B02626:568
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. They may very fitly be compared to a Moth that fretteth in pieces the same cloth wherein she is bred: or to a certain worm or canker, that corrodeth and eateth through the heart of the tree that nourisheth her: or unto a man that standeth upon a bough in the top of a tree where there is no more, and yet with an axe choppeth to off, and therewithal falleth down with it, and breaketh his neck. Even so the fools of this world do what they can to chop asunder the bough that upholds them, but they may know easily what will follow.
Theol. They may very fitly be compared to a Moth that fretteth in pieces the same cloth wherein she is bred: or to a certaine worme or canker, that corrodeth and eateth thorow the heart of the tree that nourisheth her: or unto a man that standeth upon a bough in the top of a tree where there is no more, and yet with an axe choppeth to off, and therewithall falleth down with it, and breaketh his neck. Even so the fooles of this world doe what they can to chop asunder the bough that upholds them, but they may know easily what will follow.
Phil. I see plainly they be much their own foes, and stand in their own light, and indeed know not what they do. For the benefit which they receive by such is exceeding great; and therefore by their maligning of them, they do but hold the stirrup to their own destruction.
Phil. I see plainly they be much their owne foes, and stand in their owne light, and indeed know not what they doe. For the benefit which they receive by such is exceeding great; and therefore by their maligning of them, they doe but hold the stirrup to their owne destruction.
Theol. Now to apply these things to our (selves, and to return to the first question of this argument: may we not marvel that our Nation is so long spared, considering that the sins thereof are so horrible and outrageous as they be?