The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1918-07-25
SIMON PETER

chosen field of endeavor; without one, possibly all,
ofthe qualities of mind and heart that the
of human character and that raise above the
level of birds and beasts But, thing must be
before glimpse contentment
realize there is such state of being happiness
for which to strive Faith-this must possess if
to experience aught of joy and gladness amid
the perpexities trials failures the myriad vexations
the world sets around us.
So many stories exemplifying Faith enrich the
Bible narratives that to set apart from all others
seems hardly wise. Yet, an incident in the life of
Simon, by Christ called Peter which is by interpre-
taton stone, will give the clearest understanding
of Faith-affording view of the customary human
and abuse of it's wonderful power. First
glance at his life whole that may draw the
deeper meaning from this one incident.
Christ had returned from His forty days of
temptation and had set about the preaching and la
bors that to make up the few years of his earth
ly ministry. On day He walked by the sea
of Galilee John pointed Him out the expected
Messiah Straightway two of Johns friends followed
Him and accepted His invitation to His dwelling.
But first, of them, Andrew, sought his brother
Simon and fetched him to Christ. who at
christened him Peter-the Rock.
I'm this manner Peter became unsought of
the first Apostles During all the days of Chrst's
ministry he lived, Journeyed and labored with Him.
He witnessed the miracles of Christ and was given
power over disease and affection. Peter occupied no
minor place in Chrst's thoughts and plans for thru
the gospel narratives runs His purpose to establish
through Peter His church in the world. This pur-
pose gives clearer vision of the preparation
those years brought to this Apostle.
We are told when Judas effected his betrayal,
that Peter drew his sword and cut off the of
of the servants who confronted his master-so zeal
Gus in His was be. Yet, few hours later be
denied that he had ever been with the Christ-or
knew Him. And even then the one he loved
and to die serving approaching the terrible
ordeal on Calvary. Such was the very humanness
of the man Peter
Christ was crucifed; buried; risen from the
grave; and assembled into heaven. The Apostles met
instructed in Jerusalem and from there went to
all parts of the earth to establish the Christian
Church. Peter labored long and faithfully in this
service and finally reached his calyary-when some
thirty-fve years later he crucifed in Rome.
During the second year of Christs ministry oc-
Cured the incident that gives lesson in Faith
through Peter. The small band were in Gaee
busy with there self-apponted duties. Christ had
spoken the vast multitude the shore of the
of Galilee-had healed their afflicted and miracu-
lousy fed them AS evening drew He dismissed
them and sent the Apostles the sea while He
went apart for meditation.
The wind contrary. the ship in peril
and the men were doubtless fearful for their safety
Then he came to them walking the sea-
and they were still more frightened until He spoke
to them. Peter, impetuous Peter, at once
imagine in feeling of love and thankfulness, said
Lord bid the water" With Christ's
come he left the ship and walked, did his Mas
ter, on the sea.
Surely sublime example of Faith. For Faith
alone made it possible for Peter to do this He
would never have left the security of the ship if
Faith had not moved him, but his Faith, great it
was, was not great enough. His fears and doubts
the stronger and they drove Faith out of his
heart and mind he lost the power Divine will had
given him. And he received a rebuke % thou of
little faith wherefore didst thou doubt" which is
wonderfully applicable to every of us.
1t seems to be neffaceable trait of human
nature to be able to surmount seemingly impossible
obstacles, to lay hold of some seemingly impossible
thought or idea and prove it practical, workable
theory only let in the end some trivial thing turn
the toiler away from success or JOY contentment
whatever it was he may have set out so enthusi-
astically to gain.
Call it enthusiasm, zeal. determination or Faith,
it is first and last-and all the time-smply be
lief" That is what need to realize Faith ie-our
belief in ourselves; in the right we would live; in
the work we would do and then will be no more
half way successes-which are worse than not even
glimpse of success because left untitled to
attain the goal we had set and cannot be contented
since we have seen what might be ours. The grim
grip of fear and doubt often halts and holds u.s.