| Show ORIGIN OF AN INCIDENT CONNECTED WITH THE HYMN COME COME YE SAINTS this famous hymn which was written to cheer the hearts of the despairing sp ring ou on a certain special occasion and which has done similar service on many later events was composed by NV william Illiam clayton in winter quarters just before the march of the pioneers was undertaken to the salt lake valley over 60 years ago a band of pilgrims full of faith but weary aroot afoot started westward after traveling some distance they camped upon the bank of the turbulent and mighty missouri it was nightfall and the fires were kindled the women as they gathered their weeping babes around them refused to cross the river they said we cannot find the place then that wonderful leader president Dr Ighani young turned to brother william clayton a man mail of rare ability and lie he said brother william is there anything you can call say Is there anything you can call write to cheer these heartbroken women brother clayton sat sal down under the protection of the spreading branches of the trees on that muddy river bank and within two hours had whitten his famous hymn and set it to the music ot of an old english tune |
