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

1. We we must be acquainted with all the Cases of Conscience that refer to these principles. If Religion be practical, it hath to do with mens Consciences; and hence there are those practical enquiries, which refer to every common place in Divinity, which must be distinctly resolved, for the illumination and direction of Conscience therein; and if we are not skilled in them, how shall we teach others?

2. We must observe and acquaint our selves with the present state of Religion, that is among a people. There is no Truth of God, but may at any time be suitably and profitably applied; but there are the special concerns of a people which vary God would have us to suit our Ministrations to the occasion: thus did the Prophets of old, and thus did Paul in his Epistles. All sins, but more especially the sins of the times are to be born witness against, &c.

3. We must also study men personally. All that we have to do with are not of the same temper, not the same circumstances, and so not to be applied to after the same manner. Some are proud, and profane, and obstinate, these are to be more roughly ⟨p. 431⟩treated; others are tender, troubled apt to be discouraged; another manner of application belongs to them, Jude 22, 23.