A42363:162
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.
2. This duty must be cordial and hearty: with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, Rom. 10. 10. A man must be sincere, and without guile in closing with Christ, judging him the only covering of the eyes, not hankering after another way. The matter must not swim only in the head or understanding, but it must be in the heart; the man not only must be persuaded that Christ is the way, but affectionately persuaded of it, loving and liking the thing, having complacency in it; so that it is all a mans desire, as David speaketh of the Covenant, 2 Sam. 23. 5. If a man be cordial and affectionate, in any thing, surely he must be so here, in this one thing necessary: It must not be simply a fancy in the head, but it must be a heart• business, a soul-business; yea, not a business in the outer court of affections, but in the flower of affections, and in the innermost Cabinet of the soul, where Christ is forme•. Shall a man be cordial in any thing, and not in this, which doth comprise all his chief interests, and his everlasting state within it? Shall the Lord be said to rejoice over a man, as a Bridegroom rejoiceth over his Bride, Isa. 62. and to rest in his love with joy, Zeph. 3. 17. and shall not the heart of man go out and meet him here? the heart or nothing▪ love, or nothing: Marriage love, which goeth from heart, to heart; love of espousals, or nothing▪ Prov. 23. 26. 1 Cor. 13. 2. I will not say that there is in all as soon ⟨p. 89⟩as they believe, a prevailing sensible love, which maketh sick; but there must be in believing, a rational and kindly love, so well grounded, and deeply engaging, that many waters cannot quench it; It is strong as death, and jealousy in it, burneth as ire,