Hymnals (original) (raw)

It's been my experience that you can tell much from a church's hymnal. For instance, I've foresworn ever entering again a local, centuries old Baptist church whose hymnal reads like a paean of Gaiia. And, in fact, they are a "green" church, concerned with saving the planet and social justice instead of Christ Jesus.

The LDS hymnal is particularly revealing. I have one buried in the tottering stacks of books in whose midst I live, but I can't find it. One particular hymn depicts Joseph Smith in a consulting role with God at the creation. Incidentally, they steal the music and apply their own lyrics. I tried to find the hymn on https://www.lds.org/music/library/search?query=joseph+smith&x=0&y=0&lang=eng but failed. Oh well, here are some lyrics I did garner. This is an instructive site to browse.

Lyrics

1. 1. Praise to the man who communed with Jehovah!
   Jesus anointed that Prophet and Seer.
   Blessed to open the last dispensation,
   Kings shall extol him, and nations revere.
2. (Chorus]
   Hail to the Prophet, ascended to heaven!
   Traitors and tyrants now fight him in vain.
   Mingling with Gods, he can plan for his brethren;
   Death cannot conquer the hero again.
3. 2. Praise to his mem'ry, he died as a martyr;
   Honored and blest be his ever great name!
   Long shall his blood, which was shed by assassins,
   Plead unto heav'n while the earth lauds his fame.
4. 3. Great is his glory and endless his priesthood.
   Ever and ever the keys he will hold.
   Faithful and true, he will enter his kingdom,
   Crowned in the midst of the prophets of old.
5. 4. Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven;
   Earth must atone for the blood of that man.
   Wake up the world for the conflict of justice.
   Millions shall know "Brother Joseph" again.

Lyrics

1. 1. Now we'll sing with one accord,
   For a prophet of the Lord,
   Bringing forth his precious word,
   Cheers the Saints as anciently.
   When the world in darkness lay,
   Lo! he sought the better way,
   And he heard the Savior say,
   "Go and prune my vineyard, son!"
2. 2. And an angel surely then,
   For a blessing unto men,
   Brought the priesthood back again
   In its ancient purity.
   Even Joseph he inspired;
   Yea, his heart he truly fired
   With the light that he desired
   For the work of righteousness.
3. 3. And the Book of Mormon true,
   With its cov'nant ever new,
   For the Gentile and the Jew,
   He translated sacredly.
   God's commandments to mankind,
   For believing Saints designed,
   And to bless the seeking mind,
   Came to him from Jesus Christ.
4. 4. Precious are the years to come,
   While the righteous gather home
   For the great millennium,
   When they'll rest in blessedness.
   Prudent in this world of woes,
   They will triumph o'er their foes,
   While the realm of Zion grows
   Purer for eternity.
5. Text: