The Spirit of God

This arrangement from composer Garrett Breeze utilizes all six verses of William W. Phelp’s original lyrics sung at the dedication of the Kirtland Temple. It was designed for the amateur choir, calling primarily for unison singing and hymnbook harmonies accompanied by new harmonization in the organ. Starting softly, constantly building to the end, and moving at a brisk pace, this is a dramatic and moving setting that puts a familiar hymn in a new light.

Difficulty: Easy

Voicing: SATB

Accompaniment: Organ

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: and angels are coming to visit the earth.

The Lord is extending the Saints understanding, restoring their judges and all as at first; the knowledge and power of God are expanding, the veil o’er the earth is beginning to burst.

We’ll call in our solemn assemblies in spirit to spread forth the kingdom of Heaven abroad, that we through our faith may begin to inherit the visions and the blessings, and glories of God.

We’ll wash and be washed, and wish 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.

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

How blessed the day, when the lamb and the lion shall lie down together without any ire. And Ephraim be crowned with his blessing in Zion, as Jesus descends with his chariot of fire!

We’ll sing and we’ll shout, with the armies of Heaven, hosannah, hosannah to God and the Lamb! Let glory to them in the highest be given henceforth and forever amen and amen!