Simple indeed the words! But how full of meaning! How searching for our consciences! How appealing for our hearts!

That they might have part with Him, the Lord of glory, the Son of God, He had stooped to wash His disciples' feet. He had given them an example in this of love and care and humility. If He then, Lord and Master, had washed their feet they should wash one another's feet. They should love one another-care for one another-take the lowest place with others for their good.

Typical action His had been. It set forth in figure the great stoop He had made in coming into Manhood, and in going to the cross of Calvary for our salvation and blessing. Further, it presented the present service on high in order that His own might share with Him in His joys before His Father and His God; having "part with" Himself in all that He can share with His loved ones.

"As I have done to you." The pattern was set for those who had followed him, and for us who seek to follow Him today. Let us break up that brief sentence and examine it in detail a little.

"As." After the example He had given, imitating Him, so they were to act. With earnest desire they were to seek the benefit of others-any one of, of each, of all their fellow-disciples. No service was to be accounted too lowly or exacting. No individual was to be beneath their notice or slighted in their ministry.

"There's not a lamb within Thy flock
I would disdain to serve,"

said the poet, expressing the same gracious thought. The Master is great and "despiseth not any."

"I." We think of the Speaker. His majesty and Godhead glories have been unfolded in the gospel. He, the Word, eternal, infinite, the Creator and Upholder of all things. He who became that which He was not before, as He took the body prepared for Him, becoming Man in fulness, holiness, and perfection. He who had trodden His wondrous pathway of glory to God and grace towards Man in which,

"Each wayworn wanderer sought His aid,
And none was e'er denied."

"HAVE DONE. " He had acted in love and lowliness. He had set before them such a picture. In this, as in all, they were to learn of Him who is meek and lowly in heart, and be "clothed with humility," and above all "put on love"-in their dealings one with another. He had done this as they knew right well, coming not to be ministered unto but to minister. Now that He was leaving them and going to the Father He would give them from on high the Holy Spirit, "the Spirit of Christ," so that they might be empowered to follow His steps.

"TO YOU." He knew all about them. Their fickleness, and feebleness, and failure, had been expressed again and again. Soon, in a few brief hours, they would all forsake Him and flee, then one with oaths and curses would deny any knowledge of Him. What comfort is here for all saints! He views every one of them "from the top of the rocks" with the eyes of love, and counts them "the excellent of the earth in whom is all His delight."

Thus should it be with us. Our love to one another, "As I have loved you." Our service one toward another, "As I have done to you." And this towards all His own anywhere, everywhere, according to the opportunity arising.

We "ought to wash one another's feet." This is our duty-the duty of each and all. Not leaving it to a leader, or "gifted brother," but "able to admonish one another" as seeking the honor of Christ and the well-being of His saints.

But if we are to do this our own feet must be cleansed; love must prompt the service, the linen towel of practical righteousness must be about us, we must have the water of the Word, and we must stoop low to perform the service.

And, as has been said, we must not have scalding water, or our brother will not suffer us to cleanse. It is easier to condemn than to cleanse. The proof of our being spiritual is that we can restore.

Oh, for grace to be more like our Master and Lord, and so to be of true help to His own! And "He giveth more grace, but resisteth the proud and giveth grace to the humble;" so we are not straitened in Him. Inglis Fleming