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

2. Though God hath thus appointed our continuance in the world, so that in respect of his providence, none could live longer or shorter, yet if we respect second causes, and speak according to them, so we may truly say, such might have continued longer in the world. Hence wicked men are said, not to live out half their days; and Solomon saith, Be not over-wicked, Eccles. 7.17. Why shouldst thou die before thy time? Wicked men many times by their wickedness, drunkenness and uncleanness kill themselves, and sometimes provoke God to destroy them. But though they are said not to live out half their days, yet that is to be understood in respect of second causes, not Gods appointment; for so it was their whole days.

2. Though God hath thus appointed our continuance in the world, so that in respect of his providence, none could live longer or shorter, yet if we respect second causes, and speak according to them, so we may truly say, such might have continued longer in the world. Hence wicked men are said, not to live out half their dayes; and Solomon saith, Be not over-wicked, Eccles. 7.17. Why shouldst thou die before thy time? Wicked men many times by their wickedness, drunkennes and uncleanness kill themselves, and sometimes provoke God to destroy them. But though they are said not to live out half their dayes, yet that is to be understood in respect of second causes, not Gods appointment; for so it was their whole dayes.

3. Though God hath appointed the times of our abode or removal out of the world, yet this decree and appointment is brought about in the use of means. We are not to apprehend such a decree in God, that we shall live such a time, let us do what we will, eat or not, it's no matter for the use of the means. This is wretchedly to dishonour God; for though Gods will doth not uncertainly depend upon thy will, yet his appointment is with great sweetness and condescension to second ⟨p. 450⟩