LDS Hymn #38

Hymn #38 - Come, All Ye Saints of Zion

This hymn first came to my attention from the LDS pioneer movie Legacy. A woman begins singing it as a solo at the cornerstone ceremony for the Nauvoo temple in the film. At the time I didn't realize it was in the hymnbook. The song was one of countless melodies that stuck in my head (I am fairly good with tonal memory, thus, countless.....). And then one day I was looking in the hymnbook. I saw the title of that one and the melody immediately came to me. It's weird to realize you know a hymn without knowing you do! Of course, I didn't have the words memorized. Just the first couple of lines. And I still don't have all 4 verses memorized. But I am familiar that it is a hymn of the restoration and proclaiming the Gospel to the world, thus gathering Israel which has great reasons to rejoice. It is not one that is sung often in congregations today. So many of those.... :-(

From the history book
The first and last verse are to those who have heard the gospel. The second and third are to those who are searching for truth.  It used to be a hymn for the men, with the first line being "Come all ye sons." But the word was changed so it was move inclusive for congregations to sing it.

Lyrics

1. 1. Come, all ye Saints of Zion,
   And let us praise the Lord;
   His ransomed are returning,
   According to his word.
   In sacred song and gladness
   They walk the narrow way
   And thank the Lord who brought them
   To see the latter day.
2. 2. Come, ye dispersed of Judah,
   Join in the theme and sing
   With harmony unceasing
   The praises of our King,
   Whose arm is now extended,
   On which the world may gaze,
   To gather up the righteous
   In these the latter days.
3. 3. Rejoice, rejoice, O Israel,
   And let your joys abound!
   The voice of God shall reach you
   Wherever you are found
   And call you back from bondage,
   That you may sing his praise
   In Zion and Jerusalem,
   In these the latter days.
4. 4. Then gather up for Zion,
   Ye Saints thruout the land,
   And clear the way before you,
   As God shall give command.
   Tho wicked men and devils
   Exert their pow'r, 'tis vain,
   Since He who is eternal
   Has said you shall obtain.
5. Text: William W. Phelps, 1792-1872. Included in the first LDS hymnbook, 1835.
   Music: John E. Tullidge, 1806-1873