“Birth: 10 July 1804, Harmony, Susquehannah County,
Pennsylvania. Daughter of Isaac Hale and Elizabeth Lewis.
“Death: 30 April 1879, Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois.
“Emma Smith stood about five feet, nine inches tall, had dark hair and brown eyes, and was described as ‘well-turned, of excellent form … with splendid physical development.’ Her father wrote of Joseph Smith's courting of Emma: ‘Smith made several visits at my house, and at length asked my consent to his marrying my daughter Emma. This I refused.’ Emma, without the approval of her father, was married to Joseph in January 1827 in South Bainbridge, New York. She wrote of her elopement, ‘I had no intention of marrying when I left home; but [Joseph] … urged me to marry him, and preferring to marry him to any other man I knew, I consented.’
“On 22 September 1827 Emma was privileged to be the first to know that Joseph had acquired the plates from the angel Moroni. The plates ‘lay in a box under our bed for months,’ she said, ‘but I never felt at liberty to look at them.’ Emma was a scribe for the Book of Mormon translation, and said of her experience, ‘It is marvelous to me.… when acting as his scribe, [he] would dictate to me hour after hour; and when returning after meals, or after interruptions, he could at once begin where he had left off, without either seeing the manuscript or having any portion of it read to him.’ She bore a continuing testimony, even in her seventy-fourth year, of her husband's prophetic calling: ‘I believe he was everything he professed to be.’
“Emma was baptized on 28 June 1830 by Oliver Cowdery…Emma was admonished to develop her talents, which included selecting sacred hymns…D&C 25:7D&C 25:8D&C 25:11Her calling was to be ‘a comfort unto’ the Prophet (see D&C 25:5D&C 25:5). Joseph loved Emma, for she was faithful in fulfilling this calling. He pleaded with the Lord on behalf of her and their children: ‘Have mercy, O Lord, upon [my] wife and children, that they may be exalted in thy presence, and preserved by thy fostering hand’ (D&C 109:69D&C 109:69).
“…While reaching out to serve others, Emma quietly endured her own personal sufferings. Of the nine children she bore, only four grew to maturity. This, together with religious persecution, bigotry, and the incarceration of her husband, led her to pen in a letter to Joseph, ‘No one but God, knows the reflections of my mind and the feelings of my heart when I left our house and home, and almost all of everything that we possessed excepting our little children, and took my journey out of the State of Missouri, leaving you shut up in that lonesome prison.’
“Emma's concern was always for her husband and children. Brief historical entries in Joseph's journal reflect his caring for her: ‘Emma began to be sick with fever; consequently I kept in the house with her all day.… Emma is no better. I was with her all day.… Emma was a little better. I was with her all day.… Emma is very sick again. I attended with her all the day, being somewhat poorly myself.’
“Emma was promised in a patriarchal blessing that her diligence would lead to great blessings: ‘For thy faithfulness and truth, thou shalt be blessed with thy husband and rejoice in the glory which shall come upon him.… Thou shalt be blessed with understanding, and have power to instruct thy sex, teach thy family righteousness, and thy little ones the way of life, and the holy angels shall watch over thee: and thou shalt be saved in the kingdom of God.’
“Emma has been criticized for not
following the leadership of Brigham Young and coming west with the Saints after
the death of Joseph. Criticism led her to exclaim, ‘I have no friend but God,
and no place to go but home.’ She married Major Lewis Bidamon and was his wife
for thirty-two years. On one occasion she said, ‘I have always avoided talking
to my children about having anything to do in the church, for I have suffered
so much I have dreaded to have them take any part in it.’
“Her health failed rapidly in April 1879. Her family rallied to her side the evening of 29 April 1879. Her son Alexander recalled hearing his mother call, ‘Joseph, Joseph, Joseph.’ Joseph Smith III reported seeing his mother extend her left arm and hearing her say, ‘Joseph! Yes, yes, I'm coming.’ Emma Smith Bidamon died at 4:20 a.m. on 30 April 1879 in Nauvoo at the age of seventy-four. She is buried next to the remains of her husband, the Prophet Joseph Smith.” (Susan Easton Black, Who's Who in the Doctrine and Covenants [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1997], 273-277.)
