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 which, standing by itself, is inoperative; for however, it may believe, it seems incapable of sustaining trial when placed in danger or difficulty: hence the denial of the Lord by Peter, not simply, but with oaths and imprecations. Yet faith, under the name Peter, is indispensable; for man must be instructed in truth, and hence must become receptive of faith, before he can do what the Lord, as the truth, enjoins.

imparts to us a knowledge of the quality of faith; it represents that degree of faith which desires to be obedient to the ordinations of truth, but which does not engage in it from a pure love of it. It attends to the requirements of the Word, because obedience is enjoined; but it does not obey willingly, or from a real affection.

, or Simon, son of Jonah, represents the faith of charity; or that faith which has a deep and ardent affection for goodness, and which ever distinguishes itself by deeds of charity. It is engaged in offices of neighbourly love, in fostering the truth, wherever it may have been sown; it is the appointed principle of the Lord to feed his sheep and lambs. It sees the truth, and loves it for its own sake. It is knowledge united with practice, from a pure love to the Lord above all things, and from a genuine affection for mankind.

Wherever these names occur in the New Testament, such is their distinctive signification. Let us see how this is borne out in the verse before us.

"Then took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee." Just above, the Lord had blessed Peter under the name. And here, while