John 13:15

In the fourth place, This duty is more distinctly inforced from Christs former practice in washing their feet; wherein he sheweth, that he did it as an example to them, which therefore they are bound to imitate. Whence learn, 1. It is a commendable duty in the Lords children, to study to be good examples in their carriage, one to another; for, herein Christ hath led the way, in giving good example. 2. Albeit Christ, as God, and Mediatour, hath done works of omnipotency and by way of satisfaction for sinners, which are or can be imitate by none; Yet in the matter of obedience to the Law, he hath done works expressely for imitation and example, which are to be marked; for, saith he, I have given you an example. 3. As in all duties of obedience, so especially in the matter of humility, Christ hath cast an excellent copy to his followers; both to encourage poor sinners to come to him, and excite them to follow him; for, this is the particular, wherein, saith he, I have given you an example. See Matth. 11.29. 4. Such as acknowledge Christ to be precious, as they will subject themselves to all his commands, so they will count it a strong obligation to any duty, that Christ hath gone about it in his own practice, and thereby commended it to them; for, they ought wash one anothers feet, ver. 14. for I have given you an example, &c. 5. It stands as a general rule, that what Christ hath done to us in love, we stand bound, in our stations, and to our power, to do the same to others; for, ye should do as I have done to you. Our imitation comes alwayes short; but we must follow him in so far as we can attain. See Matth. 6.14, 15. 1 Joh. 3.16.