1. O give me back my Prophet dearAnd Patriarch, O give them backThe Saints of latter-days to cheer,And lead them in the gospel track!But O they’re gone from my embrace,From earthly scenes their spirits fled.Two of the best of Adam’s raceNow lie entombed among the dead.
2. Ye men of wisdom, tell me why.No guilt, no crime in them were found.Their blood doth now so loudly cryFrom prison walls and Carthage ground.Your tongues are mute, but pray attend,The secret I will now relateWhy those whom God on earth did lendHave met the suffering martyrs’ fate.
3. It is because they strove to gain,Beyond the grave a heav’n of bliss,Because they made the gospel plainAnd led the Saints to righteousness;It is because God called them forthAnd led them by his own right handChrist’s coming to proclaim on earthAnd gather Israel to their land.
4. It is because the priests of Baalwere desperate their craft to save,And when they saw it doomed to fall,They sent the Prophets to their grave.Like scenes the ancient Prophets saw,Like these the ancient Prophets fell,And, till the resurrection dawn,Prophet and Patriarch, farewell!