The Prophet of the Restoration. Joseph Smith Jr.

This month marks 171 years since the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum while under the protection of the governor of Illinois in the jail in Carthage, IL.  June 27, 1844.  I have been tasked to assist in my ward's (local congregation) choir while the choir director is ill.  Twist my arm, right?  So, as we were in between songs, I was  given a free reign to come up with music.  It was crystal.  The song "Joseph Smith's First Prayer" done to a melody by Ralph Vaughan Williams.  I don't know the name of the tune, but it is found in the Hymnal of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. #284.  The first time I went through it, I knew it had to be done.  The feeling of the tune has made me feel so close to the Sacred Grove, near Palmyra, NY.

The song was written by George Manwaring.  Here are the lyrics.

  1. 1. Oh, how lovely was the morning!
    Radiant beamed the sun above.
    Bees were humming, sweet birds singing,
    Music ringing thru the grove,
    When within the shady woodland
    Joseph sought the God of love,
    When within the shady woodland
    Joseph sought the God of love.
  2. 2. Humbly kneeling, sweet appealing--
    'Twas the boy's first uttered prayer--
    When the pow'rs of sin assailing
    Filled his soul with deep despair;
    But undaunted, still he trusted
    In his Heav'nly Father's care;
    But undaunted, still he trusted
    In his Heav'nly Father's care.
  3. 3. Suddenly a light descended,
    Brighter far than noonday sun,
    And a shining, glorious pillar
    O'er him fell, around him shone,
    While appeared two heav'nly beings,
    God the Father and the Son,
    While appeared two heav'nly beings,
    God the Father and the Son.
  4. 4. "Joseph, this is my Beloved;
    Hear him!" Oh, how sweet the word!
    Joseph's humble prayer was answered,
    And he listened to the Lord.
    Oh, what rapture filled his bosom,
    For he saw the living God;
    Oh, what rapture filled his bosom,
    For he saw the living God.
 A beautiful song that testifies of the First Vision.  To know that the Dispensation of the Fullness of Times was opened, and the Prophet of the Restoration had the faith to seek out God.  May we all seek Him out.  He is waiting.

In the mean time, I am trying to figure the copyright issue out.  I can't stress enough how much this tune is in my head. Don't think I am crazy, but who knows?  Any suggestions? (not on the crazy part, the copyright thing). Message me.

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