"Aren’t we something less than a friend if we have the gospel of Jesus Christ and are unwilling to share it by word and example with a family, a member, neighbor, or the stranger? Aren’t we something less than a friend if we have a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and are unwilling to share it?" - Marvin J. Ashton
I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I know who I am. I know God's plan. I'll follow him in faith. I believe in the Savior, Jesus Christ. I'll honor his name. I'll do what is right; I'll follow his light. His truth I will proclaim.
Always liked this hymn for its praising nature, its simplicity to sing, its easiness to play, and those two unison measures in the middle to bring us together as we praise His name. Love all the words. They state messages of the Atonement. The song invites us here on earth and those in heaven to join together in one song of love. Ah--beautiful!!
From the history book
That song mentioned correlates to the one mentioned in Revelation 5:9-13, which this hymn is an adaptation of. The tune name is Italian Hymn which honors the composer's nationality. It was published in 1761 and included in most Christian hymnals, though the text is not generally the same even if it is still of praise.
Definitely a hymn I did not know until recently. About 2 years ago, I asked my ward choir for songs they would like to try to sing. One of my loyal tenors mentioned this one, as it is his favorite hymn. So we did a simple arrangement of it a few months later. In that time or shortly after, I suggested it be one of the ones I try on the organ (before she was insisting that everything I try to do with the pedal). Thus I got to know the tune very well, and the lyrics a bit. The tune moves and is full of accidentals. Helps to stand out in one's mind. The lyrics are a bit more "old-fashioned." Written in the 1800s, they have that Victorian-esque flair. Which means it takes my mind a bit more effort to break it down and understand its meaning. But overall I get it as a rejoicing hymn--declaring to all (particularly the sons of Michael, whom I assume that means Priesthood holders???) that the Savior is coming and to be prepared for the gloriousness that will accompany and the humility and rejoicing we will/should be filled with because of this great, longed-for event.
Favorite lines:
*Raise aloft your voices millions In a torrent pow'r of song.
*Hail our head with music soft! Raise sweet melodies aloft!
From the history book
I knew that Michael referred to Adam. The book says that "sons of Michael" refer to all human beings, since we are all his descendants. Verse 3's Mother refers to Eve, showing that she is at Adam or Michael's side in this. The hymn is also referring to the grand council that Joseph Smith prophesied about, referencing Daniel 7. So what I majorly missed in the text is that the hymn is very much about Michael and Eve. We are singing about the grand council that Michael will preside at. The 1985 hymnal wanted to distinguish that, so they went with the (now mostly used) format of capitalizing the words when referring to Deity and leaving them lowercase when referring to Michael (Father vs father).
The hymn was first published in 1861 and part of the 1950 hymnal. Its original tune was apparently so hard that only choirs could attempt it. (Their choirs must have been magnificently skilled in music back then!) So Brother Wolford wrote a more singable tune, which actually helped him come to love the text which he didn't beforehand. He said that the hymn sounds wonderful in unison, but as an organist "wrote a setting that has a melodic bass line--one that feels good to the feet!" And those bass rarely ever get such fun parts to sing. So by all means, let them sing it!
Not sure how I became familiar with this hymn. I know the tune fairly well. First two lines are exactly the same. The third line is a women's duet (and you know I love those show-off times for parts!). I don't know the lyrics as well. And leading this is a beast! Something about 2/2 time throws me off so much. Looking over the text, I like the looking forward to the "glorious day of promise"--I like to see that as the time when Israel is gathered (mentioned in 1st verse) and what we know to be the Millennium. It can also be looked at when we can go on to a peaceful rest with our loved ones in the next life. But I also like the references to the Old Testament. Not my favorite book of scripture, but many stories and lessons that I love from that work. Especially thinking on those people who so long ago looked forward to their coming Messiah, as we do today in awaiting His Second Coming. So I can connect with the sentiments shared in the hymn.
From the history book
Alexander Neibaur was reported to be the first Jewish convert to the LDS religion. He joined the Church in Preston, England. This hymn was sent by Bro. Neibaur to the Millennial Star for publication in 1840. There was confusion believing that Bro Neibaur wrote the hymn. But the hymn was a slightly altered version from one that appears in a Psalmody from 1831 (not an LDS publication). In that Psalmody, it was credited to "Pratt's Collection." So Brother Neibaur was not the author, but was the original contributor to the LDS hymn publications.
