In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the sinful nature of humanity and the extent of our guilt. He uses the analogy of a heated bar of iron being struck by hammers, with the sparks representing our sins. The preacher highlights that our sinful nature is like the iron, and temptations are the hammers that bring forth our sins. He emphasizes that it is every person's duty to believe in and trust Jesus Christ, not because of anything we are or do, but because God commands it. The preacher also encourages listeners to come to Christ, no matter how hard-hearted or sinful they may feel, as He is able to save and transform them.

Charles Finney addresses objections to his teachings on entire sanctification, emphasizing that consciousness is the primary means by which individuals can understand their spiritual state. He argues that if God requires self-knowledge, then humans must possess the ability to know their own character, despite the challenges posed by ignorance and sin. Finney clarifies that consciousness is essential for recognizing one's thoughts and actions, and that it is through this awareness that one can discern their relationship with God's law. He acknowledges the potential for self-deception but insists that the truth of consciousness should not be suppressed due to fear of misuse.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes that all Christians harbor secret sins, often unknown even to themselves. He reflects on the nature of human error, asserting that no one, regardless of their holiness or wisdom, can fully comprehend their own sins. Brooks highlights various forms of secret sins, including pride, hypocrisy, and unbelief, suggesting that if these were visible, it would cause profound shame. He urges believers to seek God's cleansing from these hidden faults, echoing the plea found in Psalm 19:12.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes the struggle against secret sins and inward pollutions that only God and the individual can see. He contrasts the hypocrite, who battles obvious sins, with the sincere Christian who mourns over hidden corruptions. Brooks highlights the importance of recognizing and combating these inner sins before they lead to greater danger, urging believers to seek God's help in stifling the first motions of sin. The sermon calls for a deep introspection and reliance on divine power to cleanse the heart from these secret faults.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes the significance of addressing hidden sins within the heart, asserting that true grace engages in a battle against these inward spiritual conflicts. He highlights that a gracious soul is deeply affected by secret sins, which are often overlooked by the world but are known to God. Brooks argues that the true warfare of a Christian is not in external actions but in the internal struggles against heart sins such as pride, hypocrisy, and self-love. He calls for a sincere heart that seeks to confront both outward and inward sins, recognizing that a greater measure of grace is required to transform the heart. Ultimately, he urges believers to invite God to search their hearts and reveal any hidden faults.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes the importance of recognizing and repenting for both great and small sins, as highlighted in Psalms 19:12. He points out that while many may lament over significant transgressions that impact their reputation or well-being, they often overlook the subtler sins such as wandering thoughts and self-confidence. True godly sorrow encompasses a deep awareness of all sins, regardless of their perceived magnitude, and leads to a heartfelt plea for cleansing from secret faults. Brooks encourages believers to cultivate a sensitivity to these 'gnats' of sin that can easily be ignored yet are detrimental to one's spiritual health.

Thomas Cook delves into the concept of holiness, emphasizing that it involves being blameless but not faultless, as grace does not make individuals infallible. He explains that while we may have experienced the grace of God, we will still have human weaknesses and imperfections until we are made faultless in the presence of God's glory. Cook highlights the importance of intentions over results, stating that God values the purity of our motives and intentions, even when our actions may be flawed. He stresses that perfect love is not about flawless achievement but about sincere efforts to please God, likening it to a blind child's imperfect but cherished attempt to write a letter to their father.

Paris Reidhead preaches about the importance of recognizing and repenting from sin in order to bring back the King, symbolizing Jesus Christ, to reign in our hearts. He delves into the story of David's fall and restoration, emphasizing the need for humility, confession, and seeking forgiveness to restore our relationship with God. Reidhead highlights how worldly pursuits, overfamiliarity with truth, and the allure of sin can lead us away from God's will, just like Absalom's rebellion against David. He challenges listeners to speak a word of brokenness, confession, and repentance to bring back the King to His rightful place in their lives, homes, and churches.

Edward Payson preaches on the difficulty of understanding our own errors and sins, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's cleansing from hidden faults. He explains that acquiring knowledge of our sinfulness is challenging due to human ignorance of the divine law, the nature of the human mind, the prevalence of self-love, the deceitfulness of sin, and the effects of sin on our understanding and conscience. Payson urges his listeners to examine their hearts honestly, considering the possibility of self-deception and the need for repentance and reliance on God's grace for true transformation.

John Henry Newman reflects on the hidden weaknesses and secret faults that can betray even the most faithful followers of God, using examples like Peter, David, and Hezekiah who stumbled in moments of temptation and prosperity. He emphasizes the importance of not assuming we fully understand our own spiritual state until we have faced various temptations and trials from all sides, as integrity in one aspect of our character does not guarantee integrity in others. This humbling realization should lead us to acknowledge our sinfulness and rely on the One who truly knows the depths of our sins.