A20187:180
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.
For to they bear us in hand that they have many good works, and that they are continual workers, not because they are so commanded of God, but rather because, thereby they will w•••e out their salvation and purchase heaven.
For to they beare vs in hand that they haue many good workes, and that they are continuall workers, not because they are so commanded of God, but rather because, therby they will w•••e out theyr saluation and purchase heauen.
Alas it is a Craven Cock that croweth1 no where but on his own dunghill, We know that all the good works of the world, being done without love, are nothing worth; and that their supererogations being examined, and their greatest works of dignity next unto them, are found without love, mercy, pity or compassion. But if it may be accounted a deed of mercy, to give rich Altar clothes, to the beautifying of Altars; a deed of love, to build Chapels and Chantries, and a deed of pity to go far on knees, to give great gifts to shrines, then are they passing full of love, mercy, pity ⟨p. 117⟩and compassion: otherwise they have none at all, at least that is acceptable. For they pity the poverty of lime and stones, & them they clothe.
Alasse it is a Crauen Cock that croweth1 no where but on his owne dunghill, We know that all the good works of the world, being done without loue, are nothing worth; and that theyr superrerogations being examined, and theyr greatest workes of dignity next vnto them, are found without loue, mercy, pitty or compassion. But if it may bee accompted a déed of mercy, to giue rich Altar clothes, to the beutifying of Altars; a déed of loue, to build Chappels and Chauntries, and a déed of pitty to go farre on knées, to giue great gifts to shrines, then are they passing full of loue, mercy, pitty