152 My Father in Heaven
153 President Brigham Young and
154 The Camp of Israel
155 Song for the Camp of Israel
156 Song for the Camp of Israel
157 In All Things Rejoice
158 To Mrs. V. Kimball
159 Lines
160 To Mrs. Hester Ann Geen
161 “Belov’d Eliza, do not weep”
162 “They are gone—
163 Lines
165 To Charles and Vilate
166 Acrostic for Anna Geen
167 Lines for the Album
168 Composed for Mrs. Patty Sessions
169 Lines for Mrs. Wooley’s Album
170 To Br. Robert Pierce & Family
171 A Journeying Song
172 “Round the grave
173 The Twelve
174 To Mrs. E. A. W.
175 To the Saints in Great Britain
Dear Sister do no longer stay
From those that love you well
But hasten home without delay
And in the City dwell;
For here are hearts with pulses true 5
That beat remembrances of you.
The Temple of the Lord on high
With noble grandeur here,
Is rising up, the ‘single’ eye
And contrite heart to cheer: 10
Then to our fav’rite City come
And share with us the sweets of home.
The light of truth with purest ray
Is emanating here,
To usher in eternal day— 15
Eternity is near:
And of eternal life possess’d
We’ll share a fulness of its rest.
Altho’ oppression binds its chain
And spreads its rage abroad; 20
Here peace and love, and order reign
Among the saints of God;
Then lady, hasten to Nauvoo,
Your lord is waiting here for you.
n.d.
[“O my Father”]
O my Father, thou that dwellest
In the high and glorious place;
When shall I regain thy presence,
And again behold thy face?
In thy holy habitation 5
Did my spirit once reside?
In my first primeval childhood
Was I nurtur’d near thy side?
For a wise and glorious purpose
Thou hast plac’d me here on earth, 10
And withheld the recollection
Of my former friends and birth:
Yet oft times a secret something
Whispered you’re a stranger here;
And I felt that I had wandered 15
From a more exalted sphere.
I had learn’d to call thee father
Through thy spirit from on high;
But until the key of knowledge
Was restor’d, I knew not why. 20
In the heav’ns are parents single?
No, the thought makes reason stare;
Truth is reason—truth eternal
Tells me I’ve a mother there.
When I leave this frail existence— 25
When I lay this mortal by,
Father, mother, may I meet you
In your royal court on high?
Then, at length, when I’ve completed
All you sent me forth to do, 30
With your mutual approbation
Let me come and dwell with you.
composed October 1845
published in Times and Seasons, 15 November 1845
153 President Brigham Young and
His Lady, Presidentess Mary Ann Young
Upon the Altar of the Lord,
Within his holy House;
Their covenants were sealed—and there
They plighted mutual vows.
composed 7 January 1846
Altho’ in woods and tents we dwell,
Shout, shout O Camp of Israel!
No Gentile mobs on earth can bind
Our thoughts, or steal our peace of mind.
CHORUS.
Tho’ oppression’s waves roll o’er us, 5
We will praise our God and king;
We’ve a better day before us—
Of that day we proudly sing.
We’d better live in tents and smoke
Than wear the cursed Gentile yoke; 10
We’d better from our country fly
Than by religious mobs to die.
Chorus—Tho’ oppression’s, &c.
We’ve left the city of Nauvoo,
And our beloved Temple too;
And to the wilderness we go 15
Amid the winter frosts and snow.
Chorus—Tho’ oppression’s, &c.
Our homes were dear, we lov’d them well;
Beneath our roofs ’twas sweet to dwell,
And honour the great God’s commands,
By mutual rights of Christian lands. 20
Chorus—Tho’ oppression’s, &c.
Our persecutors will not cease
Their murd’rous spoiling of our peace;
And for their hatred we must go
To wilds where reeds and rushes grow.
Chorus—Tho’ oppression’s, &c.
The Camp—the Camp—its numbers swell! 25
Shout, shout O Camp of Israel!
The King, the Lord of Hosts is near;
His armies guard our front and rear.
