Peter's strength and loyalty were wavering; but he could not bring himself to flee with the others. Neither could he conclude that it was best to go with Jesus; so he did neither, but "followed Him afar off, even unto the palace of the high priest." At first, he remained on the outside, but later ventured in where the servants were sitting. WEAKNESS BRINGS MISERY While Peter was standing by the stove warming himself, a girl came in, and recognizing him as one who had been with Jesus, said, "Thou, also wast with Jesus of Galilee." [Sidenote: In a Moment of Weakness.] "I know not what thou sayest," said Peter before them all. He then stepped out on the porch, perhaps to cool his burning conscience or to try to collect himself to know what best to do. A man seeing him there cried out, "This man was also with Jesus of Nazareth." "I do not know the man," said Simon; and this time he took an oath. One of the servants of the high priest, who was related to Malchus approached Peter a little later, and said, "Did I not see thee in the Garden with Him?" [10] Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, "Man, I know not what thou sayest." At that moment, Peter heard the cock crow. [Sidenote: Sorrow.] Almost immediately, too, the Savior passing near him, "turned and looked upon Peter." Then recalling the words of his Lord, "Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice." [11] Peter went out and wept bitterly. Footnotes: 1. Luke 22:8. 2. Luke 22:11-12. 3. Matt. 26:22. 4. John 13:34-37. 5. Luke 22:31, 32. 6. Luke 22:33. 7. Matt. 26:35. 8. Mark 14:38. 9. Luke 22:51. 10. John 18:26. 11. Luke 22:61. LESSON 10 OUT OF GLOOM, INTO LIGHT "Strength is born in the deep silence of long-suffering hearts, not amidst joy." [Sidenote: Out of Weakness, Strength.]