So near beside each other do heaven and hell lie. So
easy is it to give place to the Devil, and fall into the worst of
sin, just when we are puffed up with spiritual pride.
And more than once afterwards, St. Peter had to learn that same
lesson; when, for instance, he leaped boldly overboard from the
boat, and came walking towards Jesus on the sea. That was noble:
worthy of St. Peter: but he fancied himself a braver man than he
was. He became afraid; and the moment that he became afraid, he
began to sink. Jesus saved him, and then told him why he had become
afraid: because his faith had failed him. He had ceased trusting
in Christ's power to keep him up; and became helpless at once.
That should have been a lesson to St. Peter, that he was not to be
so very sure of his own faith and his own courage; that without his
Lord he might become cowardly and helpless any moment: but he did
not take that gentle lesson; so he had to learn it once and for all
by a very terrible trial. We all know how he fell;--one day
protesting vehemently to his Lord, 'Though I die with thee, I will
not deny thee;' the next, declaring, with oaths and curses, 'I know
not the man.' No wonder that when Jesus turned and looked on him,
Peter went out and wept bitterly, as bitter tears of shame as ever
were shed on earth.
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