B02626:837
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. Can you both be a sinner, and be without sin too? for he that keepeth the Commandments, is without sin: which thing you say you do. But I see how the case standeth; that a great number of such ignorant and sottish men as you are, will in general say you are sinners, because your conscience telleth you so; but when it cometh to particulars, you know not how you sin, nor wherein. I pray you therefore, let me lead you through the Commandments again, and deal with you in particulars, that I may bring you to the sight of your sins. How say you therefore, do you upon your knees, every morning and evening, give God thanks for his particular mercies, and manifold favours towards you? And do you call much upon him privately, and much also with your family? Answer me plainly and simply.
Theol. Can you both be a sinner, and be without sinne too? for hee that keepeth the Commandements, is without sinne: which thing you say you doe. But I see how the case standeth; that a great number of such ignorant and sottish men as you are, will in generall say you are sinners, because your conscience telleth you so; but when it cometh to particulars, you know not how you sinne, nor wherein. I pray you therefore, let mee lead you thorow the Commandements againe, and deale with you in particulars, that I may bring you to the sight of your sinnes. How say you therefore, doe you upon your knees, every morning and evening, give God thankes for his particular mercies, and manifold favours towards you? And doe you call much upon him privately, and much also with your family? Answer me plainly and simply.
Asun. I cannot say so.
Theol. Then you have broken the first Commandment, which chargeth us to give God his due worship; ⟨p. 338⟩