proper opportunity is wanting for the discovery of it. "Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth."

Once more: observe the difference between Judas and his fellow disciples in the notice taken by them of our Lord's prediction of his betrayal by one of them. 'Lord, is it I?" said the traitor, but not till the question became necessary to avoid detection and exposure. "Lord, is it I?" said each of the others, instantly awakened to an holy alarm. Not, "Lord, is it Judas?"-though his reserve might have excited suspicion; nor, Lord, is it Thomas? or James, or any other of them? but "Lord, is it I?" From their example of self-distrust let us learn not to judge or suspect others, but every one himself, on this all-important question, the sincerity of our love to Christ. What does conscience say, what does our conversation in the world say, for our attachment to him whom we call our Lord and Master, and our comparative disregard and contempt for every rival object? 'Lord, is it I?" How am I really and radically affected to Christ? What evidence have I of my being "constrained by the love of him, to live no longer to myself but to him who died for me and rose again"? It has been said, and I believe truly said, that never did any one believe in Christ with

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out having first doubted. And, with equal truth, it may be said, that never did any one love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity" without having found reason for self-mistrust and self-examination respecting the sincerity of his love. Let me only add, May the apostolic benediction to which I have referred be abundantly verified in the experience of all here present:-" Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.” Ep. vi. 24.

DISCOURSE II.

Christ washing the feet of his Disciples.

JOHN XIII. 1–11.

"Now before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him; Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; he riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. And after that he poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded," etc.

THE second scene depicted in the pictorial window in the Church, beginning, let it be remembered, to the person facing it, at the left hand

corner below, represents our Saviour in the memorable act of washing the feet of his disciples. For want of space only six figures appear in the design, whilst the presence of the whole company is left to be imagined by the spectator supplying, from the sacred story, the pictorial deficiencies. This extraordinary act of our Saviour was, in respect of his divine nature, one of infinite condescension; whilst, in respect of his mediatorial character as God and man, one Christ, it was an act of profound humility. It was on the whole a signal exemplification of the description given of him by St. Paul, (Philip ii. 6-8,) "Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God. But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant....and being found in the fashion as a man, he humbled himself," etc.

In taking for a subject of discourse the singular occurrence related in the text, the remark of the evangelist introducing it to our attention may serve to give the lead to our reflections. "Now before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end." And how did he, at that time, show his love to them? For an answer to that question, his converse with them in this 13th and the three fol

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lowing chapters of this gospel must be attentively examined. The love of Jesus to his disciples forms the subject of that remarkable portion of Holy Writ. In a long continued familiar conversation with them, at a time when his own agony and passion, immediately in view, might have been expected to engross his whole mind with sorrowful and dreadful considerations, he pours out his heart in such a tide of love to his disciples as might reasonably have implied the absence of all consideration for himself. This pathetic and loving discourse was prefaced by a touchingly significant act of love, joined with its inseparable associate, humility. His washing of the feet of his disciples was evidently intended as an emphatic emblem of the love about to be more fully expressed by him in his last converse with them before he suffered. In this extraordinary act there was a display of love and meekness on his part such as could never escape the remembrance of the disciples, nor fail to remind them of those two most prominent features of his character, love and humility. And what would be the effect of this impression of his character on their minds ? Its proper effect, in their recollection, would be in a high degree consolatory and encouraging. It would serve as an antidote to despondency, when such an antidote was wanting. It would serve for a revival of faith on any failure of it; and of fidelity, in case