B02626:850
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.
Asun. Yes, for I think there is no man free from thoughts that way. I had thought thoughts had been free.
Asun. Yes, for I thinke there is no man free from thoughts that way. I had thought thoughts had beene free.
Theol. No: thoughts are not free before God; for God knoweth our thoughts, and will punish us, arraign us, and condemn us for thoughts. Men know not thoughts; and therefore can make not Laws against thoughts: but because God is privy to all our most secret thoughts, therefore he hath made Laws against them, and will condemn them. Therefore I conclude, that if you have nourished adulterous thoughts in your heart, you are guilty of the breach of the seventh commandment, which forbiddeth all secret thoughts and provocations whatsoever to adultery. But further, I demand, whether you did never pilfer, purloin, and steal some small things from your neighbour: as pasture, poultry, conies, apples, and such like?
Theol. No: thoughts are not free before God; for God knoweth our thoughts, and will punish us, arraign us, and condemne us for thoughts. Men know not thoughts; and therefore can make not Lawes against thoughts: but because God is privie to all our most secret thoughts, therefore hee hath made Lawes against them, and will condemne them. Therefore I conclude, that if you have nourished adulterous thoughts in your heart, you are guilty of the breach of the seventh commandement, which forbiddeth all secret thoughts and provocations whatsoever to adultery. But further, I demand, whether you did never pilfer, purloine, and steale some small things from your neighbour: as pasture, poultry, conies, apples, and such like?
Asun. I cannot clear my self in these things: for I had thought they had been no sin.