We have no confidence but in Christ, this we know; but Lord, if this be a true confidence it will work by love and purify the soul. Oh, that there might be the sweet results of faith about our secret character and public life. We do sin, the Lord grant we may never leave off grieving because of sin, never may we be contented with ourselves, never fancy that we have reached a point where we may rest and be thankful, and that there is nothing more for us to do in seeking to be more than conquerors of ourselves.
As we have read the charge of your word against that unruly member, the tongue; as we have heard your servant James rebuking our envy and other evil spirits that are within us, we do feel humbled under your hand, and our prayer is, Lord, kill our envy, Lord, help us to command our tongue, grant us grace to be holy: may we be kind and gentle towards our fellow men, having that fruit of the Spirit, which follows upon purity, even peace.