But observe the term, converted. Kecovery out of a sore temptation is a kind of second conversion. Grace is battered and bruised, and so many things are necessary to put us in joint again. Denial of Christ, even out of weakness, is a loss not easily recovered. First, Peter had Christ's look : Luke xxii. 61, ' And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter ; ' which pierced his very heart, upon which ' he went out, and wept bitterly,' ver. 62. And then Christ's message : Mark xvi. 7, * Tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee ; there ye shall see him.' Be sure to tell Peter, a little to revive and comfort him. He was now full of tears, and grieved at heart for his former offence ; then Christ appeared to him alone, as Luke xxiv. 34, ' The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.' Therefore
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the apostle saith, 1 Cor. xv. 5, ' That he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve.' Then afterwards he is brought pubUcly upon the stage to acknowledge his love to Christ, John xxi. 15-17. So hard a matter is it to set a member in joint again that is once out. So David : Ps. li. 10, ' Create in me a clean heart, 0 God, and renew a right spirit within me.' He speaketh of it as a second creation and renovation ; not that there was a total expulsion of faith or charity, but to show that the loss is not soon repaired.
[2.] There is counsel given him, ' Strengthen thy brethren.' When by repentance thou art recovered out of thy sin, be more careful to confirm and sti'engthen others.
(1.) To prevent falling, pray for them, warn them, be an example of constancy to them, that they may not fall or fail in like manner ; which he did by his threefold profession of love to Christ, and in glorifying God in his whole life and death : John xxi. 19, ' This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God.' Christ warneth him of his future sufferings, showing that he should be more stout than in his former trial. Such a difference there was between Peter trust- ing in his own strength and Peter supported by God. He that before was blown down by the weak blast of a damsel's question, could then confidently look a cruel death in the face,
(2.) Ptecover them if lapsed with meekness, that they may not despair : Gal. vi. 1, ' If a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual restore such a one in the spirit of meekness, considering thy- self, lest thou also be tempted.' If the possibility of falling be an argument, the actual experience is much more. Christians should not exercise too great severity on them that are fallen, considering we have or we might fall into like sin in the time of temptation. Thus would Clirist season and prepare his servants for their office, and by their own experience teach them meekness and tenderness to others. In general it is said, 2 Cor. i. 4, ' Who comforteth us in all our tribulations, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble with the comforts wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.' Such comforts are not only for our good, but for the benefit and advantage of others, ' Confirm thy brethren,' saith Christ here to Peter. They are brethren, and they need to be strengthened ; for all these afflictions are incident to all our brethren which are in the flesh, and our example and consolation from experience are a great relief to them.
Thus you have a full view and prospect of the words. I shall observe this point from the whole.
Doct. That though Satan by God's permission may sorely ti'ouble and vex his people, yet we are not wholly exposed to his fury to be dealt with as he pleaseth. Let me shov/ you how many ways Satan may vex and trouble God's people ; either by inward suggestion, or by outward persecution and affliction.
1. By inward suggestions ; as when he tempted David to number the people : 1 Chron. xxi. 1, ' Satan stood up against Israel, and pro- voked David to number Israel.' Namely, as he moved him to pride and glory in the arm of flesh, or in his grandeur or multitude of subjects. God had an hand in it : 2 Sam. xxiv. 1, ' And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he moved David against
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them to say, Go, number Israel and Juclah ; ' to punish David and his people for their sins, God as a just judge using Satan as his minister therein. God by permission and a wise ordination of it for good, and Satan by suggestion and malicious intention for evil. God as a judge in a just punishment for sin, and Satan as an enemy and an actor of sin. It is no excuse to Satan or David that God moved, nor any blot in God that Satan moved, they acting from diverse principles and diverse ends. Well, but to our present purpose, Satan moved David, a man after God's own heart. Alas ! the best have their infirmities, and Satan hath many hidden secret arts to mischief souls which we think not of.