N00814:264
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.
1. It is required of him who would believe on Christ Jesus, That he take to heart his Natural condition. And here he must know somethings, and also be very serious about them: I say, he must know some things; As,
1. That as he was born a Rebel and Out-law unto God, so he hath by many actual Transgressions disobliged God, & ratified the forfeiture of his Favour, yea, a man should know many particular instances of his Rebellion on all hands; As that he is a Liar, Sabbath-breaker, Blasphemer, or the like; as Paul speaketh very particularly of himself afterwards, 1 Tim. 1.15.
2. The man must know, that the Wrath of God denounced in Scripture, ⟨p. 147⟩is standing in force against these very Sins whereof he is guilty, and so consequently he is the party undoubtedly against whom God (who cannot lie) hath denounced War. A man must know, that when the Scripture saith, Cursed is he that offereth a corrupt thing unto God, Mal. 1.14. it speaketh against him for his superficial service performed unto God with the outward man, when his heart was far off. When the Word saith, God will not hold him guiltless, that taketh his Name in vain, Exod. 20.7 the man must know it speaketh against himself, who hath often carelessly profaned that dreadful Name, before which all knees should bow,