Check out the video! When MoTab used to sit in Mixed Formation. And singing under the baton of the great Jerold Ottley. Straight from the hymnal, too. Which shows that this sung has likely not been sung much in General Conference in recent years as it is most certainly not sung enough in regular congregations.
This is another hymn I have played for many weeks in my organ lessons. Thankfully she did not ask me to do the pedal in the bass. Every part gets to wonderfully move all over in this hymn, and the bass on the pedal would have had me at this hymn for years. But removing the pedal, this is a challenging hymn that is rather fun once the playing of it is succeeded. Quite the fun to sing, too. I am not as familiar with the lyrics, and didn't pay as much attention beyond the first verse when I was learning to play this. But I do like the last half of the first verse, explaining what and who and how Zion is. Written by our talented Brother Phelps, the song seems to be written with an eye to the future, while also looking back on the one city that was righteous enough to be exalted--using them as our example of how we can try to create Zion in our lives.
Favorite lines:
*Love and virtue, faith and wisdom, Grace and gifts were all combined
*One continual feast of blessings
*Then their faith and words were perfect; Lo, they followed their great Head
*Then we'll surely be united
*Then we'll mingle with the angels, And the Lord will bless his own
From the history book
Phelps did focus on Zion, the city of Enoch in his hymn, as opposed to John Newton's Zion (a people and possibly future state of being) in Hymn #46. And Phelps quotes Latter-day scripture for the hymn as well. The 1950 hymnal used a different tune for this and was marked for choir use. So the current hymnal chose a tune that congregations would be able to learn and sing more easily. (Do they honestly think the moving parts songs are easier to sing? Because that has not been my experience in my 2 times as a ward choir director. :-) )
Lyrics
1. Glorious things are sung of Zion,
Enoch's city seen of old,
Where the righteous, being perfect,
Walked with God in streets of gold.
Love and virtue, faith and wisdom,
Grace and gifts were all combined.
As himself each loved his neighbor;
All were one in heart and mind.
2. There they shunn'd the pow'r of Satan
And observed celestial laws;
For in Adam-ondi-Ahman
Zion rose where Eden was.
When beyond the pow'r of evil,
So that none could covet wealth,
One continual feast of blessings
Crown'd their days with peace and health.
3. Then the tow'rs of Zion glittered
Like the sun in yonder skies,
And the wicked stood and trembled,
Filled with wonder and surprise.
Then their faith and works were perfect;
Lo, they followed their great Head!
So the city went to heaven,
And the world said, "Zion's fled!"
4. When the Lord returns with Zion,
And we hear the watchman cry,
Then we'll surely be united,
And we'll all see eye to eye.
Then we'll mingle with the angels,
And the Lord will bless his own.
Then the earth will be as Eden,
And we'll know as we are known.
Text: William W. Phelps, 1792-1872; Dutch melody, ca. 1710.
When I think of this hymn, a different tune comes to mind. But then I look at the actual notes and I remember correctly. Not really sure why I think of the other tune. Of course, I don't know the words very well either. They tell of Zion--how we rejoice in it and look forward to it being on earth again. The third verse is all about how we can be a Zion people, and make Zion in this world. One of my pet peeves growing up "in the mission field" (ugh) was when people in Utah referred to themselves as Zion. I was raised knowing that Zion the place was in Missouri, but that generally when we talk of Zion now, it is about a state of mind and being. The pure in heart as Doctrine & Covenants 97:21 states. So I like that this hymn talks of that Zion.
From the history book
Merrill Bradshaw--the composer and lyricist--was commissioned to write music for the sesquicentennial pageant called Zion in 1979. He couldn't find any text to capture the idea behind the pageant--the task of LDS people becoming a Zion people. Since he didn't find anything to his liking, he wrote his own with a tune that would be simple enough for most congregations to sing with confidence.
I know I sang this growing up, but honestly the main memories I have of this song are recent--trying to play this on the organ, with the pedal. I spent months on it and still never passed it to her satisfaction. The irony is my teacher isn't a huge fan of this particular hymn, and I didn't love it to begin with. I don't dislike it, but all those months of playing it brought mostly frustration. So I am hoping to some day be able to appreciate this hymn again. We'll start with today's entry!
