When the promises of the gospel are proclaimed, indeed the minister does not know who are the elect and who are not. But the Holy Spirit of Christ knows. And He so works in the hearts of the elect that the blessed promises of the gospel are impressed so upon the believer's heart that he sees them in all their beauty. And when they are proclaimed to all who believe in Christ, put their trust only in Him, and flee to Him for a refuge, then the Spirit works such graces in their hearts that they lay hold on Christ, hurl themselves into His arms, and rest in the serene and overwhelming consciousness of His love. The address of the gospel is the work of the Spirit.
Several things ought to be apparent.
First of all, this all has much to say about how we ought to hear. When we listen so that we hear Christ speak, and eagerly lend our ears to see what He has to say, we truly hear Him. And when we listen to what He has to say, we indeed hear Him speak to us - in such a personal and intimate way that there is no escaping what He says. And when we listen to what He says in obedience and faith, then His love and peace fill our souls. Secondly, this is how Jesus Himself draws His people to Himself.