Another heavenly display has been credited by some with saving the Union. At a pivotal point in the Civil War when victory by the Confederates was a real possibility a bright comet appeared in the heavens with its head pointed towards the South. One account says the author of the Battle Hymn of the Republic awoke and saw the comet as a sign that God favored the North, and stayed up for hours to write the song that inspired Union troops to subsequent victories. The words "I've seen the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword (the comet)" were part of the hymn that saved America.
(Of course as a Georgia native this is hard for me to write, but truth is truth.) Others may know more about this and may be able to add details of corrections, but I thought the parallel to the meteor shower saving the Saints is remarkable. Miracles such as this are a testimony that God lives and loves his children. Praise be to our Heavenly Father!
Kurt KammeyerJune 1, 2013
According to my sources, this hymn was first printed in The Evening and the Morning Star v. 1 #10, March 1833 - some six months before this event. How is that possible, or am I wrong?
diligentdaveJune 1, 2013
"Despite the mob
Regina FaresinMay 31, 2013
Was just wondering, if the 33 year cycle coincides with the birth and death years of Jesus Christ. Would John Pratt or Ronald P. Millett know the answer to that question? If so, please respond to my email address.
Thank you, Regina
Alex BarclayMay 30, 2013
I think you will find that the coins in the fish story was an experience of Elizabeth Rawlins and a friend - and not "two bretheren"
winlassMay 30, 2013
How could I have missed this wonderful story before? I absolutely love this hymn & probably won't be able to sing it now without my throat tightening & a tear or two. My gardens are a tribute to the saints. . .
MarjohnaMay 30, 2013
I have taught about this event and its convergence with church history as part of an elementary level astronomy unit on meteors. (Private School of course) My students love the story, and love to learn about meteors because of it.
marlene stevensMay 30, 2013
Loved the story. I really enjoy hearing why a hymn was written and always look at the author and time one was written. We can learn a lot by taking "note" of what inspired our great hymns.
John P. PrattMay 30, 2013
There are some more quotations about this amazing event in a former Meridian Magazine article now found at https://www.johnpratt.com/items/docs/lds/meridian/1999/meteors.html . The event marked the beginning of the modern scientific study of meteors.
OakMay 30, 2013
Larry, thanks for a fascinating article.
Susan Gail ParkerMay 30, 2013
Absolutely wonderful article. Thanks for sharing your talent with the rest of us.
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Robert StarlingJune 1, 2013
Another heavenly display has been credited by some with saving the Union. At a pivotal point in the Civil War when victory by the Confederates was a real possibility a bright comet appeared in the heavens with its head pointed towards the South. One account says the author of the Battle Hymn of the Republic awoke and saw the comet as a sign that God favored the North, and stayed up for hours to write the song that inspired Union troops to subsequent victories. The words "I've seen the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword (the comet)" were part of the hymn that saved America. (Of course as a Georgia native this is hard for me to write, but truth is truth.) Others may know more about this and may be able to add details of corrections, but I thought the parallel to the meteor shower saving the Saints is remarkable. Miracles such as this are a testimony that God lives and loves his children. Praise be to our Heavenly Father!
Kurt KammeyerJune 1, 2013
According to my sources, this hymn was first printed in The Evening and the Morning Star v. 1 #10, March 1833 - some six months before this event. How is that possible, or am I wrong?
diligentdaveJune 1, 2013
"Despite the mob
Regina FaresinMay 31, 2013
Was just wondering, if the 33 year cycle coincides with the birth and death years of Jesus Christ. Would John Pratt or Ronald P. Millett know the answer to that question? If so, please respond to my email address. Thank you, Regina
Alex BarclayMay 30, 2013
I think you will find that the coins in the fish story was an experience of Elizabeth Rawlins and a friend - and not "two bretheren"
winlassMay 30, 2013
How could I have missed this wonderful story before? I absolutely love this hymn & probably won't be able to sing it now without my throat tightening & a tear or two. My gardens are a tribute to the saints. . .
MarjohnaMay 30, 2013
I have taught about this event and its convergence with church history as part of an elementary level astronomy unit on meteors. (Private School of course) My students love the story, and love to learn about meteors because of it.
marlene stevensMay 30, 2013
Loved the story. I really enjoy hearing why a hymn was written and always look at the author and time one was written. We can learn a lot by taking "note" of what inspired our great hymns.
John P. PrattMay 30, 2013
There are some more quotations about this amazing event in a former Meridian Magazine article now found at https://www.johnpratt.com/items/docs/lds/meridian/1999/meteors.html . The event marked the beginning of the modern scientific study of meteors.
OakMay 30, 2013
Larry, thanks for a fascinating article.
Susan Gail ParkerMay 30, 2013
Absolutely wonderful article. Thanks for sharing your talent with the rest of us.
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