B02626:544
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. Sith all these sins (for the which the Lord did execute such universal punishments upon his own people) do abound and over-flow in the Land, may we not justly fear some great plague to fall upon us? And the rather, because our transgressions do increase daily, and grow to a full height and ripeness; so as it seems, the harvest of Gods vengeance draweth near, and approacheth?
Phil. Sith all these sins (for the which the Lord did execute such universall punishments upon his owne people) doe abound and over-flow in the Land, may wee not justly feare some great plague to fall upon us? And the rather, because our transgressions doe increase daily, and grow to a full height and ripenesse; so as it seems, the harvest of Gods vengeance draweth neere, and approacheth?
Theol. We may indeed justly fear and tremble. For if God spared not the Angels that sinned, how shall he spare us? If he spared not his own people, what can we look for? If he spared not the natural branches, how shall he spare us that are wild by nature? Are we better then they? Can we look to be spared, when they are punished? Are not our sins as many, and as great as theirs? Doth not the same cause bring forth the same effect? Is the Arm of the Lord shortened? Or is not God the same just God to punish sin now, that he was then? Yes, yes assuredly. And therefore we have great cause to mourn and lament, to quake and tremble, because there is a naked sword of vengeance hanging over our ⟨p. 227⟩heads. Thus did Jeremiah, 1thus did Amos, thus did Habakkuk, when they plainly saw the imminent wrath of God approaching upon the people of Israel and Judah.
Theol. We may indeed justly feare and tremble. For if God spared not the Angels that sinned, how shall hee spare us? If he spared not his owne people, what can we looke for? If he spared not the naturall branches, how shall hee spare us that are wilde by nature? Are we better then they? Can we looke to be spared, when they are punished? Are not our sinnes as many, and as great as theirs? Doth not the same cause bring forth the same effect? Is the Arme of the Lord shortned? Or is not God the same just God to punish sin now, that hee was then? Yes, yes assuredly. And therefore we have great cause to mourne and lament, to quake and tremble, because there is a naked sword of vengeance hanging over our