Democratic Sentinel, Volume 3, Number 49, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 16 January 1880 — “Amazing Grace.” [ARTICLE]

“Amazing Grace.”

The following, says Harper's Magazine, is vouched for by one of the most reliable of Philadelphia divines: A young clergyman, having agreed to supply the pulpit of an older brother absent from home, escorted to church the daughter of the pastor, and, after seeing her safely in her father’s pew, ascended to the pulpit, unconscious that this natural attention to the young lady was sufficient to excite lively imaginations and inquiries in the audience. Upon reading the hymn to be sung, the young clergyman was surprised to perceive evident efforts in the congregation to suppress laughter. The daughter of his friend possessed the mellifluous name of Grace, and, all unsuspicious of that fact, he had chosen the hymn beginning with the words “Amazing grace,” and proceeding with: ’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, And grace my fears relieved; How precious did that grace appear Tne hour I first believed I Through many dangers, toils and scares 1 have already come; ’lts grace has brought ms safe thus far, And grace will lead me home 1