HYMN #0897 SSS #897 • SS&S Meter: 6.5. Sacred Songs & Solos (1,200)

SS&S Hymn #897: I once was a stranger

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

1

I once was a stranger to grace and to God;
I knew not my danger, and felt not my load;
Though friends spoke in rapture of Christ on the tree,
"Jehovah Tsidkenu" was nothing to me.

2

Like tears from the daughters of Zion that roll,
I wept when the waters went over His soul,
Yet thought not that my sins had nailed to the tree
"Jehovah Tsidkenu"—’twas nothing to me.

3

When free grace awoke me, by light from on high,
Then legal fears shook me, I trembled to die;
No refuge, no safety, in self could I see;
"Jehovah Tsidkenu" my Saviour must be.

4

My terrors all vanished before thesweet name;
My guilty fears banished, with boldness I came
To drink at the fountain, life-giving and free:
"Jehovah Tsidkenu" was all things to me.

5

E’en treading the valley, the shadow of death,
This watchword shall rally my faltering breath;
For, when from life’s fever my God sets me free,
"Jehovah Tsidkenu" my death-song shall be.

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Hymnological Reference • Historical Notes

Background, Themes & Devotional Notes for "I once was a stranger"

Collection: Sacred Songs & Solos

📜 Historical Background & Origin

This hymn is cataloged as Hymn #897 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 5 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: 6.5.
Stanza Structure: 5 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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