We see in Peter's bitter tears, the grand mark of difference between the hyp'ocrite and the true believer. When the hypocrite is overtaken by sin, he generally falls to rise no more. He has no principle of life within him to raise him up. — When the child of God is overtaken, he rises again by true repentance, and by the grace of God amends his life. — Let no man flatter him- self that he may sin with impunity, because David com- mitted adultery, and because Peter denied his Lord. No doubt these holy men sinned greatly. But they did not continue in their sin. They repented greatly. They mourned over their falls. They loathed and abhorred their own wickedness. Well would it be for many, if they would imitate them in their repentance, as well as in their sins. Too many are acquainted with their fall, but not with their recovery. Like David and Peter, they have sinned, but they have not, like David and Peter, repented.
The whole passage is full of lessons that ought never to be forgotten. Do we profess to have a hope in Christ ? Let us mark the weakness of a believer, and the steps that lead to a fall. — Have we unhappily backslidden, and left our first love ? Let us remember that the Saviour of Peter still lives. There is mercy for us as well as for him. But we must repent, and seek that mercy, if we would find it. Let us turn unto God, and He will turn to us. His compassions fail not. (Lam. iii. 22.)