The truly blessed man, or, The way to be happy here, and forever being…

Prop. 2. That this Application must be particular: and that with respect to the matter that is to be applied, and the subject to whom the application is made. I will teach thee, &c. In the singular: For a right taking of this up, let us observe;

1. As to the ground of particular Application respecting the matter, it follows from the former Proposition: For if all the Truths of Religion be for practice, then every truth ought to be so applied: for none of the counsel of God is to be shunned, Acts 20. 27. And consequently all the Duties belonging to every part of that counsel are to be urged; there is no duty, but Christians are in hazard of forgetting or neglecting; and we shall not be faithful to those with whom we are concerned; if we neglect to stir them up.

2. As to application to particular persons: Though in private it is proper to apply things plainly and distinctly as Nathan did to David; and indeed the ground of private application is mainly for this end, that without reproaching mens persons openly, we may convince them of their particular sins; yet in public teaching care and prudence is to be observed, lest instead of doing them good, we harden them in sin; we should beware, lest we give them occasion to think, it is not their sins, ⟨p. 428⟩but their persons we seek to reproach. Here then observe.

2. As to application to particular persons: Though in private it is proper to apply things plainly and distinctly as Nathan did to David; and indeed the ground of private application is mainly for this end, that without reproaching mens persons openly, we may convince them of their particular sins; yet in publick teaching care and prudence is to be observed, lest instead of doing them good, we harden them in sin; we should beware, lest we give them occasion to think, it is not their sins,