Quotes from Henry Van Dyke

There is no personal charm so great as the charm of a cheerful temperament.

But this I know. Those who seek Him will do well to look among the poor and the lowly, the sorrowful and the oppressed.

He that planteth a tree is a servant of God, he provideth a kindness for many generations, and faces that he hath not seen shall bless him.

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

A friend is what the heart needs all the time.

So let the way wind up the hill or down, O'er rough or smooth, the journey will be joy; Still seeking what I sought when but a boy, New friendship, high adventure, and a crown. My heart will keep the courage of the quest, And hope the road's last turn will be the best.

He knew that all was well, because he had done the best that he could, from day to day. He had been true to the light that had been given to him. He had looked for more. And if he had not found it, if a failure was all that came out of his life, doubtless that was the best that was possible. He had not seen the revelation of "life everlasting, incorruptible and immortal." But he knew that even if he could live his earthly life over again, it could not be otherwise than it had been.

The Sun-Dial at Wells College The shadow by my finger cast Divides the future from the past: Before it, sleeps the unborn hour In darkness, and beyond thy power: Behind its unreturning line, The vanished hour, no longer thine: One hour alone is in thy hands,-- The NOW on which the shadow stands.

Self is the only prison that can ever bind the soul.

Many a treasure besides Ali Baba's is unlocked with a verbal key.

Heaven is blessed with perfect rest but the blessing of earth is toil.

Gratitude is the inward feeling of kindness received. Thankfulness is the natural impulse to express that feeling. Thanksgiving is the following of that impulse.

There is a better thing than the observance of Christmas day, and that is, keeping Christmas.

Genius is talent set on fire by courage.

Courage is the standing army of the soul which keeps it from conquest, pillage, and slavery.

In the progress of personality, first comes a declaration of independence, then a recognition of interdependence.

A friend is what the heart needs all the time.

It is better to desire the things we have than to have the things we desire.

One truly affectionate soul in a family will evert a sweetening and harmonizing influence upon all its members.

What do I owe my father? Everything!

Heaven often seems distant and unknown, but if He who made the road... is our guide, we need not fear to lose the way.

For real company and friendship, there is nothing outside the animal kingdom that is comparable to a river.

What is Friendship? Something deep That the heart can spend and keep: Wealth that greatens while we give, Praise that heartens us to live.

Love is not getting, but giving