Behold Thy Sons and Daughters, Lord
238

Text: Parley P. Pratt (1807–1857; LDS)
Music: Alexander Schreiner (1901–1987; LDS)
Tune name: PARLEY

The sacred ordinance of confirmation is the subject of this hymn text. As J. Spencer Cornwall noted, “The hymn is completely one of our own, in authorship, and more important, in doctrine” (Stories of Our Mormon Hymns, 32).

The choir or congregation that sings this hymn is singing a prayer, asking a beautiful blessing upon the head of a person or a group of people who have just been baptized members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints. A new member on whose behalf this hymn is sung is fortunate indeed. What more significant blessings could be asked? Within the hymn’s four verses, the new member is blessed with peace, joy, love, purity, fellowship (“And may they find, from this good hour, / They are adopted in”), faith, hope, and spiritual guidance.

Elder Parley P. Pratt’s text, first published in 1840, was undoubtedly one of the first poetic expressions in the history of the Church having to do with the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. Though written a century later, the musical setting is a perfect match for the straightforward words. Alexander Schreiner’s simple hymn tune beautifully reflects the sacredness of this moment.

Elder Bruce R. McConkie expressed the significance of the ordinance of confirmation: “Following baptism in water, the bestowal of the Holy Ghost takes place by the laying on of hands of the elders. . . . Those who receive this conferral, in a very real sense, have the hand of the Lord laid upon them” (Mormon Doctrine, 2d ed. [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1966], 438).