B02626:143
The plain mans path-way 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.
London: printed by Ja. Young for G. Lathum, 1643
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.
Phil. Me thinks it should not be possible.
Theol. Yes truly: for some of Gods dear children, in whom no doubt the ⟨p. 22⟩inward work is truly and soundly wrought, yet are so troubled and encumbered with a crabbed & crooked nature, and so clogged with some master sin, as some with anger, some with pride, some with covetousness, some with lusts, some one way, and some another; all which breaking out in them, do so blemish them and their profession, that they cannot so shine forth unto men, as otherwise no doubt they would; and this is their wound, their grief, and their heart-smart, and that which costeth them many a tear, and many a prayer: and yet can they not get the fu l victory over them, but still they are less in them as a prick in the flesh to humble them.
Theol. Yes truly: for some of Gods dear children, in whom no doubt the ⟨p. 22⟩inward work is truely and soundly wrought, yet are so troubled and incumbred with a crabbed & crooked nature, and so clogged with some master sin, as some with anger, some with pride, some with covetousnesse, some with lusts, some one way, and some another; all which breaking out in them, do so blemish them and their profession, that they cannot so shine forth unto men, as otherwise no doubt they would; and this is their wound, their griefe, and their heart-smart, and that which costeth them many a tear, and many a prayer: and yet can they not get the fu l victory over them, but still they are less in them as a prick in the flesh to humble them.
Ph. Yet love should cover a multitude of such infirmities in Gods children.