_a story_n of_o the_o wonder_n and_o miracle_n that_o have_v be_v perform_v by_o the_o prayer_n of_o holy_a man_n those_o i_o shall_v not_o now_o mention_v only_o i_o shall_v say_v that_o although_o it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o the_o prayer_n of_o saint_n upon_o the_o earth_n do_v either_o mitigate_v and_o alleviate_v the_o pain_n of_o those_o that_o be_v in_o hell_n or_o free_v they_o from_o that_o miserable_a state_n as_o some_o man_n have_v confident_o enough_o report_v yet_o it_o be_v sufficient_o credible_a that_o the_o effectual_a fervent_a prayer_n of_o the_o righteous_a avail_n much_o jam._n 5.16_o a_o three_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o our_o life_n may_v be_v extend_v or_o shorten_v may_v be_v take_v from_o the_o use_n of_o medicament_n common_a reason_n will_v teach_v man_n that_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o prescribe_v any_o medicine_n to_o those_o that_o be_v dead_a and_o true_o the_o case_n will_v be_v much_o alike_o if_o the_o period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n be_v determine_v by_o a_o inconditionate_n decree_n for_o although_o man_n may_v then_o make_v use_n of_o medicament_n yet_o i_o think_v i_o may_v true_o say_v that_o their_o operation_n shall_v be_v very_o ineffectual_a but_o that_o man_n may_v to_o good_a purpose_n employ_v the_o physician_n when_o they_o be_v sick_a and_o expect_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n benefit_n by_o the_o use_n of_o medicament_n apply_v by_o the_o art_n of_o physic_n no_o reasonable_a man_n can_v doubt_v that_o the_o life_n of_o many_o have_v be_v lengthen_v and_o prolong_v by_o the_o excellent_a remedy_n apply_v by_o the_o expert_a and_o skilful_a physician_n be_v a_o truth_n so_o obvious_a to_o common_a experience_n that_o i_o need_v hot_a enlarge_v upon_o it_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n how_o many_o have_v die_v before_o their_o time_n only_o by_o their_o employ_v ignorant_a physician_n it_o be_v a_o famous_a instance_n that_o we_o have_v record_v of_o one_o mane_n the_o father_n of_o the_o manichee_n who_o have_v return_v into_o persia_n at_o that_o time_n when_o the_o king_n son_n lie_v sick_a of_o a_o dangerous_a disease_n he_o among_o many_o other_o physician_n be_v present_a all_o the_o other_o plain_o declare_v that_o the_o disease_n be_v dangerous_a but_o manes_n who_o waâ—â—_n only_o a_o pretend_a physician_n confident_o desire_v that_o they_o may_v be_v all_o remove_v and_o he_o will_v take_v care_n of_o the_o king_n son_n and_o withal_o promise_v to_o restore_v he_o to_o health_n in_o a_o short_a space_n but_o the_o event_n be_v quite_o contrary_a for_o within_o a_o shore_n time_n the_o king_n son_n die_v which_o do_v so_o provoke_v the_o king_n of_o persia_n that_o he_o instant_o cause_v manes_n to_o be_v put_v to_o a_o miserable_a death_n what_o mischief_n have_v be_v do_v by_o unskilful_a physician_n to_o many_o sad_a example_n do_v daily_o attest_v but_o yet_o if_o the_o period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n be_v determine_v by_o a_o absolute_a and_o inconditionate_n decree_n no_o man_n can_v blame_v the_o ignorant_a physician_n nor_o needs_o any_o person_n be_v trouble_v if_o they_o neglect_v the_o mean_n for_o god_n have_v determine_v they_o shall_v do_v so_o which_o indeed_o make_v martha_n speech_n to_o our_o lord_n christ_n to_o be_v ridiculous_a if_o thou_o have_v be_v here_o my_o brother_n have_v not_o die_v that_o naaman_n the_o syrian_a shall_v wash_v himself_o in_o the_o river_n of_o jordan_n seven_o time_n and_o then_o be_v clean_a of_o his_o leprosy_n be_v indeed_o miraculous_a but_o yet_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o if_o he_o have_v not_o do_v so_o his_o leprosy_n have_v remain_v whether_o that_o custom_n in_o the_o primitive_a christian_a church_n of_o anoint_v the_o sick_a with_o oil_n be_v miraculous_a or_o not_o i_o shall_v not_o dispute_v but_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v then_o a_o mean_v use_v for_o the_o recovery_n of_o the_o sick_n there_o be_v one_o objection_n which_o some_o man_n very_o impertinent_o urge_v against_o what_o