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…

The second question, is, whether humiliation is ¹simply, and absolutely necessary.

1. 1Answ. 2.

To this I answer, that it is not simply, and absolutely ¹necessary, for it is not a simple grace, and therefore not necessary on Gods part. But it is a condition required on our parts, because we will not receive Christ till we be humble. I say, it is not a simple grace, or simply necessary. For that which a man may exceed in, is not simply necessary: but a man or woman may have too much of it, that is, he may exceed in the measure, he may be over humble: and therefore Paul writes unto the Corinthians, 2 Cor. 2. 7. That they should comfort the incestuous person, least he should be swallowed up of ²grief: now that which is a simple grace, a man cannot have too much of: he cannot exceed in it; as for example, a man cannot have too much faith, or repentance, or love, sanctification, &c. but the more he hath of these, the better: now, howsoever it is not simply necessary on Gods part, because he can save men without it, yet it is a necessary condition, on our parts: and in regard of us, because we will not receive Christ till we be humbled. And therefore it is, that we Preach the ⟨p. 192⟩Gospel generally sometimes, sometimes with the condition, as in Matth. 11. 28. Come unto me all that are weary and heavy laden, and I will ease you: ³