Heaven Opened

edited by Octavius Winslow

Reformation Heritage Books

2919 Leonard Street, NE

Grand Rapids, Michigan 49525-5828

2001 344pp Hard Cover

Subtitled The Correspondence of Mary Winslow , this is a volume of material written by Octavius Winslow’s mother. Mary Winslow and her ten children came to New York to establish a home in the new world. Soon after their arrival her baby died and before she could bury the infant daughter word came that her husband was dead. This left Mrs. Winslow a widow in a strange land with one daughter and eight sons in her care. At first she was depressed, over whelmed by what lay ahead. Then her faith came to her aid. After much prayer she came to realize how fully she could depend upon God. In everything she wrote her attention was focused upon God and the promise of heaven. Her letters, edited by her son, are rich in meaning. Born Mary Forbes in 1774, she was married at 17 to Lieutenant Thomas Winslow. The preface prepared by her son bears the date 1864.

Dr. Beeke is to be commended for bringing this volume back into circulation. It is a book which can be used in personal devotions or by groups. The letters are short and to the point, making them easy to use. A variety of topics are covered. Of particular interest is her advice in " Holy Counsels to a Young Clergyman" (p.44). Three of her sons were ministers and three of her grandsons also