i_o have_v be_v speak_v and_o that_o be_v asa_n his_o go_v to_o the_o physician_n which_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o disallow_v to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o king_n asa_n be_v not_o therefore_o reprehend_v because_o he_o ask_v advice_n of_o the_o physician_n but_o because_o he_o trust_v only_o in_o they_o and_o seek_v not_o the_o lord_n as_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a from_o 2_o chron._n 16.12_o and_o sure_o no_o reasonable_a man_n will_v have_v any_o doubu_n but_o this_o be_v a_o very_a culpable_a neglect_n in_o asa_n four_o nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n which_o have_v a_o physical_a efficacy_n in_o the_o shorten_n of_o man_n life_n as_o all_o kind_n of_o excess_n namely_o immoderate_a eat_n and_o drink_v all_o inordinate_a passion_n of_o mind_n etc._n etc._n as_o also_o the_o bad_a and_o unwholesome_a constitution_n of_o a_o kingdom_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o effectual_o conduce_v to_o the_o lengthen_v of_o our_o day_n namely_o all_o kind_n of_o moderation_n and_o temperance_n the_o wholsomness_n of_o the_o region_n wherein_o we_o live_v and_o our_o good_a managery_n what_o kind_n of_o person_n be_v those_o who_o for_o ordinary_a live_v long_a be_v they_o not_o those_o who_o careful_o moderate_v their_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o who_o govern_v their_o passion_n and_o who_o live_v in_o the_o wholesome_a place_n we_o common_o say_v that_o man_n who_o live_v in_o a_o popolus_n city_n be_v short_a live_v than_o those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o country_n i_o have_v already_o show_v how_o some_o vice_n in_o their_o proper_a tendency_n shorten_v man_n life_n and_o that_o in_o some_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n man_n live_v much_o long_o than_o in_o other_o all_o which_o methinks_v plain_o tell_v we_o the_o period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n be_v not_o fatal_a but_o mutable_a according_a as_o man_n be_v careful_a or_o negligent_a of_o themselves_o i_o shall_v onlyladd_v another_o considerable_a argument_n and_o so_o draw_v this_o discourse_n to_o a_o conclusion_n and_o that_o be_v do_v we_o evident_o perceive_v that_o many_o man_n have_v live_v long_o if_o they_o have_v not_o wretched_o and_o unreasonable_o expose_v themselves_o to_o danger_n and_o be_v it_o not_o evident_a that_o many_o million_o who_o have_v die_v in_o battle_n will_v have_v have_v their_o day_n prolong_v if_o they_o have_v never_o descend_v into_o battle_n that_o god_n have_v from_o the_o outgoing_n of_o eternity_n by_o a_o absolute_a and_o inconditionate_n degree_n determine_v both_o the_o time_n and_o manner_n of_o every_o man_n death_n this_o be_v more_o than_o we_o can_v learn_v from_o revelation_n and_o methinks_v it_o be_v very_o inconsistent_a and_o irreconcilable_a with_o those_o many_o plain_a text_n that_o show_v it_o be_v lawful_a in_o time_n of_o eminent_a danger_n to_o flee_v for_o our_o safety_n in_o time_n of_o famine_n and_o when_o any_o egregious_a contagion_n such_o as_o the_o pestilence_n spread_v in_o any_o place_n how_o many_o hundred_o prolong_v their_o life_n by_o their_o flight_n from_o battle_n if_o david_n and_o his_o man_n have_v remain_v in_o keilah_n it_o be_v certain_a they_o shall_v have_v be_v deliver_v up_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o saul_n and_o what_o the_o event_n shall_v have_v be_v we_o may_v easy_o conjecture_v if_o god_n by_o a_o special_a providence_n have_v not_o interpose_v for_o their_o safety_n but_o beside_o the_o many_o instance_n we_o may_v produce_v we_o have_v a_o positive_a precept_n to_o flee_v from_o any_o eminent_a danger_n mat._n 10.23_o when_o they_o persecute_v you_o in_o this_o city_n flee_v into_o another_o which_o plain_o show_v that_o this_o be_v a_o lawful_a mean_n of_o prolong_v our_o life_n in_o such_o case_n it_o be_v a_o notable_a instance_n we_o have_v jer._n 27.18_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n behold_v i_o set_v before_o you_o the_o way_n of_o life_n and_o the_o way_n of_o death_n he_o that_o abide_v in_o this_o city_n shall_v die_v by_o the_o sword_n and_o by_o the_o famine_n and_o by_o the_o pestilence_n but_o he_o that_o go_v out_o and_o fall_v to_o the_o chaldean_n that_o besiege_v you_o he_o shall_v live_v and_o his_o life_n shall_v be_v unto_o he_o for_o a_o prey_n which_o place_n plain_o show_v that_o god_n have_v not_o decree_v the_o period_n of_o their_o life_n by_o any_o inconditionate_n decree_n for_o
