Go, Ye Messengers of Glory
262

Text: John Taylor (1808–1887; LDS)
Music: Leroy J. Robertson (1896–1971; LDS)
Tune name: THE BIG EAST

The zeal of the great missionary years of 1839 through 1842 are reflected in this hymn text by John Taylor. At the time he wrote this hymn, his heart was on fire with missionary fervor as he preached throughout Britain. Some forty years later, he would be sustained as President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints.

In the summer of 1839, members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, with other missionaries as well, departed for the British Isles. They had been called by revelation to preach the gospel overseas. Within two years, because of the persuasive powers of such great missionaries as Wilford Woodruff and John Taylor and because the Lord chose to pour out his Spirit upon whole congregations of the honest in heart, almost six thousand converts were added to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints.

John Taylor’s missionary efforts did not cease after his return to Nauvoo, Illinois. In 1846, he departed for a second mission to the British Isles, and in 1850, he filled a mission to France and Germany.

John Taylor wrote “Go, Ye Messengers of Glory” for an 1840 hymnal of which he was one of the editors. The text conveys the enthusiasm and confidence of the missionary work being carried on in the British Isles at that time, when such large numbers of people were so anxious to embrace the gospel message.

The phrase “legates of the skies” is unusual but perfectly in keeping with the spirit and message of the text. A legate is an ambassador or representative; thus “legates of the skies” are bearers of a heavenly message.

THE BIG EAST refers to the mountains in eastern Sanpete County, Utah, where the composer, Leroy J. Robertson, herded sheep as a youth.