John Preston (3) (1587–1628)

John Preston was an Anglican and moderate Puritan (reforming tendencies, but loyal to the Church of England), Master of Emmanuel College Cambridge, and the successor of John Donne at Lincoln's Inn. His work is the best of the great storehouse of English Calvinistic divinity and rewards re-readings; he was a marvellous preacher of the biblical doctrines of grace. After hearing Preston preaching before the king, Bishop Neile complained, 'He talked like one that was familiar with God Almighty.' show more Such, Preston shows, is every Christian's privilege. This book is also notable for Preston's position with regard to particular atonement; he taught the free offer of the Gospel and universal redemption:

"But (which is the ground of all comfort) it is given to every man, there is not a man excepted; for which we have the sure word of God, which will not fail. When you have the Charter of a King confirmed, you reckon it a matter of great moment: What is it then, when you have the Charter of God himself? which you shall evidently see in those two places, Mark 16:15, “Go and preach the Gospel to every creature under Heaven”: What is that? Go and tell every man without exception, that there is good news for him, Christ is dead for him, and if he will take him, and accept his righteousness, he shall have it; restraint is not, but go and tell every man under Heaven. The other Text is, Rev [22:17]. “Whosoever will, let him come and take the waters of life freely.” There is a quicunque vult, whosoever will come, (none excepted) may have life, and it shall cost him nothing. Many other places of Scripture there be, to prove the generality of the offer: and having a sure Word for it, consider it."

This Banner of Truth fascimile reprint is one of the must-have volumes from that publisher, with its fine binding and paper. Aesthetically it is quite pleasing and is a wonderful book to have within reach on your shelf. show less

This book is comprised of six sermons on 2 Chronicles 7:14: `If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land,' just one verse that succinctly gives the Biblical solution to terrorism. Sermons are on Affliction, Humiliation, Seeking god's face, Turning from evil, Forgiveness to those who forsake sin, and Sin as the cause of all show more calamities.
Available free online, full text, searchable at http://www.archive.org/details/TheGoldenSceptreHeldForthToTheHumble show less

Facsimile rpt. of 5th ed., London : imprinted by R. Y. for Nicholas Bourne, 1634.Ex libris (Rev.) John F. Brencher