Cat. #0601 (MFH #439) - As sung by Lula Davis, Fayetteville, Arkansas on July 5, 1961
Mrs. Davis tells a story about our fore-fathers church. She said, she understood that in the church, in those days they had only one hymn book. It was the ministers place to read th first stanza, an the audience would sing, etc., etc. Well, this church had gotten 'em a new minister, a Dutchman. This was going to be his first sermon, in th church.
He came in and he picked up th hymn book, selected his hymn and was peering at it, trying to read it, couldn't read it, so he said;
Mine eyes are weak
This light is dim
I scarce can see
T' read this hymn
The audience started out: (Tune-Amazing Grace)
Mine eyes are weak
This light is dim
I scarce can see
To read this hymn
He was very angry. He said:
I tink th devils
In you all
Dot was no hymn
To sing at all
An they responded with:
I tink th devils
In you all
That was no hymn
To sing at all
Said th audience will please stand and be dismissed