We gathered at 7:00 on a hill in a park at the edge of town that looks vaguely like a miniature Hill Cumorah. It was a loosely structured service consisting of old Restoration hymns; time for people to share favorite Book of Mormon stories, or passages, or experiences; and then a reading from D&C 128/110 to finish. Then my husband and I invited everyone back to our place for apple cider and pumpkin donuts, to usher in the autumn.
I'm pasting below the hymns we sang and the scripture reading we finished with. I did some adapting of the hymns, to replace gendered language and to universalize restoration-of-Israel imagery. My adaptations are indicated in bold type.
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When Earth in Bondage Long Had Lain
Parley P. Pratt (adapted)
We sang this to the tune "Sweet Hour" [ = "Sweet Hour of Prayer"]
When earth in bondage long had lain,
and darkness o’er the nations reigned,
and mortal precepts proved in vain,
a perfect system to obtain—
a voice resounded from on high.
Hark! hark! it is the angel’s cry,
descending from the throne of light,
his garments shining clear and white;
descending from the throne of light,
his garments shining clear and white.
He comes to show the gospel plan
in fulness to the human clan.
Lo! from Cumorah’s lonely hill,
there comes a record of God’s will!
Ye Gentile nations, cease your strife,
and listen to the words of life.
Turn from your sins with one accord;
prepare to meet your coming Lord.
Turn from your sins with one accord,
prepare to meet your coming Lord.
Let every people, far and near
the glorious proclamation hear,
for Israel and the Gentiles too
the way to Zion shall pursue,
their voices and their tongues employ
in songs of everlasting joy.
The mountains and the hills rejoice;
let all creation hear God’s voice!
The mountains and the hills rejoice;
Let all creation hear God’s voice!
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What Wondrous Scenes Mine Eyes Behold
Anonymous (adapted)
We sang this to the tune "Old Hundredth" [ = "Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow]
What wondrous scenes mine eyes behold!
What glories burst upon my view!
When Ephraim’s record I unfold,
all things appear divinely new.
Angels to earth good news have borne,
which fills our souls with joy and peace—
good news to comfort those who mourn,
and bring the captives full release.
People so long oppressed and grieved,
in every land, in every clime,
shall hear the word of God, and live.
This is the time, the chosen time!
Glory to God! We tune the lyre
in loud hosannas to his name.
Let every nation join the choir,
and ‘round the earth the news proclaim.
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The Spirit of God
William W. Phelps (adapted)
We ended up singing this to the regular tune, but I had considered singing it instead to the tune "Lion of Judah" [ = "Now Let Us Rejoice"] to create a fresher engagement with the lyrics.
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.
The angels are coming to visit the earth.
Chorus:
We’ll sing and we’ll shout with the angels of heaven:
Hosanna, hosanna to God and the Lamb!
Let glory to them in the highest be given,
henceforth and forever. Amen and amen!
The Lord is extending the saints’ understanding,
restoring all blessings bestowed at the first.
The knowledge and power of God are expanding.
The veil o’er the earth is beginning to burst.
How blessed the day when the lamb and the lion
shall lie down together without any ire,
and hymns from all nations resound forth in Zion,
as Jesus descends with his chariots of fire!
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LDS D&C 128:19-22 / RLDS D&C 110:19a-22b
Reader 1:
What do we hear in the gospel which we have received?
Reader 2:
A voice of gladness!
A voice of mercy from heaven!
A voice of truth out of the earth!
Reader 3:
How beautiful on the mountains
are the feet of those who bring glad tidings—
who say to Zion: Your God reigns!
Reader 1:
Again, what do we hear?
Reader 4:
Glad tidings from Cumorah!
Moroni, an angel from heaven,
declaring the fulfillment of the prophets—
the book to be revealed.
Reader 3:
The voice of Michael
on the banks of the Susquehanna,
detecting the devil when he appeared as an angel of light!
Reader 4:
The voice of Peter, James, and John in the wilderness,
declaring themselves as possessing the keys
to open the dispensation of the fullness of times!
Reader 2:
The voice of God
in the chamber of old Father Whitmer,
and at various times and places
through all the travels and tribulations of this church.
Reader 3:
The voice of Michael the archangel,
the voice of Gabriel, Raphael, and other angels—
Reader 4:
giving line on line, precept on precept;
here a little, there a little—
Reader 2:
giving us consolation, confirming our hope!
Reader 1:
Brothers and sisters,
shall we not go on in so great a cause?
Let your hearts rejoice, and be exceedingly glad!
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