Windham County Democrat. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1836-1853, 1853-10-12
A Poor, Wayfaring Man of Grief.

Some thirty years ago my father who was coun-
try CLERGYMAN, lived in a small village which was a
great thorouehare from the four cardinal points. AT
that time large portion of the public travel was by
private convevances and for that reason, if other
ministerial intercourse was much more frequent than
at the present day. 1t generally understood that
nv fathers house ministers tavern" Sci
dom a week passed without call from stranger il
not from an acquaintance, and well recollect, that
while imposiiions were occasionally practiced The
hospiaiity ru",e frequently found that we
had entertained angels unawares.
One evening an old man with son, a lad about
twelve years of age, called at door, and though
not protesting 10 be of 'the CLOTH my father, OBJ
serving that he spoke the language of Canaan and be-
ing favoraby impressed with his appearance, invited
him TO spend the night. At evening worship the
reading of the Scriptures being Finished the stranger
asked permission TO sing hymn, which he did, ac.
companied by his little son, with an effect upon the
whole family which cannot attempt to describe, but
which can never forget to my dying day. The mex
morning it was repeated, by request, with the same
effect upon all, and the stranger took his departure
Whence he came, and whittier he went or who he
was have no recollection, but the following is the
hymn, which, though now common, may be interest
ing TO your readers, it was deeply so to u.s. from
the circumstances detailed -
poor, wayfaring man of grief
Hath often crossed me on my way,
Who sued so humbly for relief
That could never answer Nay.
| had no power to ask his name,
Whittier he went, or whence he came;
Yet there was something in his eye
That won my love, knew not why.
Once, when my scanty meal was spread,
He entered; not word he splkc
just perishing for want Of bread,
gave him all; he blessed it, brake,
And ate, but gave me part again.
Mine angels portion then;
And while fed with eager haste,
The crust was mamma to my taste.
spied him where fountain burst
Clear from the rock his strength was gone;
The needless water Knocked his thirst;
He heard it, it huTrying on
| ran and raised the sufferer up
Thrice from the stream he drained my cup;
Dipped and returned it running Ger;
l drank, and never thirsted more
Twas night: the floods were out; it blew
wnuy hurricane aoof;
heard his voice abroad, and flew
To bid him welcome to my roof
/ warmed, clothed, cheered my guest;
Laid him on mine couch to rest;
Then made the earth my bed, and seemed
In Eden's garden while dreamed.
Stripped wounded beaten nigh to DEATH
found him by the highway side;
reused his pulse, brought back his breath,
Revived his spirit and supplied
Wine, oil, refreshment; he healed.
l had, myself, a wound concealed;
But from that hour, forgot the smart,
And peace bound up my broken heart.
= In prison l saw him next, condemned
To meet traitors doom at morn;
The tide of lying tongues l stemmed,
And honored him mid shame and seorn.
My friendships utmost zeal to try,
lie asked if | for him would die;
The flesh weak, my blood ran chill,
But the free spirit Dried, 81 willl''
Then, in a moment, to my view
The stranger started from disguise;
The tokens in his hands knew;
My Saviour stood before my eyes;
He spake, and my poor name he named;
s'0f me thou hast not been ashamed;
These deeds shall thy memorial be;
Fear not; thou didst it unto me.''