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 20.12_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 3.4_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 42.1_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 3.1_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 4.8_o religion_n be_v as_o a_o bridle_n to_o keep_v man_n within_o due_a bound_n in_o their_o eat_n and_o drink_v it_o forbid_v all_o manner_n of_o excess_n which_o impares_fw-la our_o bodily_a health_n and_o oblige_v man_n to_o make_v use_n of_o lawful_a mean_n for_o their_o preservation_n and_o recovery_n if_o we_o consult_v experience_n we_o shall_v find_v these_o to_o be_v the_o man_n who_o for_o ordinary_a enjoy_v the_o long_a life_n it_o be_v true_a some_o good_a man_n may_v be_v natural_o of_o a_o brittle_a constitution_n and_o other_o god_n may_v remove_v for_o secret_a end_n know_v to_o himself_o yet_o for_o ordinary_a the_o godly_a man_n who_o natural_a temper_n be_v strong_a have_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o wicked_a man_n and_o certain_o religion_n in_o its_o due_a tendency_n prescribe_v the_o best_a rule_n for_o long_a life_n as_o righteousness_n tend_v to_o life_n so_o he_o that_o pursue_v evil_a as_o the_o wiseman_n tell_v we_o pursue_v it_o to_o his_o own_o death_n prov._n 11.19_o we_o have_v a_o large_a catalogue_n of_o the_o punishment_n inflict_v for_o sin_n exod._n 26._o where_o more_o particular_o v._o 16._o the_o lord_n threaten_v to_o appoint_v over_o those_o who_o obey_v not_o his_o law_n terror_n consumption_n and_o the_o burn_a ague_n &_o that_o man_n may_v not_o foolish_o think_v all_o these_o be_v but_o threaten_n which_o god_n intend_v not_o to_o inflict_v upon_o poor_a man_n the_o prophet_n isaiah_n tell_v we_o if_o you_o refuse_v &_o rebel_n you_o shall_v be_v devour_v with_o the_o sword_n for_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v it_o isa_n 1.20_o and_o the_o wiseman_n conclude_v it_o as_o certain_a prov._n 10.27_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 55.23_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 23.29_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 7.27_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 3.10_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 3.8.5_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 11.7_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 advice_n jam._n 5.14_o be_v any_o sick_a among_o you_o let_v he_o call_v for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o let_v they_o pray_v over_o he_o i_o know_v there_o be_v other_o mean_n to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o order_n to_o the_o procure_n of_o health_n than_o repentance_n and_o prayer_n and_o of_o
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 46.9_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 24.17_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 לרה_n place_v absolute_o signify_v to_o cease_v by_o death_n 1_o sam._n 2.5_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 104.29.3_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 be_v not_o for_o my_o iniquity_n nor_o for_o my_o sin_n that_o thou_o have_v afflict_v i_o and_o let_v this_o
