November 26

"And Peter."—Mark 16:7.

INFINITE gentleness and overflowing grace are in this supplement to the Saviour's command.

It is the gospel for the sinner; it proclaims the abundance of Christ's pardon. Since Peter is forgiven, I with my crimson sins need not despair; there is no constraint with Jesus—there is a boundlessness of mercy. The mountains of Ruwenzori are the source of the waters of Equatorial Africa; but the mists lift seldom, to show the traveller the radiant heights from which the rivers come. Christ is these glorious peaks. Oh that to-day the clouds may rise, and I may see rivers of healing flow to me!

And it is the gospel for the penitent; it proclaims the sweetness of Christ's consolation. Peter is heart-broken. If his sin is great, his sorrow is great. He has bidden good-bye to peace. But that is why Jesus comforts him. Does my soul bleed because of my evil? There is no anguish so profound, so incommunicable. Bodily austerities are trifling. The sword, the rack, the faggot are not so serious. But Jesus sends for me; I am the sick one whom He comes to cure.

And it is the gospel for the servant; it proclaims the efficacy of Christ's equipment. He is looking forward to Peter's fruitful future, and is training him for it. Ever afterward this man was girt about with humility. Ever afterward he was moulded to his Master's will. It is the experience of His restoring, consoling, conquering grace, which binds me to Him, which gives wisdom to my words about Him, which shoes my feet with the sandals of alacrity in His work. He has loosed my bonds.

And Peter—I shall say it to my heart again and again.