B02626:759
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.
Antil. How can God justly determine of mens destruction, before they have sinned?
Theol. This objection hath been answered in part before: For I told you, that God condemneth none but for sin, either original only, or else both original and actual. For howsoever he doth in himself, before all time, determine the reprobation of many, yet he proceeds to no execution, till there be found in us both just desert• and apparent cause. Therefore they deal unsoundly and foolishly, which confound the decree of reprobation with damnation, it self; sith sin is the cause of the one, and ⟨p. 308⟩only the will of God of the other.
Theol. This objection hath been answered in part before: For I told you, that God condemneth none but for sin, either originall onely, or else both originall and actuall. For howsoever he doth in himselfe, before all time, determine the reprobation of many, yet he proceeds to no excecution, till there be found in us both just desert• and apparent cause. Therefore they deale unsoundly and foolishly, which confound the decree of reprobation with damnation, it selfe; sith sinne is the cause of the one, and ⟨p. 308⟩only the will of God of the other.
Phil. Well, Sir, sith we are so far proceeded in this question, by the occasion of this mans objections and cavil, I pray you now, as you have spoken much of reprobation, and the causes thereof; so let us hear somewhat of election, and the causes thereof: and show us out of the Scriptures, that God hath before all worlds chosen some to eternal life.