N00814:266
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.
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, Phil. 2.10. and which his Enemies do take in vain. Psal. 139.20. When the Word saith, Cursed is he that doth the work of the Lord negligently Jer. 48.10. the man must know that it speaketh against himself, who hath irreverently with much wandering of heart, and drowsiness heard the Word Preached; and without sense, faith or understanding hath often Prayed before Him. When the Word saith, Woe be unto him who giveth his Neighbour drink; and putteth his bottle to him, to make him drunk also, that he may look upon his nakedness, ⟨p. 148⟩Hab. 2 15, 16. the man must know that it is spoken against himself, who hath gloried in making his Neighbour Drunk, and that dreadful Wrath is determined by the Lord against him, according to that Scripture. When the Word saith, God will judge Unclean persons, Heb. •3.4. and will close them out of the New Jerusalem, Rev. 21.8. the man must know that the Scripture speaketh these very words against him, he being an Unclean person, so that he is the Person against whom the Curses of the Law doth directly strike.