B02626:323
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. Now you have indeed described it to the full, and laid it out (as it were) in orient colours. And a man would think he were bewitched, or stark mad, which hereafter should set his mind on it. But yet I am desirous to hear a little more of that which I asked you before: wherein the strength and poison of the world doth especially consist.
Phil. Now you have indeed described it to the full, and layed it out (as it were) in orient colours. And a man would think he were bewitched, or stark mad, which hereafter should set his minde on it. But yet I am desirous to heare a little more of that which I asked you before: wherein the strength and poyson of the world doth especially consist.
Theol. In this lieth a great strength of the world, that it draweth down the stars of heaven, and maketh them fall to the earth, as it is said of the Dragons tail,1 which is ambition, covetousness, and the love of this world. For we may wonder and lament, to see how the love of these things hath wounded and over-borne many excellent servants of God, both Preachers and Professors of the Gospel: which thing doth plainly argue the strength of it. For it is the strongest, and the very last engine that Satan useth to impugn us withal, ⟨p. 91⟩when none other will prevail. For when no temptation could fasten upon Christ, he bringeth forth this last weapon, which never faileth,2 All these things will I give thee; showing him the glory of the whole world. So then, he (having experience of this, that it never faileth) thought to have overcome Christ himself with it. Here therefore lieth the very sting and strength of the world and the Devil. For whom hath he not taken with, All these things will I give thee? whom hath he not wounded? whom hath he not deceived? whom hath he not overthrown? With this he enticed Balaam: with this he beguiled Achan: with this he overthrew Judas: with this he bewitched Demas: with this in these our days he deceiveth many of excellent gifts. For assuredly he is a Phoenix amongst men, which is not overcome with this. He is a wonderment of the world that is not moved with money.