BOOK 4. THE INCARNATION.
CHAPTER 2.
4.2.1. Of Knowing Jesus, as carrying on the great Work of our Salvation in his Birth.
Of Knowing Jesus, as carrying on the great Work of our Salvation in his Birth.
What looking comprehends, you have heard before: and that we may have an inward experimental look on him, whom our souls pant after, let us practise all these particulars. As:--
Let us know Jesus, carrying on the great work of our salvation in his first 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 creature's good? O my soul! if thou hast any interest in Christ, all this concerns thee: the Lord Jesus in all these very transactions had an eye to thee: he was incarnate for thee; he was conceived, and 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 eyeing the end, the meaning and intent of Christ; and especially as it relates to thee, not to others, but to thyself. 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 gaol-delivery, and set all free; but he never came near the place where the 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 hast 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 thyself. 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 should throw out of the doors such a blessed necessary truth! if rightly applied. It is a Christian's joy, "Behold, I bring you glad tidings of great joy, that shall be to all people, for unto you is born in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord," Luke ii. 10, 11. Sure the birth of Christ is of mighty concernment unto thee, "Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given," Isa. ix. 6. There is not any piece of this transaction but it is of special use, and worth thy pains. How many break their brains, and waste their spirits in studying arts and sciences, things in comparison of no value; whereas Paul otherwise "determined not to know anything among you but Jesus Christ?" 1 Cor. ii. 2. To know Jesus Christ in every piece and point, whether in birth, or life, or death, it is saving knowledge: O stand not upon cost, whether pains or study, tears or prayers, peace or wealth, goods or name, life or liberty, sell all for this pearl: Christ is of that worth and use, that thou canst never over-buy him, though thou gavest thyself and all the world for him; the study of Christ is the study of studies; the knowledge of Christ is the knowledge of every thing that is necessary either for this world, or for the world to come. O study Christ in every of the foresaid respects.