A42363:30
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.
The second thing to be premised is, That a man be savingly in Covenant with God, is a matter of highest importance; it is his life, Deut. 32. 47. and yet very few have or seek after a saving interest in the Covenant: and many foolishly think they have such a thing without any solid ground, Mat. 7. 14. few find or walk in the narrow way. This should alarm people to be serious about the matter, since it is of so great consequence to be in Christ, and since there be but few that may lay just claim to him, and yet many do foolishly fancy an interest in him, who are deceived by a false confidence, as the foolish Virgins do, Mat. 25.
The third thing to be premised, is, Men must resolve to be determined by Scripture, in this matter of their interest in Christ. The Spirit speaking in the Scripture, is judge of all Controversies (Isa. 8. 20. To the law and the Prophets, and it speak not according to these, there is no truth in ⟨p. 4⟩it) and of this also, whether a man be savingly in Covenant with God, or not. Therefore do not mock God whilst you seem to search after such a thing. If we prove from Scripture (which is the uncontroverted rule) that you are gracious, and have stricken Covenant savingly with God, then resolve to grant so much as to acquiesce in it, and if the contrary appear, let there be a determination of the controversy; else you do but mock the Lord, and so your bonds shall be made strong, Isa. 28. 22. for, a jot of his Word cannot fail, Mat. 5. 18. Therefore seek eye salve from Christ to judge of things, according as the word of God shall discover them to be.