N00814:375
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.
4. I grant, both Cordial and Verbal transacting with God, will not make out a mans gracious estate unto him, so as to put and keep it above controversy, without the joint-witness of the Spirit, by which we know what is freely given unto us of God; yet this explicit way of transacting with God, joined with the heart closing with Him in Christ, contributes much for clearing up unto a man, that there is a fixed bargain between God and him, and will do much to ward off him many groundless jealousies and objections of an unstable mind and heart, which useth affrontedly to deny this hour, what it did really act and perform the former hour. ⟨p. 200⟩This explicit Covenanting, is as an instrument taken of what past between God and the Soul, and so hath its own advantage for strengthening of Faith.
4. I grant, both Cordial and Verbal transacting with God, will not make out a mans gracious estate unto him, so as to put and keep it above controversie, without the joynt-witness of the Spirit, by which we know what is freely given unto us of God; yet this explicite way of transacting with God, joyned with the heart closing with Him in Christ, contributes much for clearing up unto a man, that there is a fixed bargain between God and him, and will do much to ward off him many groundless jealousies and objections of an unstable mind and heart, which useth affrontedly to deny this hour, what it did really act and perform the former hour. ⟨p. 200⟩This explicite Covenanting, is as an instrument taken of what past between God and the Soul, and so hath its own advantage for strengthening of Faith.
As for this express Covenanting, we shall (1.) Show that it a very warrantable practice. (2.) We shall show shortly what is preparatorily required of those who do so transact with God. (3.) How men shall go about that duty. (4.) What should follow thereupon.