The application of redemption

Be wise in choosing the party to whom you confess §1your sins, for every wide mouthed vessel is not fit to receive precious liquor; so this confession is not to be opened to every carnal wretch that will blaze it abroad, nor to every Godly man, no nor Minister neither. The Minister to whom you confess ought to have these three graces.

Be wise in choosing the party to whom you confess §1your sins, for every wide mouthed vessel is not fit to receive precious liquor; so this confession is not to be opened to every carnal wretch that wil blaze it abroad, nor to every Godly man, no nor Minister neither. The Minister to whom you confess ought to have these three graces.

First he must be a skilful and able Minister of God, §1one that is trained up and is master of his art, and so experienced that he might be able in some measure to find out the nature of the disease; Not that any Minister under heaven, can give pardon to a poor sinner, but only he is able Ministerially to do it under God; he must be able to approve himself as the Minister of God; he must have the tongue of the learned and be able to speak a word in season Isa. 50. 4. he must be able to break the heart and prepare the soul for Christ, and then to apply the promises of the Gospel to him.

First he must be a skilful and able Minister of God, §1one that is trained up and is master of his art, and so experienced that he might be able in some measure to find out the nature of the disease; Not that any Minister under heaven, can give pardon to a poor sinner, but onely he is able Ministerially to do it under God; he must be able to approve himself as the Minister of God; he must have the tongue of the learned and be able to speak a word in season