The Folly of Sin
How leprous and spreading sin is and how weak and impotent is human nature. A double temptation is not enough on Satan’s part, after a double denial. The devil goes further in tempting and the poor disciple goes further in denying.
Peter’s was a curse greater than any curse, even an anathema, to wish separation from the presence of God. I never remember any curse that did not proceed from love and fear. With Peter it is a love of self and a fear of death.
How strong and violent are passions, whether holy or natural. How secure on earth and negligent of his eternal estate can they make Peter, to avoid the displeasure of mortal man? It is the misery and error of our corrupt nature to shelter ourselves under sin from danger and to think ourselves secure there where it is violently wicked.
Dr. Edward Reynolds was born in 1599 in Southampton, England. He received his BA degree at Oxford in 1618. In 1622, before studying for his masters, Reynolds became a chaplain to the king and preacher at Lincoln’s Inn, London. The puritanical inclinations of Dr. Reynolds were well known; his character of piety and decorum were evident even in his college years. Edward Reynolds is known as the Bishop of Norfolk, but he was bishop for only the final fifteen years of his life and ministry. Prior to that he was the rector of Braunston, Northamptonshire, for almost thirty years. Although Reynolds was a Presbyterian by conviction, he had a reputation of moderation in his church polity. This was evidenced in his role in the Westminster Assembly. He was the only member to sit on all three of the major committees on the Confession of Faith, and with his moderate spirit provided balance in the discussions. These devotions are taken from the works of Edward Reynolds. They have been edited for thinkgospel.com. © 2013 thinkgospel.
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