N00814:393
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. It should be done Holily. It is called, The Holy Covenant, Luk. 1.72. The holy things of David, Act. 13.34. Here it were fitting, that what is done in this express transacting with God, should not be done passingly, and on the by, but in some special address unto God; the thing should be spoken unto the Lord, Psal. 142.5. It is beseeming in so great a business, ⟨p. 210⟩that a piece of time were set apart for Confession and Supplication before God: yea, also the person so transacting with God, should labour to have high apprehensions of Gods greatness and sovereignty, 2 Sam. 7.22. Although He thus humble Himself to behold things in Heaven and Earth, and these high and holy thoughts of Him, will and should be attended with debasing and humbling thoughts of self, although admitted to this high dignity, 2 Sam. 7.18. It is no small thing to be allied unto, and with the Great GOD of Heaven, and His Son CHRIST; as David speaketh, when King Saul did offer his Daughter unto him, 1 Sam. 18.22. Yea further, there should be special guarding and watching, that the heart keep Spiritual in transacting with God; there is great reason for this holy way of performing the duty; for, men are ready to mistake themselves, and to shape the Lord according to their own fancy, and to turn carnal in the business; since it is a Marriage transaction held out in all the ordinary Expressions of Love, as in the Song of Solomon, Isa. 62.5. Zeph. 3.17.
2. It should be done Holily. It is called, The Holy Covenant, Luk. 1.72