I have here represented Peter as giving us some of his experiences;
and I believe that my representations are correct; for in the chapter
next preceding the one just read, we find this joyful exclamation:
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which
according to his ABUNDANT MERCY hath begotten us again unto a lively
hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." I must think
that the mercy was much more _abundant_ than Peter expected, for it
wrought an effect upon him which he calls a _regeneration_, or a sort
of new birth. At any rate, he says he was "BEGOTTEN AGAIN." It looks
as if it made a new man of him. It gave him new life. He never denied
his Lord again. When called to fulfill the prophecy of the Lord
concerning "the death by which he was to glorify God," he faltered
not, but met it "as seeing him who is invisible."

Brethren, some of us may, at times, have a taste of Peter's experience.
We feel so vile in our own eyes, that, like him, we go out, and over
our sins "weep bitterly." Ah, but these are "pearly tears" in God's
sight. Though we may not know it, though we may still feel too bad to
repair, on bended knees, to a "throne of grace," yet God knows how to
value them. They are precious in his sight; and it is your experience
and mine that after seasons of this kind he sends us the brightest
tokens of his love, and we are joyfully amazed that it is so.

I once, when a boy, disobeyed my father. I have in mind a particular
instance of disobedience, and of a character very trying to his
patience. When I came rightly to myself and realized my sin I was
afraid to meet him. He discovered, without any confession on my part,
what I had done. I expected severe punishment. To my surprise he met
me with a smile. Taking me by the hand he said: "Let us go out into