that_o in_o man_n there_o be_v a_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o like_a manner_n what_o although_o humane_a reason_n can_v reconcile_v the_o divine_a knowledge_n with_o the_o contingency_n of_o action_n yet_o may_v it_o not_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o this_o that_o god_n know_v all_o contingency_n because_o his_o understanding_n be_v infinite_a and_o indeed_o the_o prediction_n in_o scripture_n be_v so_o remarkable_a and_o plain_a evidence_n that_o god_n know_v all_o thing_n that_o now_o it_o can_v be_v reasonable_o question_v but_o suppose_v revelation_n have_v teach_v we_o nothing_o of_o this_o yet_o we_o may_v by_o natural_a principle_n know_v that_o god_n be_v the_o most_o perfect_a be_v that_o can_v be_v imagine_v and_o therefore_o of_o infinite_a comprehension_n that_o he_o be_v out_o maker_n and_o therefore_o must_v know_v all_o the_o intrigue_n of_o his_o creature_n but_o second_o the_o divine_a foreknowledge_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o thing_n for_o otherwise_o criminal_a action_n which_o do_v not_o escape_v his_o eye_n shall_v be_v cause_v by_o he_o who_o can_v not_o tempt_v any_o man_n to_o sin_n which_o be_v impossible_a if_o god_n shall_v reveal_v to_o i_o that_o titius_n be_v certain_o to_o do_v such_o a_o thing_n the_o next_o day_n my_o foreknowledge_n do_v nor_o necessitate_v titius_n to_o do_v that_o act_n so_o that_o upon_o the_o one_o hand_n as_o the_o foreknowledge_n of_o it_o have_v no_o influence_n upon_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o production_n nor_o cross_v the_o humane_a liberty_n for_o the_o divine_a foreknowledge_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n why_o thing_n exist_v but_o it_o suppose_v the_o existence_n of_o thing_n so_o upon_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o contingency_n of_o the_o period_n of_o humane_a life_n do_v not_o infer_v that_o it_o can_v be_v certain_o know_v by_o a_o infinite_a understanding_n who_o grasp_v all_o thing_n and_o season_n but_o the_o great_a difficulty_n be_v how_o the_o divine_a foreknowledge_n can_v be_v reconcile_v with_o the_o divine_a promise_n command_n commination_n and_o prohibition_n how_o it_o can_v consist_v with_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n to_o threaten_v man_n with_o shortness_n of_o life_n if_o they_o continue_v wicked_a and_o aebellious_a and_o to_o promise_v length_n of_o day_n if_o man_n will_v obey_v his_o commandment_n whileas_o he_o well_o know_v that_o the_o wicked_a man_n will_v continue_v in_o his_o wickedness_n and_o be_v filthy_a still_o and_o that_o the_o virtuous_a and_o good_a man_n will_v persevere_v in_o well_o do_v i_o confess_v this_o be_v a_o very_a great_a difficulty_n and_o have_v induce_v many_o learned_a man_n to_o doubt_v if_o god_n know_v thing_n contingent_o future_a not_o that_o they_o will_v impeach_v any_o of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n or_o derogate_v from_o the_o infinity_n of_o his_o knowledge_n but_o only_o they_o think_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n contingent_o future_a be_v such_o that_o they_o can_v be_v know_v as_o it_o be_v no_o diminution_n from_o omnipotency_n to_o say_v thing_n impossible_a or_o which_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n fall_v not_o under_o its_o object_n but_o yet_o since_o scripture_n have_v so_o clear_o reveal_v to_o we_o the_o divine_a foreknowledge_n of_o future_a action_n methinks_v he_o be_v very_o rash_a and_o inconsiderate_a considerate_a that_o doubt_v it_o it_o be_v a_o remarkable_a sentence_n of_o tertullian_n praescientia_fw-la dei_fw-la tantos_fw-la habet_fw-la testes_fw-la quantos_fw-la fecit_fw-la prophetas_fw-la hence_o the_o learned_a episcopius_n tell_v we_o that_o his_o religion_n and_o the_o reverence_n he_o have_v to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n will_v never_o suffer_v he_o to_o admit_v this_o argument_n which_o reflect_v so_o much_o upon_o the_o truth_n of_o divine_a prediction_n but_o i_o answer_v more_o particular_o that_o god_n promise_n and_o threaten_n be_v serious_a because_o although_o god_n know_v that_o some_o man_n who_o be_v threaten_v will_v continue_v in_o their_o wickedness_n yet_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o turn_v from_o their_o sin_n and_o the_o divine_a threaten_a be_v a_o argument_n which_o shall_v prevail_v upon_o man_n no_o man_n can_v doubt_v but_o god_n be_v serious_a with_o sinner_n in_o such_o case_n if_o a_o parent_n do_v certain_o know_v that_o his_o son_n be_v to_o commit_v a_o criminal_a act_n will_v any_o man_n think_v that_o that_o parent_n threaten_v of_o his_o son_n if_o he_o do_v commit_v that_o act_n be_v void_a of_o sincerity_n but_o 2._o as_o god_n know_v that_o some_o wicked_a man_n notwithstanding_o of_o the_o sever_a threaten_v will_v continue_v in_o their_o sin_n yet_o 1._o he_o know_v that_o even_o such_o obdurate_a person_n may_v do_v otherewise_o and_o 2._o he_o know_v that_o many_o man_n will_v have_v continue_v in_o their_o sin_n if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v threaten_v with_o punishment_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o the_o people_n of_o ninevie_n will_v have_v turn_v unto_o god_n if_o they_o have_v never_o be_v threaten_v now_o though_o god_n know_v that_o ninevie_n when_o threaten_a will_v repent_v yet_o since_o he_o also_o know_v that_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v threaten_v they_o shall_v have_v continue_v in_o their_o wickedness_n therefore_o no_o man_n can_v question_v the_o seriousness_n of_o the_o divine_a threaten_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v dispatch_v the_o first_o particular_a how_o the_o