N00814:24
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.
Part 1: The Trial of a Saving Interest in CHRIST.Part 1: 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.
3. That must be a sure and certain knowledge, and no fancy, whereupon a man voluntarily and freely doth adventure his Soul, when he is stepping in into Eternity with this word in his mouth, This is all my desire: But such a knowledge is this, 2 Sam. 23.5. And again, Not only may a Godly man come to the sure knowledge of his Gracious state, but it is more easily attainable than many do apprehend: For (supposing what shall be afterwards proved, that a man may know the gracious work of God• Spirit in himself) if he will but argue rationally from thence, he shall be forced to conclude his interest in Christ, unless he deny clear Scripture truths. I shall only make use of one here, because we are to speak more directly to this afterwards. A Godly man may argue thus▪ Whosoever receives Christ, are justly reputed the Children of God, Joh. 1.12. But I have received Christ all the ways which the Word there can import▪ For, I please the device of Salvation by Christ; I agree to the terms, I welcome the offer of Christ in all His offices, as a King to rule over me; a Priest to offer and intercede for me; a Prophet to teach ⟨p. 9⟩me; I lay out my heart for Him, and towards Him, resting on Him as I am able; what else can be meant by the word Receiving? Therefore may I say, and conclude plainly and warrantably, I am justly to reckon my self Gods Child, according to the foresaid Scripture which cannot fail.
3. That must be a sure and certain knowledge, and no fancy, whereupon a man voluntarily and freely doth adventure his Soul, when he is stepping in into Eternity with this word in his mouth, This is all my desire: But such a knowledge is this, 2 Sam. 23.5. And again, Not only may a Godly man come to the sure knowledge of his Gracious state, but it is more easily attainable than many do apprehend: For (supposing what shall be afterwards proved, that a man may know the gracious work of God• Spirit in himself) if he will but argue rationally from thence, he shall be forced to conclude his interest in Christ, unless he deny clear Scripture truths. I shall only make use of one here, because we are to speak more directly to this afterwards. A Godly man may argue thus Whosoever receives Christ, are justly reputed the Children of God,