As soon as this revelation was
received (DC 32, Oct. 1830), Emma Smith, and several other sisters, began to
make arrangements to furnish those who were set apart for this mission, with
the necessary clothing, which was no easy task, as the most of it had to be
manufactured out of the raw material.
First Mission to the LamanitesHCEmma's health at this time was quite delicate, yet she did not favor herself on this account, but whatever her hands found to do, she did with her might, until so far beyond her strength that she brought upon herself a heavy fit of sickness, which lasted four weeks. And, although her strength was exhausted, still her spirits were the same, which, in fact, was always the case with her, even under the most trying circumstances. I have never seen a woman in my life, who would endure every species of fatigue and hardship, from month to month, and from year to year, with that unflinching courage, zeal, and patience, which she has ever done; for I know that which she has had to endure—she has been tossed upon the ocean of uncertainty—she has breasted the storms of persecution, and buffeted the rage of men and devils, which would have borne down almost any other woman. (History of Joseph Smith by His Mother [Salt Lake City: Stevens & Wallis, Inc., 1945], 190 - 191.)
DC 25:1 all those who receive
my gospel are sons and daughters in my kingdom
As women, you are wonderful and special. You have a great mission, a great errand, and a great calling. Indeed, God devised his work for both men and women: “All those who receive my gospel are sons and daughters in my kingdom.” (D&C 25:1.) Being born as women brings to you many endowments that are not common to men and therefore make you unique.
President Spencer W. Kimball, in speaking of the roles of men and women, added some personal perspective: “Our roles and assignments differ. These are eternal differences—with women being given many tremendous responsibilities of motherhood and sisterhood and men being given the tremendous responsibilities of fatherhood and the priesthood—but the man is not without the woman nor the woman without the man in the Lord…” (“A Message to My Granddaughters: Becoming ‘Great Women,’ ” Ensign, Sept. 1986, 16)
“If thou art faithful and walk in the paths of virtue before me”—those words might become the theme of a very long sermon. I shall comment only briefly.
In very large measure each of us holds the key to the blessings of the Almighty upon us. If we wish the blessing, we must pay the price. A part of that price lies in being faithful. Faithful to what? Faithful to ourselves, to the very best that is within us. No woman can afford to demean herself, to belittle herself, to downgrade her abilities or her capacities. Let each be faithful to the great, divine attributes that are within her. Be faithful to the gospel. Be faithful to the Church. We have all about us those who are seeking to undermine it, to look for weaknesses in its early leaders, to find fault with its programs, to speak critically of it. I give you my testimony that it is the work of God, and those who speak against it are speaking against him.
Be faithful to him. He is the one true source of your strength. He is your Father in Heaven. He lives. He hears and answers prayers. Be faithful to God.
The Lord continued, saying to Emma, “If thou … walk in the paths of virtue.”
I think every woman in these gatherings tonight understands the meaning of that. I feel those words were given to Emma Smith, and consequently to all of us, as a condition to be observed if we are to receive an inheritance in the kingdom of God. Lack of virtue is totally inconsistent with obedience to the commandments of God. There is nothing more beautiful than virtue. There is no strength that is greater than the strength of virtue. There is no other nobility equal to the nobility of virtue. There is no quality so becoming, no attire so attractive. (“If Thou Art Faithful,” Ensign, Nov. 1984, 90)
DC 25:3 thou art an elect
lady, whom I have called
“Emma’s patriarchal blessing, given on 9 December 1834 by her father-in-law, Joseph
Smith, Sr., presents important information concerning Emma’s contribution
to the Restoration, how the Lord viewed Emma, and what he promised her.
