Tongues / Interpretation of Tongues

Lorenzo Brown Receives Hymn by Gift of Tongues and Interpretation

Published March 25, 2026 at 3:10 AM

1830s · 1839
Chautauque County, New York
Todd Morgan

Contributed by

Todd Morgan

Beaumont, CA, 92223

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During meetings held in the Brown family home in Chautauque County, New York in early 1839, the Saints were 'blessed spiritually with the gift of tongues, through which, and the interpretation, we learned many things.' Lorenzo Brown himself received a hymn through the gift of tongues which was interpreted by Sister Esther Crowely, who 'had the gift the most perfect of any person I ever knew.' The hymn, beginning 'Come every Saint and hearken now,' was given through the direct manifestation of the Holy Ghost, given 'several times until they were committed to memory.' This miraculous composition through the gift of tongues resulted in a spiritual hymn that reminded the Saints of their covenants and the consequences of neglecting their faith and prayers.

In Their Own Words

“Our meetings were good. We were blessed spiritually with the gift of tongues, through which, and the interpretation, we learned many things. There were several hymns given, one of which was given through myself and interpreted by Sister Esther Crowely, who had the gift the most perfect of any person I ever knew.”

— Lorenzo Brown, Journal (1823-1846)

Sources & References

Journal of Lorenzo Brown (1823-1900), Vol. 1, typescript, HBLL (copied in 1960) | Full text: http://earlymormonism.com/lorenzo-brown-1823-1900/

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Questions about this account

Who was involved in this account?
The account involves Lorenzo Brown, Esther Crowely. Each person named here also has a witness page collecting the other accounts involving them.
When did this account take place?
The account is set in 1839, in the 1830s.
Where did this account take place?
It took place in Chautauque County, New York.
What kind of miracle is this?
It is filed as a Tongues / Interpretation of Tongues account reported in United States.
Where does this account come from?
Journal of Lorenzo Brown (1823-1900), Vol. The full source citation appears in the Sources section below, with links to the original where available.

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