The verses we have now read describe the fall of the apostle Peter.–It is a passage which is deeply humbling to the pride of man, but singularly instructive to true Christians. The fall of Peter has been a beacon to the Church, and has probably preserved myriads of souls from destruction.–It is a passage which supplies strong proof that the Bible is inspired and Christianity is from God. If the Christian religion had been the invention of uninspired men, its first historians would never have told us that one of the chief apostles denied his Master three times.

The story of Peter’s fall teaches us, firstly, how small and gradual are the steps by which men may go down into great sins.