The text to this hymn originated as a poem by James Montgomery, titled, “The Stranger and His Friend.” It was later set to music by George Coles, a New York City preacher, and adopted as a hymn by Christian congregations in the United States and the United Kingdom. John Taylor learned the hymn while serving a mission in England in 1840 and introduced it into the LDS church. It was a favorite hymn of the prophet Joseph Smith, who requested that John Taylor sing it to him in the Carthage Jail before he was martyred.  The version he sang was actually set to a different tune that John Taylor wrote himself. This piano solo arrangement is based on the original melody by George Coles and received Special Recognition in the 2020 Church Music Submission. Intermediate level, 5 pages.  Performance time: approximately 4:10. Included in the “It Is Well” songbook. Piano duet version also available.

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