A Work of Mary Blake and a Book Review

I came across the following poem in an excellent book titled The Christian's Treasury authored by Lissa Roche and published by Crossway Books; page 138:


Song of Work

Work while the sun climbeth high in the heaven,
Work in the noon-day's dust and heat,
Work till the evening its blessing hath given,
Work while the moon keeps vigil sweet.
Work while the verdant grasses are springing,
Work in the summer's radiant glow,
Work in the autumn with gladness and singing,
Work in the time of frost and snow.

Labor is noble and rich in its guerdon,
Sweet after toil comes peaceful rest.
Take on thy shoulders, rejoicing, the burden,
Pleasure is good, but work is best.
Great is our Lord, of labor the master,
Follow the path his feet have trod.
Strive, with the joy of all honest endeavor,
Then at the last, find rest with God.

Mary Blake (1840-1907)
Irish poet

There is much more of similar quality in the book and covers a broad range of topics. The book is recommended.