hey sure, why not!
So I grabbed my guitar and started playing around with the melody. I didn't get very far because I only knew the first verse. As I was searching for the song lyrics online, I happened across a true story about how this particular hymn, not only saved a missionary's life, but also gave him an opportunity to share the gospel message with the barbaric tribe of natives who wanted to kill him:
One of the most dramatic instances of [this hymn’s] use was found in the experience of the Rev. E. P. Scott in India. His friends had urged him not to venture near a certain barbarous inland tribe, whom he wished to evangelize. But he went forth with high courage, never wavering in his duty, and trusting in God to protect him. When at last he reached their country among the hills, he came upon a company of these savages. Immediately they surrounded him, pointing their spears at him with threatening scowls. He had nothing in his hand but his violin; and so, closing his eyes, he began to play and sing, “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name.” When at last he opened his eyes he expected to be killed instantly. But his life had been spared through the singing of the hymn. Their spears had dropped, and they received him first with curiosity and interest, and then later with eagerness, as he told them the gospel story and won their hearts to the will of Jesus Christ.
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