N00814:41
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.
The Third thing which hindereth the knowledge of an Interest in Christ, is, A Spirit of sloth, and careless negligence in many. They complain that they know not whether they be in CHRIST or not: but, as few take pains to be in Him, so few take pains to try if they be in Him. It is a work and business which cannot be done sleeping, 2 Cor· 13.5. the several words used there, viz. Examine, Prove, Know — say, that there is a labour in it; Diligence must be used to make our Calling and Election sure, 2 Pet. 1.10. It is a business above Flesh and Blood; The holy Anointing, which teacheth all things, must make us know the things freely given us of God, 1 Cor. 2.12. Shall the Lord impart a business of so great concernment, and not so much as be enquired after to do it for men? Ezek. 36.37. Be ashamed you who spend so much time in reading of Romances, in adorning your Persons, in Hawking and Hunting, in consulting the Law about your outward estate in the world; and it may be in worse things than these: Be ashamed that you spend so little time ⟨image ?⟩in the search of this, Whether you be a• Heir of Glory or not; whether you be in the way that leadeth to Heaven, or that which will land you in Darkness forever? You who judge this be-low you, and unworthy of your pains any part or minute of your time; it is like in Gods account, you have judged your selves unworthy of everlasting Life, so as you have no lot with Gods People in this matter.
The Third thing which hindereth the knowledge of an Interest in Christ, is, A Spirit of sloth, and careless negl•gence in many. They complain that they know not whether they be in CHRIST or not: but, as few take pains to be in Him, so few take pains to try if they be in Him. It is a work and business which cannot be done sleeping, 2 Cor· 13.5. the several words used there, viz. Examine, Prove, Know — say, that there is a labour in it; Diligence must be used to make our Calling and Election sure, 2 Pet. 1.10. It is a business above Flesh and Blood; The holy Anointing, which teacheth all things, must make us know the things freely given us of God,