A42363:156
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
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.
But if we speak of the Lords ordinary way of working with those who are come to age, we say, they must very seriously take their souls estate to heart, despairing of help in themselves, Since the whole need no Physician, but those who are sick, Mat. 9. 12. As for the measure, we plead on that which probably doth suppose, that a man will be induced thereby to transact cordially with Christ, on any terms he doth offer himself to be closed with.
But if we speak of the Lords ordinary way of working with those who are come to age, we say, they must very seriously take their souls estate to heart, despairing of help in themselves, Since the whole need no Physitian, but those who are sick, Mat. 9. 12. As for the measure, we plead on that which probably doth suppose, that a man will be induced thereby to transact cordially with Christ, on any terms he doth offer himself to be closed with.
The second thing pre-required of him who would believe on Christ Jesus, is▪ He must know and take to heart the way of escape from Gods wrath; The Spirit must convince him of that righteousness. Here a man must understand somewhat distinctly, that God hath devised a way to save poor lost man by Jesus Christ, whose perfect righteousness hath satisfied offended justice, and procured pardon and everlasting favour to all those whom he persuadeth by his Gospel, to accept of Gods offer. Acts 13. 38, 39. John. 1. 12. So that no person is excluded of whatsoever rank or condition, whatsoever hath ⟨p. 86⟩been his former way (unless he be guilty of the sin against the Holy Ghost, which is, a malicious hatred and rejection of the remedy appointed for sinners, as we shall hear) for, all manner of sin is given unto those who accept of the offer in Gods way,