Praise to the Man
by W. W. Phelps

"Praise to the Man" (originally "Joseph Smith") was a poem or a hymn written as a tribute to Joseph Smith, Jr. by Latter Day Saint leader and hymn writer William W. Phelps after Smith's death. The hymn was first published anonymously in the church newpaper Times and Seasons in August 1844, approximately one month after Smith was killed.

142484Praise to the ManW. W. Phelps

1844 version

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Praise to the man who communed with Jehovah!
Jesus annointed 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.

Praise to his mem'ry, he died as a martyr;
Honored and blest be his ever great name!
Long shall his blood, which was shed by assassins,
Stain Illinois while the earth lauds his fame.

Chorus

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.

Chorus

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.

Chorus