N00814:279
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. This Duty must be Cordial and Hearty. With the heart man believeth unto Righteousness. ⟨p. 156⟩Rom. 10.10. A man must be sincere and without guile in closing with Christ, judging Him the only covering of the Eyes, not hankering after another way. The matter must not swim only in the head, or understanding; but it must be in the heart: the man not only must be persuaded that CHRIST is the way, but affectionately persuaded of it, loving and liking the thing, having complacency in it; so that it is a mans desire, as David speaketh of the Covenant, 2 Sam. 23.5. If a man be cordial and affectionate in any thing, surely he must be so here in this one thing that is necessary. It must not be simply a fancy in the head, but it must be Heart-business, a Soul-business; yea, not a business in the outer court of affections, but in the flower of affections, and in the innermost cabinet of the soul, where Christ is formed. Shall a man be cordial in any thing, and not in this, which doth comprise all his chief interests, and his everlasting state within it? Shall the Lord be said to rejoice over a man, as a Bridegroom rejoiceth over his Bride, Isa. 62. and to rest in his love with joy, Zeph. 3.17. and shall not the heart of man go out and meet ⟨p. 157⟩Him here? The Heart or nothing; Love or nothing; Marriage-love which goeth from heart to heart; Love of Espousals or nothing, Prov. 23.26. 1 Cor. 13.2. I will not say, that there is in all, as soon as they believe, a prevailing sensible love, which maketh sick; but there must be in believing a rational and kindly love, so well grounded, and deeply engaging that many waters cannot quench it: It is strong as Death, and Jealousy in it burneth as fire,