By Joseph Parker

      "For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you" (John 13:15).

      What will he do in the moment of supreme consciousness? He will show his diadem now; with his right hand he will take away the cloud which veiled it, and the shining of that diadem shall put out the sun. What will he do in this summer time?

      We have analogous times in our own consciousness, when we feel what we are, when the divinity stirs within us, when we feel the blood of a hundred kings burning in our veins. What is our wish under the pressure of such heroic and tempting consciousness? Surely to do some great thing; surely to vindicate our right to be called by brilliant names.

      What did Jesus Christ do? Mark the time: the whole pith of this part of the discourse is in the point of time--"Jesus knowing"--in modern words, the consciousness of Jesus urged to its highest point, realising its utmost sensitiveness, receiving into itself the full revelation of the divine meaning. "Jesus knowing"--that his right hand was full, and his left hand--yea, "that the Father had given all things into his hands"--what did he do? He arose from supper, he laid aside his garments, he took a towel and girded himself, he poured water into a basin, "and began to wash the disciples' feet."