B02626:421
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.
Asun. Yea, but for all that, we must swear; men will not believe us else.
Asun. Yea, but for all that, wee must swear; men will not beleeve us else.
Theol. Neither yet will they believe ⟨p. 163⟩you any whit the more for your swearing. For it doth manifestly appear, that thousands make no conscience at all of it. They make no more conscience of it than of cracking of nuts: and therefore what wise man will believe them, though they swear never so much? But if you would make conscience always to speak the truth from your heart, without any oaths at all, you shall be better believed of all honest and wise men, than otherwise with a thousand oaths.
Theol. Neither yet will they beleeve ⟨p. 163⟩you any whit the more for your swearing. For it doth manifestly appeare, that thousands make no conscience at all of it. They make no more conscience of it than of cracking of nuts: and therefore what wise man will beleeve them, though they sweare never so much? But if you would make conscience alwayes to speak the truth from your heart, without any oathes at all, you shall be better beleeved of all honest and wise men, than otherwise with a thousand oathes.
Antil. It is the custom to swear.
Antil. It is the custome to sweare.