The verse on Ellen Harrison Bonsal’s sampler Jesus permit thy Gracious Name to stand/As the first efforts of an infant hand, became one of the most popular sayings on English and American embroideries. Allegedly created by English clergyman Rev. John Newton for his niece’s sampler, the poem expresses both humility and religious devotion—attributes considered desirable to instill in young 19th-century women from an early age. However, the neat letters and attractive designs worked in a variety of decorative stitches show that eight-year-old Ellen had already gained proficiency in the needle arts. Her sampler, originally from the collection of Virginia Purviance Bonsal (Mrs. Miles White, Jr.)(1869–1955), is the only embroidery among the more than 100 European and American examples donated to the Museum by Nancy Brewster (Mrs. Francis White) in 1973 known to have a family connection. family connection = daughter in law