Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-01-24

an excellent sermon. I'm which the doctrines
of the organization were expounded, with
special reference to this custom and the i'm.
portance OF its continuance. This concluded
the morning session, and adjournment was
made to eat the bounteous dinner soon
spread on white table cloths laid on the
ground beneath the natural canopy Of the
hreeze-stirred boughs.
1mmedia tely following the meal preuara-
tons were made for the ceremony of tho
day. Assembling as before the Lords sup
per was first observed. the sacred element
resting on small white-covered table in
front Of the pulpit-a broken cracker on a
plate and flask Of wine. with two tum-
blers at the side
briefly and pleasantly explained and then
several hundred persons remained quietly
in their places while a score of men and
hair dozen women gathered about the
sacred table. With trembling hands and
quivering lips the emblems were partaken
OF, while tears of repentance stole down the
furrowed cheeks
Washing the Feet.
After placing the unused bread and wine
in basket and removing the cloth two
buckets OF water were put on the table
and beside them two granite ware basins
about fifteen inches in diameter and sew
eral large towels.
Reading the 18th chapter of ST. John the
elder gave a lucid explanation of the posi-
ton the Primitive Baptists have ALWAYS
maintained in regard to foot washing the
oolisatlon to follow and obey the Masters
Injunction: IF / then Your Lord ana
Master, have washed your feet. We also
ought to wash one another's feet For I
nave given you an example. that ye should
do as have done TO YOU Uohn Xiii14-151
For the clearing of their consciences ha
said. they feel the performance of this GER
emony as incumbent them as that of
any other of Christ's commands Then
passing the ha sci LODI x.-;.b
two deacons. he was observed to Indicate
whose feet he would wash. One basin was
handed to the six women who had COM
muned little apart at one side of the null
pit Two chairs covered with towels
screened them from the too curious gaze:
and while they moved about and knesled in
front OF one another no demonstration came
from beneath the somber poke bonnets-
only formal handshake as they ex-
changed places.
The men. however. made no effort to es-
cape notice; and when the dusty shoe was
removed and the clean white warn stocking
exposed. there was no suggestion Of ipdeIi-
cacy IN the act. neither was there when the
WholeSome-looking sock was drawn off and
paced within the shoe. The elder proceed
go TO set the example Murmuring some
verse OF Scripture. he knelt before one Of
ahe most unhappy looking participants.
Llrtlng and holding either foot in his left
~ nana over the basin. he poured water over
1t and gently rubbed 1t: then. having grid
ed himself with a towel. he wiped them
dry. The man whom he had thus honored
then arose. the elder took his place and
was served by the Misunderstanding brother
IN similar manner.
Intense Emotion.
otner basins Of water were brought and
LOT an hour the onlookers sat in silence
with marked reverence until the intense
emotion found expression in words from
some who were participating in the sacred
rite. Tears of tina DLfulpeSS
lowed humiliation on one old feeble man,
race as a sanity looking patriarch an
preached to do him the seryice-tears ~
gratitude that he was privileged to be count
eo worthy OF such an honor. for no one is
allowed to receive this courtesy-if il might
be SO called-who has an ill-will or who
bears grudge against his neighbor. The oc-
caslon might well be called the clearing
house of the year.
Happier and more radiant became the
countenances. Explanations rejecting the
1eehngs aroused We're heard from every
side Bless you. my brother, / love to do
this, said one. Il don't feel humiliation
In doing what the Master did for His dis
clples, announced another turning to the
audience now deeply stirred Men who
had wandered from the fold sat with bowed
heads, women moaned aloud. and some pray
ed aloud.
Il want always, friends, to be found at
the feet of my brethren sobbed one of the
youngest about the pulpit. as he replaced
his shoes with trembling hands.
Praise him, Praise the Lord, This is
the crowning Of my work my friends" the
White-haired elder said in his closing re-
marks. And in impressive eloquence he adj
monished them to let the lesson so Illus
trated sink deep into their hearts: that no
sacrifice of personal feelings is too great
to be of service to the brethren; that it is
ever the duty of members to seek out the
needy. to care for the sick and comfort the
afflicted
The congregation rising, the hand Of
Christian fellowship was extended. and al
the long shadows crept in and the sun fell
low enough to peep in at the open windows
the benediction was pronounced and re-
ceived.