The greatest in the Kingdom

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

“Came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven?”

“And Jesus called a little child unto Him, and set him in the midst of them.”

Weigh his estate and thine: accustom’d, he,
To all sweet courtly usage that obtains
Where dwells the King. How, with thy utmost pains,
Canst thou produce what shall full worthy be?

One “greatest in the kingdom” is with thee,
Who all-unhindered sees the Father’s face,
And thence replenished glows with constant grace:
Take fearful heed lest he despiséd be!

Order thy goings softly, as before
A Prince; nor let thee out unmannerly
In thy rude moods and irritable: more,
Beware lest round him wind of words rave free:

Refrain thee; see thy speech be sweet and rare;
Thy ways, considered, and thine aspect, fair.

St. Matthew xviii, 1, 2.
St. Mark ix, 36.
St. Luke ix, 47.