Chorus—Tho’ oppression’s, &c.
composed 19 February 1846
published in Millennial Star, 15 May 1848
155 Song for the Camp of Israel
Lo! a mighty host of Jacob
Tented on the western shore
Of the noble Mississippi,
Which they had been crossing o’er;
At the last day’s dawn of winter, 5
Bound with frost and wrapt in snow:
Hark! the sound is onward, onward!
Camp of Israel! rise and go.
All at once is life and motion,
Trunks and beds, and baggage fly; 10
Oxen yok’d and horses harness’d,—
Tents roll’d up, are passing by;
Soon the carriage-wheels are rolling
Onward to a woodland dell,
Where, at sunset, all are quarter’d: 15
Camp of Israel! all is well.
Thickly round the tents are cluster’d
Neighbouring smokes, together blend;
Supper serv’d, the hymns are chanted,
And the evening prayers ascend. 20
Last of all the guards are station’d:
Heavens! must guards be serving here;
Who would harm the houseless exiles?
Camp of Israel! never fear.
Where is freedom? Where is justice? 25
Both have from this nation fled;
And the blood of martyr’d prophets
Must be answer’d on its head!
Therefore, to your tents, O Jacob!
Like our father Abram dwell; 30
God will execute his purpose:
Camp of Israel! all is well.
composed 1 March 1846
published in Millennial Star, 1 July 1848
156 Song for the Camp of Israel
Let Us Go
Let us go—let us go to the ends of the earth—
Let us go far away from the land of our birth;
For the banner of “freedom” no longer will wave
O’er the patriots’ tomb—o’er the dust of the brave.
Let us go—let us go from a country of strife— 5
From a land where the wicked are seeking our life—
From a country where justice no longer remains—
From which virtue is fled and iniquity reigns.
Let us go—let us go from a government where
The just rights of protection we never can share— 10
Where the soil we have purchas’d we cannot enjoy
Till the time when “the waster goes forth to destroy.”
Let us go—let us go to the wilds for a home,
Where the wolf and the roe and the buffalo roam;
Where the life-inspired “eagle” in “liberty” flies— 15
Where the mountains of Israel in majesty rise.
Let us go—let us go to a country whose soil
Can be made to produce wine, milk, honey, and oil—
Where beneath our own vines we may sit and enjoy
The rich fruit of our labours, with none to annoy. 20
Let us go—let us go where our rights are secure—
Where the waters are clear and the atmosphere pure—
Where the hand of oppression has never been felt—
Where the blood of the prophet has never been spilt.
Let us go—let us go where the kingdom of God 25
Will be seen in its order extending abroad—
Where the Priesthood again will exhibit its worth
In the regeneration of heaven and earth.
Let us go—let us go to the far western shore,
Where the blood-thirsty “christians” will hunt us no more; 30
Where the waves of the ocean will echo the sound,
And the shout of salvation be heard the world round.
composed 22 March 1846
published in Millennial Star, 1 June 1848
O, ye toss’d to and fro, and afflicted!
Rejoice in the hope of your lot;
For you’re truly the children of Israel,
But the Gentiles know it not;
And it matters not when or whither 5
You go, neither whom among;
Only so that you closely follow
Your leader, Brigham Young.
Let the spirit of peace and union,
And the practice of righteousness, 10
Be your prominent characteristics
As you go to the wilderness:
And the blessings of heaven will attend you
Both in time and eternity,
If you strictly adhere to the counsel 15
Of Brigham and Heber C.
The Spirit and power of Jehovah
Will be guiding your feet along;
For the angels of God are with you—
They mingle in Israel’s throng. 20
In sunshine, in storms, and in tempests—
In all changes, console yourselves,
That your sharers in sorrow and joy are
Brigham, Heber, and all the Twelve.
composed 5 April 1846
published in Poems 1, 1856
Thou much belov’d in Zion,
Remember, life is made
A double-sided picture,
Contrasting light and shade.
Our Father means to prove us; 5
And when we’re fully tried,
He will reverse the drawing,
And show the better side.
Then, then we’ll be astonish’d,
That ignorance could throw 10
Such dismal shades of darkness
Where light and beauty glow.
The mists that hide the future
Are round our visions thrown;
But when, as seen, we’re seeing, 15
And know as we are known.
