Classic Poem

God spake three times and saved Van Elsen's soul;
He spake by sickness first and made him whole;
Van Elsen heard Him not,
Or soon forgot.

God spake to him by wealth, the world outpoured
Its treasures at his feet, and called him Lord;
Van Elsen's heart grew fat
And proud thereat.

God spake the third time when the great world smiled,
And in the sunshine slew his little child,
Van Elsen like a tree
Fell hopelessly.

Then in the darkness came a Voice which said,
‘As thy heart bleedeth, so My heart hath bled,
As I have need of thee,
Thou needest Me.’

That night Van Elsen kissed the baby feet,
And kneeling by the narrow winding-sheet,
Praised Him with fervent breath
Who conquered death.