GEMMS IDGEMMS-PERSON-000089
NameJohn Preston
TitleDr
Gendermale
Denomination
Livedb. ca. 1587-10-01 - d. 1628-07-20 (old)
Linked Manuscriptspreacher - Notebook containing exposition of Isaiah V. 1-7, by Nehemiah Rogers, pastor at Messing in Essex. Printed in 1623. Also a lecture by Dr. Owen, on Psalm 141. 5.: GB 247 MS Gen 420
Linked SermonsAn exhortation to Dr Preston -- subject of sermon (autograph: no)DELETE -- preacher (autograph: no)Differences betweene morall nature & true grace -- preacher (autograph: no)Dr Preston on the churches marriage & her carriage first of her marriage -- preacher (autograph: no)How for to heare the worde wth profit -- preacher (autograph: no)Of the churches carriage on duty -- preacher (autograph: no)Of the Worde (1) -- preacher (autograph: no)Sermon 1 on Exodus 3:13-14 -- preacher (autograph: no)Sermon 1 on Matthew 12:20 -- preacher? (autograph: no)Sermon 1 on Romans 12:1 -- preacher (autograph: no)Sermon 2 Chronicles 12:7 out of Dr Preston’s golden scepter to the unble[ss]ed friend[d]s -- preacher (autograph: no)Sermon 2 on Exodus 3:13-14 -- preacher (autograph: no)Sermon 2 on Matthew 12:20 -- preacher? (autograph: no)Sermon 2 on Romans 12:1 -- preacher (autograph: no)Sermon 3 on Exodus 3:13-14 -- preacher? (autograph: no)Sermon 4 on Exodus 3:13-14 -- preacher (autograph: no)Sermon 5 on Exodus 3:13-14 -- preacher (autograph: no)Sermon on 1 Corinthians 11:23-24 -- preacher? (autograph: no)Sermon on 1 Samuel 12:20 -- preacher (autograph: no)Sermon on 1 Samuel 12:20 -- preacher (autograph: no)Sermon on Matthew 15:21 -- preacher (autograph: yes)Sermon on Romans 1:17 -- preacher (autograph: no)Signes of Saueing grace, & of Solluation (8) -- preacher (autograph: no)
Linked Reports
Associated PlacesHoly Trinity -- ParishKing's College -- Place of StudyQueens' College -- Place of StudyLincoln Cathedral -- PostLincoln's Inn -- Post
Source of DataRichard Snoddy; Benjamin Durham
Biographical Sources ConsultedODNB (Article: 22727); CCEd (Person ID: 148022); ACAD (Venn) (ID: PRSN604J)
Other NoteBorn in October 1587 at Upper Heyford, Northamptonshire. Son of Thomas Preston (d. ca. 1600/1) and Anne (née Marsh). Baptized at the parish church of Bugbrook, Northamtonshire in 1587. Attended the Northampton free school and a school in Bedfordshire. Entered King's College, Cambridge, in 1604 as a sizar. Transferred to Queen's College in 1606, graduating with a BA in natural philosophy in 1608. Earned a fellowship at Queen's College in 1609. Appointed as a lay prebend of Lincoln Cathedral in 1610, a position he held until he died. Proceeded to MA in 1611, studying medicine and astrology. Under the influence of his friend, John Cotton, Preston was inspired by evangelical Protestantism and pursued the ministry. He became a deacon in the diocese of Peterborough on 19 June, 1614, and was then ordained a priest the following day. His philosophical aptitude impressed the king, but he refrained from taking a position at court at the time, offending many. On several occasions he was accused of puritanism and non-conformity and came close to losing his place at the university. After causing offence by failing to use the Book of Common Prayer and preaching when forbidden to do so, Preston preached a sermon moderating his views at St Botolph's church, Cambridge in 1620. Throughout the 1620s, he tread a fine line, advocating practical piety and critiquing Arminianism and formalism, while also encouraging his congregants to obey the church. Received his BD in 1620. Became a dean and catechist at Queen's College in 1620. Appointed chaplain-in-ordinary to Prince Charles in 1621. Preacher to the Honourable Society of Lincoln's Inn, 1622-1628. Master of Emmanuel College, Cambridge, 1622-1628. Due to the influence of Arthur, Lord Chichester, Sir Edward Conway, and the duke of Buckingham, Preston was conferred with a DD in 1623. Preston then accompanied Lord Chichester to Cologne to negotiate peace in the Palatinate. Turned down the position of dean of Westminster and other preferments because he was devoted to preaching. Won the lectureship at Holy Trinity Church, Cambridge, in 1624, despite much opposition, which he held until 1628. Many auditors credited his preaching as the cause of their spiritual awakenings. Died at the home of Sir Richard Knightley in Fawsley, Northamptonshire, in 1628. Many editions of his sermons were published after his death, inspiring the ‘godly’ in England and New England.
GEMMS record createdOctober 04, 2015
GEMMS record last editedJanuary 22, 2017