The hymn is the angels parts of the story with the shepherds, with scripture-based quotes. Favorite line is the very last: "Goodwill henceforth from heav'n to men Begin and never cease."
From the history book
Written in 1700. It has been around awhile. Emma Smith included a version in the 1841 hymnal. It mentions that it has been paired with many tunes in hymnals. I believe that is why my organ teacher doesn't like this one, because she prefers a different tune. Maybe I should research some of the other tunes and I will appreciate this song bettter!
As a child this song would stand out to me because the chorus was the same the first 2 verses, but different on the 3rd. And that 3rd verse chorus--it's wonderful! It is telling of things still to come for us in our future: we will be crowned with the angels of heaven, and we will be one with Christ forever. Beautiful and hopeful, just like the rest of the hymn.
As the title and first line of the song says, this song is all about reasons to rejoice!
*We have a purpose on earth, and others to be with that know that purpose, too. No more strangers on earth!
*Good tidings--they really are abundant
*Loving each other and with no secrets to tear us apart
*Relying on Christ in (and with) faith
*We will be guided no matter what awful things may come at us in this world
*When we endure it all, we will "rise with the just"
*The Savior is coming!
Every hymn in the 1985 hymnal has a couple of scriptures to enhance the meaning/study of the hymns to us. But they are not the only scriptures that go with those hymns. In this song, especially with the chorus, one of my scripture verses goes with it:
3 Nephi 22: 4-5, 7-17 (especially the last few verses!)
4 Fear not, for thou shalt not be ashamed; neither be thou confounded, for thou shalt not be put to shame; for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more. 5 For thy maker, thy husband, the Lord of Hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel—the God of the whole earth shall he be called.
7 For a small moment have I forsaken thee, but with great mercies will I gather thee.
8 In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment, but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer.
9 For this, the waters of Noah unto me, for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth, so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee.
10 For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee.
11 O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted! Behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colors, and lay thy foundations with sapphires.
12 And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones.
13 And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children.
14 In righteousness shalt thou be established; thou shalt be far from oppression for thou shalt not fear, and from terror for it shall not come near thee.
15 Behold, they shall surely gather together against thee, not by me; whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake.
16 Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy.
17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall revile against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.
From the history book:
Ironically, this hymn about joy and rejoicing was written after the Saints were persecuted in Missouri, when the lyricist William W. Phelps had his home and printing press destroyed, and then forced to leave the county in November. "In our day...literally millions who derive strength from the words of this hymn. Now Let Us Rejoice recalls the amazing, resilient faith of our pioneers and helps us to strengthen our own. Even in the worst of times, we can still rejoice as we "watch for the day when the Savior will come." Which, of course, puts me in mind of Pres. Nelson's fabulous talk on Joy from last weekend. This has been one of my life goals for much of my life, finding Joy in the Journey. And this song, especially with its origin perfectly exemplifies that.
Lyrics
1. Now let us rejoice in the day of salvation.
No longer as strangers on earth need we roam.
Good tidings are sounding to us and each nation,
And shortly the hour of redemption will come,
When all that was promised the Saints will be given,
And none will molest them from morn until ev'n,
And earth will appear as the Garden of Eden,
And Jesus will say to all Israel, "Come home."
2. We'll love one another and never dissemble
But cease to do evil and ever be one.
And when the ungodly are fearing and tremble,
We'll watch for the day when the Savior will come,
When all that was promised the Saints will be given,
And none will molest them from morn until ev'n,
And earth will appear as the Garden of Eden,
And Jesus will say to all Israel, "Come home."
3. In faith we'll rely on the arm of Jehovah
To guide thru these last days of trouble and gloom,
And after the scourges and harvest are over,
We'll rise with the just when the Savior doth come.
Then all that was promised the Saints will be given,
And they will be crown'd with the angels of heav'n,
And earth will appear as the Garden of Eden,
And Christ and his people will ever be one.
Text: William W. Phelps, 1792-1872. Included in the first LDS hymnbook, 1835.
This arrangement by Mack Wilberg is amazing (but it does leave a verse out, FYI).
