Envoy To The Toiling Of Felix

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; 

a thousand years pass like a day,

In the glad surprise of Paradise 

where work is sweeter than play.

Yet often the King of that country

comes out from his tireless host,

And walks in this world of the weary 

as if He loved it the most;

For here in the dusty confusion, 

with eyes that are heavy and dim,

He meets again the labouring men

 who are looking and longing for Him.

He cancels the curse of Eden, 

and brings them a blessing instead:

Blessed are they that labour,

 for Jesus partakes of their bread.

He puts His hand to their burdens,

 He enters their homes at night:

Who does his best shall have as guest

 the Master of life and light.

And courage will come with His presence, 

and patience return at His touch,

And manifold sins be forgiven

 to those who love Him much;

The cries of envy and anger

 will change to the songs of cheer,

The toiling age will forget its rage 

when the Prince of Peace draws near.

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-crust soil:

Heaven is blest with perfect rest,

 but the blessing of Earth is toil.

Henry Van Dyke

 Saint Felix of Valois

 Saint Felix of Valois (1126-1212) was a member of 

France's royal family and the grandson of  King Henry I.

A gallant crusader, Felix traded the possibility of wearing

the French crown for Christ's call on his life  He, and

Saint John of Matha, founded the Order of the Holy Trinity,

for the redemption of Christians being held as

slaves in Muslim lands.