FULL AND IMMEDIATE CONFESSION.
By Alexander Maclaren
[By Dr. Alex. McLaren, in S. S. Times.] So THE other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, went out and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter. The maid therefore that kept the door saith unto Peter, Art thou also one of this Man's disciples? He saith, I am not. John 18:16, 17. Both Peter and John were in company hostile to the Master. To John that company was safety for loyalty. To Peter the same company was danger and disaster to loyalty. What made the difference? It is deeply instructive. John at once confessed his adhesion to Jesus, and so the continued enmity of those around pressed him into further confession constant, strong. Peter kept back from immediate confession, and so the enmity of those around got more and more between him and full confession, steadily rendering it more difficult. Strange, yet true. What was safety in the one case was danger in the other. What made the difference was instant and brave confession in the one case, the want of it in the other. So may we mold circumstance, or be meanly molded by it. At once, in any circumstance, let it be known that you are Christ's. Hesitate, and you have given circumstance bad mortgage on yourself. Notice also what slight things6may turn themselves into searching tests. The question of a serving-maid became the touchstone of Peter's devotion. Do not think only great things will try you. Small things can and will as really.