To desire and strive to be of some service to the world, to aim at doing something which shall really increase the happiness and welfare and virtue of mankind - this is a choice which is possible for all of us; and surely it is a good haven to sail for.
Henry Van DykeThou wayfaring Jesus - a pilgrim and stranger, Exiled from heaven by love at Thy birth: Exiled again from Thy rest in the manger, A fugitive child 'mid the perils of earth - Cheer with Thy fellowship all who are weary, Wandering far from the land that they love: Guide every heart that is homeless and dreary, Safe to its home in Thy presence above.
Henry Van DykeHymns of today that may be sung by people who know the thought of the age...are not afraid that any truth of science will destroy Christianity, or any revolution will overthrow the Kingdom of Heaven.
Henry Van DykeBe glad of life because it gives you the chance to love, to work, to play, and to look up at the stars.
Henry Van DykeNo amount of energy will take the place of thought. A strenuous life with its eyes shut is a kind of wild insanity.
Henry Van DykeThere is a loftier ambition than merely to stand high in the world. It is to stoop down and lift mankind a little higher.
Henry Van DykeIn love and friendship, small, steady payments on a gold basis are better than immense promissory notes.
Henry Van DykeGratitude is a two fold love - love coming to visit us, and love running out to greet a welcome guest.
Henry Van DykeThe meditative angler is not exempt from sensational periods. There are times when all the uncertainty of his chosen pursuit seems to condense itself into one big chance, and stand out before him like a salmon on the top wave of a rapid. He sees his luck hangs by a single strand of gut, and he cannot tell whether it will hold or break. This is the thrilling moment and he never forgets it.
Henry Van DykeIt is better to burn the candle at both ends, and in the middle, too, than to put it away in the closet and let the mice eat it.
Henry Van DykeFor real company and friendship, there is nothing outside the animal kingdom that is comparable to a river.
Henry Van DykeHalf of the secular unrest and dismal, profane sadness of modern society comes from the vain ideas that every man is bound to be a critic for life.
Henry Van DykeGratitude is the inward feeling of kindness received. Thankfulness is the natural impulse to express that feeling. Thanksgiving is the following of that impulse.
Henry Van DykeThe first day of spring is one thing, and the first spring day is another. The difference between them is sometimes as great as a month.
Henry Van DykeLord, when my spirit shall return to thee, At the foot of a friendly tree let my body be buried, That this dust may rise and rejoice among the branches.
Henry Van DykeHappiness is inward, and not outward; and so, it does not depend on what we have, but on what we are.
Henry Van DykeThe Bible does not profess to make men omniscient, but simply to tell them enough to make them happy and good, if they will believe it and live up to it.
Henry Van DykeIf all the skies were sunshine Our faces would be fain To feel once more upon them The cooling splash of rain. If all the world were music, Our hearts would often long For one sweet strain of silence, To break the endless song If life were always merry, Our souls would seek relief, And rest from weary laughter In the quiet arms of grief.
Henry Van DykeWe may be able to tell how many stars are in the Milky Way; we may be able to count the petals of every flower, and number the bones of every bird; but unless faith leads us to a deeper understanding, a more reverent comprehension of the significance of the universe, God can be no more pleased with our knowledge than the painter is pleased with the fly which touches his picture with its feelers, and sips the varnish from the surface, and dies without dreaming of the meaning, thought, feeling, embodied in the colors.
Henry Van DykeIn the progress of personality, first comes a declaration of independence, then a recognition of interdependence.
Henry Van DykeOne truly affectionate soul in a family will evert a sweetening and harmonizing influence upon all its members.
Henry Van DykeOh, it's home again and home again, America for me! I want a ship that's westward bound to plough the rolling sea To the blessed land of Room Enough beyond the ocean bars, Where the air is full of sunlight and the flag is full of stars.
Henry Van DykeI thank God for the honesty and virility of Jesus religion which makes us face the facts and calls us to take a man's part in the real battle of life.
Henry Van DykeWe measure success by accumulation. The measure is false. The true measure is appreciation. He who loves most has most.
Henry Van DykeAs long as habit and routine dictate the pattern of living, new dimensions of the soul will not emerge.
Henry Van DykeLove is not getting, but giving. Not a wild dream of pleasure and madness of desire - oh, no - love is not that! It is goodness and honor and peace and pure living - yes, love is that and it is the best thing in the world and the thing that lives the longest.
Henry Van DykeWho can explain the secret pathos of Nature's loveliness? It is a touch of melancholy inherited from our mother Eve. It is an unconscious memory of the lost Paradise. It is the sense that even if we should find another Eden, we would not be fit to enjoy it perfectly nor stay in it forever.
Henry Van DykeThe shadow by my finger cast Divides the future from the past: Before it, sleeps the unborn hour, In darkness, and beyond thy power. Behind its unreturning line, The vanished hour, no longer thine: One hour alone is in thy hands,- The NOW on which the shadow stands.
Henry Van DykeWho seeks for heaven alone to save his soul, May keep the path, but will not reach the goal; While he who walks in love may wander far, Yet God will bring him where the blessed are.
Henry Van DykeThere is only one way to get ready for immortality, and that is to love this life and live it as bravely and faithfully and cheerfully as we can.
Henry Van DykeFour things a man must learn to do If he would make his record true; To think without confusion clearly; To love his fellowmen sincerely; To act from honest motives purely; To trust in God and Heav'n securely.
Henry Van DykeIt is better to follow even the shadow of the best, than to remain content with the worst.
Henry Van DykeAnd you will remember that love is not getting, but giving; not a wild dream of pleasure, and a madness of desire — oh no, love is not that — it is goodness, and honour, and peace, and pure living — yes, love is that; and it is the best thing in the world, and the thing that lives longest.
Henry Van Dyke