N00814:262
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.
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, ⟨p. 144⟩Rev. 22.17. if any thirst (although after that which will never profit, yet) they shall be welcome here, on the condition foresaid, Isa. 55.2. all are commanded to believe, 1 Joh. 3.23. The Promises are to all who are externally called by the Gospel; God excludes none, if they do not exclude themselves, Act. 2.39 so that if any have a mind for the thing, they may come forward, He will in no wise cast them out, Joh. 6.37. being able to save to the utmost them who come to God through Him, Heb. 7.25. And these who have long delayed, to take this matter to heart, had now the more need to look to it, lest what belongs to their peace, be hid from their eyes▪ But all these words will not take effect with people, until God pour out his Spirit from on high, Isa. 32.15. to cause men to approach unto God in Christ; yet we must still press mens duty upon them, and obtest and charge them by the appearing of the Lord Jesus Christ, and their reckoning to Him in that day, that they give the Lord no rest, until He send out that spirit (which He will give to them who ask it,