consideration_n also_o prevail_v with_o thou_o that_o my_o untender_a friend_n sad_o mistake_v thy_o design_n in_o afflict_v i_o they_o conclude_v it_o be_v for_o some_o secret_a heinous_a crime_n that_o thy_o judgement_n be_v upon_o i_o o_o that_o thou_o will_v turn_v from_o thy_o wrath_n that_o i_o may_v enjoy_v some_o rest_n before_o i_o go_v whence_o i_o shall_v not_o return_v this_o phrase_n turn_v from_o he_o be_v sometime_o take_v in_o a_o very_a bad_a sense_n thus_o we_o find_v the_o wicked_a sad_o characterise_v as_o a_o people_n who_o desire_n god_n to_o depart_v from_o they_o but_o as_o it_o be_v utter_v by_o the_o people_n of_o god_n under_o the_o pressure_n of_o affliction_n it_o imply_v no_o more_o but_o a_o serious_a desire_n that_o god_n will_v be_v please_v to_o remove_v that_o burden_n now_o in_o such_o innocent_a petition_n there_o appear_v no_o crime_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o affliction_n simple_o consider_v be_v grievous_a even_o to_o the_o best_a of_o man_n kind_a there_o be_v no_o affliction_n say_v the_o apostle_n for_o the_o present_a that_o be_v joyous_a but_o grievous_a it_o be_v true_a impatience_n under_o affliction_n be_v a_o excess_n which_o no_o excuse_n whatsoever_o can_v pardon_v there_o be_v some_o person_n of_o such_o hasty_a complexion_n that_o they_o rise_v in_o passion_n against_o god_n if_o they_o meet_v with_o the_o least_o affliction_n just_o like_o that_o wretched_a man_n who_o say_v this_o evil_n be_v of_o the_o lord_n why_o shall_v we_o wait_v any_o long_o upon_o he_o but_o those_o petition_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o holy_a writ_n although_o at_o the_o first_o view_n they_o seem_v to_o be_v peremptory_a and_o absolute_a yet_o they_o be_v true_o qualify_v and_o submissive_a and_o at_o the_o most_o only_o express_v the_o harmless_a resentment_n of_o innocent_a nature_n that_o can_v but_o express_v how_o contrary_a affliction_n be_v to_o it_o that_o he_o may_v rest_v ut_fw-la quiescat_fw-la sc_fw-la paululum_fw-la that_o his_o affliction_n be_v remove_v he_o may_v yet_o enjoy_v a_o little_a space_n to_o solace_v himself_o till_o he_o accomplish_v his_o day_n i_o will_v purposely_o decline_v the_o answer_n of_o that_o query_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o wish_v death_n when_o our_o condition_n be_v charge_v with_o a_o surplusage_n of_o caamity_n for_o the_o brevity_n i_o design_n will_v not_o suffer_v i_o to_o survey_v the_o difficulty_n of_o that_o case_n only_o in_o the_o general_n i_o shall_v add_v two_o thing_n 1._o if_o the_o affliction_n be_v violent_a fierce_a and_o seem_o durable_a render_v we_o uncapable_a of_o exercise_v any_o duty_n i_o question_v not_o but_o common_a reason_n will_v suggest_v to_o every_o sober_a man_n that_o in_o that_o case_n death_n be_v more_o eligible_a than_o life_n yet_o 2._o since_o we_o be_v ignorant_a what_o god_n design_n to_o we_o by_o send_v we_o such_o affliction_n it_o be_v our_o part_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o lord_n will_v and_o say_v good_a be_v the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n thus_o although_o we_o may_v comparative_o and_o submissive_o wish_v death_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o some_o acute_a trial_n yet_o it_o be_v never_o lawful_a to_o be_v peremptory_a and_o absolute_a in_o such_o desire_n for_o frequent_o the_o happy_a event_n make_v man_n conclude_v that_o be_v be_v good_a for_o they_o they_o be_v afflict_v rest_v etc._n etc._n methinks_v the_o very_a sound_n of_o this_o word_n be_v full_a of_o ravish_a sweetness_n and_o pleasure_n and_o yet_o to_o those_o who_o be_v state_v in_o a_o condition_n of_o woe_n and_o misery_n it_o be_v bitter_a and_o harsh_a as_o the_o most_o ravish_a and_o pleasant_a music_n be_v in_o the_o ear_n of_o he_o who_o be_v sad_a those_o who_o never_o taste_v the_o honeycomb_n know_v not_o its_o sweetness_n the_o man_n who_o have_v be_v always_o drudge_n and_o slave_n have_v no_o discern_v what_o liberty_n be_v and_o those_o who_o from_o their_o birth_n have_v be_v accustom_v to_o pain_n know_v not_o their_o misery_n so_o sensible_o but_o to_o have_v once_o enjoy_v blessing_n and_o on_o a_o sudden_a to_o be_v deprive_v of_o they_o not_o only_o the_o unexpected_a change_n but_o also_o their_o former_a happiness_n add_v to_o their_o misery_n and_o make_v their_o condition_n more_o unsufferable_a if_o man_n have_v be_v create_v to_o toil_n and_o labour_n his_o eat_n of_o bread_n in_o the_o sweat_n of_o his_o face_n have_v be_v no_o curse_n but_o to_o have_v be_v place_v in_o a_o bless_a and_o happy_a state_n and_o by_o his_o folly_n to_o be_v hurl_v into_o a_o state_n of_o misery_n and_o pain_n that_o complete_v his_o calamity_n and_o