A42363:108
The Christians great interest
The Christians great interest: or A short treatise, divided into two parts the first whereof containeth, the trial of a saving interest in Christ. The second, pointeth forth plainly, the way how to attain it: wherein somewhat is likewise spoken to the manner of express covenanting with God. By W. Guthrie, minister of the gospel in Scotland.The Christians great interest: or A short treatise, divided into two parts the first whereof containeth, the tryal of a saving interest in Christ. The second, pointeth forth plainly, the way how to attain it: wherein somewhat is likewise spoken to the manner of express covenanting with God. By W. Guthrie, minister of the gospel in Scotland.
London: printed for Dorman Newman, 1681
The Trial of a Saving Interest in CHRIST.The Tryal of a Saving Interest in CHRIST.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Object. I am clear sometimes, I think to lay claim to that mark of the new creature; yet at other times, sin doth so prevail over me, that I am made to question all the work within me.
Answ. It is much to be lamented, that people professing his Name, should be so slighted and enslaved by transgression as many are. Yet in answer to the objection, if it be seriously propounded, we say, the Saints are found in Scripture justly laying claim unto God and his Covenant, when iniquity did prevail over them, as we find, Psal. 65. 3. Iniquities prevail against me, as for our transgressions, thus wilt do them away, Rom. 7. 25. Paul thanks God through Christ, when a law in his members leads him captive unto sin: But for the better understanding, and safe application of such truths, we must difference betwixt gross outbreakings and ordinary infirmities, or sins that come unawares upon a man, without fore-thought or any deliberation. As for the former sort it is hard for a man, whilst he is under the power of them, to see his gracious change, although it be in him, and very hard to draw any comfort from it, until the man be in some measure recovered, and beginning seriously to resent such sins, and to resolve against them. We find David calling himself Gods servant, quickly after his numbering of Gods people, but he was then under the serious resentment of sin, Sam. 24. 18. Jonah layeth claim to ⟨p. 58⟩God as his Master under his rebellion, but he is then repenting it, and in a spirit of revenge against himself for his sin, Jon 1. 9, 10, 12. Next, as for these sins of infirmity, and daily incursion, and heart-ills, such as these whereof Paul doth complain (it is like) were. We shall draw out some things from that seventh Chapter to the Romans, whereupon Paul maintains his interest in Christ; and if you can apply them it is well. (1.) When Paul findeth that he doth much fail, and cannot reach conformity to Gods Law, he doth not blame the Law, as being too •rict, so as men cannot keep it, as Hypocrites use to speak, but he doth blame himself as being carnal; and he saith of the Law, that it is Good Holy and Spiritual,