Lyrics:

1. As the dew from heav’n distilling
Gently on the grass descends
And revives it, thus fulfilling
What thy providence intends,

2. Let thy doctrine, Lord, so gracious,
Thus descending from above,
Blest by thee, prove efficacious
To fulfill thy work of love.

3. Lord, behold this congregation;
Precious promises fulfill.
From thy holy habitation
Let the dews of life distill.

4. Let our cry come up before thee.
Thy sweet Spirit shed around,
So the people shall adore thee
And confess the joyful sound.

Text: Thomas Kelly, 1769-1854
Music: Joseph J. Daynes, 1851-1920

-History: (Source: Wikipedia)

Written By: Thomas Kelly

Music By: Joseph J. Daynes

Joseph John Daynes (April 2, 1851 – January 15, 1920)^[1] was the first organist at the Tabernacle in Salt Lake City, Utah and for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. He also wrote the music to many hymns as well as writing anthems. In the 1985 English-language hymnal of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) there are 5 hymns with music by Daynes. In the LDS Church’s previous edition there were 27 hymns with music by him.

Daynes was born in Norwich, England. His parents John and Eliza Miller Daynes joined the LDS Church and the family emigrated to Utah Territory in 1862.

In 1867, when an organ was brought by Joseph H. Ridges to Salt Lake City, Daynes was appointed the Tabernacle Organist, the first to ever hold this position since before this there was no organ. Daynes remained organist at the Salt Lake Tabernacle until 1900. He was also the music conductor of the 20th Ward Choir in Salt Lake City.

Daynes was one of the main editors of the Latter-day Saints’ Psalmody.

In 1872, Daynes married Mary Jane Sharp. They had seven children.

Among the hymns with music by Daynes are “Come Listen to A Prophets Voice“, “Now We’ll Sing with One Accord” and “As the Dew From Heaven Distilling“.

Daynes’ son Joseph J. Daynes Jr. served as the first president of the Grant Stake in Salt Lake City.^[2] and later was the president of the Western States Mission of the LDS Church, based in Colorado. The younger Daynes was married to one of Wilford Woodruff‘s daughters.