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.
William Guthrie 1620–1665printed by T. Green for Nicholas Boone, 1701
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.
In all these instances given, you have not named the particulars whereof I am guilty; Nor know I any who ever obtained mercy before God, being guilty of such things as are in me.
It is hard to condescend upon every particular transgression which may vex the Conscience; yea, lesser sins then some of those I have mentioned, may hugely disquiet, if the Lord blow the fire. But for thy satisfaction, I shall condescend upon some truths of Scripture, which do reach sins and cases more universally, then any man can do particularly See Exod. 34.7. God pardoneth Iniquity, Transgression & Sin: that is all manner of sin, Ezek. 18.21,—If a man turn from ⟨p. 174⟩all his wickedness, it shall no more be remembered, or prove his ruin. Joh· 6 37 Him that cometh, He will in no way c•st out: that is, whatsoever be his sins, or the aggravations of them.
. All manner of Sin and Blasphemy shall be Forgiven unto men: that is, there is no sort of Sin, whereof one instance shall not be forgiven in one person or other, except the Sin against the Holy Ghost. These and the like Scriptures, do carry all sorts of Sin before them; so that, let thy sins be what they will, or can be, they may be sunk in one of these two truths: so as thy sin can be no excuse to thee for shifting the offer of Peace and Salvation through Christ, since any man who Will, is allowed to come and take,
We will not multiply words. The Great God of Heaven & Earth, hath sovereignly commanded all who see their need of relief to betake themselves unto Christ Jesus, and to close
⟨p. 175⟩
cordially with Gods device of saving sinners by Him, laying aside all objections and excuses, as they shall be answerable unto Him in the day He shall Judge the quick and the dead, and shall drive away out of his Presence all these who would dare to say, their sins and condition were such, as that they durst not adventure upon Christs perfect Righteousness for their relief, notwithstanding of the Lords own command often interposed, and in a manner his credit engaged.
It is hard to condescend upon every particular transgression which may vex the Conscience; yea, lesser sins then some of those I have mentioned, may hugely disquiet, if the Lord blow the fire. But for thy satisfaction, I shall condescend upon some truths of Scripture, which do reach sins and cases more universally, then any man can do particularly See Exod. 34.7. God pardoneth Iniquiety, Transgression & Sin: that is all manner of sin, Ezek. 18.21,—If a man turn from ⟨p. 174⟩all his wickedness, it shall no more be remembred, or prove his ruine. Joh· 6 37 Him that cometh, He will in no waye c•st out: that is, whatsoever be his sins, or the aggravations of them. Joh. 3.16. Whosoever believeth shall be saved; that is, without exception of any sin, or any case, Heb. 7.25. He is able to save to the utmost, those who come to God through Him. No man can sufficiently declare what is Gods Ʋttermost, Mat. 12.31. All manner of Sin and Blasphemy shall be Forgiven unto men: that is, there is no sort of Sin, whereof one instance shall not be forgiven in one person or other, except the Sin against the Holy Ghost. These and the like Scriptures, do carry all sorts of Sin before them; so that, let thy sins be what they will, or can be, they may be sunk in one of these two truths: so as thy sin can be no excuse to thee for shifting the offer of Peace and Salvation through Christ, since any man who Will, is allowed to come and take, Rev. 22.17 We will not multiply words. The Great God of Heaven & Earth, hath soveraignly commanded all who see their need of relief to betake themselves unto Christ Jesus, and to close ⟨p. 175⟩cordially with Gods device of saving sinners by Him, laying aside all objections and excuses, as they shall be answerable unto Him in the day He shall Judge the quick and the dead, and shall drive away out of his Presence all these who would dare to say, their sins and condition were such, as that they durst not adventure upon Christs perfect Righteousness for their relief, notwithstanding of the Lords own command often interposed, and in a manner his credit engaged.
I suspect I am guilty of the Sin against the Holy Ghost, and so am incapable of Pardon and therefore I need not think of believing on Christ Jesus for saving of my Soul.
Although none should charge this Sin on themselves, or on others, unless they can prove and instruct the charge according to Christs example, Mat. 12.5. 26, — 32. yet for satisfying of the doubt;
1. I shall show what is not the Sin against the Holy Ghost, properly so called; because there be some gross sins which people do unwarrantably judge to be this Unpardonable Sin.
1. I shall shew what is not the Sin against the Holy Ghost, properly so called; because there be some gross sins which people do unwarrantably judge to be this Unpardonable Sin.
As for the First, There be many gross sins, which although (as all other sins) they be sins against the Holy Ghost, who is God equal and one with the Father and the Son, and are done against some of His operations and motions, yet are they not The Sin against the Holy Ghost, which is the Unpardonable Sin.