Whatever seems forbidding,
And tending to annoy,
Will, like dull shadows, vanish,
Or turn to crowns of joy.
composed 25 April 1846
published in Poems 1, 1856
Addressed to Father John Smith, a Patriarch in Zion
Great glory awaits thee, thou father in Israel,
To reward all thy toil and thy labors of love;
The angels that guard thee—that watch o’er thy pathway—
Are proud to report thee in councils above.
The pathway that leads to the mansions of glory, 5
Where freedom and justice eternally reign,
The Lord God of Jacob has chose for thy footsteps,
To bring thee to dwell in his presence again.
Thou art greatly beloved by the Saints that surround thee;
They have tasted thy blessings, and greatly rejoice: 10
The power of the Priesthood is felt through thy presence—
The weak become strong, at the sound of thy voice.
Thou art greatly beloved by the councils of heaven,
Where once thou wast seated, and where still thy name
Is spoken with honor, and held in remembrance, 15
Until thou shalt return to their sittings again.
I have oft felt the power of thy blessing upon me,
And my heart feels to bless thee, thou servant of God;
And say, thou’lt be hid in the chambers of Israel,
While the great indignation is raging abroad. 20
For He that appointeth the times and the seasons,
Allotted thy calling and work on the earth;
And here in his sight will thy life be held precious,
Till thou hast fulfilled the design of thy birth.
When thou shalt have finished thy toils and thy labors, 25
Thou wilt rest for awhile for thy present reward;
Thou wilt join with the spirits of just men made perfect,
And enter with triumph the joy of thy Lord;
And then in the morn of the first resurrection
Thou’lt come forth to reign with the Saviour on earth; 30
Made holy and pure through the regeneration,
The Gods will rejoice in thy glorious birth.
composed ca. 22 October 1846
published in Millennial Star, 1 September 1848
on the Death of Her Husband, Elder William Geen
Mourn not for him—he’s gone to rest
His spirit mingles with the blest;
Freed from the cares, the toils and strife
Attendant on this present life:
Mourn not for him—he’s gone to join 5
With noble ones of Abra’m’s line—
For he is one of noble race
And shares a royal resting place.
Mourn not for him—he was belov’d
By those whom God the most approv’d 10
For he was upright, good and just
And faithful to each sacred trust.
Mourn not for him—for tho’ he’s gone
His works will still continue on—
Until he shall again come forth 15
To reign in peace upon the earth.
Mourn not for him, altho’ your heart
Should seem to say ’tis hard to part—
Be still—the trial yet will tend
To your best int’rest in the end. 20
Mourn not—rejoice, for you shall prove
An honor unto him you love;
And glorious will be your reward
With him, your faithful, loving Lord.
composed ca. 25 October 1846
161 “Belov’d Eliza, do not weep”
Belov’d Eliza, do not weep
Your baby sleeps a quiet sleep;
Altho’ in dust its body lies
Its spirit soars above the skies.
No more upon your throbbing breast 5
It lays its little head to rest—
From all the pains of nature freed,
Your fond caress it does not need.
Sweet was its visit but its stay
On earth was short—’twas call’d away 10
By kindred spirits to fulfil
Its calling and Jehovah’s will.
Then soothe your feeling—do not mourn,
Your noble offspring will return,
With all its loveliness again 15
And with its friends on earth remain.
composed 14 December 1846
they are gone to a kingdom of rest”
They are gone—they are gone to a kingdom of rest—
They are gone—they are gone to the home of the blest
Far away from the ills of this lower abode—
They have gone to reside in a mansion of God.
They are gone—they are gone to a residence where 5
Noble spirits rejoice in their presence to share
Who, thro’ all their long absence desir’d them to come
And with shouts of hosanna they welcom’d them home.
They are gone—they are gone back again to pursue
And accomplish the work there appointed to do; 10
Crown’d with blessing and honor they yet will return
And rejoice with the friends they have left here to mourn.
composed 22 December 1846
on the Death of Three Small Children
of W. & P. Woodruff Written by Her Request
Mourn not for them, their bodies rest
So sweetly in the ground—
And they’ll awake to life again
At the first trumpet’s sound.
