by John Preston
in ePub, .mobi & .pdf formats
Lightly modernized and reformatted
"The Golden Scepter Held Forth to the Humble" by John Preston is a spiritually enriching treatise that explores the relationship between God and His people, emphasizing the significance of humility, repentance, and obedience in the life of a believer. Through twelve comprehensive doctrines and their associated reasoning and applications, Preston explores the divine purpose behind God's afflictions, the necessity of humility, and the vital role of turning away from sin.
The text begins by explaining the notion that God's afflictions upon His people stem from His love, serving not only as a means of correction but also as a demonstration of His sanctity. It underscores the importance of fearing the Lord, refraining from provoking Him through a lack of reverence, and recognising the severity of God's dealings with the unrighteous.
Furthermore, "The Golden Scepter" highlights God's compassion for His people amidst their afflictions, showcasing His reluctance to cause suffering and His commitment to sustaining and ultimately delivering them. The treatise stresses the power of afflictions in leading individuals towards repentance and encouraging them to choose the Lord as their God.
Central to the text is the concept that those who are humble before the Lord receive His mercy and experience His guidance in life. Humility, the text argues, ensures obedience, usefulness to others, and a steadfast commitment to God's path. It urges readers to take solace in the Lord's compassion and to strengthen their faith through humility, particularly during times of affliction.
Preston also highlights the significance of seeking God's face in all aspects of life and not merely relying on religious performances. The treatise warns against complacency and encourages believers to maintain their devotion even amidst prosperity, reinforcing the idea that genuine turning away from sinful ways is a prerequisite for accessing God's promises and mercy.
A central theme throughout the treatise is the correlation between sin and calamity. It asserts that calamities often arise from sin and that the removal of sin is essential for the cessation of such afflictions. Furthermore, it contends that if sin remains unaddressed alongside the removal of a particular cross, it is not removed in mercy, as sin is considered graver than any cross. The text emphasises the importance of using the outcome of afflictions as a gauge for assessing one's relationship with God and His love.
"The Golden Scepter Held Forth to the Humble" provides a journey through a series of doctrines, reasoning, and applications that consider the role of humility, repentance, and obedience in the life of a believer. It offers insight into the divine purpose behind afflictions, the necessity of turning from sinful ways, and the correlation between sin and calamity, ultimately highlighting the boundless mercy and love of God for the humble.
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Table of Contents
TO THE TRULY VIRTUOUS AND RELIGIOUS Gentleman, RICHARD KNIGHTLEY
The Golden Scepter
Doct. 2. God pities his people in affliction.
Doct. 3. The Lord's name is called upon his people.
Doct. 4. Without humiliation no mercy.
Doct. 5. The Lord is merciful to the humble.
Doct. 6. All performances nothing without seeking God's face.
Doct. 7. No interest in promises without turning from evil ways.
Doct. 8. Turning from our evil ways is difficult.
Doct. 9. All sins forgiven to the humble that forsake sin.
Doct. 10. All calamities from sin.
Doct. 11. If sin be not removed as well as the cross, it is never removed in mercy.
Doct. 12. Take away sin, and the cross will depart.