CXLV expository sermons upon the whole 17th chapter of the Gospel according to St.…

¹4. God hath for every particular man appointed the time and hour of his death; When that fatal moment cometh, no ransom can be given; No art nor skill can prolong it; I confess this hath been greatly disputed, whether a term be prefixed by God to every mans life, beyond which he cannot go, but they must needs hold many absurdities, that will tend grossly to the dishonour of God, if it should be granted that our days are not appointed by God in this world, and the Scripture doth unquestionably assert it, Job 4.5. His days are determined, the number of his months are with the•, thou hast appointed his bounds which he cannot pass; This place is so clear that I need not mention more, and whereas the Scripture saith, Wicked men shall not live out half their days, that is, in respect of second causes, for they might if we do regard nature have lived long, but God for their wickedness removeth them away, and whereas the Prophet told Hezekiah that •e must die, yet upon his prayer, fifteen years are added; That was but a conditional thre••ni•g, neither were those fifteen years added to Gods decree, but in regard of Hezekiahs expectation, who upon the Prophets words looked for no other but present death; Neither doth this doctrine bring a Stoical necessity, as if we need not eat or drink, for God hath appointed the means as well as the end; Even as Paul told those in the Ship, Act. 27.31. with him, that none of them should die,² yet he bids them use the means, and some got planks and boards to get to the haven; We should not make such captious conclusions but with fear and patience, expect till this hour come.

¹4. God hath for every particular man appointed the time and hour of his death; When that fatall moment cometh, no ransome can be given; No art nor skill can prolong it; I confesse this hath been greatly disputed, whether a term be prefixed by God to every mans life, beyond which he cannot goe, but they must needs hold many absurdities, that will tend grosly to the dishonour of God, if it should be granted that our daies are not appointed by God in this world, and the Scripture doth unquestionably assert it,