ffectual to make
us really what we are said to be, that is, Christians. There is something
to this purpose, 1 John iv. 2, 3, 15, and v. 1. The confessing and knowing
that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, and is the Son of God, before his
taking on flesh, is made a character of a spiritual man that dwelleth in
God. Not that a bare external confession, or internal opinion and assent
to such a truth, is of so much value,--which yet is the height that many
attain unto; but it is such a soul acknowledgment, such an heart
approbation of this mystery, as draws alongst the admiration and affection
after it, as fixeth the heart upon this object alone, for life and
salvation. The devils confessed and believed, but they trembled at it,
Luke iv. 34, 41. He was afraid of what he knew, but Peter confessed and
loved what he knew; yea, he did cast his soul upon that Lord whom he
confessed. It is such an acknowledgment of Christ, as draweth the soul,
and unites it to him, by a serious and living embracement. Such a sight of
Jesus Christ, hath both truth and goodness in it, in the highest measure;
and so doth not only constrain the assent of the mind, but is a powerful
attractive to the heart, to come to him, and live in him. I pray you
consider then what moment is in this truth, that you may indeed apply your
souls to the consideration of what is in Jesus Christ thus revealed, not
simply to know it, but for a further improvement of it, to seek life in
him, that the stamp and impression of this Saviour may be set so deeply on
your souls, as that you may express this in a real confession of him in
your words and works, Tit. i. 16; Matt. vii. 21. This is indeed to know
and confess that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, to fetch thence the
ground of all our hope and consolation, and to draw thence the most
powerful motives to walking "even as he walked," to improve it for
confidence in him, and obedience to him.

I shall speak then a word of these two great ends and purposes,--of God's
sending his own Son, in the likeness of sinful flesh, his own glory and
man's good. The song of angels at his birth shows this,--"Glory to God in
the highest, peace on earth, and good will toward men." His glory is
manifested in it in an eminent manner. The glory of his wisdom,--that found
out a remedy. What a deep contrivance was it! How infinitely beyond all
creature inventions! Truly there are riches of wisdom, depths of wisdom in
it. I think it could ne