A20187:5
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.
The Epistle to the Reader.
This Divine work (gentle Reader) though the Author left unprinted, yet coming to his hands that wished a continuance to the memory of the famous Writer, and a comfort to the soul of the desirous Reader, he thought good to bring it to the press: and the rather seeing that the points herein handled (being in them-selves very difficult, and heretofore ⟨image 3⟩not so plainly expressed) are here laid down that the meaner capacity may be instructed, & the skilfuller more confirmed. Here thou mayest see Reason contending with Religion, and Religion resolving those doubts which to Reason seem dissolvable. Here thou shalt know, though Reason tell thee, if God have predestinated his elect, yet, Religion will tell thee, except thou work out thy salvation with fear and trembling, thou art none of Gods fore-chosen: If from hence Reason say unto thee thou hast absolute free-will, yet Religion will tell thee that thy willing comes from God. In a word; here Ignorance shall be taught by Truth, and Atheism confuted by Religion. Then (courteous Reader) peruse this worthy Work (of the eminent Preacher Master ARTHUR DENT) wherein thou shalt find the ready Pathway to eternal life; ⟨image 3⟩through which if thou wilt sojourn, at the end thereof thou shalt find Heaven-gates set wide open to receive thee, and troops of Angels ready to carry thee into Abraham his bosom, where thou shalt rest from thy labour, and have all tears wiped from thy eyes.
THis Diuine worke (gentle Reader) though the Author left vnprinted, yet comming to his hands that wisht a continuance to the memory of the famous Writer, and a comfort to the soule of the desirous Reader, hee thought good to bring it to the presse: and the rather seeing that the points herein handled (beeing in them-selues very difficult, and heretofore