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The lyrics of this piece come from the words of the poem My Soul is Full of Peace and Love, hymn number 20 in the 1835 hymnal and written by William W Phelps. Phelps created many of the hymns used in the early days of the church, and many of his lyrics are still in use today. He was a convert to the restoration and witnessed firsthand the building up of God's Kingdom again on the earth. These lyrics were included first in the 1835 edition of the church’s hymnal, and subsequently used in the 1840 Manchester hymnal and the 1889 Psalmody. It was in this publication that it first received a melody and harmony at the hand of Joseph J Daynes. This was the last time the hymn appeared in the church’s hymnal, as it was absent from the 1908 Songs of Zion.

In creating the music for this piece, I made the verses somewhat mirror the original melody given by Daynes. The chorus lyrics come from the 4th verse of Phelps’ poem, which is absent from the 1889 Psalmody. The bridge comes from another hymn used in the 1835 edition of the hymnal, originally written by Elizabeth Scott. Before being published in the hymnal, Phelps edited these lyrics to help better portray themes of the restoration. This principle reminds me of how the restoration didn't cast aside truth that was already on the earth, but rather added to the light and goodness that the world already had. The restoration clarified truths that had been distorted and brought new knowledge that had been lost. In a similar sense, this piece represents that same theme of restoration--bringing to light something that was once well used but has since diminished. Because the restoration is an ongoing process and is personal to each of us, I changed the lyrics of the final chorus to be more personal and present to the singer and listeners. I hope this composition brings to your heart to the same spirit intended in its creation.

This project helped me to reaffirm my testimony of the restoration. It also reminded me of how much that message means to me and has impacted my life. I can exercise more sure faith in light of the restored gospel. Because of Christ and His restored church, I can have a brilliant hope of returning to His presence. I know I can be redeemed “to see His face”, “hear His call, and crown Him king, The Lord of All.”