B02626:790
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. Let us hear of the fifth gate, which is, the Long escaping of punishment.
Phil. Let us heare of the fifth gate, which is, the Long escaping of punishment.
Theol. This is avouched by the Wise man in these words,1 Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the hearts of the children of men are set in them to do evil. Where he showeth, that one cause why men are so hardened in their sins, is, because God winketh at them, and letteth them alone, not punishing them immediately after they have sinned. For if God should forthwith strike down one, and rain fire and brimstone upon another, and cause the earth to swallow up a third, then men would fear indeed. But ⟨p. 322⟩it hath been showed before, that God taketh not that course, but though he meet with some in this life, yet he lets thousands escape; and that makes them more bold, thinking they shall never come to their answer: even as an old thief, which hath a long time escaped both prison and gallows, thinks he shall always so escape, and therefore goeth boldly on in his thefts. But let men take heed: For, as the Proverb saith, Though the Pitcher goeth long to the Well, yet at last it cometh broken home. So though men escape long, yet they shall not escape always: for there will come a day of reckoning, a day that will pay it home for all. Thus you see how impunity leadeth numbers to destruction: that is, when men are let alone, and neither smitten by the hand of God, nor punished by the Law of the Magistrate.
Theol. This is avouched by the Wise man in these words,1 Because sentence against an evill worke is not executed speedily, therefore the hearts of the children of men are set in them to doe evill. Where hee sheweth, that one cause why men are so hardened in their sinnes, is, because God winketh at them, and letteth them alone, not punishing them immediatly after they have sinned. For if God should forthwith strike downe one, and raine fire and brimstone upon another, and cause the earth to swallow up a third, then men would feare indeed. But