The Man of sorrows

By: J.N. Darby

Part 1

O ever homeless Stranger, thus, dearest Friend to me; An outcast in manger, that Thou might’st with us be!

How rightly rose the praises of haven that wondrous night, When shepherds hid their faces in brightest angel-light!

More just those acclamations, then when the glorious band Chanted earth’s deep foundations, just laid by God’s right hand.

Come now, and view that manger- the Lord of glory see, A houseless, homeless stranger in this poor world for thee-

To God in the highest glory, and peace on earth to find; And learn that wondrous story, God pleasure in mankind.

How blessed those heavenly spirit, who joy increasing find, That spite of our demerits God’s pleasure’s in mankind;

And chant the highest glory of him thy praise above, In telling out the story of God come down in love!

Oh, strange yet fit beginning of all that life of woe, In which thy grace was winning poor man his God to know!

Bless’d Babe! Who lowly liest in manger-cradle there; Descended from the highest, our sorrows all to share.

Oh suited now in nature for love’s divinest ways, To make the fallen creature the vessel of thy praise.

O love, all though surpassing! That thou should’st with us be, Nor yet in triumph passing, but human infancy!

We cling to thee in weakness- the manger and the cross; We gaze upon they meekness, through suffering, pain and loss;

There see the godhead glory shine through that human veil, And, willing, hear the story of Love that’s come to heal.

My soul in secret follows the footsteps of His Love; I trace the Man of sorrows, His boundless grace to prove.