28 Supplement to the Christian Experience and Views of Ellen G. White
own strength, that the angels cease watching over them, and they are
left to the buffetings of satan.
I saw that duties were laid down for us in God’s word, to be
performed to keep the people of God humble and separate from the
world, and from backsliding, like the nominal churches. Washing feet,
and the Lord’s supper should be more frequently practiced. Jesus set us
the example, and told us to do as he had done. I saw that the example
of Christ should be as exactly followed as possible; yet brethren and
sisters have not always moved as judiciously as they should in washing
feet, and confusion has been caused. It should be introduced into new
places with carefulness and wisdom, especially where the people are
not informed relative to the example and teachings of our Lord on this
point, and where they have prejudice against it. Many honest souls are
much prejudiced against this plain duty, through the influence of their
former teachers in whom they had confidence; and the subject should
be introduced to them in a proper time and manner.
There is no example given in the Word for brethren to wash sisters’
feet; but there is an example for sisters to wash the feet of brethren.
Mary washed the feet of Jesus with her tears, and wiped them with
[38]
the hairs of her head. Also see
1 Timothy 5:10
. I saw that the Lord
had moved upon sisters to wash the feet of brethren, and that it was
according to gospel order. All should move understandingly, and not
make the washing of feet a tedious ceremony.
The holy salutation mentioned in the gospel of Jesus Christ as
taught by the apostle Paul, should ever be regarded in its true character.
It is a holy kiss. It should be regarded as a sign of fellowship to
Christian friends, when parting, and meeting again after a separation
for weeks or months. In
1 Thessalonians 5:26
, Paul says:—“Greet all
the brethren with an holy kiss.” And in the same chapter he says:—
“Abstain from all appearance of evil.”
Verse 22
. There can be no
appearance of evil when the holy kiss is given at a proper time and
place.
I saw that the strong hand of the enemy is set against the work, and
the help and strength of every one who loves the cause of truth, should
be enlisted; and great interest manifested by them to uphold the hands
of those who advocate the truth. And by steady watch-care, shut out
the enemy. All should stand as one, united in this work. Every energy
of their soul should be awake; for what is done must be done quickly.