B02626:256
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.
Theol. True indeed: For nowadays ⟨p. 55⟩mean Gentlewomen, yea some Gentlewomen of their own making, will ruffle it, and brave it out in their attire like Countesses and Ladies of honour. Plain folk also in the country will flaunt it like Courtiers, and like good Gentlemen and Gentlewomen: and they seem to say in their hearts, Fie of this plainness, we will no more of it: we will not take it as we have done. So that now the old proverb is verified: Every Jack will be a Gentleman, and Joan is as good as my Lady. For now we cannot, by their apparel, discern the maid from the mistress, nor the waiting Gentle-woman from her Lady. And thus we see in this matter of apparel how all is out of joint.
Theol. True indeed: For nowadayes ⟨p. 55⟩mean Gentlewemen, yea some Gentlewomen of their owne making, will ruifle it, and brave it out in their attire like Countesses and Ladies of honour. Plain folk also in the countrey will flaunt it like Courtiers, and like good Gentlemen and Gentlewomen: and they seem to say in their hearts, Fie of this plainnesse, we will no more of it: we will not take it as we have done. So that now the old proverb is verified: Every Jack will be a Gentleman, and Joan is as good as my Lady. For now we cannot, by their apparell, discerne the maid from the mistresse, nor the waiting Gentle-woman from her Lady. And thus we see in this matter of apparell how all is out of joint.
Phil. Is there any more to be said in this case?1
- 114.