English Hypothetical Universalism
English Hypothetical Universalism

Author: Jonathan D. Moore

Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing

Published: 2007-06-25

Total Pages: 325

ISBN-13: 0802820573

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John Preston (1587-1628) stands as a key figure in the development of English Reformed orthodoxy in the courts of ElizabetháI and JamesáVI. Often cited as a favorite of the English and American Puritans who came after him, he nevertheless stood as a bridge between the crown and the nonconformists. Jonathan D. Moore retrieves Preston from his traditional place as one of the "Calvinists against Calvin," provides a convincing argument for Preston's unique hypothetical universalism, and calls into question common misperceptions about Reformed theology and Puritanism.

A Heavenly Treatise on the Divine Love of Christ
A Heavenly Treatise on the Divine Love of Christ

Author: John Preston

Publisher: Puritan Publications

Published: 2013-03-11

Total Pages: 123

ISBN-13: 1626630186

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John Preston D.D. (1587–1628) was a Reformed, English puritan minister, and master of Emmanuel College, Cambridge. It is clear that his heart was firmly set on the propagation of the Calvinistic theology; his posthumous works (edited by Richard Sibbes, John Davenport, Thomas Ball, and partly by Thomas Goodwin, D.D.) are a storehouse of such sentiments. How much do you love Jesus Christ? Is your love true or manufactured? Such questions rub Christians the wrong way since it calls into question whether or not one has true love to the Savior Jesus Christ. Preston not only questions how one loves Christ, but shows both how one might love Christ sincerely, as well as the accursed state of those who do not love the Lord Jesus at all, or in a hypocritical manner. His text is 1 Cor. 16:22 “If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be anathema, maranatha." He shows how to love Christ, reasons to love Christ, who Christ is as the one we ought to love, and consequences for not loving him as we should; both as a Christian, and as the result of not being converted. This is not a scan or facsimile, has been updated in modern English for easy reading and has an active table of contents for electronic versions.

A Treatise on Irresistible Grace, and Other Sermons
A Treatise on Irresistible Grace, and Other Sermons

Author: John Preston

Publisher: Puritan Publications

Published: 2024-01-18

Total Pages: 149

ISBN-13: 1626634823

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This volume is a compilation of six of Preston’s smaller treatises and sermons. His first treatise concerns the doctrine of irresistible grace as a cornerstone to Christian assurance. All the letters of TULIP stand or fall together, regardless of how inconsistent some might be in understanding those five points of the doctrines of grace. In this treatise, John Preston takes to task the false teachings of the heretic James Arminius, and demonstrates the error that people can hold themselves in God’s grace, or they can work to an end of salvation in their own strength. Biblical grace is irresistible. In his sermon on The Pillar and Ground of the Truth, from 1 Timothy 3:15, he shows the role of the church as the truth, and its stance as a pillar by the grace of God. The Church is described as God’s flock and the pillar of truth, requiring diligent care by ministers and adherence to God’s laws and His prescriptions by members. In his sermon on Isaiah 64:4, A Sensible Demonstration of the Deity, he tackles the wonderful doctrine of God’s existence, coupled with eyeing creation and providence correctly. Preston emphasizes the importance of relying on the Creator, and having foresight and discernment in recognizing and addressing impending dangers surrounding life’s circumstances, knowing full well that God governs all things. In his sermon on Ephesians 5:15, Exact Walking, “Take heed that you walk therefore circumspectly (or exactly) not as fools, but as wise,” Preston emphasizes the importance of walking with God with exactness as a manifestation of true biblical wisdom. In Preston’s sermon on 1 Sam. 12:20-22, Samuel’s Support for Sorrowful Sinners, he emphasizes the importance of immediate repentance and returning to God after committing sin. He argues that delaying repentance allows sin to harden the heart further and exposes individuals to more sins. In his sermon on The New Life, Preston explains 1 John 5:12, where the essence of life in Jesus Christ is explored in contrast to spiritual death. He emphasizes that the quality of one’s life is determined by their desires and actions in Christ, drawing parallels between a life of sin and one of grace; those in Christ, and those outside of Christ.