Faith is an adventure; it is the courage of the soul to face the unknown. But that courage springs from the hope and confidence of the soul that its adventure will succeed.
Henry Van DykeModest egotism is the salt of conversation; you do not want too much of it, but if it is altogether omitted, everything tastes flat.
Henry Van DykeLong ago Apollo called to Aristæus, youngest of the shepherds, Saying, "I will make you keeper of my bees." Golden were the hives, and golden was the honey; golden, too, the music, Where the honey-makers hummed among the trees.
Henry Van DykeEven if we should find another Eden, we would not be fit to enjoy it perfectly nor stay in it forever.
Henry Van DykeA river is the most human and companionable of all inanimate things. It has a life, a character, a voice of its own; and it is as full of good fellowship as a sugar maple is of sap. It can talk in various tones, loud or low, and of many subjects grave and gay.... For real company and friendship there is nothing, outside of the animal kingdom, that is comparable to a river.
Henry Van Dyke