B02626:900
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. Few do think that ignorant men are in so woeful a case as you speak of; for they think ignorance will excuse them. And some will say, they are glad they have so little knowledge. For if they should have much knowledge ⟨p. 351⟩of their Masters will, and do it not, they should be beaten with many stripes; but now, being ignorant, they think all is safe.
Phil. Few doe thinke that ignorant men are in so wofull a case as you speake of; for they thinke ignorance will excuse them. And some will say, they are glad they have so little knowledge. For if they should have much knowledge ⟨p. 351⟩of their Masters will, and do it not, they should be beaten with many stripes; but now, being ignorant, they thinke all is safe.
Theol. God willed his people to offer sacrifice for their sins of ignorance, therefore ignorance is a sin, and excuseth no man. And as for the state of their souls before God, it is most miserable, if we could see into their souls as w:e see their bodies. For assuredly there be multitudes which ruffle it out in velvets and silks, and most brave and glittering outsides, but inwardly are full of filthiness and sin: they have fine delicate bodies, but most ugly, black, and filthy souls: if a man could see into their souls as he doth into their bodies, he would stop his nose at the stink of them. For they smell rank of sin in the nostrils of God, his Angels, and all good men.
Theol. God willed his people to offer sacrifice for their sinnes of ignorance, therefore ignorance is a sin, and excuseth no man. And as for the state of their soules before God, it is most miserable, if wee could see into their soules as w:e see their bodies. For assuredly there be multitudes which ruffle it out in velvets and silkes, and most brave and glittering outsides, but inwardly are full of filthinesse and sin: they have fine delicate bodies, but most ugly, black, and filthy soules: if a man could see into their soules as hee doth into their bodies, hee would stop his nose at the stink of them. For they smell ranke of sin in the nostrils of God, his Angels, and all good men.