Lyrics:

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. 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. 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. 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.

Text: William W. Phelps, 1792-1872. Included in the first LDS hymnbook, 1835.
Music: Joseph J. Daynes, 1851-1920

-History:

Text By: William W Phelps

William Wines Phelps (February 17, 1792 – March 7, 1872) was an early leader of the Latter Day Saint movement. He was an assistant president of the church in Missouri, scribe to Joseph Smith, Jr., and a church printer, editor, and song-writer.

In the early part of 1835, he and his son Waterman were called to Kirtland, where they made their home with the family of the Prophet Joseph Smith and assisted a committee appointed to compile the Book of Doctrine and Covenants. About this time, Elder Phelps subscribed USD$500 toward the erection of theKirtland Temple. Phelps was the author of eleven popular early Latter Day Saint hymns. In Kirtland, Ohio, he helped print the first Latter Day Saint hymnal in 1835, which included “The Spirit of God Like a Fire Is Burning“, which was sung at the dedication of the Kirtland Temple. He was also instrumental in printing the 1835 edition of the Doctrine and Covenants.

Music By: Joseph J Daynes

-Video: