Never in a prince's palace

1 Never in a costly palace did I rest on golden bed,
Never in a hermit's cavern have I eaten idle bread.
Born within a lowly stable, where the cattle round Me stood,
Trained a carpenter in Naz'reth, I have toiled and found it good.

2 They who tread the path of labour follow where My feet have trod;
They who work without complaining, do the holy will of God;
Nevermore thou needest seek Me; I am with thee everywhere;
Raise the stone, and thou shalt find Me, cleave the wood and I am there.

3 Where the many toil together, there am I among My own;
Where the tired workman sleepeth, there am I with him alone.
I, the peace that passeth knowledge, dwell amid the daily strife;
I, the Bread of heav'n, am broken in the sacrament of life.

4 Every task, however simple, sets the soul that does it free;
Every deed of love and mercy, done to man, is done to Me.
Nevermore thou needest seek Me; I am with thee everywhere;
Raise the stone, and thou shalt find Me, cleave the wood and I am there.

Source: Methodist Hymn and Tune Book: official hymn book of the Methodist Church #397