Mrs. Elvina M. Hall (later Mrs. Myers), author of the words, was born in Alexandria, Va., in 1818. She composed this hymn, strangely enough, while sitting in the choir of the M. E. Church, Baltimore, pencilling the first draft on a fly-leaf of a hymn book, _The New Lute of Zion_, during the pastor’s prayer! It is the only hymn known that can be traced to such an origin. The author’s mind, indeed, wandered from the immediate service of worship, but it did not stray from God and prayer. _MUSIC._ ALL TO CHRIST. John T. Grape, born in Baltimore, Md., 1833, was choir director in his church when he wrote the tune, after having made it “a matter of prayer and study.” He writes that “it was pronounced very poor by my choir and my friends, but my dear wife persistently declared it was a good piece of music and would live.” Mrs. Grape’s faith was justified by the wide reception and use the tune has enjoyed. The minister of the church, Rev. Mr. Schrick, liked the tune upon hearing it and suggested that it be used with the words written by Mrs. Elvina M. Hall. This was done, and the song started on its career. It was first published in a volume called, _Sabbath Chords_. 463. Amazing grace! how sweet the sound _John Newton_, 1725-1807 The original has six stanzas and is entitled, “Faith’s Review and Expectation.” The hymn reminds one of Newton’s words: “I can never forget two things: first, that I was a great sinner, and second, that Jesus is a great Saviour.” It is based on I Chron. 17:16, 17: Who am I, O Lord God, and what is mine house, that Thou hast brought me hitherto? And yet this was a small thing in thine eyes, O God; for thou hast also spoken of thy servant’s house for a great while to come, and hast regarded me according to the estate of a man of high degree, O Lord God. For comments on John Newton, see Hymn 274. _MUSIC._ MCINTOSH, also known as “Amazing Grace,” is believed to be an old Southern melody. It appeared in _Southern Harmony_, by William Walker, 1835, anonymously. Dr. Robert McCutchan thinks it may be a variant of an old tune called “Loving Lamb.” For comments on Edwin O. Excell, 1851-1921, who arranged the tune, see Hymn 420. 464. Down at the cross where my Savior died _Elisha A. Hoffman_, 1839-? The words are by the Rev. Elisha A. Hoffman who was born of Pennsylvania German parents. Hoffman became a Congregational minister and served churches of his denomination in Lebanon, Pa., and other places, and wrote a number of hymns and tunes. _MUSIC._ GLORY TO HIS NAME. For comments on the composer of this tune, Rev. John H. Stockton, see Hymn 457. 465. O happy day, that fixed my choice _Philip Doddridge_, 1702-51