the plainest possible warnings — under ihe pressure of no very serious temptation. " Lord," we may well say, " what is man that Thou art mindful of him ? " " Let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall." (1 Cor. X. 12.)
This fall of Peter is doubtless intended to be a lessor to the whole Church of Christ. It is recorded for our learning, that we be kept from like sorrowful overthrow. It is a beacon mercifully set up in Scripture, to prevent others making shipwreck. It shows us the danger of pride and self-confidence. If Peter had not been so sure that although all denied Christ, he never would, he would probably never have fallen. — It shows us the dan ger of laziness. If Peter had watched and prayed, when our Lord advised him to do so, he would have found grace to help him in the time of need. — It shows us, not least, the painful influence of the fear of man. Few are aware, perhaps, how much more they fear the face of man whom they can see, than the eye of God whom they can- not see. These things are written for our admonition. Let us remember Peter and be wise.
After all let us leave the passage with the comforta- ble reflection that we have a merciful and pitiful High Priest, who can be touched with the feeling of our in- firmities, and will not break the bruised reed. Peter no doubt fell shamefully, and only rose again after heart- felt repentance and bitter tears. But he did rise again. He was not left to reap the consequence of his sin, and cast off" for evermore. The same pitiful hand that saved him from drowning, when his faith failed him on the waters, was once more stretched out to raise him when he fell in the High Priest's hall. Can we doubt that he rose a wiser and better man ? If Peter's fall has made Christians see more clearly their own great weakness