“‘Emma … thou art blessed of the Lord, for thy faithfulness and truth, thou shalt be blessed with thy husband, and rejoice in the glory which shall come upon him. Thy soul has been afflicted because of the wickedness of men in seeking the destruction of thy companion, and thy whole soul has been drawn out in prayer for his deliverance; rejoice, for the Lord thy God has heard thy supplication. Thou hast grieved for the hardness of the hearts of thy father’s house, and thou hast longed for their salvation. The Lord will have respect to thy cries, and by his judgments he will cause some of them to see their folly and repent of their sins; but it will be by affliction that they will be saved. Thou shalt see many days, yea, the Lord will spare thee till thou art satisfied, for thou shalt see thy Redeemer. Thy heart shall rejoice in the great work of the Lord, and no one shall take thy rejoicing from thee. Thou shalt ever remember the great condescension of thy God in permitting thee to accompany my son [Joseph] when the angel delivered the record of the Nephites to his care. … Thou shalt be blessed with understanding, and have power to instruct thy sex, teach thy family righteousness, and thy little ones the way of life, and the holy angels shall watch over thee and thou shalt be saved in the kingdom of God, even so, Amen.’” (Gracia N. Jones, “My Great-Great-Grandmother, Emma Hale Smith,” Ensign, Aug. 1992, 32)
(Thursday, March 17, 1842) I assisted in commencing the organization of “The Female Relief Society of Nauvoo” in the Lodge Room. Sister Emma Smith, President, and Sister Elizabeth Ann Whitney and Sarah M. Cleveland, Counselors. I gave much instruction, read in the New Testament, and Book of Doctrine and Covenants, concerning the Elect Lady, and showed that the elect meant to be elected to a certain work, &c., and that the revelation was then fulfilled by Sister Emma's election to the Presidency of the Society, she having previously been ordained to expound the Scriptures. Emma was blessed, and her counselors were ordained by Elder John Taylor. (History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 7 vols., introduction and notes by B. H. Roberts [Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1932-1951], 4: 552 - 553.)
Emma was called “an elect lady.” That is, to use another line of scripture, she was a “chosen vessel of the Lord.” (See Moro. 7:31.) Each of you is an elect lady. You have come out of the world as partakers of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. You have made your election, and if you are living worthy of it, the Lord will honor you in it and magnify you. (“If Thou Art Faithful,” Ensign, Nov. 1984, 91)
DC 25:4 Murmur not because of
the things which thou hast not seen
“Although Emma Smith never saw the gold plates in the same way the other witnesses did and was also counseled by the Lord not to murmur because of the things which she had not seen (see D&C 25:4), she did have close contact with the plates and the work of her husband. In response to a question from her son, Joseph Smith III, as to the reality of the plates, she responded:
“’The plates often lay on the table without any attempt at concealment, wrapped in a small linen tablecloth, which I had given him [Joseph Smith, Jr.] to fold them in. I once felt of the plates, as they thus lay on the table, tracing their outline and shape. They seemed to be pliable like thick paper, and would rustle with a metallic sound when the edges were moved by the thumb, as one does sometimes thumb the edges of a book. … I did not attempt to handle the plates, other than I have told you, nor uncover them to look at them. I was satisfied that it was the work of God, and therefore did not feel it to be necessary to do so. … I moved them from place to place on the table, as it was necessary in doing my work.’ (The Saints’ Herald, 1 Oct. 1879, p. 290; spelling modernized.)
“Even though Emma did not see the plates directly, what she had seen and felt by the Spirit deepened her conviction of the truth of the Book of Mormon. As a result, she bore this powerful witness and testimony of the book to her son:
“’My belief is that the Book of Mormon is of divine authenticity—I have not the slightest doubt of it. I am satisfied that no man could have dictated the writing of the manuscripts unless he was inspired; for, when acting as his scribe, your father would dictate to me hour after hour; and when returning after meals, or after interruptions, he would at once begin where he had left off, without either seeing the manuscript or having any portion of it read to him. This was a usual thing for him to do. It would have been improbable that a learned man could do this; and, for one so ignorant and unlearned as he was, it was simply impossible.’” (Keith W. Perkins, “I Have a Question,” Ensign, July 1992, 54)
DC 25:4 they are withheld from
thee…which is wisdom in me in a time to come
“At
age 13 our precious son was taken from the earth, struck down and killed in
front of our house by an intoxicated driver. This tragedy left us with a
crushing sense of loss.
