A42363:46
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.
Secondly, Some are brought in to Christ in a sovereign Gospel way: when the Lord, by some few words of love swallowing up any Law-work, quickly taketh a person prisoner at the first, as he did Zacheus, Luke. 19. and others, who upon a word spoken by Christ, did leave all and follow him; and we hear no noise of a Law-work dealing with them before they close with Christ Jesus. And because some pretend to this way of calling, we shall ⟨p. 15⟩touch some things most remarkable in that transaction with Zacheus, for clearing and confirmation. 1. He had some desire to see Christ, and such a desire, as made him wave that which some would have judged prudence and discretion, whilst he climbeth up upon a tree that he might see him. 2. Christ spake to his heart, and that word took such hold upon him, that presently with joy he did accept of Christ's offer, and closed with Christ as Lord, whilst few of any note were following him. 3. Upon this his heart did open to the poor, although it seems, he was a covetous man before. 4. He had a due impression of his former ways, evidencing his respect to Moses his Law; and this he did signify before all the company then present, not caring to shame himself in such things as (probably) were not known to the World. 5. Upon all these things, Christ confirmeth and ratifieth the bargain by his word, recommending to him that oneness of interest, which behoved to be between him and the Saints, and the thoughts of his own lost condition, if Christ had not come and sought him, and found him: All which are clear, Luke 19. 3,—10. We grant, the Lord calleth some so; and if any can lay claim to the special things we have now hinted, they have a good confirmation of Gods dealing with them from that Scripture; Neither are they to vex themselves because of the want of a distinct preparatory Law-work if their heart have yielded unto Christ. For, a Law work is not desirable except for this end. Therefore Christ doth offer himself directly in the Scripture, and people are invited to come to him: and although many will not come to him, who is the surety, until the spirit of bondage distress them for their debt; yet if any upon the knowledge of their lost estate, would flee and yield to Christ, none might warrantably press a Law-work upon them.
Secondly, Some are brought in to Christ in a soveraign Gospel way: when the Lord, by some few words of love swallowing up any Law-work, quickly taketh a person prisoner at the first, as he did Zacheus,