make_v he_o sensible_a how_o miserable_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o have_v be_v happy_a this_o single_a consideration_n seem_v to_o add_v very_o much_o to_o job_n misery_n his_o condition_n be_v once_o more_o than_o ordinary_a happy_a and_o the_o amission_n of_o the_o comfort_n he_o former_o enjoy_v make_v he_o pathetical_o cry_v out_o o_o that_o i_o be_v as_o in_o month_n past_a as_o in_o the_o day_n when_o god_n preserve_v i_o but_o now_o as_o he_o sad_o complain_v they_o that_o be_v young_a than_o i_o have_v i_o in_o derision_n if_o job_n in_o this_o state_n of_o woe_n have_v be_v persuade_v of_o the_o certain_a change_n of_o his_o condition_n and_o that_o his_o latter_a end_n shall_v be_v more_o bless_v than_o his_o beginning_n the_o expect_a hope_n of_o this_o have_v serve_v to_o allay_v and_o mitigate_v his_o sorrow_n and_o to_o render_v his_o case_n more_o sufferable_a and_o easy_a it_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o rest_n that_o put_v strength_n in_o the_o weary_a traveller_n it_o be_v the_o expect_a reward_n and_o assurance_n of_o a_o future_a blessedness_n and_o better_a resurrection_n which_o make_v those_o worthy_n heb._n 11._o so_o cheerful_o undergo_v suffer_v what_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o saint_n rest_n be_v i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o represent_v it_o be_v so_o far_o above_o any_o thing_n we_o can_v in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n conceive_v or_o imagine_v the_o advantage_n that_o attend_v our_o present_a tranquillity_n and_o rest_n be_v many_o and_o great_a which_o to_o enumerate_v will_v be_v prolix_a and_o tedious_a but_o if_o from_o that_o we_o shall_v frame_v to_o ourselves_o a_o idea_n of_o that_o celestial_a rest_n how_o imperfect_a will_v it_o be_v any_o rest_v we_o enjoy_v here_o be_v uncertain_a a_o unthought-of_a causality_n may_v impair_v it_o but_o the_o rest_n that_o remain_v for_o the_o people_n of_o god_n 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 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 faith_n 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 hireling_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 hireling_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 intervall_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 have_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 overcloud_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 calamite_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 hand_n breath_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 the_o rest_n 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 optate_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 hireling_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_n 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 the_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 curiousity_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 preverse_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 after_o thing_n of_o a_o mysterious_a alloy_n and_o god_n know_v how_o miserable_o some_o man_n have_v mistake_v in_o their_o enqiry_n after_o a_o solution_n of_o the_o present_a doubt_n and_o if_o i_o can_v promise_v to_o myself_o to_o rectify_v those_o huge_a mistake_v some_o man_n have_v fall_v into_o this_o will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a justification_n of_o my_o present_a undertake_n but_o in_o order_n to_o the_o unfolding_n of_o this_o doubt_n i_o shall_v promise_v four_o thing_n which_o will_v contribute_v to_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o it_o first_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n that_o every_o man_n life_n have_v a_o period_n it_o be_v appoint_v for_o all_o man_n once_o to_o die_v this_o be_v a_o warfare_n from_o which_o there_o be_v no_o discharge_n what_o man_n be_v he_o that_o live_v and_o shall_v not_o see_v death_n as_o to_o this_o the_o prince_n and_o peasant_n stand_v upon_o even_a term_n and_o as_o the_o wise_a man_n tell_v we_o the_o rich_a and_o poor_a meet_v together_o there_o be_v no_o justle_n in_o the_o grave_a for_o precedency_n i_o confess_v