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

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.

4. Hence there is a great deal of prudence necessary •• this affair. It is is not enough to know what is right, and what is wrong, but much discretion is to be used in the manner of applying it, the want whereof may make good designs to miscarry, We see how Nathan used this in his addressing himself to David, 2 Sam, 12. begin.

5. It requires courage also. We have the corruption of men to deal with, and may expect, when we have done our best, to meet with hard entertainment; the lusts of men are not easily opposed, but are apt to rise up against counsels & reproofs; how did Asa, though a good man, entertain the Prophet? 2 Chron. 16 10. And see, Jer. 1. 17, 18. […] 2. 6, 7. And they most need, that can least bear.

5. It requires courage also. We have the corruption of men to deal with, and may expect, when we have done our best, to meet with hard entertainment; the lusts of men are not easily opposed, but are apt to rise up against counsels & reproofs; how did Asa, though a good man, entertain the Prophet?