Misc Praise Songs – A Poor Wayfaring Man Of Grief (Guitar)

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1. A poor, wayfaring Man of grief

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Hath often crossed me on my way,

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Who sued so humbly for relief

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That I could never answer nay.

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I had not pow'r to ask his name,

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Whereto he went, or whence he came;

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Yet there was something in his eye

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That won my love; I knew not why.

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2. Once, when my scanty meal was spread,

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He entered; not a word he spake,

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Just perishing for want of bread.

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I gave him all; he blessed it, brake,

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And ate, but gave me part again.

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Mine was an angel's portion then,

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For while I fed with eager haste,

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The crust was manna to my taste.

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3. I spied him where a fountain burst

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Clear from the rock; his strength was gone.

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The heedless water mocked his thirst;

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He heard it, saw it hurrying on.

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I ran and raised the suff'rer up;

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Thrice from the stream he drained my cup,

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Dipped and returned it running o'er;

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I drank and never thirsted more.

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4. 'Twas night; the floods were out; it blew

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A winter hurricane aloof

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I heard his voice abroad and flew

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To bid him welcome to my roof.

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I warmed and clothed and cheered my guest

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And laid him on my couch to rest

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Then made the earth my bed and seemed

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In Eden's garden while I dreamed.

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5. Stript, wounded, beaten nigh to death,

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I found him by the highway side.

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I roused his pulse, brought back his breath,

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Revived his spirit, and supplied

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Wine, oil, refreshment-he was healed

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I had myself a wound concealed,

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But from that hour forgot the smart,

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And peace bound up my broken heart.

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6. In pris'n I saw him next, condemned

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To meet a traitor's doom at morn.

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The tide of lying tongues I stemmed,

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And honored him 'mid shame and scorn.

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My friendship's utmost zeal to try,

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He asked if I for him would die.

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The flesh was weak; my blood ran chill,

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But my free spirit cried, "I will!"

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7. Then in a moment to my view

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The stranger started from disguise.

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The tokens in his hands I knew;

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The Savior stood before mine eyes.

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He spake, and my poor name he named,

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"Of me thou hast not been ashamed.

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These deeds shall thy memorial be;

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Fear not, thou didst them unto me."