B02626:746
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. He and his will were made good, yet mutably good. For to be immutably good is proper only to God. And Adam did so stand, that he might fall; as the event declared.
Theol. He and his will were made good, yet mutably good. For to be immutably good is proper onely to God. And Adam did so stand, that he might fall; as the event declared.
Antil. Was not the decree of God the cause of Adams fall?
Theol. No: but the voluntary inclination of his will unto evil. For Adams will was neither forced nor by any violence of Gods purpose compelled ⟨p. 305⟩to consent: but he of a free will and ready mind left God, and joined with the Devil. Thus then I do determine, That Adam sinned necessarily, if you respect the decree or event: but if you respect the first mover and inherent cause, which was his own will, then he sinned voluntarily and contingently. For the decree of God did not take away his will, or the contingency thereof, but only order and dispose it. Therefore (as a learned Writer saith) Volens peccavit, & proprio m•tu; 1He sinned willingly, and of his own motion. And therefore no evil is to be attributed unto God, or his decree.
Theol. No: but the voluntary inclination of his will unto evill. For Adams will was neither forced nor by any violence of Gods purpose compelled ⟨p. 305⟩to consent: but he of a free will and ready mind left God, and joyned with the Divell. Thus then I doe determine, That Adam sinned necessarily, if you respect the decree or event: but if you respect the first mover and inherent cause, which was his owne will, then he sinned voluntarily and contingently. For the decree of God did not take away his will, or the contingency thereof, but only order and dispose it. Therefore (as a learned Writer saith) Volens peccavit, & proprio mtu;