“A POOR WAYFARING MAN OF GRIEF,”
Written by James Montgomery, Dec., 1826, was a hymn of tide and headway in George Coles' tune of “Duane St.,” with a step that made every heart beat time. The four picturesque eight-line stanzas made a practical sermon in verse and song from Matt. 25:35, telling how—
A poor wayfaring man of grief
Hath often crossed me on my way,
Who sued so humbly for relief
That I could never answer nay.
I had no power to ask his name,
Whither he went or whence he came,
Yet there was something in his eye
That won my love, I knew not why;
—and in the second and third stanzas the narrator relates how he entertained him, and this was the sequel—
Then in a moment to my view
The stranger started from disguise
The token in His hand I knew;
My Saviour stood before my eyes.
When once that song was started, every tongue took it up, (and it was strange if every foot did not count the measure,) and the coldest kindled with gospel warmth as the story swept on.*
* Montgomery's poem, “The Stranger,” has seven stanzas. The full dramatic effect of their connection could only be produced by a set piece.
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