PAR. 5
THey gave thankes; they dranke wine, they did eate; they discoursed: and all this was done in the first quarter of an houre in the second Supper. But what was their discourse? Or why did Christ take occasion to wash their feete? I an∣swer, we can know neither of these things infallibly, and demonstratively. Second∣ly, I answer, if we knew no ground of it, nor could guesse at the reason of it, wee may well presume Christ did wash his disciples feete, on great, just, momentuall motives. For many things, he knew cause, why he did so; or not so; though they be hid from us. And we must not be too inquisitive when he is silent.
Before I come to demonstration, I must proceede upon three foundations probable enough.
First, that the Apostles might fall out, or strive upon severall occasions, though none be expressely mentioned. Seven guests make a feast; but nine feasters make a brawle, or are scandalous, saith the old proverbe. Many harmelesse occurrences might engender debate.
Secondly, that there was controversie betweene them, now especially in thē second Supper, about superioritie is most probable.