John 18:17

In this verse is recorded Peters trial and fall when he is got in; Where at the voyce of a damsel who kept the doore, he denieth his Master, or that he was one of his disciples. Whence learn, 1. In an hour of trial, Christ and his followers may expect to be so contemptible, that even the weakest and basest will insult over them; for, here, a weak damsel, (either knowing Peter by the other disciples information who brought him in, or suspecting what he was by his trembling, or feared-like carriage) doth fall a cavilling with Peter as one of Christs disciples. 2. As the Lord ordinarily giveth a dash to presumption, by letting it succumb under weakest trials; So we ought to look on every trial as above us without his strength; for, here, stout Peter meeting with a weak damsel, and being encountred with soft words, art thou not also one of this mans (not this seducers) disciples? yet he succumbs. Though it be here propounded by way of question, and elsewhere absolutely asserted, thou wast with Jesus, Mat. 26.69. all cometh to one purpose, for this question is not propounded by way of doubt, but as strongly asserting it. 3. In this miscarriage of Peter, we may read, how the Lord will have conceit punished, even in his own; how carnal resolutions to cleave to Christ will faile men in an extremity; and, how small a great sin will seem to be, and how easily digested, in an hour of fear and tentation; for, so much appears in Peter, who notwithstanding his esteem of his Master, and his strong resolutions, doth now speak out that foul word, I am not one of his disciples.