POOR WAYFARING MAN by Anonymous

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Apr 14, 1898

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 24, No. 15.

POOR WAYFARING MAN.

By Anonymous

A POOR wayfaring man of grief Hath often cross'd me on my way, Who sued so humbly for relief That I could never answer nay; I had not pow'r 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.

Once, when my scanty meal was spread, He enter'd, not a word he spake, Just perishing for want of bread; I gave him all, he bless'd and brake, And ate, but gave me part again; Mine was an angel's portion then, And while I fed with eager haste, The crust was manna to my taste.

I spied him where a fountain burst Clear from a rock, his strength was gone, The heedless water mock'd his thirst, He heard it, saw it hurrying on; I ran and rais'd the suff'rer up; Thrice from the stream he drain'd my cup, Dipp'd, and returned it running o'er; I drank, and never thirsted more.

’Twas night, the floods were out; it blew A wintry hurricane aloof; I heard his voice abroad, and flew To bid him welcome to my roof. I warm'd, and cloth'd, and cheer'd my guest, Laid him on mine own couch to rest, Then made the earth my bed, and seemed In Eden's garden while I dreamed.

Stripp'd, wounded, beaten nigh to death, I found him by the highway side; I rous'd his pulse, brought back his breath, Revived his spirit, and supplied Wine, oil, refreshment—he was healed, I had myself a wound concealed, But from that hour forgot the smart, And peace bound up my broken heart.

In prison I saw him next, condemned To meet a traitor's doom at morn; The tide of lying tongues I stemm'd, And honor'd him mid shame and scorn. My friendship's utmost zeal to try, He asked if I for him would die. The flesh was weak, my blood ran chill, But the free spirit cried, “I will.”

Then, in a moment, to my view The stranger started from disguise; The tokens in his hands I knew,— My SAVIOUR stood before my eyes! He spake, and my poor name He named— “Of Me thou hast not been ashamed; These deeds shall thy memorial be; Fear not, thou didst it unto Me.”

—Anonymous.