The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1886-08-14
PETER.

(36-3S) The discourse of JESUS is again
interrupted by question from Peter, who
does not appear to understand JESUS refer
ence to his going away any more than did
the Jews, to whom similar language was adj
dressed (chapter viii. 35; viii. 22). "Master,
where are you going?" is bis inquiry. JESUS
replied, "You cannot follow me now where l
JESUS went TO glory, by way of the Cross.
The time of Peters departure from the earth
had not yet come, nor was he yet prepared
for the death that awaited him. 1t is the
united testimony of Christian history that
Peter suffered martyrdom for his apostolic
labors and faith. 1t is generally believed
that he was crucifed at Rome. With char
acteristic energy and self -confdence Peter
asks, "Why can not follow you now? l will
lay down my life in your behalf" Peter
may have supposed that JESUS was going to
hide himself away from his enemies, or per-
haps that he was about to declare himself
king of the Jews. and claim the kingdom and
the allegiance of his countrymen, and doubt
ed the courage of his disciples to follow and
Matthew xiv. ~ and was willing to follow
everywhere, even to die with him and for
him if necessary. How little did Peter IN
derstand himself, and how we'll was he known
to his Master! ''You lay down your life in
my behalfi'' exclaims JESUS. "On the con-
trary, you will not so much as confess me in
the critical hour, indeed, you will positively
60, al hat, IL,
once, but thrice, and this very night. Truly,
truly, say unto you, the cock will not crow
till you shall have disowned me three times"
After the betrayal by Judas, JESUS was led
away to Judgment. Peter and John followed
him, at distance, to the court Of the high
priest. Here to the servants and others Peter
not only denied being a disciple of JESUS,
but declared with an oath that he did not
even know the man.
I'm the several records of the names of
the Apostles contained in the Gospels, the
name of Peter always stands first in the list,
and that of Judas last. Judas betrayed his
Master for thirty pieces of silver. Peter de-
MED his Lord in the hour of his humiliation.
Both had been characterized by JESUS as an
John vi. TO-. Love of money was character
istic of one, self-confdence and passionate
impetuosity that of the other. The ''beset-
ting SIM of each was the cause of his fall.
By the native energy of his character Peter
in the exercise of his faith in his Master,
which he did not entirely give up, was able to
recover himself, and became one of the
worlds greatest benefactors, and examples
of Christian fidelity and zeal. When the
cock crew he remembered his Lords warn
ing, and went out and wept bitterly tears of
hearty repentance. Afterwards the promised
Holy Spirit fell upon him with power, and he
was foremost of the t,oeIue, in establishing
the Kingdom of Heaven in the earth. Judas,
when he saw JESUS condemned, appears to
have heartily repented, made full confession
of his guilt and restoration of the accepted
bride, and went away and strangled himself,
and in the world his name is forever infe-
nous. At best he can only CLAIM. the wo:3d's
pity. Let him that thinketh he standeth take
warning, by the example of these two apos-
ties, lest he fall; and let him that falleth fol-
low the example of Peter rather than Judas