142
Spiritual Gifts, Volume 3
them lessons of humility. He connected this ordinance with the supper.
He designed that this should be a season of self-examination, that his
followers might have an opportunity to become acquainted with the
true feelings of their own hearts toward God and one another. If pride
existed in their hearts, how soon would it be discovered to the honest,
erring ones, as they should engage in this humble duty. If selfishness or
hatred to one another should exist, it is more readily discovered as they
engage in this humble work. This ordinance was designed to result in
mutual confessions to one another, and to increase feelings of forbear-
ance, forgiveness of each other’s errors, and true love, preparatory to
engaging in the solemn ordinance of commemorating the sufferings
and death of Christ. He loved his disciples well enough to die for
them. He exhorted them to love one another, as he had loved them.
The example of washing the feet of his disciples was given for the
benefit of all who should believe in him. He required them to follow
his example. This humble ordinance was not only designed to test
their humility and faithfulness, but to keep fresh in their remembrance,
that the redemption of his people was purchased upon conditions of
humility and continual obedience upon their part. “So,
[227]
after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set
down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye
call me Master and Lord, and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your
Lord and Master, have washed your feet, ye also ought to wash one
another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as
I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not
greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent
him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them,“
Jesus then took his place again at the table, whereon were placed
bread and unfermented wine, which arrangements had been made
according to Christ’s directions. He appeared very sorrowful. “And he
took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying,
This is my body, which is given for you. This do in remembrance of
me. Likewise, also, the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the New
Testament in my blood, which is shed for you. Verily, I say unto you,
I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine until that day that I drink it
new in the kingdom of God.”
Here our Saviour instituted the Lord’s supper, to be often cele-
brated, to keep fresh in the memory of his followers the solemn scenes