Gift of Singing Inspirationally

“The first patriarchal blessing meeting over which Joseph Smith, Sen., presided was one of the most striking features of that particular period of time. In this meeting I received the gift of singing inspirationally, and the first song of Zion ever given in the pure language was sung by me then, and interpreted by Parley P. Pratt, and written down; of which I have preserved the original copy. It describes the manner in which the ancient patriarchs blessed their families, and gives some account of Adam-ondi-Ahman. The Prophet Joseph promised me that I should never lose this gift if I would be wise in using it; and his words have been verified. The song is as follows: In ancient days there lived a man, Amidst a pleasant garden, Where lovely flowers immortal bloom'd, And shed around a rich perfume; Behold, his name was Adam. He was a man of noble form, And walk'd with God in converse, And all the beasts of field and wood, And fowls that fly in air and flood, Were subject to his mandate. He was the first of all the race, That dwelt upon this planet, And he shall come to judge the world, With all his sons and daughters, And all the saints of God shall meet, To sing the songs of Zion. And then the earth shall be renew'd, And all the saints shall dwell in peace, And sing the songs of Zion.”

— Elizabeth Ann Whitney, "A Leaf from an Autobiography," Woman's Exponent, Vol. 7, No. 11 (November 1, 1878), p. 83