The following are quotations from The Fallen Saint Restored, a Cure for Backsliding & Comfort for the Backslider, by Edward Reynolds. I read it a couple months ago and it was extremely helpful (I'm prone to doubt, relying on my own strength, and sin... fallen man that I am). These are just what I liked most from the first few pages! This is a devotional study of Matthew 14:66-72 and Matthew 26:69-75. The author uses the example of Peter's backsliding as an example.
"Self-dependance & pride, or any other carnal affection which is deeply rooted in the nature of men, are often found in the most holy actions of men. It was faith that made Peter go down into the water, but it was flesh that made him sink (Matthew 14:30). Faith made him zealous in Christ's cause, but flesh drew his sword at Malchus' ear. Faith made him follow Christ, but flesh made him follow afar off. Faith made him accompany Christ to the garden, but flesh made him sleep. Faith made him promise perseverance, but flesh made him peremptory in that promise. In a word: faith made him resolute to confess, but flesh to contradict his master.
God must give us perseverance before we promise it; it is not in our power, thought it is our duty, to perform it. Though Peter may, by virtue of Christ's promise, be sure not to fall into hell, he cannot be sure by that same promise not to fall into temptation. Though he can be sure that faith will have the last victory, he cannot be sure that faith will have every victory. Though faith cannot die and be finally dried up, yet it may ebb and languish. Though even now in the mind of Peter, faith can look undaunted on the nails of the cross, yet presently it may be affrighted at the voice of a maid. He who has given faith to us, is the only one who can give life & action to our faith. Christ is both the quickener & the object of our faith; by His power it works & on His merits it relies. When He is pleased to withdraw Himself, when both object & mover of faith is absent, faith will be inoperative.
As we cannot see the sun without the light of the sun, so neither can we believe in Christ without the grace of Christ. Lord! Let me never barely promise, but let me pray, & let my purpose to die for Christ be seconded with the supplication that I may not deny Him. Whenever I have an arm of confidence to lift in defense of the truth, let me have a knee of humility to bow before the throne of Grace. Lord, give me what I may promise, & I will promise what you require."
Truths I had never considered before in that way. Beautiful. Convicting.
