Longfellow.
HAVE you heard the story of Offero, the mighty giant of Canaan, who made a vow never to serve any master but the most powerful of all the rulers of earth?
“As my strength is great, so shall my service be great,” he said, “and my king must be one who stands in fear of no man.”
He wandered over all lands, looking in vain for the greatest monarch, for each king plainly stood in dread of some other power. At length, however, he was told by a holy hermit that the King of kings was an invisible Lord who reigned through love in the hearts of men.
“How can I serve him?” asked Offero.
“You must fast and pray,” answered the hermit.
“Nay,” cried Offero, “not so! For I should then lose my strength which is all that I have to bring to his service.”
For a moment the holy hermit prayed silently to be given wisdom. Then his face shone as if from a light within.
“There is a river over which many poor people must cross,” he said, “and there is no bridge. The current is often so swift and treacherous at the ford that even the strongest are swept from their feet and lost. With your great strength you could help one and all to safety. It would be a work of love—meet service for the Lord of Love.”