“And My Immortal Spirit May Join the Choirs Above”

George Reynolds, Janne M. Sjodahl

Benjamin, here, expresses the desire to be fully prepared to "join the choirs above." Compare Morm. 7:7, where we are told that those who are found guiltless will have the privilege of dwelling in the presence of God, and singing "ceaseless praises with the choirs above."

Does it seem improbable that there are choirs in the realm inhabited by the redeemed? The ability to sing and to compose and play music is a divine gift. The very purpose of it is to enable man to praise the Lord and to glorify His name. There is no music so inspiring, so elevating, so refining, as sacred music, and it is a great question whether any other kind, especially martial music, is not best characterized as a poor, worthless imitation.

We know that John the Beloved, on several occasions in his Apocalyptic visions, became aware of singing and music of heavenly origin. (Luke 2:13-14)

And here, let me,35 in all humility, place on record that to my own personal knowledge, singing and music were heard in the Manti Temple at the time of its dedication. On two separate occasions I had the privilege of hearing the super-earthly harmonies. The first was just before the beginning of the services on the day I attended. It sounded as a very distant organ music, for a brief moment, as if a door had been opened and then almost immediately closed. The second occasion was a few days later, when I was preparing to perform some ordinance work for some of my friends on the other side. It sounded as the singing of male voices, also for a brief moment, and came as from a far distance. There were other manifestations during those days, never to be forgotten. During the service I noticed that some of the Twelve, notably Elder Heber J. Grant, the late President of the Church, and also John W. Taylor, were surrounded by rays of light, resembling the colors of the rainbow, only softer.

Yes, there are choirs on the other side, and bands, and John describes their performances as "the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder:...and the voice of harpers harping with their harps." (Rev. 14:2)

Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 2

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