N00814:39
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.
Part 1: The Trial of a Saving Interest in CHRIST.Part 1: The Tryal of a Saving Interest in CHRIST.
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.
3. They are ignorant of the different Communications of Gods face, and expressions of His presence. Some do walk much in the light of Gods Countenance, and are much in sensible Fellowship with Him, as David was; others are all their days kept in Bondage through fear of Death, Heb. 2.25. Surely the ignorance of the different ways of Gods working and dealing with His People, doth very much darken the knowledge of their interest in Him, whilst they usually stint the Lord to one way of working, which he doth not keep, as we have showed in the former Examples.
3. They are ignorant of the different Communications of Gods face, and expressions of His presence. Some do walk much in the light of Gods Countenance, and are much in sensible Fellowship with Him, as David was; others are all their dayes kept in Bondage through fear of Death, Heb. 2.25. Surely the ignorance of the different wayes of Gods working and dealing with His People, doth very much darken the knowledge of their interest in Him, whilest they usually stint the Lord to one way of working, which he doth not keep, as we have shewed in the former Examples.
The Second thing which doth darken men about their interest in Christ, is. There ⟨p. 17⟩is one thing or other, wherein their Hea• in some respect doth Condemn them, as dealing deceitful and guilefully with God. It is not to be expected, that these can come to clearness about their interest, whose Heart doth Condemn them for keeping up some known Transgression against the Lord, which they will not let go, neither are using the means which they know to be appointed by God for delivering them from it; neither can these come to clearness, who know some positive Duty, Commanded them in their stations, which they deceitfully shift and shun, not closing cheerfully with it, or not willing to be led into it. These are also in some respects, Condemned of their own hearts, as the former sort; and in that case it is difficult to come to a distinct knowledge of their State,