Mourn not for them for they are now 5
Associated where
The purest pleasures heav’n can boast
They’re privileg’d to share.
Mourn not for them—they’re not as when
Caress’d upon your knee; 10
They now are noble spirits, and
Disrob’d of infancy.
Mourn not for them: the helpless state
Which they submitted to
Was for the body’s sake, but more 15
To prove their love for you.
Mourn not for them: they laid aside
Their dignity to come
And visit you and stay on earth
Until they were call’d home. 20
Mourn not for them: they will return
With grace and honor crown’d
To bless your household and to spread
Intelligence around.
composed 11 January 1847
164 To All the Ladies Who Reside
in the 2d Mansion of Prest. B. Young
Beloved sisters all unite.
In music’s sweetest strains—
’Twill prove a fountain of delight
While love with you remains.
Songs of the righteous, saith the Lord 5
Are prayers unto me—
Our spirits prove the rich reward
Of sacred harmony.
Let not a gift be buried low
That with a proper care 10
And cultivation will bestow
Celestial pleasure there.
What wisdom dictates for our good
Should be our steady aim;
And no excuse should e’er intrude 15
Where duty holds a claim.
Sweet social music has a pow’r
To soothe the troubled breast;
And at the close of business hour
To calm the nerves for rest. 20
Its worth the holy fathers knew
In nature’s lovely prime—
The ancient mothers lov’d it too,
And practic’d in their time.
Bright patterns may you ever prove 25
In things of noble worth;
And may your music rank above
The minstrelsy of earth.
Redeem the gift from long abuse
When by the gentiles shar’d— 30
O bring it back from satan’s use
And with it praise the Lord.
composed 26 January 1847
Please accept my warmest wishes
For your good, you wedded pair;
That the richest, choicest blessings
Heaven may grant your lot to share.
Peace and friendship, love and union, 5
Plenteous as the summer dew,
May they on your opening pathway
Gems of sacred pleasure strew.
May you feel the Holy Spirit
Freely through your bosoms flow, 10
Till at length you shall inherit
All the Priesthood can bestow.
When your life, both long and happy,
You have finish’d here on earth,
Sweetly sleep, then re-awaken 15
In a high celestial birth.
composed 4 February 1847
published in Poems 1, 1856
M=ay the spirit of contentment,
I=n your bosom ever dwell;
S=uch as in the hour of trial
S=weetly whispers, “all is well.”
A=s the blooming rose of summer 5
N=e’er withdraws its fragrant breath
N=ever may your love and friendship
A=nd your kindness cease till death.
G=reatness, goodness, light and wisdom,
E=ndless happiness and peace, 10
E=vermore adorn your pathway—
N=ever shall your blessings cease.
composed 4 March 1847
of Mrs. Margarett Whitesides
Beauteous as the op’ning rosebud
’Neath its shady leafy stem—
Pure as summer morning dew drops—
Brilliant as the sparkling gem—
Lovely as the modest vi’let— 5
Charming as the lily fair—
Rich as orient spicy odors
Moving on the twilight air.
Tuneful as seraphic minstrels—
Bright as Phebus’ noontide glow; 10
Lady, be your own blest halo—
Such your life’s encircling bow.
All your works will be rewarded—
All your goodness be repaid—
Crowns of royalty await you— 15
Glorious crowns that will not fade.
composed 4 March 1847
168 Composed for Mrs. Patty Sessions
Truth and holiness and love,
Wisdom, honor, joy and peace—
That which cometh from above,
In your pathway shall increase.
Thus the Spirit of the Lord 5
In your bosom shall abide;
And produce a rich reward,
While the “still small voice” shall guide.
Faith and holy confidence,
That will bear your spirit up, 10
Shall henceforward recompense
All the bitter of your cup.
Righteous are your heart’s desires,
And they will not be denied;
But our Father oft requires 15
That our patience shall be tried.
Though He should at times withhold
Longer than your hopes expect:
You’ll receive a double fold
When His wisdom shall direct. 20
Therefore, let your spirit rest—
God will order all things well;
And ere long you will be blest
More than human speech can tell.
And the Lord Himself will spread 25
Thro’ your heart a holy pride
Of your chosen earthly head,
Your companion by your side.
