B02626:803
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.
Theol. Oh that I could with the Prophet Jeremiah quake and shake to think of these matters! Oh that I could mourn as a Dove in penning of it! Oh that I had in the wilderness a cottage, and could with Job be a brother to the Dragons, and a companion to the Ostriches, whilst I have any thoughts of these things! Oh that I could weep and mourn without sin, before I yield you an answer! For weep indeed I may, but answer I cannot. Alas (with much grief I speak it) all is too true that you say, and herein the people have a vantage against us, if I may call it a vantage. But let this be my answer: If the blind lead the blind, both shall ⟨p. 332⟩fall into the ditch. 1Blind guides and blind people shall perish together. If because we are wicked, they will be more wicked, then both they and we shall burn in hell fire together. Then let them reckon their gains, and see what they have got. They have small cause to triumph over us: for thereby their market is never a whit amended. Let them take this for answer. And let us that are the Ministers of Christ, and Preachers of the Gospel, look narrowly to our selves, and make straight steps to our feet: for if we tread never so little awry, we may see how many eyes are upon us. Let us therefore with David pray continually, Order my goings, O Lord, that my foot-steps slip not: for when my foot slipped they rejoiced against me. And as for the people, let them follow the examples of those which walk unblameably (as God be thanked some such there be) and let them fly the examples of such as are offensive. So shall God have more glory, and they more peace in their own hearts. Thus have we heard what a wide gate is opened into Hell by the evil example of Ministers, and especially of Preachers.
Theol. Oh that I could with the Prophet Jeremy quake and shake to thinke of these matters! Oh that I could mourn as a Dove in penning of it! Oh that I had in the wildernesse a cottage, and could with Job be a brother to the Dragons, and a companion to the Ostriches, whilest I have any thoughts of these things! Oh that I could weep and mourne without sin, before I yeeld you an answer! For weep indeed I may, but answer I cannot. Alas (with much griefe I speake it) all is too true that you say, and herein the people have a vantage against us, if I may call it a vantage. But let this be my answer: If the blind lead the blind, both shall ⟨p. 332⟩