PETER DENIED THE LORD WHOM HE PROFESSED TO LOVE. Have not we done the same? Once we thought that nothing could cool our love, dampen our ardour, or turn our feet aside. Like Peter, we thought we might even die for Him. But we have long since discovered our mistake. Still, it is better to follow at a distance, than to turn our backs on Him. For Peter there was some excuse in the circumstances in which his Master was placed; for us there is none. Faith brings us near to Jesus, and love keeps us there; unbelief is the cause of our slow pace, and lagging behind in His ways. Let us carefully guard against unbelief. It poisons our loyalty, shakes our profession, dampens our zeal, hinders our communion, thrusts us away from Jesus, and alienates our souls from Him. Let us encourage our faith, strengthen our hearts, quicken our pace, endear our Saviour, fortify our minds, and keep near to our beloved Lord. Reader, are you following the Lord closely? Or, are you like Peter, afar off? If you are, beware. You know to what this conduct led him; who knows where it may lead you? Get close to Jesus, and keep close. Let your thoughts gather round Him, your affections fix upon Him, and your hopes centre in Him.

For Meditation:
The soul that would to Jesus cleave
And hear His gracious call,
Must his own strength and wisdom leave,
And let the Lord be all.