The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-04-25
A SATURDAY SERMON.

For I have given you an example, that
We should do as have done to YOU
John 1875.
"A gentleman can do anything"
The man with SO little real dignity
that the frail plant needs careful nurs-
ing may be forgiven for being forever
ION his dignity but the truly great
mans dignity looks out for itself; he
can afford to stoop. Whatever he
touches becomes dignifed by that
touch. Thus there is real greatness,
and even royalty, in the spectacle of
Christ washing the feet of his dis
ciples.
In day when much of the world
seems bent upon putting up 'front.'"
as the expressive colloquialism has it,
pretending to be more than it really
is, and caring more for appearances
than for real worth, this dramatic
lesson from the Great Teacher is need
ed. There is a difference between
seeming humble and being humble;
the first is prides most offensive pose.
The person who seeks a reputation
for humility proves by that fact his
utter lack of humility.
Real humility is, first but one road
to helpfulness-the strong STOPPING to
serve; and, secondly, large apprecia
ton of the relative Importance of
things. The greatest soul is accustom-
ed to measure itself by still greater
standards, and SO perceives it's own
smallness. When a true spirit con-
siders the nobility of other lives, the
vastness of the work to be done in the
world, and the greatness and goodness
in it, it experiences a sense of abase-
ment and unworthiness.
Newspaper men know that the most
interesting news is that which lies
back of the printed report, 1.-The story
behind the story This famous Incl
dent at the last supper really had its
beginning in an unseemly squabble
among the apostles. So far from per-
feet were these men that, even while
their Teacher, upon whom the shadow
of the cross had fallen heavily, was
unburdening his breaking heart to
them, his nearest friends, they were
engaged in petty strife as to which
should be accounted the greatest. 1t
was as a deep and impressive rebuke
to this spirit that the Master did the
slaves task of feet-washing which all
form.
One reason why Jesus went to all
this trouble with his disciples is that,
Having loved his own, he loved
them unto the end" This characters
tic of constancy. which is the ever
present royal insignia of the true low
er, marks the course of the Best
Friend. He did not give up his friends
4 in sic of
worthiness appeared in them; that he
regarded as only another opportunity
for him to prove the genuineness and
helpfulness of his friendship.
Love is not love
Which alters when it alteration finds"
The significance of any deed is to
be found in the character of the doer.
Hundreds and thousands of slaves and
hired servants on that fatal night
1900 years ago laved the dusty feet of
their masters and their masters
guests. That was their business. But
when Jesus did so, all heaven ceased
it's singing in order to marvelEthe
King of kings and Lord Of lords doing
a slaves work.
He did this deed of lowliness in the
full consciousness of his kingliness. 1t
was the disciples place to wash the
Teachers feet; but Jesus systemati-
cally and consistently endeavored to
inculcate the doctrine of the royalty
of service and the nobility of humility.
Some sweet and sanity souls do not
need the exhortation to lowliness, but
rather the reverse. These negative
virtues are to be preached to positive
| characters. The man of force needs
the doctrine of meekness; the man of