“One evening in the quiet dark of our home, I poured out
my heart to Heavenly Father. Like many other times during that period of grief,
I pleaded for the assurance that Jared was all right—even that I might see him.
I also expressed my great desire that Jared know how much I love and miss him.
Copious tears flowed down my cheeks, and I felt again the fear that gripped me
when I’d learned of his death.
“Loving friends told me that my faith would sustain me
and that I should wait on the Lord and accept his will in this matter. Perhaps,
they suggested, Jared couldn’t come to me. They encouraged me to trust in the
Lord.
“Turning to the scriptures for comfort, I came upon a
scripture that seemed to jump out at me. It changed my life. In a revelation
directed to Emma Smith, the Lord said, ‘Murmur not
because of the things which thou hast not seen, for they are withheld from thee
and from the world, which is wisdom in me in a time to come’ (D&C
25:4).
“As I
read those words, my heart was pierced with the certain knowledge that Father
in Heaven knew of my deepest desires and that in time all would be well. One
day I would indeed see my son again, in the Lord’s due time. While attending
the temple soon thereafter, I gave thanks for the comfort I had received and
felt strongly of my son’s love for me. I realized then that my son knew how
much I love and miss him.
“I am grateful for the comfort I received in my time of need and for the trust we all can place in the Lord’s ‘wisdom … in a time to come’ (D&C 25:4).” (Joselli K. See, “I Prayed to See My Son,” Ensign, Jan. 1997, 62)
DC 25:5 with consoling words,
in the spirit of meekness
That is interesting language. She was his wife, his companion, his strength in his afflictions. She was to comfort with consoling words, given in a spirit of meekness.
I see in that the challenge to every woman who is a wife to set the tone of that which is spoken in the home. It was said of old that “a soft answer turneth away wrath.” (Prov. 15:1.) It is interesting to me that in this revelation the Lord spoke of consoling words in the spirit of meekness.
There is so much of argument in the homes of the people. It is so destructive. It is so corrosive. It leads only to bitterness, heartbreak, and tears. How well advised we would be, each of us, when there is tension, when there is friction, when there is affliction, to speak with consoling words in the spirit of meekness. (“If Thou Art Faithful,” Ensign, Nov. 1984, 91)
I often wonder if women realize what it means to a husband to have a loving wife encourage him and express confidence in him. … A mother must realize that every word she speaks, every act, every response, and every mood—even her appearance and dress—affects the lives of the children and the whole family. (Elizabeth A. Shaw, “News of the Church,” Ensign, July 1980, 78)
DC 25:6 be unto him for a
scribe, while there is no one to be a scribe for him
Emma had already served briefly as a scribe for Joseph while he translated the Book of Mormon. Of this experience, she wrote, “No man could have dictated the writings of the manuscript unless he was inspired. . . . When returning after meals, or after interruptions, he would at once begin where he left off, without either seeing the manuscript or having any portion of it read to him. This was a usual thing for him to do. It would have been improbable that a learned man could do this; and for one so ignorant and unlearned as he was, it was simply impossible.” (Jerrie W. Hurd, Our Sisters in the Latter-day Scriptures [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1987], 74.)
After his arrival in Harmony, Oliver Cowdery acted as the scribe until the Book of Mormon was completed. While Oliver had replaced Emma earlier, now Emma would replace Oliver in the work of Bible translation.
