Henry Van Dyke

They Who Tread the Path of Labor

They who tread the path of labor follow where My feet have trod; 
They who work without complaining, do the holy will of God; 
Nevermore thou needest seek me; I am with thee everywhere; 
Raise the stone, and thou shalt find Me, clease the wood and I am there. 

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 Heav’n am broken in the sacrement of life. 

Every task, however simple, sets the soul that does it free; 
Every deed of love and mercy, done to man is done to Me. 
Nevermore thou needest seek me; I am with thee everywhere; 
Raise the stone, and thou shalt find Me; cleave the wood, and I am there.