Classic Poem

Our Saviour washing his Disciples Feet.

From supper when the LORD arose,
Aside his garments he bestows,
Then with a towel girt about
His loins, he pours some water out
Into a bason, and began
To dip their feet in, man by man,
And straightway with the towel dry'd,
The which his girded loins supply'd
Then he to Simon Peter came,
Who with anxiety and shame
Cry'd out, ‘Lord, do'st thou wash my feet?’
Then Christ, in condescension sweet,
‘Thou know'st not what these things imply
‘At present, but shalt bye and bye’
O Lord, (did Peter then rejoin)
Thou shalt not wash these feet of mine
Christ answer'd, ‘If I wash thee not,
‘With me thou hast no part or lot.’
Lord, not alone my feet (he said)
But wash my hands, and wash my head.
Says Christ, ‘Whose feet I wash to-night,
‘They're pure and holy in my sight,
‘And for their body have no call:
‘Thus are ye cleansed: but not all.’
(He knew by whom he was betray'd,
And therefore this exception made)
So after he had wash'd their feet,
And took his garments and his seat,
He then did question every one,
‘Know ye how much for you is done?
‘Me Lord and Master ye revere,
‘And ye say well. The truth is clear.
‘If then your Lord and Master deign
‘To wash your feet, 'tis very plain
‘In likewise that ye ought to do,
‘And wash each man his fellow's too.
‘The truth, the very truth I say,
‘His Lord the servant must not sway,
‘Nor does the poor man, sent on earth,
‘Exceed the sender's endless worth
‘If all these things ye comprehend,
‘You're bless'd to goodness if they tend.’
?The Lord, ere yet they drag him hence,
Did this last charity dispense,
Thus his Apostles feet prepare
News evangelical to bear.
But mark what time he makes his claim,
Avouching his majestic name,
Ev'n when humility was great,
And meekness, meekness at the height.
‘Me Lord and Master, as ye greet,
‘I serve your board, and wash your feet.’
Much too for their eternal use
From hence all Christians should deduce,
That brother brother should attend
As kind assistant, guide, and friend,
To help to purge all filth away,
And every long laborious day,
To lend a hand to speed the plough,
Or shoulder to the burthen bow
Respect the pattern set on high,
And learn of CHRIST to live and die .