it is only too true that similar experiences of weakness will
be shown in days to come. Every such disloyalty gives pain to our Lord,
but if our hearts are really yielded to him, our faults will be followed
by true repentance. If we really trust in him, he is ready to pardon; as
he prayed for Peter, so he is praying for us; though we at times stumble,
he will not allow us utterly to fall. He is able to save "to the uttermost
... seeing he ever liveth to make intercession" for us.

7. This should be a time of new resolution. We should be humble and
trustful in view of past and of possible future failures, but we should
determine to stand firmly in the strength which the Master supplies. He
told his followers in the upper room of the changed conditions which they
were to meet when he had been taken from them. The enemies who would take
his life would surely not treat his disciples with kindness. He assured
them that they were now to be left more to their own resources and that
they were to meet with the most bitter hostility. He even suggested that
it would be necessary for each one to buy a sword. They took his words
with absurd literalness and they said, "Lord, behold, here are two
swords." It was with sad irony that Jesus replied, "It is enough." Of
course, he did not mean that his followers are to use violence or are to
extend the gospel by means of force. He only wished us to be warned and to
resolve anew that in the spiritual conflict which awaits us we shall be
true to him as loyal soldiers of the cross. We go forth to battle, but on
some brighter morrow we shall be seated with him at a heavenly feast with
banquet and song.

C. The Agony In Gethsemane. Ch. 22:39-46

39 And he came out, and went, as his custom was, unto the mount of
Olives; and the disciples also followed him. 40 And when he was at
the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into
temptation. 41 And he was parted from them about a stone's cast;
and he kneeled down and prayed, 42 saying, Father, if thou be
willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but
thine, be done. 43 And there appeared unto him an angel from
heaven, strengthening him. 44 And being in an agony he prayed more
earnestly; and his sweat became as it were great drops of blood
falling down upon the ground. 45 And when he rose up from his
prayer, he came unto the disciples, and found them sleeping for
sorr