B02626:594
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. The Apostle saith;1 We know, that if our earthly house of this Tabernacle be destroyed, we have a building given us of God; that is, an house not made with hands, but eternal in the heavens. Mark, that he saith, both he, and the rest of Gods people, did certainly know that Heaven was provided for them.2 For the spirit of adoption beareth witness with our spirits, that we are the children of God. And again, the same Apostle saith, from henceforth is laid up for me the crown of righteousness: 3which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but to all them that love his appearing. Here we see, that he knew there was a crown prepared for him, and for the Elect. And the same Spirit which did assure it unto Paul, doth assure it also to all the children of God. For they have all the same Spirit, though not in the same measure. Saint John saith also, Herein we are sure we know him, 4if we keep his commandments. In which words ⟨p. 256⟩St. John telleth us th•• much, th•• if we do unfeignedly endeavour to obey God, there is in us the true knowledge and fear of God: and consequently we are sure we shall be saved. Saint Peter saith,5 Give all diligence to make your calling and election sure. Wherefore should the Apostle exhort us to make our election sure, if none could be sure of it? In the second of the Ephesians, the Apostle saith flatly, that in Christ Jesus we do already sit together in heavenly places. His meaning is not, that we are there already in possession; but we are as sure of it, as if we were there already. The reasons hereof are these: Christ our head is in possession: Therefore he will draw all his members unto him, as he himself saith. 6Secondly, we are as sure of the thing which we hope for, as of that which we have: but we are sure of that which we have, which is the […] of grace: therefore we are sure […] we look for, which is the crown of glory. Many other places of the holy Scriptures might be alleged to this purpose: but, I suppose, these may suffice.