B02626:952
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. I regard not your flatteries. I believe God, I believe his Word, I believe those things which Master Theologus hath alleged out of the holy Scriptures, pointing me both to the Chapter and the Verse: and whether it be more meet that I should believe the Scriptures, or your soothings, judge you. No, no: now I do clearly see, by the glass of Gods Law, that my state is wretched and miserable. For I have lived in sin and ignorance all the days of my life, being utterly void of all Religion and true knowledge of God. I am not the man indeed that you and others take me for. For though outwardly I have lived honestly to the world-ward, yet inwardly I have ⟨p. 399⟩not lived religiously to God-ward.
Asun. I regard not your flatteries. I beleeve God, I beleeve his Word, I beleeve those things which Master Theologus hath alledged out of the holy Scriptures, pointing mee both to the Chapter and the Verse: and whether it be more meet that I should beleeve the Scriptures, or your soothings, judge you. No, no: now I doe cleerly see, by the glasse of Gods Law, that my state is wretched and miserable. For I have lived in sinne and ignorance all the dayes of my life, being utterly void of all Religion and true knowledge of God. I am not the man indeed that you and others take mee for. For though outwardly I have lived honestly to the world-ward, yet inwardly I have ⟨p. 399⟩not lived religiously to God-ward.
Antil. Tush, tush: now I see you are in a melancholy humour. If you will go home with me, I can give you a speedy remedy, for I have many pleasant and merry books, which if you should hear them read, would soon remedy you of this melancholy passion. I have the Court of Venus, The Palace of Pleasure, Bevis of South-hampton, Ellen of Rummin, The merry jest of the Friar and the Boy, The pleasant Story of Clem of the Clough, Adam Bell, and William of Cloudesly, The odd tale of William, Richard, and Humphrey, The pretty conceit of John Splinters last Will and Testament, which all are excellent and singular books against heart-qualms, and to remove such dumpishness as I see you are now fallen into.