A20187:114
The opening of heaven gatesThe opening of heauen gates
The opening of heaven gates, or The ready way to everlasting life Delivered in a most familiar dialogue, between reason and religion, touching predestination, Gods word, and mans free-will, to the understanding of the weakest capacity, and the confirming of the more strong. By Arthur Dent, preacher of the word of God, at South-Shoobery in Essex.The opening of heauen gates, or The ready way to euerlasting life Deliuered in a most familier dialogue, betweene reason and religion, touching predestination, Gods word, and mans free-will, to the vnderstanding of the weakest capacitie, and the confirming of the more strong. By Arthur Dent, preacher of the word of God, at South-Shoobery in Essex.
London: printed by G. Eld for John Wright, 1610London: printed by G. Eld for Iohn Wright, 1610
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.
Rel. I grant it, for so far do they work together, that God doth work in them to will, and perform the good works of the Holy Ghost, and they for the assurance of their well working, do guide them-selves by the light of his word. So then mayest thou perceive that although by Satan, and the most wicked men, the just decrees and counsels of God are executed, yet are they thereof for the most part ignorant, and because they obey them-selves, not regarding the will of God, their works are made1 double. Of this we have spoken some what before by the example of Joseph, his brethren. Pharaoh, and the Caloees punishing the disobedient Israelites: but that notable example of our Saviour Jesus Christ, doth yet make it more evident to our understanding, Christ was the good instrument, out of whom God2 wrought the pardon of our transgression▪ ⟨p. 73⟩who before lay fast bound under si•nne;3 This instrument at all times, and in all things, showed himself obedient to the will of his father, whereby it is manifest that he always wrought well with him; but on the other side, what bloody butchers were the Jews, which in themselves4 did cause the work of God to become double. Christ being a pure innocent, without one spot of sin, and such a one as never gave offence did they crucify, not regarding any thing that had been told them by the Prophets. Whereby never the less it came to pass that GOD performing that thing by5 them, which before all worlds he had appointed to be done, did exceeding merciful and well, and they yielding to their own tyranny committed the most horrible murder that ever was.6
Rel. I graunt it, for so farre doe they worke together, that God doth worke in them to will, and performe the good workes of the Holy Ghost, and they for the assurance of their well working, doe guide them-selues by the light of his word. So then maist thou perceiue that although by Satan, and the most wicked men, the iust decrées and councels of God are executed, yet are they thereof for the most part ignorant, and because they obay them-selues, not regarding the will of God, their workes are made