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Ira Sankey was a well-known musical evangelist during the 19th century. A self-taught song leader and choir director, his perfect pitch and commanding baritone, gained the attention of the famous evangelist D. L. Moody. He invited, no insisted Ira come as his song leader on his evangelistic tours. A great opportunity that might not have been if not for the hand of God.
During the Civil war Ira was taking his turn on the picket line (guard duty) in Sharpsburg, Maryland. Staying a wake was often a challenge, and for some reason known only to God, Ira broke out into song. Never a smart idea if you are supposed to be watching for the enemy. He finished his hymn, and his shift ended without any incident.
Eight years later, he and his wife were on a steamboat during the Christmas holiday on their way to see family. The passengers recognized him as the singing evangelist and ask Ira to sing a carol. After a moment of prayer he instead stand Saviour Like a Shepherd Lead Us. The verses encapsulate a heart of surrender to serve the Lord.
When the song ended a man approached him. He asked Mr. Sankey if he served in thw Union army, in Maryland around 1860? He confirmed that he had. The story he man told stunned Ira.
The
former confederate soldier shared how he had been a sharp-shooter and had spied
Sankey standing guard. He watched him through his gun scope and was about to
take his shot when Ira began to sing. He figured he'd let the man finish his
song. The verse that captured him most.
We are thine, do thou befriend us.
Be the guardian of our ways.
The soldier relaxed his hold on his rifle while the hymn
brought back memories of his childhood and his dear godly mother who often sang
that song. He couldn't pull the trigger. For years, those words circled his
heart. He'd been searching for that peace since the day Mr. Sankey sang on the
picket line. The soldier asked if Ira might help him.
Ira hugged his former enemy and led him to the
peace he sought. Mr. Sankey's ministry had
been arranged long before Mr. Moody asked him to join him.
If not for that hymn Ira would have been a dead soldier. If not for that song the confederate soldier would have never found peace. And if not for that song, Ira would have missed his calling to bring the gospel to the world. He was often called the singing evangelist. He sang each word with perfect diction and deep emotions, often his songs touched the heart more deeply than any sermons. Here is a link to an old recording of Ira Sankey singing his most often requested song the Ninety and Nine. The recording doesn't begin to capture the beauty of his voice.
https://youtu.be/mbcWklq12nk
Have you ever heard of Ira Sankey or sang any of his hymns?
