Puritan of the Week: John Preston (1587-1628)

John Preston was well educatedwith training at King’s College and Queen’s College. He studied philosophy, medicine, and astrology. During his time of studies he was unconverted, but in 1611 went with other students to hear John Cotton preach. It was upon this occassion that God graciously saved a hard heart.

Preston, along with other students, came to hear Cotton to ridicule his plain style of exposition. During this time, Cotton felt led by God to proclaim a simple, pointed sermon even though he knew it would not gain much applause. he sighed to the Lord: “Lord, I have counted the cost, let me cout it loss for Thee.” Later that evening, Preston knocked at his door. God had told him one thing was needful-not an oratorical appointment at court or some luctrative practice as a physician, but the salvation of his soul.

What an encourament to simply preach the text and to attend the hearing of simple exposition of God’s Word. Preston and Cotton became lifelong friends after this point. In fact, Sibbes and Cotton became mentors to Prestons short but full ministry, dying at the age of forty. He was a valued politician, an influential teacher, a great preacher, and an author renown.