“Joseph the Prophet was assisted in
his translation of the Bible by a number of persons who served as scribes. It
may be that his wife, Emma Smith, labored for a short time as scribe. In a
revelation given to Emma in July of 1830 she was instructed: ‘And thou shalt go with him at the time of his going, and
be unto him for a scribe, while there is no one to be a scribe for him,
that I may send my servant, Oliver Cowdery, whithersoever I will’ "D&C 25:6D&C 25:6; emphasis added). The
Book of Mormon had been published in March of 1830, and so this directive could
not have had reference to further work with the Nephite record. Oliver Cowdery
would serve for a period of time in the work of translation, but would have his
scribal activities interrupted by a call to serve on a preaching mission (see "D&C 28:1D&C 28, 32)…
“…The work of the scribe seems to have consisted in writing on sheets of paper that which was dictated by Joseph Smith. Joseph would read directly from the Bible and through the spirit of inspiration note the need for a revision of a text.” (Monte S. Nyman and Charles D. Tate, Jr., eds., Joseph Smith Translation: The Restoration of Plain and Precious Things [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1985], 30.)
DC 25:7-8 thou shalt be
ordained…to expound scriptures, and to exhort the church…to learning, and to
writing
In the initial meetings of Relief Society, the Prophet Joseph Smith taught that the society “is not only to relieve the poor, but to save souls.” (Minutes, 9 June 1842, p. 63; History of the Church, 5:25.) A later First Presidency explained: “One of the purposes of the organization of the Relief Society was that a system might be inaugurated by which study of religious subjects, or Church doctrine and government, might be pursued by women. The administration of charity under the direction of the Bishopric … was to be part of their active work. But this was not intended to absorb their activities to the exclusion of the development of faith, and the advancement of women in literary, social and domestic activities of life.” (James R. Clark, comp., Messages of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 6 vols., Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1965–75, 5:217.)
“To save souls opens the whole field of human activity and development,” Elder John A. Widtsoe later declared. “Relief of poverty, relief of illness; relief of doubt, relief of ignorance—relief of all that hinders the joy and progress of woman. What a magnificent commission!” (John A. Widtsoe, Evidences and Reconciliations, Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1987, p. 308.)
That commission included teaching. In a revelation given in 1830, the Lord told Emma Smith that the Prophet would authorize her ‘to expound scriptures, and to exhort the church, according as it shall be given thee by my Spirit.’ (D&C 25:7.) When she was later selected to lead the Relief Society, her prophet husband referred to this revelation that she would “expound the scriptures to all” and “teach the female part of the community.” He declared “that not she alone, but others, may attain to the same blessings.” (“The Relief Society and the Church,” Ensign, May 1992, 34–35)
…a woman’s place is in preaching the gospel and doing missionary work; her calling is to do good and work righteousness in every place and under all circumstances.
It is thus that we see the mothers in Israel and the daughters of Zion today. We see them weeping at Haun’s Mill; we see them standing beside burning houses in Missouri; we see them bowing before open graves at Winter Quarters. Our sisters are like those of old. They fight the family-destroying influence of unfortunate legislative proposals. They lobby in legislative halls and rally the forces of good around the ballot box. They importune the Lord for the preservation of their families and for his guiding hand over the destinies of nations.
The brethren do not stand alone in building up the Lord’s latter-day kingdom. And when our faithful sisters depart this life, they will continue to labor with the downtrodden and spiritually depressed until the work of the great Jehovah shall reach its glorious consummation. (“Our Sisters from the Beginning,” Ensign, Jan. 1979, 63)
DC 25:10 lay aside the things
of this world, and seek for the things of a better
Prophets have admonished us to forsake the world and turn our hearts to Jesus Christ, who promised us, “In this world your joy is not full, but in me your joy is full” (D&C 101:36; emphasis added). Said President Spencer W. Kimball, “If we insist on spending all our time and resources building up … a worldly kingdom, that is exactly what we will inherit” (“The False Gods We Worship,” Ensign, June 1976, 6). How often are we so focused on pursuing the so-called good life that we lose sight of eternal life? It is the fatal spiritual equivalent of selling our birthright for a mess of pottage.
