ABSTRACT
THERE is much on this subject in the teaching of the blessed Ambrose in Bk II, Ch. 21, of his work On the Duties of Ministers, where he puts forward a great deal that should be noted with reference to the outstanding charm and reward of hospitality. 1 Among other things he says that it befits a man to be hospitable, kind-hearted, just, and not greedy for others’ possessions. Indeed, he should be more inclined to yield some part of his own rights, if he is prompted to it, than brush aside those of someone else. He avoids lawsuits, shrinks from brawls, and restores harmony and the beauty of peace. Certainly for a good man to unbend somewhat in respect of his own rights is not only a matter of liberality but generally convenient as well. In the first place, to be spared the expense of a lawsuit is no small gain, as also it is to enhance a friendship; from this arise a good many advantages which later, in their own time, prove profitable. Now in all the duties of hospitality courtesy should be offered, but to upright persons a more abundant honour and respect should be shown, so that anyone who ‘receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward,’ not forgetting the gift of a cup of cold water, etc. 2
