B02626:603
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. But are there not some doubts, at some times, even in the very elect, and in those which are grown to the greatest persuasion?
Phil. But are there not some doubts, at some times, even in the very elect, and in those which are growne to the greatest perswasion?
Theol. Yes verily. For he that never doubted, never believed. For whosoever believeth in truth, feeleth sometimes doubtings and waverings. Even as the sound body feeleth many grudgings of diseases, which if he had not health he could not feel; so the sound soul feeleth some doubtings, which if it were not sound it could not so easily feel. For we feel not corruption by corruption, but we fool corruption by grace. And the more grace we have, the more quick we are in the feeling of corruption. Some men of tender skins and quick feeling will easily feel the lightest feather, in softest manner, laid upon the ball of their heads; which others, of more slow feeling and hard flesh cannot so easily discern. So then it is certain, that although the children of God feel some doubtings at some times, yet the same do no whit impeach ⟨p. 263⟩the certainty of their salvation; but rather argue a perfect soundness and health of their souls. For when such little grudgings are felt in the soul, the children of God oppose against them the certainty of Gods truth and promises, and so do easily overcome them. For the Lords people need no more to fear them then he that rides through the streets upon a lusty Gelding, with his sword by his side, needs to fear the barking and bawling of a few little curs and whappets.
Theol. Yes verily. For he that never doubted, never beleeved. For whosoever beleeveth in truth, feeleth sometimes doubtings and waverings. Even as the sound body feeleth many grudgings of diseases, which if hee had not health hee could not feele; so the sound soule feeleth some doubtings, which if it were not sound it could not so easily feele. For we feele not corruption by corruption, but we foole corruption by grace. And the more grace we have, the more quicke we are in the feeling of corruption. Some men of tender skins and quick feeling will easily feele the lightest feather, in softest maner, laid upon the ball of their heads; which others, of more slow feeling and hard flesh cannot so easily discerne. So then it is certaine, that although the children of God feele some doubtings at some times, yet the same doe no whit impeach