it_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o pain_n to_o consider_v the_o trivial_a instance_n take_v from_o the_o translation_n to_o enoch_n and_o elias_n to_o infringe_v this_o position_n for_o first_o we_o be_v not_o to_o debate_v what_o god_n may_v do_v he_o have_v a_o sovereignty_n over_o his_o creature_n and_o must_v not_o be_v call_v to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o his_o action_n all_o who_o way_n be_v tract_n of_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n second_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o translation_n he_o who_o will_v positive_o say_v that_o they_o do_v not_o undergo_v that_o which_o be_v equivalent_a to_o death_n will_v say_v more_o than_o he_o can_v prove_v i_o be_o apt_a to_o believe_v that_o no_o sober_a man_n will_v say_v that_o they_o enter_v their_o heavenly_a habitation_n with_o their_o unrefined_a body_n no_o more_o than_o those_o who_o rise_v at_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o last_o trumpet_n in_o the_o twinkle_n of_o a_o eye_n be_v carry_v into_o heaven_n without_o any_o change_n second_o it_o be_v also_o unquestionable_a that_o sin_n introduce_v this_o period_n to_o every_o man_n life_n the_o primitive_a threaten_a rus_fw-la thus_o in_o the_o day_n thou_o eat_v
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 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 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 25.8_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 90.10_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 15.13_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
himself_o in_o argue_v so_o foolish_o the_o apostle_n st._n james_n very_o forcible_o reject_v this_o opinion_n let_v no_o man_n say_v when_o he_o be_v tempt_v i_o be_o tempt_v of_o god_n for_o god_n can_v be_v tempt_v with_o evil_a neither_o tempt_v he_o any_o man_n but_o every_o man_n be_v tempt_v when_o he_o be_v draw_v away_o of_o his_o own_o lust_n and_o entice_v jam._n 2.13_o 14._o the_o wise_a man_n in_o his_o sense_n after_o the_o certainty_n of_o thing_n conclude_v his_o seven_o chapter_n of_o the_o book_n of_o ecclesiaste_n thus_o lo_o this_o only_o have_v i_o find_v that_o god_n have_v make_v man_n upright_o but_o they_o have_v seek_v out_o many_o invention_n pray_v then_o let_v we_o reject_v every_o opinion_n that_o teach_v god_n do_v necessitate_v man_n to_o sin_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o injurious_a to_o god_n than_o this_o to_o think_v to_o palliate_v the_o business_n by_o say_v god_n be_v under_o no_o law_n be_v but_o a_o lawless_a and_o unreasonable_a pretext_n for_o the_o everlasting_a rectitude_n of_o his_o spotless_a nature_n be_v more_o than_o any_o external_a law_n and_o pray_v what_o can_v truth_n and_o justice_n do_v but_o what_o be_v holy_a and_o just_a the_o distinction_n between_o the_o act_n and_o the_o pravity_n of_o the_o act_n the_o former_a of_o which_o god_n determin_n man_n to_o but_o not_o to_o the_o latter_a be_v as_o vain_a and_o frivolous_a for_o the_o pravity_n of_o every_o wicked_a act_n be_v inseparable_a from_o it_o and_o far_o the_o divine_a command_n particular_o prohibit_v the_o act_n and_o i_o think_v upon_o no_o other_o ground_n but_o because_o the_o formality_n of_o sin_n consist_v in_o the_o act_n itself_o it_o be_v indeed_o strange_a to_o consider_v those_o platonic_a and_o imaginary_a notion_n some_o man_n run_v to_o but_o i_o think_v it_o needless_a to_o take_v a_o particular_a view_n of_o such_o dream_n but_o as_o this_o opinion_n sad_o reflect_v upon_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n so_o it_o be_v high_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o liberty_n of_o man_n will_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o mean_n that_o there_o be_v a_o free_a principle_n in_o man_n be_v so_o plain_a that_o he_o who_o deny_v this_o must_v engage_v himself_o against_o experience_n and_o reason_n there_o be_v no_o man_n who_o do_v wicked_o but_o he_o perceive_v he_o may_v do_v otherwise_o the_o sick_a man_n be_v not_o constrain_v to_o neglect_v the_o mean_n for_o his_o recovery_n neither_o be_v the_o physician_n force_v to_o