B02626:362
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. All this being true that you say, it followeth, that Gods children are chastised only for their good, and evermore sure of deliverance in his appointed time. Which thing being so, me thinks there is no cause at all why they should be over-heavy, or too much cast down in their afflictions.
Phil. All this being true that you say, it followeth, that Gods children are chastised only for their good, and evermore sure of deliverance in his appointed time. Which thing being so, mee thinks there is no cause at all why they should bee over-heavie, or too much cast down in their afflictions.
Theol. Assuredly there is no cause at all, but rather cause why they should rejoice, clap their hands, and sing, Care away. For can a father forsake his children? a King his subjects? a master his servant? or a shepherd his sheep? Doth not Jehovah say, I will not leave thee nor forsake thee? 1Doth not our heavenly Father know we have need of these things? Hath not God given us his word, that we shall not want outward things? Hath he not said, they shall be cast upon us? Why then should we be dismayed? Why should we hang down our heads? Why do we not pluck up good hearts, and be of good cheer? God is our dear Father: he is our best friend: he is our daily Benefactor: or: he keepeth us at his own cost and charges: he grudgeth us nothing: he thinketh nothing too much for us: ⟨p. 131⟩he loveth us most deadly: he is most chary and tender over us: he cannot endure the wind should blow upon us. he will have us want nothing that is good for us. If we will out gold, we shall have it. He hath given us his faithful promise, that as long as we live, we shall never want Let us therefore rejoice and be merry. For heaven is ours, earth is ours, God is ours, Christ is ours, All is ours: As the Apostle saith,2 All is yours, and you are Christs, and Christ is Gods. The world clap their hands, and crow long before it be day, saying. All is theirs: but the children of God may say, and say truly, All is ours. For they have a true title, and proper interest, through Christ, in all the creatures. Many are their privileges, great are their prerogatives. They are free of heaven, and free of earth. They are the only free Denizens of the world: Christ hath purchased them their freedom: Christ hath made them free, and therefore they are free indeed. They are free from sin, free from hell, free from damnation. They are at peace with God, Men, and Angels. They are at peace with themselves. They are at peace with all creatures. They are young Princes, Angels fellows, descended of the highest house, of the