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].