Excerpt from The Latter-Day Saints' Millennial Star, Vol. 68: April 19, 1906

The well known hymn beginning with the verse quoted above is from the pen of William Clayton, one of the pioneers, and for some time the private secretary of the Prophet Joseph Smith. He was a gifted writer, and it is a matter of regret that this and one other hymn beginning, When first the glorious light of truth, Burst forth in this last age, are the only two which have been left by him to the Church. The latter is a favorite funeral hymn, and both are written in much the same vein. The theme of reward in the hereafter for the suffering Saints on earth seems to have been prominent in the author's mind, and it is not difficult to tell from the tenor of the lines that he was one who endured much for the Gospel's sake.

Of all the songs of Zion, perhaps none is more dear to the hearts of a great number of Latter-day Saints than Come, come, ye Saints. Especially dear was it to the pathfinders of Mormonism, who found comfort and strength in its inspiriting lines. As they sang it in unison on their weary marches toward the west, they took to heart its lesson of optimism, which gave them courage to continue their painful and hazardous journey. It was composed while the Saints were passing through some of their most trying ordeals, and its lines tell an eloquent tale of the great and holy trust which the devoted little band placed in their Heavenly Father. The early Latter day Saints had been driven from their homes under circumstances of the greatest barbarity; they had lost practically all their earthly possessions; but with hearts filled with hope they turned their faces toward the golden west, and said within themselves, We'll find the place which God for us prepared, Far away, in the west. How heavily weighted they were with sorrow as they severed all connections with civilization and began their dreary journey, we can only surmise, yet they never once let the beacon star of Hope descend below the horizon. They endeavored to be cheerful, even in the midst of difficulties which would appal the stoutest heart, and in order to stimulate light-hearted ness and keep their weary souls from flagging, they devised all manner of pleasant entertainments around the camp fire after the tedious journey of the day was done. Singing and dancing were indulged in, and many a care was lost sight of in the maze of the dance, or the swell of the music as all joined in the song. Naturally the hymn of their faith and hopes was a great favorite, and Come, come, ye Saints was on everyone's lips.

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