Do words age? Can ideas lose their freshness? Sometimes even the foundational, premise terminology of the gospel begins to sound old, even at times uninteresting. Has this happened to you before? Whether it's a lesson topic that provokes an inward (albeit undeserved) groan, or the song on the radio that cannot possibly be changed fast enough, we notice this deterioration occurring by how we view certain terms and concepts over time, depending on our experience and exposure to them.
Whatever my initial reaction, Parley P. Pratt wrote the words to the hymn "Truth Eternal" with obvious freshness. The text is full of straight ideas and a catching energy that becomes irresistible and liberating as the lyrics progress.
You'll notice that truth is addressed directly in this first verse, as if it were sentient. The following two verses move to describe that truth's impetus and impact. As we are only secondary audiences to this poem's beginning lines, detached in a way, we step back and observe the exchange between the author and truth. This beginning defines that truth for us, setting its parameters with signpost words like eternal, divine, and fulness, as we move inward. Further along we see a much more dramatic shape outlined before us. Take for instance the following line:
"Burst the fetters of the mind From the millions of mankind!"
Does the form of the poem here defy the descriptive cue in the hymnal's accompanying introductory phrase? You see, when I read that line above, it is difficult to do so "with dignity" rather than with the exclamation punctuating the line. The tone seems to invite a more volatile, or empassioned rendering than is indicated by the cue to sing "With dignity".
The second line is certainly more dignified, yet concludes again punctuated with an exclamation:
"Priests of heaven's royal line Bear the keys of truth divine!"
In fact the only full line not concluding with an exclamation is the softer finale, whose language is still imbued with a martial, triumphant spirit. Light chases misty night, and endless ages are clad in everlasting day. That the poem ends with such vibrant language and imagery, yet such subdued punctuation, is worth noting.
What might these cues in the text indicate about the nature of truth? That once the initial fetters have burst, and eternal truth holds sway in the mind and heart, then it is a softer, more gentle conclusion?
How wonderful to anticipate the gentle end to the climactic conflict rampant in a mortal sphere! Truth may burst the fetters of our mind with exclamatory power, but after its dramatic strivings comes a peace and serenity promised to those clad in the light of truth's everlasting day. That to me is a most appealing thought.
Hear the only recording I could find of Truth Eternal sung by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir!
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