HYMN #1014 SSS #1014 • SS&S Sacred Songs & Solos (1,200)

SS&S Hymn #1014: I saw a wayworn

Complete lyrics, stanzas, and pipe organ accompaniment • Sacred Songs & Solos

1

I saw a way-worn traveller,
In tattered garments clad,
And struggling up the mountain,
It seemed that he was sad;
His back was laden heavy,
His strength was almost gone,
Yet he shouted as he journeyed,
"Deliverance will come!"
Then palms of victory, crowns of glory
Palms of victory I shall bear."

2

The summer sun was shining,
The sweat was on his brow,
His garments worn and dusty,
His step seemed very slow;
But he kept pressing onward,
For he was wending home,
Still shouting as he journeyed,
"Deliverance will come!"

3

The songsters in the arbour
That stood beside the way
Attracted his attention,
Inviting his delay:
His watchword being" Onward!"
He stopped his ears and ran,
Still shouting as he journeyed,
"Deliverance will come!"

4

I saw him in the evening;
The sun was bending low;
He’d overtopped the mountain,
And reached the vale below:
He saw the Golden City—
His everlasting home,—
And shouted loud, "Hosanna!
Deliverance will come!"

5

While gazing on that City,
Just o’er the narrow flood,
A band of holy angels
Came from the throne of God;
They bore him on their pinions
Safe o’er the dashing foam,
And joined him in his triumph:
Deliverance had come!

6

I heard the song of triumph
They sang upon that shore,
Saying, "Jesus has redeemed us
To suffer nevermore!
"Then, casting his eyes backward
On the race which he had run,
He shouted loud, "Hosanna!
Deliverance has come!

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Hymnological Reference • Historical Notes

Background, Themes & Devotional Notes for "I saw a wayworn"

Collection: Sacred Songs & Solos

📜 Historical Background & Origin

This hymn is cataloged as Hymn #1014 in Sacred Songs & Solos (1,200 Hymns), compiled by the American gospel singer and hymnologist Ira David Sankey (1840–1908).

Sankey popularized these sacred songs during the transatlantic evangelistic campaigns led alongside Dwight L. Moody between 1873 and 1903. The compilation became one of the most widely printed hymnals in Christendom, cherished by Methodist, Baptist, Anglican, Presbyterian, and Pentecostal congregations throughout the world.

🕊️ Devotional Themes & Reflection

Composed of 6 stanzas, the text centers on foundational biblical themes: adoration and praise to God, humble reliance upon divine grace, steadfast faith amid trials, and the everlasting hope of salvation in Jesus Christ.

Whether sung during Sunday corporate worship or read during family devotions and personal prayer, these stanzas guide the believer to reflect on God's unending mercies and steadfast faithfulness across every season of life.

🎼 Musical Structure & Liturgy

Poetic Meter: Standard Metrical Hymnody
Stanza Structure: 6 Verses with cathedral pipe organ accompaniment
Liturgical Placement: Suitable as an Opening Hymn of Praise, Call to Worship, Offertory, or Closing Doxology
Pipe Organ Audio: Multi-verse accompaniment synthesized to support organists, choir rehearsals, and home worship

⚖️ Public Domain Archival: This historic hymn text and tune are in the worldwide public domain and may be freely printed in church bulletins or projected for public worship.

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