B02626:460
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. I told you before, that you may not make the infirmities of Gods people, rules for you to live by. And further I answer, that all these did offend in their lying. Some of them indeed, I grant, are commended for their love to the Church and charitable affections to Gods people, but ⟨p. 178⟩none of them simply for lying: which is a thing condemned even of the Heathen. For saith one of them, Lying doth corrupt the life of man: 1and every wise and godly man doth hate lying.
- 1[…].〈…〉.
Antil. But may we not lye now and then for advantage?
Antil. But may wee not lye now and then for advantage?
Theol. No verily, neither is there any good vantage to be got that way. For when you have made up your accounts, all charges deducted, and all expenses defrayed, your clear gains will be very small. For by your wilful and customary lying you gain inward grief, and lose true joy: you gain short pleasure, and lose perpetual glory, you gain hell, and lose heaven, you make the Devil your friend, and God your enemy. Now then reckon your gain.
Theol. No verily, neither is there any good vantage to be got that way. For when you have made up your accounts, all charges deducted, and all expences defrayed, your cleare gaines will be very small. For by your wilfull and customary lying you gaine inward griefe, and lose true joy: you gain short pleasure, and lose perpetuall glory, you gain hell, and lose heaven, you make the Divell your friend, and God your enemy. Now then reckon your gaine.