(The disciple)

The Bread of Life.

(The Gospel History, Section 64)

He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood abideth in me, and I in him. As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father; so he that eateth me, he also shall live because of me. This is the bread which came down out of heaven: not as the fathers did eat, and died: he that eateth this bread shall live for ever.

(The disciple)

(The Saviour of the World, Vol IV, Book I, Poem XXVII)

“He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood abideth in me, and I in him.”

How wilt Thou come, O Lord? I bend mine ear
To listen for Thy footfall drawing near;
And wilt Thou come and sit beside me here,
May I draw very close to Thee nor fear?

Beside Thee, with Thee, near Thee, O my Lord,
How good of so close place to be assured!
More intimate and tender is Thy Word—
In Thee—the shelter Thou wouldst me afford!

Was never friend so intimately kind;
Scarce any lets me share his inmost mind;
A heart reserved in every man I find—
Thou hast, to take me into Thee, designed:

My soul, abashed, falls at the gracious feet
Of Him, my Lord, who holds me not unmeet,
All mean and sin-defiled, for place so sweet;
A closet in Christ’s heart I dare entreat!

That other word to me Thou wilt fulfil—
To come to me; it is Thy lovely will
My heart to enter—keep within, until
All clean and gracious shows that domicile.

Lift up your heads, O Gates, the King shall come,
The King of Glory! He shall make His home
In this poor place of mine nor ever roam:
Who is the King of Glory? Let Him come!

St. John vi. 54-58.