N00814:219
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.
Sixthly, There is a thing called, Influence or Breathing of the Spirit. This gracious influence (for of such only do I now speak) […] either ordinary, and this is the operation of the Holy Spirit on the Soul and the habits of Grace there, whereby they are still kept alive and in some exercise and acting, although not very discernible. This influence (I conceive) doth always attend Believers, & is that Keeping and Watering night and day, and every moment, promised. Isa. 27.3. Or, this influence is more singular and special, and is that same to a gracious (although a withered) Soul, as the wind and breath to the dry Bones, ⟨p. 116⟩putting them in good case, Ezek. 37.9, 10. and as the dew or rain to the Grass, or newly mowen field & parched ground, Psal. 72.6 Such influence is meant, Cant. 4.16 By the blowing of the South wind, making the spices to flow out. When the Spirit moveth thus, there is an edge put upon the Graces of God in the Soul, and they are made to act more vigorously. This is the enlarging of the heart, by which a man doth run in the ways of God, Psal. 119.32. This influence is more discernible than the former, and not so ordinarily communicated. Also here, sometimes the wind bloweth more upon one Grace, and sometimes more discernible upon another; and often upon many of the Graces together, and according to the lesser or greater measure of this influence, the Soul acteth more or less vigorously towards God: and since faith is a Created Grace in the Soul this Influence of the Spirit is upon it, sometimes less, sometimes more, and accordingly is the assurance of Faith small or great.
Sixthly, There is a thing called, Influence or Breathing of the Spirit. This gracious influence (for of such only do I now speak) 〈…〉 either ordinary, and this is the operation of the Holy Spirit on the Soul and the habits of Grace there, whereby they are still kept alive and in some exercise and acting, although not very discernable. This influence (I conceive) doth alwayes attend Believers, & is that Keeping and Watering night and day, and every moment, promised.