The Lord revealed the remedy for such spiritual disaster when He counseled Emma Smith to “lay aside the things of this world, and seek for the things of a better” (D&C 25:10). And Christ provided the pattern, declaring prior to Gethsemane, “I have overcome the world” (John 16:33; emphasis added). The only way that we may overcome the world is by coming unto Christ. And coming unto Christ means walking away from the world. It means placing Christ and Christ only at the center of our lives so that the vanities and philosophies of men lose their addictive appeal. Satan is the god of Babylon, or this world. Christ is the God of Israel, and His Atonement gives us power to overcome the world. “If you expect glory, intelligence and endless lives,” said President Joseph F. Smith, “let the world go.” (“We Are Women of God,” Ensign, Nov. 1999, 97-98)
The Lord has counseled us directly in this dispensation to seek the Spirit—to learn much—that we might “lay aside the things of this world, and seek for the things of a better” (D&C 25:10). I feel strongly that this is a clarion call for the women of this church at this time. For us to stand firm and faithful, we must be clearly focused on seeking the Lord. (“Seek, and Ye Shall Find,” Ensign, Nov. 1994, 90)
DC 25:11 make a selection of
sacred hymns
“Emma’s hymnbook, entitled A Collection of Sacred Hymns for the Church of the Latter Day Saints, appeared in print in August 1835. The vest-pocket edition, measuring three inches by four and one-half inches, was published in Kirtland, Ohio, by F. G. Williams and Co. Of its ninety hymn texts, thirty-nine had been written by Latter-day Saint poets, including Parley P. Pratt and Eliza R. Snow. William W. Phelps adapted several non-LDS texts and helped Emma Smith in compiling and preparing the book. The Saints had felt a need for new texts that were expressive of their unique doctrines and beliefs. But they sang these texts to borrowed tunes they had learned as members of other churches. In those days most hymnbooks included words only, with no music.” (Michael F. Moody, “Latter-day Saint Hymnbooks, Then and Now,” Ensign, Sept. 1985, 11–12)
“With the able assistance of William W. Phelps, Emma compiled the hymnbook and published it in August 1835 in Kirtland, Ohio. The introduction to that book states: ‘It is sincerely hoped that the following collection, selected with an eye single to his glory, may answer every purpose till more are composed, or till we are blessed with a copious variety of the songs of Zion.’
“The
new hymnbook commemorates the 150th anniversary of that first Latter-day Saint
book of hymns. Following an excellent tradition of LDS hymnody…it will indeed
bless the lives of Saints for many years with ‘a copious variety of the songs
of Zion.’ Twenty-six of the original hymn texts found in Emma Smith’s hymnbook
have been included, as well as numerous hymns the Saints have loved for
generations.” (Kathleen Lubeck, “The New Hymnbook: The Saints Are Singing!” Ensign,
Sept. 1985, 7)
Hymns originally included in the first LDS hymnbook:
|
2 |
The Spirit of God |
|
3 |
Now Let Us Rejoice |
|
6 |
Redeemer of Israel |
|
25 |
Now We’ll Sing with One Accord |
|
32 |
The Happy Day at Last Has Come |
|
41 |
Let Zion in Her Beauty Rise |
|
49 |
Adam-ondi-Ahman |
|
57 |
We’re Not Ashamed to Own Our Lord |
|
65 |
Come, All Ye Saints Who Dwell on Earth |
|
77 |
Great Is the Lord |
|
83 |
Guide Us, O Thou Great Jehovah |
|
85 |
How Firm a Foundation |
|
87 |
God Is Love |
|
136 |
I Know That My Redeemer Lives |
|
146 |
Gently Raise the Sacred Strain |
|
167 |
Come, Let Us Sing an Evening Hymn |
|
175 |
O God, the Eternal Father |
|
192 |
He Died! The Great Redeemer Died |
|
201 |
Joy to the World |
|
234 |
Jesus, Mighty King in Zion |
|
240 |
Know This, That Every Soul Is Free |
|
268 |
Come, All Whose Souls Are Lighted |
|
313 |
God Is Love |
DC 25:12 For my soul
delighteth in the song of the heart
Inspirational music is an essential part of our church meetings. The hymns invite the Spirit of the Lord, create a feeling of reverence, unify us as members, and provide a way for us to offer praises to the Lord.
