B02626:505
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. In truth, this is a most cruel and oppressing age wherein we live; yea, a very Iron age. It seems that the great ones mind nothing else; they are altogether set upon oppression: they dote and dream of it: they find sweet in it, and therefore they are mad of it: As Solomon saith, Oppression maketh a wise man mad. It seems therefore, that this vice is of such marvellous force, that it can bereave men of their wits, and make them stark mad of getting goods by hook or by crook, they care not how, not from whom, so they have it. Yet no doubt the most wise God hath enacted many good laws for the suppressing of this evil, and threateneth the execution of them in his own person: and especially his Law doth provide for the safety of the poor, the fatherless, the widow and the stranger. But you, Master Theologus, can repeat the Statutes better then I, because you are a professed Divine: therefore, I pray you, let us hear them from you.
Phil. In truth, this is a most cruell and oppressing age wherein wee live; yea, a very Iron age. It seemes that the great ones mind nothing else; they are altogether set upon oppression: they dote and dreame of it: they find sweet in it, and therefore they are mad of it: As Solomon saith, Oppression maketh a wise man mad. It seemes therefore, that this vice is of such marvellous force, that it can bereave men of their wits, and make them starke mad of getting goods by hooke or by crooke, they care not how, not from whom, so they have it. Yet no doubt the most wise God hath enacted many good lawes for the suppressing of this evill, and threatneth the execution of them in his owne person: and especially his Law doth provide for the safety of the poore, the fatherlesse, the widow and the stranger. But you, Master Theologus, can repeat the Statutes better then I, because you are a professed Divine: therefore, I pray you, let us heare them from you.
Theol. In the 22. chapter of Exodus, God made this Law following, You ⟨p. 202⟩shalt not trouble any widow or fatherless child: If thou vex or trouble such, and so he call and cry unto me, I will surely hear his c•ie. Then shall my wrath be kindled, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows,