2. Quest.

Why then is long life giuen to many wicked ones? and why are many Saints cut off?

Answ. Long life is of the same kinde that prosperitie is: it may be turned to a curse, as well as proue a blessing.

The wicked by liuing long on earth make their sins grow to the full (as is implied of the Amorite) they make their * name to stinke the more on earth, as a carion the longer it re∣maineth aboue ground the more it stinketh: and they cause the greater torment in hell to be inflicted vpon them: for as * sinne is increased, so shall that torment be increased.

The righteous haue their daies shortned for their good, when they are shortned, and that in these, and such like respects

• 1. That they may be m taken from the euill to come.
• 2. That they might be made an n example to others.
• 3. * That o by a temporall death eternall condemnation might be auoided.
• 4. That their p chiefest and greatest reward might be hastened.