Growing up in the Church, and loving Church History, and attending BYU, this is one of the "over-sung" songs. Granted, in my musical preferences no good or great song can ever be over-sung. It definitely can be sung so much that we sadly neglect so many other great hymns. Yet we sing these ones over and over because they resonate with us, and we love to join together singing it. This particular hymn was written in the very early days of the Church, and sung at the dedication of the first temple built in our dispensation. That was a really big thing, and it has become a standard among the LDS ever since.
Like yesterday's hymn, this must have been so exciting for the composer to write as they watched the Gospel being restored, the Spirit being poured out upon the Saints as they gathered together, sacrificed to build a temple, and started going forth to preach the Gospel. This song's feelings and text continue today as we have seen the number of missionaries increase, temples being built all over the world, continued guidance from the Lord through the Spirit, and the Second Coming even closer than 180 years ago.
This is one of the hymn's I have memorized. (Helps when you sing it all the time since birth!). Lines that I love:
*Angels are coming to visit the earth
*The Lord is extending the Saints' understanding
*The knowledge and power of God are expanding; The veil o'er the earth is beginning to burst
*To spread forth the kingdom of heaven abroad
*That we through our faith may begin to inherit The visions and blessings and glories of God
*How blessed the day when the lamb and the lion Shall lie down together without any ire
*As Jesus descends with his chariot of fire!
*The entire chorus.
This hymn fills me with joy, excitement, and anticipation for what is to come as we build the Kingdom. There is a reason that the first section of this hymnbook are the "Restoration songs." The Gospel is Good News, and that's how we should start out the hymns--good news, the the full truths of the Gospel have been restored again to earth!
Tidbits from "the history book"--which for those interested is Our Latter-Day Hymns: The Stories and the Messages by Karen Lynn Davidson--one of my favorites! (At this point, I pause to read the few paragraphs and then sum up, comment, whatever. It's a work in progress right now--just so you know what is happening here. :-) Always fun for me to see what I have commented on and then what Sister Davidson said!)
When this was sung at the Kirtland Temple dedication, it was to the same tune as what we now sing Now Let Us Rejoice (Hymn #3). I remember us singing it to that tune at some point in my life. A Doctrine & Covenants class? Most likely at some point with my Nauvoo semester peoples. Maybe even in the Kirtland temple. But I have sung it, and it goes well. I just love the current tune we sing, which was first published in 1844 for use of missionaries in New England. Some believe it may have been the tune Hosanna, but is not called Assembly. They aren't sure and no one knows it origin. Whatever it is, I know it is heavenly inspired! Because I feel that this is one of those songs that the tune is absolutely perfect with the lyrics. The history book also mentioned 2 verses included in the 1835 hymnal. They have more reference to the Old Testament as well as the washing & anointing ordinances performed in the temple (which ironically, were the only ones that were able to be done in the Kirtland temple).
Also, this hymn is sung at every temple dedication! Because it is so apropos. :-)
Lyrics
1. The Spirit of God like a fire is burning!
The latter-day glory begins to come forth;
The visions and blessings of old are returning,
And angels are coming to visit the earth.
(Chorus]
We'll sing and we'll shout with the armies of heaven,
Hosanna, hosanna to God and the Lamb!
Let glory to them in the highest be given,
Henceforth and forever, Amen and amen!
2. The Lord is extending the Saints' understanding,
Restoring their judges and all as at first.
The knowledge and power of God are expanding;
The veil o'er the earth is beginning to burst.
3. We'll call in our solemn assemblies in spirit,
To spread forth the kingdom of heaven abroad,
That we through our faith may begin to inherit
The visions and blessings and glories of God.
4. How blessed the day when the lamb and the lion
Shall lie down together without any ire,
And Ephraim be crowned with his blessing in Zion,
As Jesus descends with his chariot of fire!
Text: William W. Phelps, 1792-1872. Included in the first LDS hymnbook, 1835. Sung at the Kirtland Temple dedication in 1836.
I can't believe I haven't covered this topic, yet. I feel like I've written about it. I suppose because so many Gospel topics overlap, I've probably referred to it in things about the Atonement and Plan of Salvation. Well, what we tend to shorten to The Fall was an important part of the Plan of Salvation. It is the 2nd of 3 pillars of the Plan. The first pillar had to be the Creation. We had to have a world on which we could be tested. But we had to get there for the testing! Adam and Eve's fall was crucial to enable us to come and be tested, and I firmly believe it was not a mistake on Eve's part but a conscious decision for us. And to be saved from that fall, Christ had to come to atone for each of us.
