Gardiner Spring emphasizes the vital role of prayer in shaping and supporting ministers of the Gospel. He highlights the need for congregations to fervently pray for their ministers, as their prayers can empower and uplift them to effectively carry out their divine calling amidst the challenges and temptations they face. Spring underscores the importance of ministers being upheld by the prayers of their people, as neglecting this duty can lead to spiritual declension and ineffectiveness in ministry. He urges believers to engage in a concert of prayer for ministers, recognizing the significant impact of consistent intercession on the spiritual well-being and effectiveness of those who proclaim God's truth.

The preacher delves into the concept of malice (kakia) as a quality of wickedness, depravity, and ill-will, highlighting its destructive nature and the root of various vices. Kakia is described as a vicious disposition that rejoices in hurting others, leading to a wicked habit of the mind. Envy (phthonos) is explored as a form of malice that resents others' excellence or happiness, leading to division, strife, and even murder. The sermon emphasizes the importance of putting aside malice, envy, and hatred, as they destroy fellowship and lead to a corrupt and loveless way of life.

Gardiner Spring preaches about the profound wickedness of man's heart as described in Genesis, emphasizing the continuous evil inclinations and the deceitful nature of human sinfulness. He highlights the importance of understanding the depth of human depravity before conversion, stressing that God alone can transform the sinful heart. Spring explains that human wickedness is great, unyielding, and pure, existing in all ages and places, and that only through the grace of God can man be saved from the eternal consequences of such depravity.

Gardiner Spring preaches about the profound truth of God's discriminating grace, emphasizing the eternal difference between the righteous and the wicked, which is solely attributed to God's sovereign will and mercy. He delves into the theological and practical implications of this truth, highlighting the necessity of acknowledging our absolute dependence on God's grace for salvation. Spring underscores the importance of recognizing God's role in making individuals differ in character and state, ultimately pointing to the divine sovereignty that governs all aspects of life and eternity.

Gardiner Spring preaches about the profound impact of sorrow on individuals, emphasizing the need for sympathy and fellowship in times of calamity. He highlights the role of afflictions in revealing God's character and the necessity of submitting to His will, acknowledging that trials often lead to a deeper understanding of God's love and mercy. Spring underscores the danger of idolatrous attachments and the importance of recognizing that afflictions serve as a test of Christian character, refining and strengthening faith. He encourages seeking comfort in God's presence and finding solace in the lessons learned through sorrow, drawing parallels to historical figures like Cicero to illustrate the limitations of human wisdom in times of deep distress.