FEET WASHING, Is it commanded to be done C. H. Cayce A few weeks ago we received a letter which contained the following: “I would like to ask a question through The Primitive Baptist, as there is quite an opinion in regard to feet washing. Where should it be done, is the question, and where is the Scripture that they washed feet at time of communion? I have a five dollar bill for any Baptist or reader for the information where I will find that Scripture.” We wrote a private letter [pg 215] in reply to the brother, and have decided to publish the same, omitting name and post office.
While we think that feet washing is required, and that the proper, or most suitable, time is at the close of the communion service, yet we are aware that it has not been a universal practice, and we do not think it right to make it a test of fellowship. Those who fail to engage in the practice do not know what they are missing. The following is a copy of the letter we wrote the brother in reply to his letter:
Dear Brother: Replying to yours of January 14, will say, get your Bible and turn to John 13:14-15,16, and read as follows: “If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.” Here it is plainly stated, that “Ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.” The Lord said this. He either was correct in this statement or else He was wrong., If He was wrong, then we should say, “Ye also ought not to wash one another’s feet.” Will you say, “Ye ought not to wash one another’s feet,” or will you say, “Ye also ought to wash one another’s feet?” Was the Saviour right or was He wrong? Verse 15 says, “I have given you an example.” An example is something to be followed. If the Lord was right in this statement, the example which He set in washing the disciples’ feet should be followed. Again, “That ye should do as I have done to you,” is a statement also made by Him in that same verse. An example which is right is something that those people to whom it is given are under obligation to follow. Any thing which one ought to do is something which is wrong for him to leave undone. Anything which one should do is [pg 216] some thing which he is obligated to do. This obligation of doing rests upon him, and he is blameworthy if he fails. From this it is evident that there can be no question but what the followers of the Lord are required to wash each other’s feet, or to engage in the practice of feet washing. Now the question is, as asked by you, “When should this be done?” I note that you promise to give $5.00 to anyone who will show when this was, or when it should be, practiced.
By referring to John 13:2 you will find that John says, “And supper being ended.” And in verse four, John says, “He riseth from supper,” and then goes on and relates the entire circumstance of the Saviour washing the disciples’ feet, down to and including verse seventeen. Then beginning with verse eighteen, he goes back and relates the conversation which took place during the eating of the Passover supper, at which (Passover supper) He instituted the sacramental supper, or communion. To show you this is the same conversation I refer you to this fact— in verse twenty one he records the Saviour’s language thus, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, That one of you shall betray me.” Matt. 26:20-29 gives an account of the eating of this Passover and the institution of the sacramental supper. In verse twenty-one he tells us that the Saviour said, “Verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.” This shows that the conversation was during the Passover supper. Matt. 26:26-29 shows that the sacramental supper was instituted at the close of this Passover. Then John’s language shows that when the supper was ended the Saviour washed the disciples’ feet. Please read these references, and others, and investigate, according to this way of harmonizing the matters recorded concerning this question. I think I have shown you what you asked for. Shall I look for the $5.00? The Primitive Baptist, March 24, 1914.