But, the joy when I shall wake
Within the palace of the King!
And I shall see Him face to face,
And tell the story--Saved by grace.

The sight of her uplifted face, with its wistful expression, made a deep
impression upon the vast audience, and many were moved to tears.

In 1858 Miss Crosby married Alexander Van Alstyne, a blind musician,
wherefore she is often referred to as Mrs. Frances Jane Van Alstyne. She
died on February 12, 1915.

The Call of the Gospel Song

Sing them over again to me,
Wonderful words of life,
Let me more of their beauty see,
Wonderful words of life.
Words of life and beauty,
Teach me faith and duty;
Beautiful words,
Wonderful words,
Wonderful words of life.

Christ, the blessed One, gives to all
Wonderful words of life;
Sinner, list to the loving call,
Wonderful words of life.
All so freely given,
Wooing us to heaven,
Beautiful words,
Wonderful words,
Wonderful words of life.

Sweetly echo the gospel call,
Wonderful words of life;
Offer pardon and peace to all,
Wonderful words of life.
Jesus, only Saviour,
Sanctify forever,
Beautiful words,
Wonderful words,
Wonderful words of life.

Philip P. Bliss (1838-1876).

ONE OF AMERICA'S EARLIEST GOSPEL SINGERS

Among hymn-books that have exerted a profound influence over the
spiritual lives of Christian people none has probably achieved greater
fame or wider circulation than the volume known as Gospel Hymns. It was
issued in a series of six editions, but now is usually found combined in
a single book.

Philip P. Bliss, the subject of this chapter, was the first editor of
Gospel Hymns. Associated with him in the publication of the first two
editions was the renowned Ira D. Sankey, who gained world-wide fame
through his evangelistic campaigns with Dwight L. Moody.

The story of the life of Bliss reads like romance.

Like many a poor lad endowed with love for the artistic, he was compelled
to struggle almost all his life for the opportunity that finally came to
him. Born at Rome, Pa., in 1838, he early revealed a passion for music
when, as a boy, he made crude instruments on which he tried to produce
tones.

The story is told of how Philip, when a ragged and barefoot boy of ten
years, hea