B02626:765
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 the Papists fetch the first motive of election out of mans merits, and fore-seen works. For, say they, God did fore-see who would repent, believe, and do well: and therefore he made choice of them.
Phil. But the Papists fetch the first motive of election out of mans merits, and fore-seen workes. For, say they, God did fore-see who would repent, beleeve, and doe well: and therefore he made choice of them.
Theol. But they are greatly deceived: For I say again and again, that there is nothing in us which did ever move God to set his love upon us, and to choose us unto life: but he ever found the original cause in himself; as it is written,1 He will have mercy upon whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth. And ⟨p. 310⟩[…] ⟨p. 311⟩[…] ⟨p. 310⟩again: It is neither in him that willeth, nor in him that runneth: but in God that showeth mercy. 2The Lord himself also testifieth, that he did choose his people not for any respect in them, but only because he loved them, and bare a special favour unto them. […] then it is a certain truth, that Gods eternal predestination excludeth all merits of man, and all power of his will, thereby to attain unto eternal life: and that his free mercy, and undeserved favour, is both the beginning, the midst, and the end of our salvation: that is to say, All is of him, and nothing of our selves.
Theol. But they are greatly deceived: For I say againe and againe, that there is nothing in us which did ever move God to set his love upon us, and to chuse us unto life: but he ever found the originall cause in himselfe; as it is written,