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member endeavored to clear away everything that would tend to sep-
arate him from his brethren and from God. Hearts were closely
searched; prayers for a divine revelation of hidden sin were earnestly
offered; confessions of overreaching in trade, of ill-advised words
hastily spoken, of sins cherished, were made. The Lord came near,
and we were greatly strengthened and encouraged.—
Manuscript 102,
1904
.
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The Purpose of the Ordinance of Service—Reconciliation one
with another is the work for which the ordinance of feet washing was
instituted. By the example of our Lord and Master, this humiliating
ceremony has been made a sacred ordinance. Whenever it is cele-
brated, Christ is present by His Holy Spirit. It is this Spirit that brings
conviction to hearts.
As Christ celebrated this ordinance with His disciples, conviction
came to the hearts of all save Judas. So we shall be convicted as Christ
speaks to our hearts. The fountains of the soul will be broken up. The
mind will be energized, and, springing into activity and life, will break
down every barrier that has caused disunion and alienation. Sins that
have been committed will appear with more distinctness than ever
before; for the Holy Spirit will bring them to our remembrance. The
words of Christ, “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them,”
will be clothed with new power.—
The Review and Herald, November
4, 1902
.
Test of the Heart—This ordinance of feet washing was made a
religious service.... It was given as something to test and prove the
loyalty of the children of God. When modern Israel observes the
sacramental ordinance, this ceremony should precede the partaking of
the emblems of the Lord’s death.
This ordinance was given for the benefit of Christ’s disciples. And
Christ meant all that He said when His lips uttered the words, “I have
given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.... If ye
know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” He designed by this
to test the true state of the heart and mind of those who participated
therein.—
Manuscript 8, 1897
.
For All Time in Every Country—In the place of the national fes-
tival which the Jewish people had observed, He instituted a memorial
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service, the ordinance of feet washing and the sacramental supper, to
be observed through all time by His followers in every country. These