JESUS ANOINTED AT BETHANY.

159

LXXXV.

JESUS ANOINTED AT BETHANY.

MATTHEW XXVI. 1-19.

To what purpose is this waste? - Verse 8.

"WHY pour that precious perfume forth.
Upon Messiah's head!

What is to him the fragrance worth,
In such profusion shed?
Is he to luxury resigned,
That costly gift to need;
Or can his pure and lofty mind
The toys of grandeur heed?"

So reasoned, with contracted thought,
The followers of the Lord;
But he, with holier wisdom fraught,
Reproved their censuring word.
Did gratitude the gift impart,

That gratitude he blest,

And loved the generous, feeling heart,
That sought to bring its best.*

* "For Love delights to bring her best,

And where Love is, the offering evermore is blest."

KEBLE.

Can we to Christ no tribute bring,

The cross for us who bore; Nor hail with humble offering The God whom we adore? That offering he will not disdain, If with true spirit given;

Nor is the grateful thought in vain, That the heart prompts for Heaven.

JESUS WASHES THE DISCIPLES' FEET.

161

LXXXVI.

JESUS WASHES THE DISCIPLES' FEET.

JOHN XIII.

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; after that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. Verses 3, 4, 5.

In the hour of meditation,

When beneath the temple's shade,
Emblems of the great salvation
On the altar are displayed;

Ere the pastor's voice hath spoken
Of the ordinance divine,

Ere the hallowed bread is broken,
Poured the sacramental wine;

While the reverent crowd retiring
Leave the solemn chancel free,
Then my soul from earth aspiring,
Saviour! rises unto thee!

Then the scenes of distant ages
Are to Fancy's vision brought,

As, of old, inspired sages

To the listening churches taught.

Lo, around their Lord reclining,
The disciples' band appear,
Not a heart but his divining

Trial, scourge, and cross so near.

Yes! he knows his hour of sorrow; But the love that conquers death Must, before that fatal morrow,

One last blessed gift bequeath.

Rising from his honored station, Beaming with his Father's grace, Author of the world's salvation,

Lo! he takes a menial's place.

Then with words of warm affection Doth he teach his chosen flock, Comforts now their deep dejection, Leads them to the Living Rock.

Holy Teacher! in our weakness,
When temptation's hosts assail,
May the memory of thy meekness
O'er our spirit's foes prevail!

May our love be pure and fervent, Like the love that filled thy breast,

Who didst stoop to be a servant,

That thy people might be blest.

INSTITUTION OF THE LORD'S SUPPEr.

163

LXXXVII.

INSTITUTION OF THE LORD'S SUPPER.

LUKE XXII. 15-38.

This do in remembrance of me. Verse 19.

-

"TAKE, and eat," the Saviour said,
As he gave the hallowed bread.
"This be your perpetual token
Of my body, torn and broken.

"As I pour this ruby wine,

Must be poured this blood of mine.
By that purple gushing tide
Shall the world be purified.

"Ye whom I so long have loved,
In my trials faithful proved,
Thus when I have left your sight,
Keep my memory ever bright."

Time passed on. The Saviour's death
Sealed the triumph of his faith;
And the chosen of the Lord

Treasured well his parting word.