ICH DIEN by Henry Van Dyke

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Feb 6, 1901

“ICH DIEN.”

By Henry Van Dyke

[I serve.]

NEVER in a costly palace did I rest on golden bed, Never in a hermit's cavern have I eaten idle bread.

Born within a lowly stable, where the cattle round Me stood, Trained a carpenter in Nazareth, I have toiled, and found it good.

They who tread the path of labor follow where My feet have trod; They who work without complaining do the holy will of God.

Where the many toil together, there am I among My own; Where the tired workman sleepeth, there am I with him alone.

I, the Peace that passeth knowledge, dwell amid the daily strife; I, the Bread of heaven, am broken in the sacrament of life.

—Henry Van Dyke.