This is the gospel of labour, ring it, ye bells of the kirk! The Lord of Love came down from above, to live with the men who work. This is the rose that He planted, here in the thorn-curst soil: Heaven is blest with perfect rest, but the blessing of Earth is toil.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Labor is presented as a divine principle where working with the poor is holy and earth's blessing is found in toil.
- In plain terms
- God values workers, and hard work is a blessing on earth.
- What can you take from it?
- Work is a sacred activity that connects humanity to the divine.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is work a form of worship?
- What is the value of hard work?
Another view
It may overlook the exploitation inherent in some forms of labor.
More from Henry van Dyke
The legend of Felix is ended, the toiling of Felix is done; The Master has paid him his wages, the goal of his journey is won; He rests, but he never is idle; …
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Permalink to quote #7 What we do belongs to what we are; and what we are is what becomes of us.
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