My wife and I went to a friend’s Mormon Babtism. Singing some of the Hymns that I knew from church, thinking “this isn’t so bad for a cult”.
Got to the one of “Praise to the Man” I think. The tune was familiar, and the words seemed sort of familiar. About the second verse though when it was clear that the “by his wounds we were saved” or somesuch referred to Joe Smith I stopped singing. And looking around to see if a lightning bolt was going to strike me!
Ah yes. You inadvertently experienced the idolatry of Mormonism firsthand!
Just to help refresh your memory -
1. Praise to the man who communed with Jehovah!
Jesus anointed that Prophet and Seer.
Blessed to open the last dispensation,
Kings shall extol him, and nations revere.
[Chorus]
Hail to the Prophet, ascended to heaven!
Traitors and tyrants now fight him in vain.
Mingling with Gods, he can plan for his brethren;
Death cannot conquer the hero again.
2. Praise to his memry, he died as a martyr;
Honored and blest be his ever great name!
Long shall his blood, which was shed by assassins,
Plead unto heavn while the earth lauds his fame.
3. Great is his glory and endless his priesthood.
Ever and ever the keys he will hold.
Faithful and true, he will enter his kingdom,
Crowned in the midst of the prophets of old.
4. Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven;
Earth must atone for the blood of that man.
Wake up the world for the conflict of justice.
Millions shall know Brother Joseph again.
Text: William W. Phelps, 17921872
Music: Scottish folk song
Wake up and smell the brimstone!