prescribe_v this_o and_o no_o other_o remedy_n man_n act_v not_o as_o machine_n but_o they_o have_v a_o free_a principle_n whereby_o they_o may_v choose_v what_o they_o think_v be_v best_a and_o most_o convenient_a it_o be_v true_a the_o will_n since_o adam_n fall_n be_v corrupt_v and_o most_o incline_v to_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a but_o yet_o the_o fall_n do_v not_o destroy_v man_n freedom_n it_o make_v no_o physical_a change_n only_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v moral_o vitiate_v and_o corrupt_a but_o if_o the_o willwere_n physical_o as_o they_o speak_v determine_v ad_fw-la unum_fw-la it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o think_v that_o the_o sick_a person_n who_o neglect_v the_o mean_n can_v do_v otherwise_o and_o alas_o do_v nor_o experience_n convince_v we_o that_o man_n of_o this_o persuasion_n neglect_v the_o use_n of_o lawful_a mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v only_o because_o they_o dream_v that_o if_o god_n have_v decree_v that_o they_o shall_v die_v than_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o use_v the_o mean_n and_o if_o god_n have_v determine_v that_o they_o shall_v live_v whether_o they_o use_v or_o neglect_v the_o mean_n they_o shall_v live_v but_o you_o will_v say_v god_n do_v not_o only_o decree_v the_o end_n but_o also_o the_o mean_n i_o answer_v this_o plea_n do_v not_o a_o whit_n diminish_v or_o remove_v the_o difficulty_n since_o they_o suppose_v that_o the_o mean_n be_v as_o absolute_o decree_v as_o the_o end_n which_o quite_o destroy_v the_o liberty_n of_o man_n will_n and_o leave_v no_o place_n for_o any_o choice_n three_o this_o opinion_n leave_v no_o place_n for_o praise_n to_o the_o learned_a physician_n nor_o for_o dispraise_v to_o the_o unskilful_a empiric_n first_o the_o skilful_a physician_n can_v claim_v no_o praise_n for_o although_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o he_o have_v wise_o consider_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o sick_a and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o discase_v though_o he_o have_v prescribe_v apt_a remedy_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n behave_v well_o yet_o since_o he_o do_v no_o other_o thing_n but_o what_o he_o be_v determine_v to_o do_v by_o a_o external_a force_n who_o can_v think_v he_o merit_v any_o praise_n if_o he_o can_v have_v do_v otherwise_o but_o will_v not_o than_o he_o may_v in_o reason_n claim_v it_o but_o the_o case_n according_a to_o the_o present_a hypothesis_n be_v quite_o opposite_a but_o second_o neither_o can_v we_o in_o reason_n blame_v the_o unskilful_a quack-doctor_n who_o neither_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o disease_n nor_o of_o those_o medicine_n he_o prescribe_v alas_o poor_a man_n do_v no_o more_o than_o what_o he_o be_v force_v to_o do_v and_o he_o can_v not_o do_v otherwise_o why_o then_o shall_v he_o be_v blame_v for_o any_o failure_n or_o mistake_v he_o commit_v four_o the_o natural_a and_o genuine_a consequence_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v to_o make_v man_n like_o fool_n or_o madman_n expose_v themselves_o to_o any_o danger_n for_o instance_n what_o need_v we_o be_v afraid_a to_o run_v upon_o any_o precipice_n if_o god_n have_v determine_v the_o period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n there_o be_v no_o fear_n to_o encounter_v with_o any_o seem_a danger_n man_n may_v safe_o enough_o leap_v into_o the_o fire_n or_o cast_v themselves_o into_o the_o deep_a for_o there_o be_v no_o fear_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v hurt_v or_o perish_v unless_o the_o almighty_a have_v determine_v it_o and_o if_o this_o be_v they_o may_v persuade_v themselves_o they_o can_v not_o do_v otherwise_o for_o the_o decree_n be_v unalterable_a and_o can_v be_v repeal_v nor_o be_v this_o true_a only_a in_o theory_n &_o speculation_n but_o it_o may_v appear_v to_o have_v such_o bad_a effect_n by_o the_o sad_a experience_n of_o poor_a delude_a creature_n alas_o do_v we_o not_o hear_v the_o vulgar_a frequent_o comfort_v any_o who_o be_v in_o trouble_n with_o this_o consideration_n that_o god_n