Looking unto Jesus a view of the everlasting gospel, or, the souls eying of…

SECT. I. Of knowing Jesus as carrying on the great Work of our Salvation in his Birth.

1. Let us know Jesus, carrying on the great work of our Salvation in his Coming or Incarnation. Come let us learn what he did for us when he came amongst us. There is not one Passage in his first appearing, but it is of mighty concernment unto us: Is it possible that the great God of Heaven and Earth should so infinitely condescend (as we have heard) but on some great Design? And what Design could there be, but only his Glory, and the Creatures good? O my Soul! If thou hast any interest in Christ, all this concerns thee; the Lord Jesus in these very transactions had an eye to thee; he was Incarnate for thee, he was conceived, and ⟨p. 142⟩born for thee; look not on these things as Notionals, or Generals; look not on the bare history of things; for that is but unprofitable; the main duty is in eying the end, the meaning, and intent of Christ; and especially as it relates to thee, not to others, but to thy self. Alas! what comfort were it to a poor prisoner, if he should hear that the King or Prince, of his mere grace and love, visited all the Prisoners in this and that Dungeon, and that he made a Goal-delivery, and set all free, but he never came near the Place where he poor wretch lies bound in Fetters and cold Irons? or suppose he gives a visit to that very man, and offers him the tenders of Grace and Freedom, if he will but accept of it; and (because of his waywardness) Persuades, Entreats, Commands him to come out, and take his liberty; and yet he will not regard, or apply it to himself, what comfort can he have? what fruit, what benefit shall he receive? Dear soul, this is thy case, if thou art not in Christ, if thou hadst not heard the Offer, and embraced and closed with it, then what is Christ's Incarnation, Conception, Nativity unto thee? Come! learn! not merely as a Scholar, to gain some notional-knowledge; but as a Christian, as one that feels virtue coming out of Christ in every of these respects: Study close this great transaction in reference to thy self. I know not how it happens, whether out of the generality of some Preachers handling this Subject, or whether out of the Superstition of the time wherein it usually hath been handled, it either savours not with some Christians, or it is seldom thought of by the most; O God forbid we throw out of the doors, such a blessed necessary truth! If rightly applied, it is a Christians joy;