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

3. And we ought to apply Truths so as those that are specially concerned, may understand that God is now speaking to them. Though we ought not to vilify men, or lay them open to the Assembly, yet if we can wisely and closely touch their Consciences, and make them know that their sin is now testified against, it is very proper; hence in laying open duties and sins very distinctly, we may come so close to men, that they verily believe that some body hath been babbling something against them, and acquainting us with such sins of theirs, as we had not the least intimation of: now the ground of this will appear, if we consider,

3. And we ought to apply Truths so as those that are specially concerned, may understand that God is now speaking to them. Though we ought not to vilify men, or lay them open to the Assembly, yet if we can wisely and closely touch their Consciences, and make them know that their sin is now testified against, it is very proper; hence in laying open duties and sins very distinctly, we may come so close to men, that they verily believe that some body hath been babling something against them, and acquainting us with such sins of theirs, as we had not the least intimation of: now the ground of this will appear, if we consider,

1. That we, in our Application, are but the Instruments of the Spirit of God. Ministerial Teaching ⟨p. 429⟩is no farther profitable than he is pleased to set in with it, 1 Cor 3. 6. Our business therefore is to comply with him, and endeavour in our place to promove his design. Ministers are called, Under-rowers, 1 Cor. 4. 1. He is the Pilot, and they are to endeavour to act according to his directions.