A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief, p.29 - James Montgomery--Hymn sung at the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith.
See History of the Church, 6:614-15.

  1. 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 not pow'r to ask his name, Whereto he went, or whence he came;
    Yet there was something in his eye That won my love; I knew not why.
  2. Once, when my scanty meal was spread, He entered; not a word he spake,
    Just perishing for want of bread. I gave him all; he blessed it, brake,
    And ate, but gave me part a-gain. Mine was an angel's portion then,
    For while I fed with eager haste, The crust was manna to my taste.
  3. I spied him where a fountain burst Clear from the rock; his strength was gone.
    The heedless water mocked his thirst; He heard it, saw it hurrying on.
    I ran and raised the suff'rer up; Thrice from the stream he drained my cup,
    Dipped and returned it running o'er; I drank and never thirsted more.
  4. 'Twas night; the floods were out; it blew A winter hurricane aloof.
    I heard his voice abroad and flew To bid him welcome to my roof.
    I warmed and clothed and cheered my guest And laid him on my couch to rest;
    Then made the earth my bed, and seemed In Eden's garden while I dreamed.
  5. Stript, wounded, beaten nigh to death, I found him by the highway side.
    I roused 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.
  6. In pris'n I saw him next, condemned To meet a traitor's doom at morn.
    The tide of lying tongues I stemmed, And honored 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 my free spirit cried, "I will!"
  7. Then in a moment to my view The stranger started from disguise.
    The tokens in his hands I knew; The Savior stood before mine 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 them unto me."


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