* On cover:  As sung by J.J. Cluxton of Geo. Thatcher's Minstrels.  Cover includes photograph of J.J. Cluxton.
<ul><li>Summary:  The congregations gathers to hear a sermon from the preacher about a woman who had been divorced by her husband in favor of another woman; but the first wife reveals that she opposed the second marriage, but the second wife was about to die, so she and the preacher encourage all to pray for her.</li>
<li>Author's note on cover:  A well known theatrical man was relating to a party of friends one evening some of the interesting experiences of his travels and referred to a sermon he had heard in a Southern church as the sweetest of all his recollection.  To the intense delight of every one present he beautifully described the church, its surroundings, the old gray haired preacher, the congregation, and the sermon.  So deeply did it all impress me that I have used the theme for the song and chorus, "The sermon Deacon Vandewater preached."</li>
<li>On cover:  A new composition by the originator and only successful writer of semi-religious songs.</li>
<li>Statement of responsibility : words and music by Wm. B. Gray.</li></ul>
Scan by NYPL
1899
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