THE CHRISTIAN'S GREAT INTEREST. PART I. THE TRIAL OF A SAVING INTEREST IN INTRODUCTION. SINCE there are so many people living under the ordinances, pretending, without ground, to a special interest in Christ, and to his favour and his salvation, as is stated by our Lord, "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name, and in thy name have cast out devils, and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity." "Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. you, But he answered and said, Verily I say unto I know you not."-"Strive to enter in at the strait gate; for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able." And since many who have good ground of claim to Christ are not established in the confidence of his favour, but re main in the dark, without comfort, hesitating concerning the reality of godliness, in themselves, and speaking little in the commendation of religion to others, especially in the time of their straits, I shall speak a little respecting two things of the greatest concern the one is, How a person shall know if he hath a true and special interest in Christ, and whether he doth lay just claim to God's favour and salvation? The other is, In case a person fall short of assurance in this trial, what course he shall take for making sure God's friendship and salvation to himself?istte ei oteta zuoberg e'nem s to eybalwor Porretts ed yem dɔidw,ti to sybolwood ant bak Quest. I HOW SHALL A MAN KNOW IF HE HATH A TRUE AND SPECIAL INTEREST IN CHRIST, AND WHETHER HE HATH, OR MAY LAY CLAIM JUSTLY TO GOD'S FAVOUR AND SALVATION ?estedT patman mem Isaoiter & of blory dłob doidw „sy: 4′t nodW » :eidt drob de udatierta l89 120m prit baper00909 ad bivsⱭ gninote to odsqa oly } Hdtisa 9H CHAP. Id broad T teases se tedt abusegodt not to bite od 1 A Man's Interest in Christ may be knowm K role vm 9m 10t bloide & s bol O SECT. I. It is a Matter of the highest Importance, and is to be determined by Scripture...! I lade modw to stil ym to digne1t2 9d+ 21 b. BEFORE we speak directly to the question, we shall premise some things, to make way for the answer. First, That a man's interest in Christ, or his gracious state, may be known, and that with more certainty than people conjecture; yea, and the know ledge of it may be more easily attained than many do imagine: for not only hath the Lord commanded men to know their interest in him, as a thing attainable: "Examine yourselves whether ye be in the faith, &c. Give diligence to make your call ing and election sure," &c. but many of the saints have attained unto the clear persuasion of their interest in Christ, and in God as their own God. How often do they call him their God and their Portion! and how persuaded is Paul that nothing can separate him from the love of God!" Therefore the knowledge of a man's gracious state is attainable. And this knowledge of it, which may be attained, is no fancy and mere conceit, but it is most sure: "Doubtless thou art our Father," saith the prophet, in name of the church. It is clear from this: 1. That can be no fancy, but a very sure knowledge, which doth yield to a rational man comfort in most real straits; but so doth this: "When the people spake of stoning David, he encouraged himself in the Lord his God." He saith," He will not be afraid of ten thousands that rise against him." Compare these words with the following: "But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head." The Lord is my light, and my salvation, whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid? Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident." 2. That is a sure knowledge of a thing which maketh a wise merchant sell all he hath that he may keep it sure; |