An exposition with practical observations continued upon the thirty-fifth, thirty-sixth, and thirty-seventh chapters of…

But I conceive our reading is clear, They dye in Youth, because Youth is the most stirring time of our life, or that time of life, wherein we use the most violent motions without, and are subject to the most violent passions within; therefore the Hebrew expresseth both by one word. Now when we say, They dye in Youth, the meaning is, they dye in the prime, in the best, in the most flourishing time of their life, in the spring of their days.

But I conceive our reading is clear, They dye in Youth, because Youth is the most stirring time of our life, or that time of life, wherein we use the most violent motions without, and are subject to the most violent passions within; therefore the Hebrew expresseth both by one word. Now when we say, They dye in Youth, the meaning is, they dye in the prime, in the best, in the most flourishing time of their life, in the spring of their dayes.

But is it true, that all hypocrites in heart dye in youth? Do not many, who discover themselves to be but hypocrites, dye in old age?

I answer, Such-like Scriptures do not intend an universality, as to every individual; but only show that 'tis so for the most part, or often so. Hypocrites in heart, men of profane spirits, usually dye in their youth, and are cut off in the Flower of their Age. They who multiply their sins, subtract from their days; and they have least ground of hope to live long, who live ill. As bloody, so deceitful men (such are hypocrites in heart) shall not live out half their days. They who live not out half their days, dye in youth. That also is the meaning of Eliphaz (Chap. 15.32.) where he saith, The wicked man shall have his recompense before his time; as also when he saith (Chap. 22.16.) They were cut down out of time; that is, before the ordinary time of cutting man down by Death was come. And therefore, I answer,