The Spirit of God's missing verses

A rather interesting take on the Classic LDS Song by Almarcus Soulfire


The Spirit of God is one of the most iconic hymns from the Mormon movement. It is almost a theme song of the church. It was written by W. W. Phelps and was included in the first hymnbook of the restoration. It was famously sung at the Dedication of the Kirtland Temple on March 27,1836 and is still sung today at almost every temple dedication. But did you know that the version in the LDS hymnbook is not the complete version? It actually contains six verses, two more than usually sung in LDS circles. There, only the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 6th verses are sung, but not the 4th or 5th. The verses are given below.

4. We'll wash and be washed, and with oil be anointed,
Withal not omitting the washing of feet.
For he that receiveth his penny appointed,
Must surely be clean at the harvest of wheat.
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.

5. Old Israel that fled from the world for his freedom,
Must come with the cloud and the pillar again.
A Moses, and Aaron, and Joshua lead him,
And feed him on manna from heaven again.
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.

So why are these verses not in the hymnbook? 
Overall, these verses are tangential compared to the rest of the hymn, with its focus on the restoration and the increase of Gods power on Earth. There are some exceptions to this rule, as the Church of Jesus Christ, known informally as the Bickertonite Church, will sing the fourth verse during their foot washing ordinance.

Topical Guide:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Truth

Image
          The poem below was included in the first edition of the Pearl of Great Price, published in 1851 along aside texts like the book of Abraham and Joseph Smith History. It was written by John Jaques, a convert to the church in England. He wrote it in response to Pilate's question to Jesus in John 18. While not officially canonized, it was put to music and made into a hymn titled " Oh Say, What is truth?" which is still in the hymnbook today.           The most interesting part of the poem is the last stanza, as it answers the question posed at the beginning. Truth is the sum of existence, always existing, never changing. Something as true then as it is now. Truth John Jaques Oh say, what is truth? 'Tis the fairest gem That the riches of worlds can produce, And priceless the value of truth will be when The proud monarch's costliest diadem Is counted but dross and refuse. Yes, say, what is truth? 'Tis the brightest prize...
Read more

Diligence in Preaching to the World—Providences of God Around the Saints—Charity—God’s Spirit Distributed Among All Mankind—Trials, &c

Image
Brigham Young, the second prophet of the restoration, was the largest contributor to the Journal of Discourses, with a total of 90 sermons. He had a fierier form of teaching, using strong language to get the point across, sometimes causing controversy in the Modern day. Some words in this very sermon might cause one to feel uncomfortable. This sermon was located in the seventh volume and was transcribed by George D. Watts. In the talk, he talks about the importance of Charity, his desire not to be rich himself or anyone to be rich, and the horrors of war. This was an interesting one. In this one, I try to something different. While reading it, some sections stood out to me, and I underlined them to add a personal touch. If it is too distracting or you think I should try something, leave a comment below.  A Discourse by President Brigham Young, Delivered in the Tabernacle, Great Salt Lake City, December 18, 1859. My greatest desire to my Father and God is that I may so speak that my...
Read more

Reed Smoot April 1933

Image
       General Conferences in the LDS Church have been going on since the church was founded almost 200 years ago. The people who spoke in these conferences were prophets and apostles, people, teachers of God's will. Imperfect people chosen by God to lead his church in the modern era. Despite being decades old, these talks may still have things to teach us. Repurposed below is an interesting conference talk given by Reed Smoot, an apostle and former U.S. senator, in April 1933 about the nature of God, of Christ, and of his church. Elder Reed Smoot Of the Council of the Twelve Apostles I am thankful for the privilege of attending this General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ, and I know it will result in blessings to the people and be profitable to all those present and the thousands that are making use of the radio to hear all that may be said during the three days of this Annual Conference. At this conference, like all that have been held in the past, w...
Read more