N00814:261
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.
3. Whatsoever a man hath else, if he do not thus close with Gods device about Christ Jesus, and do not receive Him, i• doth not avail, either as to the accepting of his Person or of his Performances, or as to the saving of His Soul. Men are accepted only in Christ the Beloved, Eph 1.6. A•l and his offering are accepted by Faith, Heb. • 4. Without Faith, it is impossible to please God, ver. 6▪ And he that believeth not, is Condemned already and shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him, Joh 3.18. — for want of this, no external title doth avail: The Children of the Kingdom are cast out▪ if this be wanting, Mat. 8.10. — the people of Israel are like other Heathens, in regard of a ⟨p. 143⟩graceless state, lying open to the wrath of God, Jer. • 25, &c. If men do not believe that He who was slain at Jerusalem, who was called CHRIST JESUS, and witnessed unto by the Prophets, and declared to be the Son of God by many mighty works; I say, if men do not believe that he is the way, and close not with Him as the only way, they shall die in their sins, Joh. 8.24.
We say then, it is a most necessary Duty thus to close with Christ Jesus as the blessed relief appointed for sinners: every one who is come to years of understanding, and heareth this Gospel, is obliged to take to heart his own lost condition, and Gods gracious offer of Peace and Salvation through Christ Jesus, and speedily to fly from the wrath to come, by accepting and closing with this offer, heartily acquiescing therein as a satisfying way for saving of poor sinners: and, that all may be the more encouraged to set about this duty, when they hear him praying them to be reconciled unto Him, let them remember that peace and salvation is offered to the people in universal terms; to all without exception: if any man will he shall be welcome,