STRANGER.
I am a stranger and a sojourner with you.—Genesis, xxiii. 4.
The Lord loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment.
Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.—Deuteronomy, x. 18, 19.
Do no wrong, do no violence to the stranger.—Jeremiah, xxii. 3.
He will vouchsafe
This day to be your guest: bring forth, and pour
Abundance, fit to honour and receive
The heavenly stranger.
Milton.
The stranger’s heart! Oh, wound it not!
A yearning anguish is its lot;
In the green shadow of thy tree,
The stranger finds no rest with thee.
Thou think’st the vine’s low rustling leaves
Are music round the household eaves;
To him that sound hath sorrow’s tone—
The stranger’s heart is with his own.
Thou think’st the children’s laughing play
A lovely sight at fall of day;
Then are the stranger’s thoughts opprest—
A mother’s voice comes o’er his breast.
Thou think’st it sweet when friend to friend
Beneath one roof in prayer may blend;
Then doth the stranger’s eye grow dim—
Far, far are those who’ve prayed with him.
Thy hearth, thy home, thy vintage land—
The voices of thy kindred band;
Oh! ’midst them all when blest thou art,
Deal gently with the stranger’s heart.
Mrs. Hemans.
Why should I a stranger be
In my Father’s dwelling,
While hill and river, rock and tree,
Of His love are telling?
Always heard, their simple voice,
Bidding child-like hearts rejoice,
Whispers us that love is near.
What we seek in yonder sphere,
Love can find it now, and here.
J. Gostick.