Some of the greatest sermons are preached by the singing of hymns. Hymns move us to repentance and good works, build testimony and faith, comfort the weary, console the mourning, and inspire us to endure to the end.
We hope to see an increase of hymn singing in our congregations. We encourage all members, whether musically inclined or not, to join with us in singing the hymns. We hope all leaders, teachers, and members who are called upon to speak will turn often to the hymnbook to find sermons presented powerfully and beautifully in verse.
…In addition to blessing us as Church and family members, the hymns can greatly benefit us as individuals. Hymns can lift our spirits, give us courage, and move us to righteous action. They can fill our souls with heavenly thoughts and bring us a spirit of peace. (Preface, Hymns of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1985)
My prayer is that we will learn once again in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to really sing. We simply must do something with our congregational singing to bring out the spirit of music in the heart and soul of every boy, every girl, every man, and every woman. (“News of the Church,” Ensign, Nov. 1985, 105)
This direction to praise the Lord with singing is not limited to large meetings. When the Lord’s Apostles meet in modern times, the singing of hymns is still part of their meetings. The weekly meetings of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in the Salt Lake Temple always begin with a hymn. Elder Russell M. Nelson plays the organ accompaniment. The First Presidency, who conduct these meetings, rotate the privilege of selecting the opening song. Most of us record the date each hymn is sung. According to my records, the opening song most frequently sung during the decade of my participation has been “I Need Thee Every Hour” (Hymns, 1985, no. 98). Picture the spiritual impact of a handful of the Lord’s servants singing that song before praying for his guidance in fulfilling their mighty responsibilities.
The veil is very thin in the temples, especially when we join in worshipping through music. At temple dedications I have seen more tears of joy elicited by music than by the spoken word. I have read accounts of angelic choirs joining in these hymns of praise, and I think I have experienced this on several occasions. In dedicatory sessions featuring beautiful and well-trained choirs of about thirty voices, there are times when I have heard what seemed to be ten times thirty voices praising God with a quality and intensity of feeling that can be experienced but not explained. Some who are listening today will know what I mean.
Sacred music has a unique capacity to communicate our feelings of love for the Lord. This kind of communication is a wonderful aid to our worship. (“Worship through Music,” Ensign, Nov. 1994, 10)
DC 25:15 Keep my commandments
continually, and a crown of righteousness thou shalt receive
That was the promise of the Lord to Emma Hale Smith. It is the promise of the Lord to each of you. Happiness lies in keeping the commandments. For a Latter-day Saint woman there can be only misery in the violation of those commandments. And for each who observes them, there is the promise of a crown, a queenly crown for each daughter of God, a crown of righteousness and eternal truth.
I commend to each of you the words of this great revelation given 154 years ago. It is as timely today as it was when it was spoken. May I urge that each of you read it. Reflect on it. It is in harmony with and so beautifully amplifies the theme of this meeting (General Women’s Meeting).
God bless you my beloved sisters—you little girls whom we so much appreciate; you beautiful young women who dream wonderful dreams of the future; you who are not married and sometimes feel lonely, but who, I assure you, the Lord has not forgotten; those of you who carry the burdens of rearing families; those of you who are widowed or divorced; and you beautiful older women whom we so love and honor and respect. God bless you with every righteous desire, with peace in your hearts and joy in your days, as daughters of God blessed with the light of his everlasting gospel, I humbly pray in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. (“If Thou Art Faithful,” Ensign, Nov. 1984, 92)
DC