Remains of that reverend and learned divine, John Preston, Dr. in Divinity, chaplain in…Remaines of that reverend and learned divine, Iohn Preston, Dr. in Divinity, chaplaine in…

Is the spirit a free gift, and doth it work freely, then let them consider this and tremble, that are ¹not sanctified by the Spirit; and in whom the spirit hath not yet wrought his good work, least they may seem to be deprived. Again, if the wind bloweth where it listeth, then it stands you upon, to do as Millers are wont to do, to watch the opportunity, and grind: if the Spirit doth blow upon you, if at any time the Spirit doth kindle any spark of grace in you, take heed of neglecting the opportunity: do not say in this case unto the spirit, as Festus said unto Paul: that you will hear him another time; but be sure, if the spirit commands do you run, or if he calls be sure to answer him, least he call you no more. I have often told you, that there is a time when he ⟨p. 171⟩will call you no more: therefore think with your selves what a time of darkness, and sorrow it will be to you then, when with the five foolish Virgins, you shall be shut out of heaven and happiness: I say, there is a time when he will swear that you shall not enter into his rest; and do not only labour and watch for the opportunity, to take the Spirit when it is offered, but labour to get the opportunity. Use the means whereby you may get him, and for your help herein I will lay down some means whereby you may get the spirit.

Is the spirit a free gift, and doth it worke freely, then let them consider this and tremble, that are ¹not sanctified by the Spirit; and in whom the spirit hath not yet wrought his good worke, least they may seeme to be deprived. Againe, if the wind bloweth where it listeth, then it stands you upon, to doe as Millars are wont to doe, to watch the opportunity, and grind: if the Spirit doth blow upon you, if at any time the Spirit doth kindle any sparke of grace in you, take heed of neglecting the opportunity: doe not say in this case unto the spirit, as Festus said unto Paul: that you will heare him another time; but bee sure, if the spirit commands doe you runne, or if he cals be sure to answer him, least he call you no more. I have often told you, that there is a time when he ⟨p. 171⟩will call you no more: therefore thinke with your selves what a time of darkenesse, and sorrow it will bee to you then, when with the five foolish Virgins, you shall be shut out of heaven and happinesse: I say, there is a time when he will sweare that you shall not enter into his rest; and doe not onely labour and watch for the opportunity, to take the Spirit when it is offered, but labour to get the opportunity. Vse the meanes whereby you may get him, and for your helpe herein I will lay downe some meanes whereby you may get the spirit.