V. THE BENEFITS ACCRUING FROM A PROPER OBSERVANCE OF IT.

      The means and ordinances of religion were all ordered for the benefit of man; and therefore all of them are more or less beneficial when observed and made use of. The standing ordinances are peculiarly beneficial to Christians, when rightly observed. The ordinance of feet washing has a special promise annexed to it: "If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them" [Joh 13:17]. Hence, therefore,

      1. CHRISTIANS ARE BENEFITED BY A PROPER OBSERVANCE OF THIS ORDINANCE, BECAUSE IT COMMEMORATES THE HUMILITY [357] AND LOVE OF CHRIST. We have already shown that this was one of the ends for which it was instituted. As a memorial, therefore, of the Saviour's deep humility and condescending love, it cannot fail to be useful to His humble and cross-bearing followers. This sacred ordinance, so eminently calculated to bring the power and force of Christ's example in respect to these attributes, into a lively and faithful remembrance, cannot fail to excite admiration, and inspire resolution to imitation. And here lies the first benefit accruing to the faithful observers of this ceremony. But Christians are benefited, because,

      2. IT REPRESENTS AND IMPRESSES THEIR MINDS WITH THE GREAT IMPORTANCE OF HUMILITY AND LOVE IN THE [99] FORMATION OF THEIR OWN CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. If it is a benefit to have the mind impressed so as to feel the necessity and importance of these cardinal graces, much greater must be the benefits when Christians come into actual possession of these virtues, and feel that they are clothed with humility, and have fervent charity among themselves. Humility and love are the Christian's chief ornament and glory, and make him like a city set upon a hill, that cannot be hid; or like a candle upon a lamp-stand, to give light to all in the house. Hence these graces make the Christian twice blessed; they bless him that gives and him that takes. And to symbolize them by an ordinance, and thus give them perpetual prominence and importance in the eyes of the church and of the world, was a wise and merciful arrangement on the part of the great Head of the Church. Furthermore, Christians are benefited by the observance of the ordinance,

      3. BECAUSE THEREBY THEY ARE REMINDED OF THE FACT, THAT THE VOWS OF GOD ARE UPON THEM TO BE FAITHFUL. As Christ was faithful over His own house, and came not to be ministered to, but to minister, so Christians are likewise called to be faithful in their heavenly Father's house, by discharging every duty they owe to God, to one another, and to their fellow men around them. Especially are they taught by this ordinance to dwell together in unity, to live in peace, and to serve one another in love; putting away from among them all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and evil speaking, with all malice; and be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven them (Eph 4:31,32). Such lessons, so impressively taught, cannot but be beneficial. But finally, Christians are benefited by this ordinance, [100]

      4. BECAUSE THEY HUMBLE THEMSELVES AND OBEY CHRIST. We have shown before that it was intended to be a test of their implicit obedience, and that those who implicitly obey Christ, have the promise of happiness. "If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them" [Joh 13:17]. "He that humbleth himself, shall be exalted" [Lu 14:11 18:14]. Wisdom's "ways are ways of pleasantness and all her paths are peace" [Pr 3:17].

      The duty of man to secure his own happiness, is one of the first laws of his nature. It is one of the first and most natural principles in the breast of mankind, and which neither ought nor can be laid aside by any man. Hence, how widely soever men may differ in other things, yet in this it is manifest they all agree, that to search for happiness is alike the duty and interest of all mankind. Learned and ignorant, wise men and foolish, the righteous and wicked, do all agree on this point; the only difference between them lies in determining wherein their true happiness consists, and by what methods it may best be attained. It is also the uniform judgment and testimony of the wise and good in all ages that real and abiding happiness is nowhere to be found but in the favor of God and the practice of pure religion. Herein, moreover, there can be no controversy, that the favor and blessing of God, and the consolations of true religion, are pivoted on faith and obedience. He that believeth on Christ with a heart to righteousness, and who abides in His word, has the promise of acceptance and happiness. But he that knows His Master's will, and doeth it not, to him it is sin, and he shall be beaten with many stripes. Hence, the gospel shuts up every man to the necessity of faith and obedience. And hence, also, to the observance of the ordinance of feet washing, as part of His revealed will. Intelligent and conscientious Christians, who read [101] and hear and know this ordinance to be their duty, cannot remain disobedient with impunity. And those who know these things and do them, cannot but be happy.

      In conclusion, we proceed to consider,

VI. ANSWERS TO POPULAR OBJECTIONS, URGED AGAINST THE ORDINANCE OF FEET WASHING.

[ORD 99-102]