B02626:452
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. I am of this mind, that the goods which men get by swearing, lying, and deceit, will never prosper.
Theol. You are not therein deceived. For God will blow upon all such kind of evil gotten goods, and they shall be put in a bottomless purse, as the Prophet saith. The holy Ghost in the book of the Proverbs hath many excellent sayings to this effect, as chap. 13.11. 1The riches of vanity shall be diminished; but he which laboureth ⟨p. 174⟩with the hand, shall increase them. And again,2 He that dealeth deceitfully, shall become poor: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich. In another place he saith,3 The deceitful man roasteth not that which he hath caught in hunting. That is, he shall not long enjoy or taste the prey, which he hath gotten by fraud. For either one trouble or other will come upon him, that he shall not be able to possess, or take delight in the spoil. Therefore it is said, The bread of deceit is sweet to a man: but after, his mouth shall be filled with gravel. That is, in the end the crafty person shall meet with many troubles. For either his conscience will upbraid him and check him, or vengeance will plague him for his deceit. The fears, cares, and sorrows which he shall have, shall be as it were so many sharp stones, to set his teeth on edge, and to vex him. Wherefore in stead of meat, he shall feed on gravel: and in stead of wheat, on pebble stones. Small pleasure is takes in the end in goods ill gotten, or livings unlawfully come by. For the holy Ghost hath passed sentence upon them, that they shall never prosper.
Theol. You are not therein deceived. For God will blow upon all such kinde of evill gotten goods, and they shall be put in a bottomelesse purse, as the Prophet saith. The holy Ghost in the book of the Proverbs hath many excellent sayings to this effect, as chap. 13.11.