Mutual shall your blessings be—
Mutual joys shall crown your way: 30
Thus in time:—Eternity
Opens to a brighter day.
composed 7 March 1847
published in Woman’s Exponent, 1 June 1885
169 Lines for Mrs. Wooley’s Album
Lady were it mine to bless you
With the purest, sweetest joys
Nought on earth should dispossess you
Of one gift that never cloys.
Be thou blest, and blest forever 5
With what few perchance to find,
From your breast, let nothing sever
Heav’n’s best jewel, peace of mind.
Hold your feelings in subjection
To your judg’ment’s better sway: 10
Proud to yield to the direction
Of the lord whom you obey.
Noble are the condescensions
Which superior spirits make:
Thus they widen their dimensions, 15
And of purer joys partake.
If we’re prompt to do whatever
Duty claims our service here;
We may calmly rest, and never
Need indulge in idle fear. 20
For his holy approbation
God our Father will bestow;
And the streams of consolation
Sweetly to our bosoms flow.
May your influence wise and cheering 25
Wider and more widely spread,
Till ten thousand hearts endearing
Pour their blessings on your head.
Be thou blest and blest forever
With that gem the upright find; 30
Guard it well—let nothing sever
From your bosom, peace of mind.
composed 8 March 1847
170 To Br. Robert Pierce & Family
on the Death of Mary
Mary’s gone—she’s gone: but whither?
To the paradise of love:
Gone to mingle in the circle
Of our friends who dwell above.
Did they not rejoice to meet her? 5
They had sent for her to come,
And were waiting to receive her—
She was freely welcom’d home.
There she is a gem of honor;
Yes, a gem of precious worth: 10
She will there increase the glory
Of her kindred on the earth.
Tho’ she’s gone from us, she’s moving
In a more exalted sphere:
And while she is made more happy 15
Do we well to shed a tear?
Could we for one passing moment
Death’s dark mystery unfold—
Could we draw aside the curtain,
And eternity behold, 20
We should chide our grief and sorrow
And suppress each rising sigh;
And rejoice in death, the portal
Op’ning to the worlds on high.
Therefore, bow in sweet submission. 25
God has chasten’d you in love;
You will yet rejoice with Mary
In the royal courts above.
composed 17 March 1847
for the Camp of Israel
The time of winter now is o’er—
There’s verdure on the plain;
We leave our shelt’ring roofs once more,
And to our tents again.
CHORUS.
Thou Camp of Israel! onward move— 5
O Jacob! rise and sing.
Ye Saints! the world’s salvation prove,
All hail! to Zion’s King.
We go to choice and goodly lands,
With rich and fertile soil: 10
That, with the labour of our hands,
Will yield us wine and oil.
Chorus—Thou Camp of Israel, &c.
We go beside the mountain cliffs
Where purest waters flow—
Where nature will her precious gifts 15
Abundantly bestow.
Chorus—Thou Camp of Israel, &c.
We’ll find a climate pure and free
Producing life and health;
Where steady care and industry
Will be a source of wealth. 20
Chorus—Thou Camp of Israel, &c.
And there again we will surround
In peace, the luscious board;
And share the products of the ground
With skill and prudence stor’d.
Chorus—Thou Camp of Israel, &c.
We leave the mobbing Gentile race, 25
Who thirst to shed our blood;
To rest in Jacob’s hiding place
Where Nephite temples stood.
Chorus—Thou Camp of Israel, &c.
We seek a land where truth will reign,
And innocence be free— 30
Where lawful rights will be maintain’d—
A land of liberty.
Chorus—Thou Camp of Israel, &c.
We seek a land of holiness,
Where justice to the line
And to the plummet, righteousness 35
Will ev’ry work define.
Chorus—Thou Camp of Israel, &c.
We go where virtue will be known,
And merit meet its due;
For Zion’s pathway will be shown
With light and glory too. 40
Chorus—Thou Camp of Israel, &c.
We go where hypocrites will fear
And tremble at the word,
Of him, who is appointed here
To wield the two-edg’d sword.
Chorus—Thou Camp of Israel, &c.
