N00814:371
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.
Before I speak directly to this express Covenanting with God, I promise these few things;
1. I do not here intend a Covenanting with God, essentially differing from the Covenant between God and the visible Church, as the Lord doth hold it out in His revealed Will. Neither do I intend a Covenant, differing essentially from that transacting of the heart with God in Christ, formerly spoken unto: It is that same Covenant, only it differeth by a singular circumstance, viz. the formal expression of the thing which the heart did before practice.
2. I grant this express Covenanting and Transacting with God, is not absolutely necessary for a mans Salvation: For, if any person close heartily and sincerely with God, offering himself in Christ, in the Gospel, his soul and state is thereby secured, according to the Scripture, although •e utter not words with his mouth. But ⟨p. 199⟩this express verbal Covenanting with God, is very expedient, for the better being of a mans state, and his more comfortable maintaining of an interest in Christ Jesus.