LDS Hymn #21

Hymn #21 - Come, Listen to a Prophet's Voice

(Sorry it has been a while! A couple of late nights and then a couple of days with no internet.)



I love this song. The tune is wonderful. It is fun to sing. Bright and joyful and hopeful, which works really well conveying feelings one should have because we have a living prophet today. The hymn also talks of how we need a living prophet, and reminds us how a prophet today leads and warns the same was the ancient prophets did.

From the history book
OK, I am too lazy (and in pain) to go grab the book from the other room. But my memory tells me that the 4th verse was written by Bruce R. McConkie because he wanted to give an admonition for us to follow. Since the previous 2 verses are a bit more about the Restoration, the 4th ties in with the 1st verse asking you to come listen. (I could be making that reason up....) When I had read that a different composer wrote the 4th verse, I decided to do a little arrangement for the YSA branch choir I was director of a few years ago. We sang the first 3 verses as the hymnal had them, then we did the 4th verse to the tune of "As Zion's Youth in Latter Days" (Hymn #??) I liked the outcome. Not sure what others' thought, but it has made the hymn stand out to me ever since.

Lyrics

1. 1. Come, listen to a prophet's voice,
   And hear the word of God,
   And in the way of truth rejoice,
   And sing for joy aloud.
   We've found the way the prophets went
   Who lived in days of yore.
   Another prophet now is sent
   This knowledge to restore.
2. 2. The gloom of sullen darkness spread
   Thru earth's extended space
   Is banished by our living Head,
   And God has shown his face.
   Thru erring schemes in days now past
   The world has gone astray;
   Yet Saints of God have found at last
   The straight and narrow way.
3. 3. 'Tis not in man they put their trust
   Nor on his arm rely.
   Full well assured, all are accursed
   Who Jesus Christ deny.
   The Savior to his people saith,
   "Let all my words obey,
   And signs shall follow living faith,
   Down to the latest day."
4. 4. Then heed the words of truth and light
   That flow from fountains pure.
   Yea, keep His law with all thy might
   Till thine election's sure,
   Till thou shalt hear the holy voice
   Assure eternal reign,
   While joy and cheer attend thy choice,
   As one who shall obtain.
5. Text: Joseph S. Murdock, 1822-1899. Verse four, Bruce R. McConkie, 1915-1985. (c) 1985 IRI
   Music: Joseph J. Daynes, 1851-1920