We’ll find the land the prophet saw 45
In Vision, when he said;
“There, there will the celestial law
Be given and obey’d.”
Chorus—Thou Camp of Israel, &c.
We go where nations yet will come
In ships, from climes abroad; 50
To seek protection, and a home,
And worship Israel’s God.
Chorus—Thou Camp of Israel, &c.
We’ll build in peace and safety there,
A city to the Lord:
And shout amid our toils to share. 55
A Latter-day’s reward.
Chorus—Thou Camp of Israel, &c.
composed 18 March 1847
published in Millennial Star, 1 November 1847
there are no shadows”
Round the grave there are no shadows—
’Tis no more a dread to die:
Death is but a friendly porter
Op’ning to the worlds on high.
Tho’ the friends we dearly cherish 5
For a while are call’d to leave;
They have only pass’d the curtain—
All is well—we should not grieve.
Time is onward—things eternal
Now are strew’d along our way; 10
And ere long our growing vision
Will embrace immortal day.
Mourn not for your once lov’d Susan—
Love her still—she’s gone above,
To fulfil a heav’nly mission— 15
To perform a work of love.
God in kindness has appointed
You another loving bride
And in time to come will many
More be clinging to your side. 20
Then let Susan’s name be honor’d,
And her merits often told:
Let her mem’ry be more precious
Than rich di’monds set in gold.
You will yet again behold her— 25
She will be your own again;
Glorious with angelic beings
Proudly mingling in her train.
composed 5 April 1847
They have gone, they have gone, new privations to share,
Gone as Abraham went when he knew not where;
They have gone like the deer when pursued in the chase,
To secure for the Saints a safe hiding-place.
Why, O why must they go to the depth of the wild, 5
Where Cultivation for centuries has not smil’d?
Wherefore thus on a pilgrimage must they go forth
And forsake all the comforts and blessings of earth?
They are call’d to be saviors; and saviors must flee
To a wilderness home for security, 10
While the anger of nations is raging abroad,
While the Gentiles are feeling the judgments of God.
They have gone, they have gone: may the Spirit’s sweet voice
Whisper comfort and peace, that their hearts may rejoice:
May an angel of presence on each one attend, 15
To protect from all ill, and preserve to the end.
And when God directs, may they retrace their track,
And to these Winter Quarters in safety come back;
That the Saints who tarry may be of good cheer,
And with heart-felt rejoicings, welcome them here.
composed 11 April 1847
published in Poems 1, 1856
Great and glorious was thy station—
Greater still it is to be;
When thy right and exaltation
Come thro’ Jesus Christ to thee.
Thou hast been his loving sister— 5
Thou hast been his faithful bride;
For in many times and places
Thou hast acted by his side.
The great Elohim, thy father
Ever lov’d and loves thee still; 10
He will give thee strength and wisdom
Day by day to do his will.
Let thy heart be fill’d with comfort
Thro’ this darksome, thorny way;
Father’s unseen hand will guide you 15
Into pure, celestial day.
composed 13 April 1847
175 To the Saints in Great Britain
Ye Saints who dwell on Europe’s shore,
Let not your hearts be faint:
Let each press on to things before,
And be indeed a Saint.
Although the present time may seem 5
O’erspread with clouds of gloom,
The light of faith will shed its gleam
Until deliv’rance come.
Hold fast the things you have received,—
Be faithful in the Lord; 10
You know in whom you have believ’d,—
He’s faithful to his word.
Your brethren, in America,
Are one in heart with you;
And they are toiling, night and day, 15
For Zion’s welfare, too.
They even now are driven forth
To track the wilderness:
And leave the country of their birth
For truth and righteousness. 20
But there’s a day—’tis near at hand,—
A day of joy and peace:
That day will break oppression’s band,
And bring the Saints release.
Then brethren haste, and gather up, 25
We shall rejoice to meet;
When we have drank the bitter cup,
We’ll share a heavenly treat.
And even now the Lord bestows
More—more than tongue can tell, 30
Of that which from His presence flows—
Yes, Brethren,—“all is well.”
composed 23 April 1847
published in Millennial Star, 15 December 1847
Eliza R. Snow Lexicon 