Arthur Dent (Puritan) facts for kids

Arthur Dent (died 1607) was an English Puritan minister and writer. He was known for his powerful sermons and helpful books.

Life of Arthur Dent

Arthur Dent was born in a town called Melton in Leicestershire, England. He went to Christ's College, Cambridge, a famous university, in 1571. He studied hard and earned his first degree in 1576 and a master's degree in 1579.

After university, Dent worked as a church assistant, called a curate, for three years in Danbury, Essex. In 1580, he became the main minister, or rector, of a church in South Shoebury, Essex.

Arthur Dent was a Puritan. Puritans were a group of Protestants who wanted to make the Church of England simpler and more "pure." Because of his beliefs, Dent sometimes had disagreements with other church leaders. For example, in 1584, he had trouble with Bishop John Aylmer. Dent did not want to wear the special white robe called a surplice during services. He also chose not to make the sign of the cross during baptisms. These were small but important differences to Puritans. Dent also signed a letter with other ministers. This letter said they did not agree with everything in the official prayer book of the church.

Arthur Dent died in late 1607 after a short illness. He was known as a very hardworking minister and a great preacher. Many of his sermons were printed as books and were very popular.

Important Writings by Arthur Dent

Arthur Dent wrote several books that were widely read in his time. His most famous book was The Plain Man's Pathway to Heaven.

• The Plain Man's Pathway to Heaven: This book was very important to many people. It was one of only two books that John Bunyan read before he wrote his famous book, Pilgrim's Progress. Another writer, Richard Baxter, also used Dent's ideas to write his own book, The Poor Man's Family Book, in 1674.
• The Ruine of Rome: This book was about what Dent believed would happen to the Roman Catholic Church. He wrote it to comfort Protestants and explain his views on the future of the church.
• The opening of heauen gates: This book was written as a conversation between "Reason" and "Religion." It helped people understand ideas about faith and God's plan in a simple way.
• Sermon of Gods prouidence: This was a sermon Dent preached about God's care and plan for the world.
• Hand-maid of repentance: This short book was about making things right after doing something wrong.

Modern edition

• The Plain Man's Pathway to Heaven, ISBN: 978-1-877611-69-8