B02626:947
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. Now, Sir, a word or two more of the remedilessness of Hell fire.
Phil. Now, Sir, a word or two more of the remedilesnesse of Hell fire.
Theol. The Scriptures do affirm, that as the torments of Hell are extreme, so they are without all hope of remedy:1 as it is written, A man can by no means redeem his brother: he cannot give his ransom unto God: so precious is the redemption of the soul, and the continuance for ever. To this purpose Abraham said to the rich man,2 being in Hell torments, Betwixt you and us there is a great gulf set, so that they which would go from hence to you cannot, neither can they come from thence to us. Our Lord Jesus also saith,3 What shall a man give for the recompense of his soul? Where our Saviour doth plainly affirm, that there is no ransom or recompense, though never so great, to be given for a damned soul. For the soul being in Hell, can never be released, it is past remedy, no means whatsoever can do any good: no gold, no silver, no friends, no riches, no power, ⟨p. 395⟩no policy, no flattery, no bribery, no reach, no fetch or device whatsoever, can prevail one jot: for a man being once in Hell hath no remedy, he is in close prison, he is shut up under the hatches for ever, there is no getting out again, he must suffer perpetual imprisonment. He cannot bring a writ of false imprisonment, because he is laid in by the most righteous and just Judge, who cannot possibly do any wrong; but he must lye by it. For being there once, he is there for ever. If all the Angels of Heaven should entreat for a damned soul; if Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob should make great suit; if all the Prophets, Apostles and Martyrs should be continual solicitors to Christ for release; if the father should make request for his son, or the mother for the daughter, yet can none of these be heard, they must all have the repulse. For the sentence of Christ cannot be reversed, his decree is unrepealable. The due consideration of these things may make all hearts to quake, and all knees to tremble. In the troubles and afflictions of this life, though a man come in never so great danger, yet he may wind out again by one means or another, by money, or friendship, or rewards, or such like means: but in Hell-fire, this is it that gripes,