People often confuse the fact that Adam and Eve fell, and that we are thus guilty, too. No. We are not going to be punished for what they did. We are punished for our own sins. (Article of Faith 2). The Fall put them from an immortal state to a mortal state, one in which they could bring children into this world. It put them in a position where they and subsequently their posterity could be tried and tested in order to prove to our Father and to our Savior that we could be obedient to the commandments we have been given.
Always loved the scripture in the Book of Mormon, which sums up the truth of the Fall:
"Adam fell that men might be, and men are that they might have joy." (2 Nephi 2: )
But to dispel what people get wrong about it, there are the rest of the verses in that chapter (2 Nephi 2:19-27, emphasis added):
And after Adam and Eve had partaken of the forbidden fruit they were driven out of the garden ofEden, to till the earth.
20 And they have brought forth children; yea, even the family of all the earth.
21 And the days of the children of men were prolonged, according to the will of God, that they might repent while in the flesh; wherefore, their state became a state of probation, and their time was lengthened, according to the commandments which the Lord God gave unto the children of men. For he gave commandment that all men must repent; for he showed unto all men that they were lost, because of the transgression of their parents.
22 And now, behold, if Adam had not transgressed he would not have fallen, but he would have remained in the garden of Eden. And all things which were created must have remained in the same state in which they were after they were created; and they must have remained forever, and had no end.
23 And they would have had no children; wherefore they would have remained in a state of innocence, having no joy, for they knew no misery; doing no good, for they knew no sin.
24 But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things.
25 Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.
26 And the Messiah cometh in the fulness of time, that he may redeem the children of men from the fall. And because that they are redeemed from the fall they have become free forever, knowing good from evil; to act for themselves and not to be acted upon, save it be by the punishment of the law at the great and last day, according to the commandments which God hath given.
27 Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.
Awww. I LOVE the scriptures--they combined with prayer have been a crucial lifeline between me and my Heavenly Father. They offer so much to me, and not just spiritually. I was an English major who always enjoys good writing and good stories. The scriptures offer both. They could be entertaining, humorous, tragic and yet full of lessons just at face value. But I have spent my life learning to look deeper and to apply more than the typical piece of literature. The looking and applying involves searching and pondering--and all of those require the Spirit to be involved. When all of that is combined, then I am able to more fully partake of what the scriptures truly have to offer. They are the Word of God--some are His words through His prophets written for our benefit and guidance. Others are His words recorded by His prophets. All of them--His words. The wise prophets would not write that which would displease God. They wanted to write what He wanted us to know and have available to us.
Good to note: the LDS religion does not use the Apocrypha because some is true, but some has been twisted by men. It is not against us to use it, but if the Spirit is not present when it is being read, it will bring nothing of the Spirit to them. See Doctrine & Covenants 9. Also good to note that we do not view Song of Solomon as inspired scripture. I heard of one apostle who glues it shut. I read it once when I read the whole Old Testament in 9th-10th grade. All I remember is blushing a lot from embarrassment and uncomfortableness. There wasn't much I could get out that gave me deeper spiritual meaning and application. I'm OK never reading it again!
I haven't drawn this, yet?! Wow. Well, baptism is the first ordinance in the Gospel. It is a very symbolic ordinance in which our sins are washed away as we covenant to obey the God's commandments. We also covenant to stand as witnesses in all times and places, to mourn with those who mourn, comfort those in need of comfort.
The full scripture (Mosiah 18:8-10) explains it better than I, for my summing up would be a shoddy paraphrase:
And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light;
9 Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life—
10 Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?
This is a blog where I share inspirational/explanatory quotes, pieces of my testimony, and various things/events/experiences that have strengthened and will continue to increase that testimony. I am not officially called of my church to keep this blog. I share these things because they are the core of my very existence. And every part of me wants to proclaim it to all the world. So, I'll start here. I hope all who read my "spiritual ramblings" may know with a surety that I know and believe these things with all of my heart and with complete assurance.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. I would love to talk more with readers, though I do reserve the right to not discuss or respond to anything inappropriate or that I am not comfortable with.
