FOOT-WASHING, an eastern custom of very early times, having its origin in necessities produced by climate and modes of dress, and in the obligations attached to the rites of hospitality. In the most primitive times, the feet were without covering and sandals afforded protection only to the sole. Consequently, after any journey in the heat and sand, bathing the feet, if not absolutely required, was at least convenient and refreshing. The custom prevailed in the days of Abraham as appears from his invi tation to the travelers who approached his tent: "Let a little water be brought and wash your feet and rest yourselves under the tree." In like manner, Lot said afterwards to two of the same strangers: " Turn, I pray you, into your servant's house and tarry all night and wash your feet." From Scripture and other sources, we learn that the serv ants of a househo:d were accustomed to perform this work for the guests, and thus it hecame.a significant sign of humility. Knowledge of this custom, and of the facts con nected with it, is necessary in order to appreciate that remarkable action which is recorded of the Savior, John xiii., at the last paschal supper, and which he himself instanced as a symbol of humility. In the east, abundant occasions arose for a literal imitation of the example. Many Christians became noted for kind hospitality to their fellow-disciples, of which provision for washing the feet was a customary part and a significant token of the whole. But the command gradually caine to be obeyed in the letter only, and not in the spirit. Augustine speaks of the practice as kept up in his times, and also of doubts entertained concerning the proper day on which the ceremony ought to be performed. When it had become a ceremony to be performed only once a year, not only was the value of the observance reduced to its minimum, but great positive disadvantage attended it. In proportion as the spirit of the command was lost, its ceremonial was exalted and adorned. In 694, the synod of Toledo decided that the anniversary of the passover was the proper day for this observance. In the Greek
church, foot-washing was elevated into a sacrament. In the Latin church, it was strenuously recommended as a sacrament for the remission of daily sins. In the middle ages, it was observed chiefly at the installation of bishops and coronation of princes. In Greek convents and at the Russian court, it is still practiced with great solemnity. In the papal court, in the regal courts of Vienna, Munich, Madrid, and Lisbon, and in Roman Catholic cathedrals and convents, it is observed to this day by washing the feet of twelve persons, generally poor old men. At Rome, in the Clementine chapel, at the beginning of the celebration, the strain, "A new commandment I give unto you," is sung; the representatives of the apostles take their scats, dressed in white woolen tunics; and thepope, in similar attire, sprinkles a few drops of water on the right foot of each, then wipes and kisses it. After this, a repast is given, at which the pope and his cabinet wait on the old men, who, at the close, take with them the tunics and towels, with the addition of a small gratuity in money. Luther opposed this literal and restricted ceremonial as worthless, and inculcated rather a spirit of true humility and general helpfulness to all, according to actual opportunities and needs, saying—" If youwish to wash your neighbor's feet, see that your heart is humble and help every one in becoming better. The Anabaptists, at the reformation, continued the practice. The Moravians revived it, but without strictly enforcing it. Some minor modern sects have adopted it and attach great importance to its literal observance. The church of England, in its early days, imitated the letter of the command; but now in commemoration of it assent Ole annually at Whitehall, corresponding in number to the years of the sovereign's reign, a company of poor people, to each of whom are given clothes, food, and pieces of money equaling in number the years of age of the reigning monarch.