The charge—Of receiving a disciple

Mission of the Twelve. Instructions.

(The Gospel History, Section 59)

He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only, in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

The charge—Of receiving a disciple

(The Saviour of the World, Vol III Book IV Poem XLII)

Who opes a door of welcome wide
And prays that ye with him abide,
Who spreads his best to entertain,
Tho’ all his best be poor and plain—
That man another guest receives;
Behold, his King doth come that day
With the poor, humble man to stay!
Nay, God Himself doth condescend
To visit that man as His Friend:

A good man’s friends have many friends;
All do him grace a prophet sends;
Shall My disciples not ensure
Much good for them, their good procure?
Doth it not count, a man should grace
Servants I send before My face?
I tell you, yea; no gift beguiled—
Cup of cold water to a child—
From any man by word ye speak
But its reward from Me shall seek:
Who honours you, he serveth Me;
Safe stands he in his lot, and see,—
His undertakings all are blest,
Misfortunes do not him molest:
Not that man’s debtor will I be
Who serves the friend who serveth Me!

St. Matthew x. 40-42.