B02626:335
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. Now you show your venomous spirit against better men then your self. And I have a four-fold answer for you. First, I answer, that although godly men may be somewhat overtaken this way, and over-spirt a little, yet they break not out so grossly as others. Secondly, if God leave them sometimes to be overcome of the world, yet he, in his great wisdom and mercy, turneth it to their good. For thereby he first humbleth them, and afterwards raiseth them up again.1 And so all things work together for good to them that love God. Thirdly, I answer, we must live by rules, and not by examples. For even the best of Gods people have had their wants and weaknesses. Therefore we may not frame rules to live by out of the infirmi jes of the most excellent servants of God. Wicked therefore and impious is their allegation, who allege Davids adultery, Lots drunkenness, Peters fall, Abraham's slips, Solomons weakness, &c. for a shelter and defence of themselves in the like sins. Lastly, I answer, that you greatly wound your self in your own speech: so far off are you from mending your market any whit thereby. For if ⟨p. 99⟩Preachers and other godly men (after many prayers, tears, and much means used, cannot escape scot-free, but sometimes are wounded, and almost overthrown by the world and the Devil; what then shall become of you, which use no means at all, nor any gain-striving, but willingly give place to the Devil? If the Devil did over-master David, Lot, Samson, Solomon, and other such excellent worthies; alas, what shall become of mere worldlings and Atheists? If the most valiant men, and chief Captains in a battle go down, what shall become of the faint-hearted soldiers? And as S. Peter saith,2 If the righteous scarce be saved, where shall the wicked and ungodly appear? So then I take you at the rebound, and return your own weapon upon your self; That sith godly men cannot escape through this world without blows, what shall become of them that know not what godliness meaneth?
Theol. Now you shew your venemous spirit against better men then your selfe. And I have a foure-fold answer for you. First, I answer, that although godly men may be somewhat overtaken this way, and over-spirt a little, yet they break not out so grossely as others. Secondly, if God leave them sometimes to be overcome of the world, yet hee, in his great wisedome and mercy, turneth it to their good. For thereby hee first humbleth them, and afterwards raiseth them up againe.