God would not rub so hard if it were not to fetch out the dirt that is ingrained in our natures. God loves purity so well He had rather see a hole than a spot in His child's garments.

Set a strong guard about thy outward senses: these are Satan's landing places, especially the eye and the ear.

Indeed all the saints are taught the same lesson - to renounce their own strength, and rely on the power of God; their own policy, and cast themselves on the wisdom of God; their own righteousness, and expect all from the pure mercy of God in Christ, which act of faith is so pleasing to God, that such a soul shall never be ashamed.

How many, alas, of the precious saints of God must we shut out from being believers, if there is no faith but what amounts to assurance.... shall we say their faith went away in the departure of their assurance?

Let thy hope of heaven master thy fear of death.

He that is impatient, and cannot wait on God for a mercy, will not easily submit to Him in a denial.

Few are made better by prosperity, whom afflictions make worse.