Such is the nature of justifying faith.  Those who are subjects of it, deeply sensible of their sins, “look to the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the world,” and place all their dependence on him; and they are not disappointed—­; “Whoso believeth shall not be ashamed.”

Thus Simon’s faith and love were owned of Christ; and this late offender not only pardoned, but continued in his office; a pastor of Christ’s flock. Feed my lambs—­Feed my sheep, were the replies to the appeals made by the offender, that he loved the Savior.  In this manner was he directed,

III.  To manifest his love to Christ.—­It might have been thought that Simon had fallen from his office when he denied his Lord; with oaths and imprecations, denied his knowledge of him.  If so, he was here restored; Christ entrusted him again with the care “of his flock —­which he had purchased with his blood;” and reappointed him to “give them their meat in due season.”  His having had this charge here given him, argued the pardon of his offences, and his restoration to favor.  He would not have been required to do the work of an apostle, had not his transgression been forgiven, and his sin been blotted out.  Judas had no such trust reposed in him after his fall; no such duty required of him.  “By his transgression he fell from his ministry and apostleship, that he might go to his own place, and another take his office.”  Judas repented; but not with repentance unto life.  His repentance led to death by his own hand.  Diverse was that of Simon, both in its nature and effects.  His was “Godly sorrow, which wrought repentance unto life”—­which caused him to devote himself wholly to the service of the Redeemer, and at last to lay down his life for his sake.

REFLECTIONS

I. Our subject teacheth the folly of felt dependence.  Who ever appeared to have stronger confidence in himself than Peter?  Yet few have fallen more shamefully than he.

If we lean to ourselves, like things will probably befall us.  Our strength is weakness.  Our enemies are many and powerful; they are long versed in the arts of deception; well acquainted with our weakness; know how, and when, and where to attack us to advantage.  Left to ourselves, we should doubtless be snared and taken by them.

Simon was naturally bold and resolute; had great love to Christ, and zeal for his honor:  Yet all did not enable him “to stand in the evil day.”  If Peter fell, who, left to himself, can stand?  Not one.  But God is able to make the weakest and most feeble stand, and will make them stand if they trust in him.  “My grace is sufficient for thee, for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”  Blessed are they who trust in him.

II.  An high opinion of a person’s own strength, or love to God and the Redeemer, is most commonly the prelude to a fall.  When one thinks himself strong, and feels secure, he is soon taught weakness and dependence, and the need he stands in of a divine guardian, by some advantage gained over him by the enemy:  Whereas, those who are sensible of their own weakness, and trust in God, are holden up, and made to stand.  “Most gladly, therefore, will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon—­me for when I am weak, then am I strong.”