Quotes from Henry Van Dyke

Life is an arrow, therefore you must know What mark to aim at, how to use the bow-- Then draw it to the head and let it go!

The more keenly we are awake to the perils of life, the higher and grander is the possibility of being truly brave.

Look around for a place to sow a few seeds.

For those who love... time is eternity.

Time is: Too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear.

Spend as much time as possible, with body and with spirit in God's out-of-doors.

Like water spilt upon the ground--alas, Our little lives flow swiftly on and pass; Yet may they bring rich harvests and green grass!

A flawless cup: how delicate and fine The flowing curve of every jewelled line! Look, turn it up or down, 'tis perfect still-- But holds no drop of life's heart-warming wine.

How fascinating is death, the extinction of life. One moment here and the next gone. The light put out and only the empty bag of the body left.

There is a loftier ambition than merely to stand high in the world. It is to stoop down and lift mankind a little higher.

Every house where love abides And friendship is a guest, Is surely home, and home sweet home For there the heart can rest.

Hours fly, Flowers die: New days, New ways: Pass by! Love stays.

Death comes in its own time, in its own way.Death is as unique as the individual experiencing it.

Who 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.

Love is not getting, but giving; It is goodness, and honor, and peace and pure living.

Love that leads life upward is the noblest and the best.

Love is the heart s immortal thirst to be completely known and all forgiven.

Gratitude is a two fold love - love coming to visit us, and love running out to greet a welcome guest.

Love is not about getting - but giving.

Those who would see wonderful things must often be ready to travel alone.

Lord, 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.

In love and friendship, small, steady payments on a gold basis are better than immense promissory notes.

There are two good rules which ought to be written on every heart - never to believe anything bad about anybody unless you positively know it to be true; never to tell even that unless you feel that it is absolutely necessary, and that God is listening.

There is no conflict between the Old and the New; the conflict is between the False and the True.