N00814:278
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. Believing on Christ must be Personal. A man himself, and in his own proper ⟨p. 155⟩person must close with Christ Jesus. The Just shall live by His Faith, Ha•. 2.4. This saith, that it will no suffice for a mans safety and relief, that he is in Covenant with God, as a born Member of the visible Church, by virtue of the Parents subjection to Gods Ordinances. Neither will it suffice that the Person had the initiating S•l of baptism added, and that he then virtually engaged to seek Salvation by Christs blood, as all infants do Neither doth it suffice, that men are come of believing Parents; their Faith will not instate their Children into a right to the Spiritual blessings of the Covenant. Neither will it suffice that Parents did in some respect engage for their Children, and give them away unto God: all these things do not avail. The Children of the Kingdom and of Godly Predecessors are cast out; unless a man in his own person put out Faith in Christ Jesus, and with his own heart please and acquiesce in that device of saving Sinners, he cannot be Saved. I grant this Faith is given unto him by Christ, but certain it is, that it must be Personal.
1. Believing on Christ must be Personal. A man himself, and in his own proper ⟨p. 155⟩person must close with Christ Jesus. The Just shall live by His Faith, Ha•. 2.4. This saith, that it will no suffice for a mans safety and relief, that he is in Covenant with God, as a born Member of the visible Church, by vertue of the Parents subjection to Gods Ordinances. Neither will it suffice that the Person had the initiating S•l of baptism added, and that he then virtually engaged to seek Salvation by Christs blood, as all infants do Neither doth it suffice, that men are come of believing Parents; their Faith will not instate their Children into a right to the Spiritual blessings of the Covenant. Neither will it suffice that Parents did in some respect engage for their Children, and give them away unto God: all these things do not avail. The Children of the Kingdom and of Godly Predecessors are cast out; unless a man in his own person put out Faith in Christ Jesus, and with his own heart please and acquiese in that device of saving Sinners, he cannot be Saved. I grant this Faith is given unto him by Christ, but certain it is, that it must be Personal.