B02626:167
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.
Antil. It is no matter; say you what you will, and all the Preachers in the world besides, as long as I serve God, and say my prayers duly and truly, morning and evening, and have a good faith in God, and put my whole trust in him, and do my true intent, and have a good mind to God-ward, and a good meaning, although I am not learned, yet I hope it will serve the turn for my souls health. For that God which made me must save me. It is not you that can save me, for all your learning, and all your Scriptures.
Antil. It is no matter; say you what you will, and all the Preachers in the world besides, as long as I serve God, and say my prayers duly and truely, morning and evening, and have a good faith in God, and put my whole trust in him, and doe my true intent, and have a good mind to God-ward, and a good meaning, although I am not learned, yet I hope it will serve the turn for my soules health. For that God which made mee must save me. It is not you that can save me, for all your learning, and all your Scriptures.
Theol. You may very fitly be compared to a sick man, who having his brain distempered with heat, raveth, and speaketh idly, he cannot tell what. ⟨p. 27⟩For the holy Ghost saith,1 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abominable. And again,2 He that destroyeth the word shall be destroyed. So long therefore as you despise Gods word, and turn away your ear from hearing his Gospel preached, all your prayers, your fantastical serving of God, your good meanings, and your good intents are to no purpose; but most odious and loathsome in the sight of God: as it is written, My soul hateth your new moons, 3and your appointed feasts, they are a burden unto me, I am weary to bear them: When you stretch out your hands I will hide mine eye from you; and though you make many prayers, I will not hear: For your hands are full of blood. And again, the Lord saith by the same Prophet; He that killeth a bullock,