Hark! from Afar a Funeral Knell

This hymn was said to have been made for the death of George Albert Smith, a prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Tunes

• Rest, by George Careless

Associated Compilations

• Latter-day Saints Psalmody, 1889 no. 266 (to the tune Rest, by George Careless
• Latter-day Saint Hymns, 1927 no. 220 (to the tune Rest, by George Careless

Lyrics

• Poet: Eliza R. Snow
• Copyright: Public Domain
• Notes: The version in Latter-day Saint Hymns, 1927 has five verses; the Psalmody cut some out due to making tunes a higher priority probably since there already existed a words only hymnal at the time with the extra verses.

Lyrics from Latter-day Saints Psalmody, 1889 no. 266

1. Hark! from afar a fune'ral knell
Moves on the breeze—its echoes swell
The chorus for the dead!
A consort's moans are in the sound.
And sobs of children weeping round
A parent's dying bed!

2. He's gone! his work on earth is gone,
His battle's fought, his race is run;
Blest is the path he trod.
For he espoused the glorious cause,
In prompt obedience to the laws
Of the eternal God.

3. He sleeps; his troubles here are o'er;
He sleeps where earthly ills no more
Will break the slumb'rer's rest
His dust is laid beneath the sod
His spirit has returned to God,
To mingle with the blest.