B02626:68
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. I think so indeed: and it may plainly appear unto us in the wise speeches and writings of heathen Poets and Philosophers: in all which we may, as by certain ruins, perceive what was the excellent ⟨p. 8⟩frame and building of mans creation.
Theol. I thinke so indeed: and it may plainly appeare unto us in the wise speeches and writings of heathen Poets and Philosophers: in all which we may, as by certaine ruines, perceive what was the excellent ⟨p. 8⟩frame and building of mans creation.
Phil. Can a man please God in any thing which he doth, so long as he continueth in the state of nature?
Theol. No, not in any thing: for till we be in the state of grace, even our best actions are sinful, as preaching, prayer, alms-deeds, &c. as it is written: Who can bring a clean thing out of that which is unclean? Job 14.4. The Apostle also saith: They that are in the flesh cannot please God, Rom. 8.8. that is, such as are still in their natural corruption. And our Lord Jesus himself saith, Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Matth. 7.16. meaning thereby, that mere natural men can bring forth no fruits acceptable to God.
Theol. No, not in any thing: for till wee be in the state of grace, even our best actions are sinfull, as preaching, prayer, almes-deeds, &c. as it is written: Who can bring a clean thing out of that which is unclean?