have_v decree_v it_o shall_v be_v so_o if_o these_o person_n do_v only_o mean_a that_o god_n exercise_v a_o special_a providence_n in_o the_o world_n and_o rule_v among_o the_o child_n of_o man_n no_o body_n have_v ever_o blame_v they_o but_o this_o be_v not_o their_o meaning_n for_o they_o plain_o declare_v by_o such_o kind_n of_o speech_n that_o all_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v fatal_o i_o have_v hear_v some_o wretched_a sinner_n who_o have_v commit_v great_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n excuse_v themselves_o by_o say_v they_o be_v decree_v to_o do_v so_o and_o god_n will_n must_v be_v accomplish_v it_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o multiply_v many_o absurdity_n which_o flow_v from_o this_o doctrine_n by_o a_o natural_a consequence_n but_o these_o few_o i_o have_v name_v may_v abundant_o satisfy_v every_o consider_a man_n and_o show_v he_o how_o pernicious_a and_o dangerous_a it_o be_v but_o before_o i_o conclude_v i_o shall_v consider_v the_o four_o argument_n i_o mention_v before_o which_o i_o say_v seem_v to_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v this_o opinion_n as_o first_o there_o be_v many_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o seem_v to_o conclude_v that_o the_o period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n be_v determine_v i_o shall_v mention_v some_o of_o the_o most_o remarkable_a text_n of_o scripture_n bring_v to_o defend_v this_o first_o psal_n 31.15_o my_o time_n be_v in_o thy_o hand_n deliver_v i_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o my_o enemy_n from_o hence_o some_o draw_v this_o unexpected_a conclusion_n that_o god_n have_v absolute_o decree_v the_o period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n now_o i_o think_v no_o consider_v man_n shall_v ever_o have_v guess_v this_o to_o be_v the_o psalmist_n meaning_n for_o the_o text_n only_o hold_v our_o the_o divine_a care_n and_o providence_n whereby_o he_o do_v superintend_v and_o continue_v every_o individual_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n in_o their_o being_n and_o therefore_o be_v it_o that_o david_n make_v his_o application_n to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v deliver_v he_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o enemy_n which_o methinks_v have_v be_v a_o needless_a petition_n if_o he_o have_v imagine_v that_o god_n have_v absolute_o determine_v the_o period_n of_o his_o life_n second_o psal_n 39.5_o lord_n make_v i_o to_o know_v my_o end_n &_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 14.5_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 bond_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 satisfi_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 4.28_o both_o herod_n and_o pontius_n pilate_n with_o the_o gentile_n &_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 &_o thy_o counsel_n determine_v before_o to_o be_v do_v the_o scribe_n &_o pharisees_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 hout_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 prejudce_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 vindicate_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 and_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 free_o 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 &_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 object_n i_o have_v partly_o remove_v already_o while_o i_o show_v that_o god_n know_v whatsoever_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 23.11_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 the_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 if_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 13.19_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 consum_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 multtude_n of_o instance_n from_o scripture_n but_o i_o think_v i_o need_v add_v no_o mere_a 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 and_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 these_o thing_n be_v premise_v i_o doubt_v not_o but_o to_o offer_v such_o argue_v ment_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