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

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.

2. It is certain that all the Spirits applications are personal. When he comes to set home Gospel Truths, and make them effectual, he toucheth the hearts of men individually. Hence it is that some are persuaded and won by the same means, by which others are hardened; and it must be so, because every man must give an account of himself to God; and the great Judgment will be a reckoning with individuals.

2. It is certain that all the Spirits applications are personal. When he comes to set home Gospel Truths, and make them effectual, he toucheth the hearts of men individually. Hence it is that some are perswaded and won by the same means, by which others are hardned; and it must be so, because every man must give an account of himself to God; and the great Judgment will be a reckoning with individuals.

3. And it is equally certain, that moral application must needs determine here. Moral applications are made to Causes by Counsel, and are entertained by a rational consideration, and answerable improvement: and this no man can do for another. Though counsels are given among many, yet if they fix any where, it must be upon these and those individuals,