B02626:912
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. The best counsel that I can give you, if it were for my life, is, to be much exercised in the Word of God, both in hearing, reading, and meditation thereof, and also to purchase unto your self the sincere Ministry of the Gospel, and to make conscience to live under it; esteeming your self happy if you have it, though you want other things; and unhappy if you have it not, though you have all other things. For it is a peerless pearl, an incomparable jewel. For the purchasing whereof we are advised by our Lord Jesus to sell all that we have,1 rather then to go without it. Again, our Saviour Christ gives the same counsel to the Church of Laodicea, in these words,2 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried by the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that thy filthy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eye-salve, that thou mayest see. Where you see the Word of God is compared to most precious gold, whereby we are made spiritually rich; and to glittering attire, wherewith our naked souls are clothed, and to an eye-salve, wherewith our spiritual blindness is cured. We are advertised also by Jesus Christ, whose counsel is ever the best, to buy these things, whatsoever ⟨p. 360⟩they cost us. The same counsel also giveth wise Solomon, saying, Buy the truth, 3but sell it not. So then you see the counsel which herein I give you is not of mine own, but the counsel of Jesus himself, and Solomon the wise: and who can, or who dare except against their counsel?
Theol. The best counsell that I can give you, if it were for my life, is, to be much exercised in the Word of God, both in hearing, reading, and meditation thereof, and also to purchase unto your selfe the sincere Ministery of the Gospel, and to make conscience to live under it; esteeming your selfe happy if you have it, though you want other things; and unhappy if you have it not, though you have all other things. For it is a peerlesse pearle, an incomparable jewell. For the purchasing whereof wee are advised by our Lord Iesus to sell all that we have,1