B02626:782
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. These indeed be strong bars out of heaven, and wide gates into hell. I pray you therefore prove them of the Scriptures, and lay them forth somewhat more largely.
Theol. The first, which is Infidelity, is proved out of the fourth chapter to the Hebrews, verse 2. where it is written, Unto us was the Gospel preached, as unto them: but the word which they heard, profited them not, because it was not mixed with faith in those that heard it. And again,1 They could not enter in, because of unbelief. Here we s•e, that unbelief did bar out the old people from entering into the Land of Promise, which was a figure of Gods eternal Kingdom. And sure it is, that the same unbelief doth bar out thousands of us. For many will believe nothing but their own fantasies. They will not believe the Word of God: especially when it is contrary to their lusts and likings, ⟨p. 318⟩profits and pleasures. Though things be manifestly proved to their faces, and both the Chapter and the Verse showed them, yet will they not believe; or though they say they believe, yet will they never go about the practice of any thing, but reply against God in all their actions. And, for the most part, when God saith one thing, they will say another: when God saith ye, they will say nay, and so give God the lye. Some again will say, If all be true that the Preachers say, then God help us. Thus you see how infidelity doth bar men out of Heaven, and cast them into Hell.
Theol. The first, which is Infidelity, is proved out of the fourth chapter to the Hebrewes, verse 2. where it is written, Unto us was the Gospel preached, as unto them: but the word which they heard, profited them not, because it was not mixed with faith in those that heard it. And again,1 They could not enter in, because of unbeliefe. Here we s•e, that unbeliefe did bar out the old people from entring into the Land of Promise, which was a figure of Gods eternall Kingdome. And sure it is, that the same unbeliefe doth barre out thousands of us. For many will beleeve nothing but their owne fantasies. They will not beleeve the Word of God: especially when it is contrary to their lusts and likings,