B02626:769
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. If men be predestinate before they be borne, to what purpose serve all precepts, admonitions, laws? &c. It forceth not how we live. For neither our godly or ungodly life can alter the purpose of God.
Antil. If men be predestinate before they be borne, to what purpose serve all precepts, admonitions, lawes? &c. It sorceth not how wee live. For neither our godly or ungodly life can alter the purpose of God.
Theol. This is a very wicked and carnal objection, and showeth a vile and dissolute mind in them that use it. But I would wish such men to consider the end of election; which is, that we should lead a godly […]: As it is plainly set down in the first chapter to the Ephesians, ver. 3. where the Apostle saith, God hath chosen us before the foundation of the world. But to what end? that we should live as we list? No, no, saith he; But that we should be holy and, unblameable before him. Again he saith,1 We are predestinate to be made like the image of his Son, that is, to be holy and righteous. For most certain it is, that we can judge nothing of predestination, but by the consequents: that is, by our calling, justification, and sanctification. For when once we feel the work of grace within us, (that is, that we are washed by the new birth, and renewed by the holy Ghost, finding in our selves an unfeigned hatred of sin, and love of righteousness) then are we sure, and out of all doubt, that we are predestinated to life. And it is even as much is if God had personally appeared unto us, and whispered us in the ear, and told us that our names are taken, and written in the Book of life. For whom he hath predestinate, ⟨p. 312⟩them he hath called: 2and whom he hath called, them he hath justified: and whom he hath justified, them he hath glorified. Now therefore, till we feel these marks of election wrought in us, we can be at no certainty in this point; neither are we to take any notice of it, or meddle in it: but we must strive, according to that power and faculty we have, to live honestly, and civilly, waiting when God will have mercy on us, and give us the true touch. As for them that are careless and dissolute, letting all at six and seven, there is small hope that they are elected, or ever shall be called.