N00814:224
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.
Eighthly, There is Assurance of Gods Favour by the witnessing of our own Spirits: which Assurance, is deduced by way of argument Syllogistically; Thus, whosoever Believeth on Christ shall never Perish; But I do Believe on Christ: Therefore I shall never Perish. Whoso hath respect unto all Gods Commandments shall never be ashamed; But I have respect unto all •is Commandments: Therefore I shall never be ⟨p. 119⟩ashamed. I say, by reasoning thus, and comparing spiritual things with spiritual things, a man may attain unto a good certainty of his gracious sta•e. It is supposed, 1 Joh. 3.18, 19. that by loving the Brethren in deed and in truth, we may assure our hearts before God; and that a man may rejoice upon the testimony of a good Conscience, 2 Cor. 1.12 A man may have confidence if his heart do not Condemn him, 1 Joh. 3.21 We may then attain unto some Assurance (although not full Assurance) by the witness of our own spirits. I do not deny, that in this witnessing of our spirits towards Assurance, there is some concurrence of the Spirit of God: But I conceive, there needeth but a very ordinary influence, without which we can do nothing. Now, this Assurance, such as it is, may be reached by intelligent Believers, who keep a good Conscience in their walk. So, I hope, there needs be no debate about it, as to a mans gracious state […] for if a man will clear himself of Heart-condemnings, he will speedily reach this Assurance.
Eighthly, There is Assurance of Gods Favour by the witnessing of our own Spirits: which Assurance, is deduced by way of argument Sylogistically; Thus, whosoever Believeth on Christ shall never Perish; But I do Believe on Christ: Therefore I shall never Perish. Whoso hath respect unto all Gods Commandments shall never be ashamed; But I have respect unto all •is Commandments: Therefore I shall never be ⟨p. 119⟩ashamed. I say, by reasoning thus, and comparing spiritual things with spiritual things, a man may attain unto a good certainty of his gracious stae. It is supposed,