period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v determine_v i_o come_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o inquire_v in_o what_o sense_n it_o be_v not_o determine_v now_o because_o i_o have_v already_o reject_v the_o stoical_a fate_n all_o that_o i_o shall_v speak_v concern_v this_o head_n may_v be_v comprehend_v in_o these_o follow_a particular_n viz._n the_o period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n be_v not_o fatal_o limit_v and_o bound_v by_o any_o absolute_a or_o inconditionate_n decree_n of_o god_n almighty_n now_o because_o many_o learned_a man_n violent_o urge_v that_o god_n have_v from_o the_o out-going_n of_o eternity_n absolute_o decree_v the_o bound_n of_o every_o man_n life_n without_o any_o consideration_n of_o those_o circumstance_n in_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v place_v so_o that_o man_n do_v what_o they_o please_v can_v neither_o extend_v nor_o shorten_v the_o lease_n of_o their_o life_n i_o shall_v therefore_o endeavour_v to_o make_v this_o assertion_n plain_a and_o remove_v those_o objection_n that_o it_o may_v seem_v liable_a to_o and_o the_o rather_o because_o in_o such_o kind_n of_o assertion_n as_o be_v beside_o the_o common_a opinion_n man_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o suspect_v some_o sinistrious_a deisgn_n that_o the_o period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n be_v not_o fatal_o determine_v by_o any_o secret_a inconditional_a decree_n will_v appear_v from_o the_o argument_n we_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o in_o prove_v the_o inability_n of_o the_o period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n now_o i_o shall_v only_o consider_v those_o absurdity_n and_o inconvenience_n that_o follow_v upon_o the_o admission_n of_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n as_o first_o if_o the_o period_n of_o humane_a life_n be_v fatal_o determine_v than_o those_o wretched_a miscreant_n who_o with_o their_o own_o hand_n put_v a_o period_n to_o their_o life_n may_v easy_o excuse_v themselves_o before_o their_o judge_n for_o since_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o they_o be_v physical_o predetermine_v to_o do_v so_o how_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o they_o can_v do_v otherwise_o be_v there_o any_o resist_n of_o the_o divine_a decree_n alas_o it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o power_n to_o help_v it_o and_o how_o then_o can_v they_o be_v condemn_v for_o it_o it_o be_v a_o know_a maxim_n nemo_fw-la peccat_fw-la in_o eo_fw-la quod_fw-la vitare_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la the_o necessity_n they_o be_v place_v in_o seem_v to_o excuse_v their_o sin_n but_o if_o notwithstanding_o we_o shall_v suppose_v that_o such_o brutish_a action_n be_v real_o criminal_a we_o run_v ourselves_o upon_o another_o absurdity_n and_o that_o be_v we_o reflect_v upon_o the_o divine_a holiness_n and_o goodness_n for_o if_o god_n have_v true_o determine_v those_o brutish_a action_n by_o a_o previous_a secret_a and_o unalterable_a decree_n if_o he_o have_v before_o irrevocable_o determine_v and_o so_o entangle_v in_o such_o a_o train_n of_o cause_n as_o shall_v necessary_o make_v they_o offer_v violence_n to_o themselves_o how_o can_v we_o vindicate_v the_o divine_a sanctity_n from_o the_o blot_n of_o be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n alas_o daily_a experience_n show_v we_o how_o apt_a man_n be_v to_o make_v use_n of_o this_o argument_n for_o their_o own_o vindication_n when_o they_o do_v what_o be_v criminal_a they_o tell_v we_o they_o be_v fatal_o determine_v by_o a_o external_a power_n in_o act_v they_o and_o with_o this_o consideration_n they_o solace_v themselves_o as_o if_o they_o be_v as_o innocent_a as_o fool_n or_o madman_n be_v but_o let_v no_o man_n deceive_v
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
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 bid_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 mortalica_fw-la casum_fw-la that_o the_o period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n be_v not_o so_o casual_a and_o fortuitous_a as_o these_o man_n imagine_v may_v be_v make_v evident_a by_o clear_a testimony_n from_o scripture_n concern_v the_o particular_a providence_n whereby_o god_n take_v care_n of_o every_o particular_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n but_o because_o i_o will_v have_v occasion_n to_o consider_v this_o afterward_o i_o shall_v now_o add_v only_o a_o instance_n or_o two_o from_o scripture_n whereby_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o most_o seem_o casual_a period_n of_o man_n be_v order_v by_o a_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o fall_v under_o the_o divinity_n rule_n and_o dominion_n and_o first_o the_o manslayer_n who_o kill_v his_o neighbour_n unawar_n seem_v to_o be_v as_o casual_a a_o business_n as_o can_v be_v and_o yet_o we_o may_v read_v how_o far_o the_o divine_a providence_n be_v concern_v in_o this_o particular_a exod._n 21.13_o but_o far_o one_o of_o epicurus_n disciple_n will_v ready_o conclude_v that_o ahabs_n 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 21.19_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 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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 to_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 comprehe_fw-ge sion_fw-la 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 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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 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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
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