I have sinned; for I have transgressed the commandment of the Lord; because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.
Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men.
Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil.
ALL timidity, irresolution, fear of ridicule, weakness of purpose, such as the Apostles showed when they deserted Christ, and Peter especially when he denied Him, are to be numbered among the tempers of mind which are childish as well as sinful; which we must learn to despise.
JOHN HENRY NEWMAN
You, who have yielded so readily to your friend's persuasion, and have joined him in doing wrong, you know not how many times a very little resistance would have saved both him and yourself; you know not how many times he was hesitating already, and would have drawn back altogether if you had but given him an opening to do so; you know not how often, at the very time he was arguing with you, he was in reality arguing against his own conscience, and might have been turned back with ease if you had not given way.
FREDERICK TEMPLE
This is a public domain version of Joy and Strength.