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The Plain Man's Pathway to Heaven
The plain mans path-way to heaven Wherein every man may clearly see, whether he shall be saved or damned. Set forth dialogue-wise, for the better understanding of the simple: By Arthur Dent, preacher of the word of God at South-Shoobery in Essex. Corrected and amended: with a table of all the principal matters; and three prayers necessary to be used in private families thereunto added.The plaine mans path-way to heauen Wherein euery man may cleerely see, whether he shall be saued or damned. Set forth dialogue-wise, for the better vnderstanding of the simple: By Arthur Dent, preacher of the vvord of God at South-Shoobery in Essex. Corrected and amended: vvith a table of all the principall matters; and three prayers necessarie to be vsed in priuate families thereunto added.
London: printed by Melchiside Bradwood for Edw. Bishop, 1607London: printed by Melchiside Bradwood for Edvv. Bishop, 1607
The plain mans path-way to Heaven.The plaine mans path-way to Heauen.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Phila. I think, we may the rather doubt and fear, because the punishment of these forenamed vices, is neglected by the Magistrate. For commonly, when they that bear the sword of Justice, do not draw it out to punish notorious offenders and malefactors, the Lord himself will take the matter into his own hands, and be revenged in his own person: which is most dreadful and dangerous. For it is a fearful1 thing, to fall into the hands of the living God.
Phila. I thinke, we may the rather doubt and feare, because the punishment of these forenamed vices, is neglected by the Magistrate. For commonly, when they that beare the sword of Iustice, doe not draw it out to punish notorious offenders and malefactours, the Lord himselfe will take the matter into his owne hands, and bee reuenged in his owne person: which is most dreadfull and daungerous. For it is a fearefull1 thing, to fall into the handes of the liuing God.
Theo. You have spoken a truth. For if those, which are Gods deputies and vice-gerents in the earth, do their duties faithfully in punishing vice, and maintaining virtue; in smiting the wicked, and favouring the godly: then assuredly evil shall be taken out of Israel, Gods wrath prevented, and his judgments intercepted; as it is written: Phinehas stood up and executed judgement, and the plague was stayed.1 But if they (for fear, favour, affection, gain, ⟨p. 209⟩flattery, bribery, or any other sinister respect) will be too sparing and remiss in punishing of gross offenders, and be rather ready to smite the righteous: then do they exceedingly provoke Gods wrath against the land, and against themselves.