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 meer 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) Perswades, Intreats, Com∣mands 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 em∣braced and closed with it, then what is Christ's Incarnation, Conception, Nativity un∣to thee? Come! learn! not meerly 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 re∣spects: Study close this great transaction in reference to thy self. I know not how it happ••ns, 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 ei∣ther savours not with some Christans, 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; 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. Sure the Birth of Christ is of mighty concernment unto thee; unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; 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 deter∣mined not to know any thing among you but Jesus Christ? To know Jesus Christ in eve∣ry 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 thy self 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.