N00814:263
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 come now to speak of the Third thing, viz. What is previously required of these who are to perform this duty? Men must not rashly, inconsiderately and ignorantly, rush in upon this matter, saying, they please that device of saving Sinners by Christ, and will acquiesce and rest on Him for safety: often men do deceive themselves here, and do imagine that they have done the thing. We shall therefore hold out some things pre-required in a person who is to close with Christ Jesus; which although' we offer not as positive qualifications, fitting a man for Christ that way, Isa. 55.1. yet they are such things as without them a man cannot knowingly and cordially perform the duty of believing on Christ Jesus. Beside, the common principles which are t• be supposed in these who live under Gospel-ordinances; As the knowledge that men have immortal Souls, Soul and Body will be united again at the last Day; there is a Heaven and Hell, one of which will be the everlasting lot of all men: the Old and New Testament is the true Word of God, and the rule of ⟨p. 146⟩Faith and Manners, every man is by Nature void of the Grace of God, and is an Enemy unto God, and an Heir of Condemnation; Reconciliation is only by the Mediator Christ Jesus; Faith unites unto Him, and is the condition of the New Covenant; Holiness is the fruit of true Faith, and is to be studied as that without which no man shall see God: I say beside these things, the knowledge of which is necessary;
We come now to speak of the Third thing, viz. What is previously required of these who are to perform this duty? Men must not rashly, inconsiderately and ignorantly, rush in upon this matter, saying, they please that device of saving Sinners by Christ, and will acquiese and rest on Him for safety: often men do deceive themselves here, and do imagine that they have done the thing. We shall therefore hold out some things pre-required in a person who is to close with Christ Jesus; which altho' we offer not as positive qualifications, fitting a man for Christ that way, Isa. 55.1. yet they are such things as without them a man cannot knowingly and cordially perform the duty of believing on Christ Jesus. Beside, the common principles which are t• be supposed in these who live under Gospel-ordinances; As the knowledge that men have immortal Souls, Soul and Body will be united again at the last Day; there is a Heaven and Hell, one of which will be the everlasting lot of all men: the Old and New Testament is the true Word of God, and the rule of