N00814:153
The Christian's great interest. Or, A short treatise, divided into two parts. The first…
The Christian's great interest. Or, A short treatise, divided into two parts. The first whereof, containeth the [sic] trial of a saving interest in Christ. The second, pointeth forth plainly the [sic] way how to attain it: : Wherein somewhat is likewise spoken to the manner of express covenanting with God. / By William Guthrie, Minister of the Gospel, at New-Kilmarnock.The Christian's great interest. Or, A short treatise, divided into two parts. The first whereof, containeth te [sic] tryal of a saving interest in Christ. The second, pointeth forth plainly te [sic] way how to attain it: : Wherein somewhat is likewise spoken to the manner of express covenanting with God. / By William Guthrie, Minister of the Gospel, at New-Kilmarnock.
printed by T. Green for Nicholas Boone, 1701
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
This Renovation of a man in all manner of Conversation, and this being under Law to God in all things, is that Holiness, without which no man shall see God, Heb. 12.14. Men may fancy things to themselves, but unless they study to approve themselves unto God in all well-pleasing, and reach some inward testimony of sincerity that way, they shall not assure their hearts before him. The testimony of mens Conscience is their rejoicing, 2 Cor. 1.12 By this we know that we know Him, if we keep his Commandments, 1 Joh. 2.1 Joh. 3. No confidence if the heart condemn. ⟨p. 91⟩This is the New Creature, having a principle of new spiritual Life infused by God into the heart, whereby it becometh new, and putteth forth acts of new Life throughout the whole man, as we have said, so as he is polluted towards the whole Law, both these Commands which forbid Sin; so he resolveth to set against secret Sins, not to lay a stumbling-block before the blind, Lev. 19.14, Little sins, which are judged so by many, the least things of the Law, Mat. 5.19. Spiritual sins, filthiness of the spirit, 2 Cor. 7, sins of Omission as well as of Commission, since men are to be judged by these, Mat 25. — yea, sins that are winded in into his Natural humour and constitution, and so as are a right eye or hand to him, Mat 5.29. This new principle of Life, by the good hand of God, maketh the man set against every known sin, so far as not to allow peaceable abode to any known darkness, 2 Cor. 6.14 As also he is pointed towards those Commands which relate to Duty, and the quickening of Grace in man. It maketh a man respect all known Commands, Psal. 110.6▪ to live Godly, Righteously and Soberly,