Come, Listen to a Prophet’s Voice
21

Text: Joseph S. Murdock (1822–1899; LDS);
verse four by Bruce R. McConkie (1915–1985; LDS)
Music: Joseph J. Daynes (1851–1920; LDS)
Tune name: CANNON

This hymn is a compelling invitation to follow in the ways of truth. It sets forth the determination of the Latter- day Saints to follow the head of their Church— Jesus Christ himself— by following the words of his mouthpiece here on earth, the prophet who stands at the head of the Church.

Verse one links the prophets of modern times with those who walked and talked with the Lord in biblical times: “We’ve found the way the prophets went / Who lived in days of yore.” Verse two invokes a favorite image of Latter- day Saint hymn writers, that of the dawn bursting upon the earth as a symbol of the light of the gospel. Verse three sets the record straight for any who would mistake The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for the work of men: “‘Tis not in man they put their trust, / Nor on his arm rely.” These words recall Nephi’s observation: “I know that cursed is he that putteth his trust in the arm of flesh” (2 Nephi 4:34).

The first three verses of this hymn appeared in Times and Seasons in 1843. The tune by Joseph J. Daynes appeared with these words in the 1889 Latter- day Saints’ Psalmody.

Verse four is a modern addition by Elder Bruce R. McConkie. Amelia McConkie, widow of Elder McConkie, said that her husband “simply felt the three original verses left the thought incomplete, and so he wrote a fourth.” The fourth verse adds to the hymn in two ways. First, it focuses our thoughts once again on the hymn’s principal message: “Then heed the words of truth and light.” And second, it admonishes us to the highest spiritual goals. The phrase “Till thine election’s sure” has reference to a blessing that Elder McConkie himself explained in these words: “Those members of the Church who devote themselves wholly to righteousness, living by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God, make their calling and election sure. That is, they receive the more sure word of prophecy, which means that the Lord seals their exaltation upon them while they are yet in this life” (Mormon Doctrine, 2d ed. [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1966], 109).