HYMN #0499 SSS #499 • SS&S Meter: 8.8.8.8.7.7. Sacred Songs & Solos (1,200)

SS&S Hymn #499: I was wand'ring, sad

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

1

I was wandering, sad, and weary,
When the Saviour came unto me;
For the paths of sin were dreary,
And the world had ceased to woo me:
And I thought I heard Him say,
As He came along His way:
"Wandering souls, O do come near Me;
My sheep should never fear Me:
I am the Shepherd true,
I am the Shepherd true!"

2

At first I would not hearken,
But put off till the morrow,
Till life began to darken,
And I grew sick with sorrow:
Then I thought I heard Him say,
As He came along His way:

3

At last I stopped to listen—
His voice could ne’er deceive me—
I saw His kind eye glisten,
So anxious to relieve me:
Then I knew I heard Him say,
As He came along His way:

4

I thought His love would weaken
As more and more He knew me,
But it burneth like a beacon,
And its light and heat go through me;
And I ever hear Him say,
As He goes along His way:

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Hymnological Reference • Historical Notes

Background, Themes & Devotional Notes for "I was wand'ring, sad"

Collection: Sacred Songs & Solos

📜 Historical Background & Origin

This hymn is cataloged as Hymn #499 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 4 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: 8.8.8.8.7.7.
Stanza Structure: 4 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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