B02626:451
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 it is, we may marvel at the long-suffering of God in this behalf. But this is to be noted, that God doth not immediately punish all notorious sinners in this life, but reserveth thousands to the judgment of the great day. In this life he only culleth out some few, whom he smiteth for the example of others, that they might fear and tremble, and learn by other ⟨p. 173⟩mens harms to beware. Therefore, even in this life, we see before our eyes, some liars, some drunkards, some whore-mongers, some swearers, some misers of the world, some ruffians and cut-throats, stricken down by the revenging hand of God: But whereas God smiteth one of these in this life, he letteth an hundred escape. For if he should punish all offenders in this life, to what purpose should the judgement to come serve? If he should punish none, then we should think there were no God, or that he were shut up idle in heaven, and would do neither good nor evil, nor once meddle in the matters of the earth; as some Epicures have dreamed. Therefore to avoid both these extremities, God in his heavenly wisdom hath thought good to meet with some, even in this world.
Theol. True it is, we may marvel at the long-suffering of God in this behalfe. But this is to be noted, that God doth not immediatly punish all notorious sinners in this life, but reserveth thousands to the judgment of the great day. In this life he only culleth out some few, whom he smiteth for the example of others, that they might feare and tremble, and learne by other ⟨p. 173⟩mens harmes to beware. Therefore, even in this life, wee see before our eyes, some lyers, some drunkards, some whore-mongers, some swearers, some misers of the world, some ruffians and cut-throats, stricken downe by the revenging hand of God: But whereas God smiteth one of these in this life, hee letteth an hundred escape. For if hee should punish all offenders in this life, to what purpose should the judgement to come serve? If hee should punish none, then we should think there were no God, or that hee were shut up idle in heaven, and would do neither good nor evill, nor once meddle in the matters of the earth; as some Epicures have dreamed. Therefore to avoid both these extremities, God in his heavenly wisedome hath thought good to meete with some, even in this world.