CHAPTER III.
FATHER'S DEATH .-- AGE, 6-12.
In the city we went regularly to meeting, and Dr.Black seemed always to talk to _me_, and I had no more difficulty in understanding his sermons, than in mastering the details of the most simple duty.

The first of which I preserve the memory was about Peter, who was made to illustrate the growth of crime.

He began with boasting; then came its natural fruit, cowardice, in following his master afar off; next falsehood, and from this he proceeded to perjury.

It did seem that a disciple of Christ could go no further; but for falsehood and perjury there might be excuse in the hope of reward, and Peter found a lower deep, for "he began to curse and to swear." A profane swearer is without temptation, and serves the devil for the pure love of the service.

What more could Peter do to prove that he knew not Jesus?
In the communion service is a ceremony called "fencing the tables," which consists of an appeal to the consciences of intended communicants.
Dr.Black began with the first commandment and forbade those living in its violation to come to the table, and so proceeded through the decalogue.