Just two weeks before Elder Bruce R. McConkie of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles died, he gave a classic talk on three gardens of God, which inspired me to write the lyrics to "Long Ago, Within a Garden," gorgeously set to music by fellow Caldwell, Idaho, composer Daniel Carter.
The first three verses discuss the three gardens of God, moving from the Garden of Eden to the Garden of Gethsemane to the Garden of the Empty Tomb. In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve became subject to death after they partook of the forbidden fruit.
1. Long ago, within a garden, Adam tasted fruit with Eve,
On the third day, Christ rose from the tomb in another garden, freeing us from physical death.
Sweetest fruit of all His garden. Dwell with Him eternally.
The first three verses discuss the three gardens of God, moving from the Garden of Eden to the Garden of Gethsemane to the Garden of the Empty Tomb. In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve became subject to death after they partook of the forbidden fruit.
1. Long ago, within a garden, Adam tasted fruit with Eve,
Death would be our awful burden—Only One could set us free.
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| Adam and Eve Leaving the Garden of Eden, by Joseph Brickey. |
In Gethsemane and Calvary our Savior paid the penalty for their transgression (and ours).
2. Jesus came to win a pardon, praying in Gethsemane,
Humbly suff'ring in a garden, crucified on Calvary.
On the third day, Christ rose from the tomb in another garden, freeing us from physical death.
3. In a tomb within a garden, women went where Jesus lay;
Angels told them, "He is risen" on that glorious Easter day.
Because He rose from the tomb, so shall we! The Apostle Paul very succinctly summarized this doctrine: "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive" (1 Corinthians 15:22).
Verse 4 invites listeners to come to Christ and be forgiven, partaking of the sweet fruit of the tree of life.
4. Come to Christ and be forgiven. Taste the fruit of Father’s tree,Sweetest fruit of all His garden. Dwell with Him eternally.
Over the years, more than a hundred thousand members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have performed and enjoyed this Christ-centered song. Now I'm glad to see that Christians of other denominations are performing it. It was performed at Easter Mass on Easter Sunday, March 27, 2016, at the Cathedral Chapel of St. Mark (Episcopal). Update: In 2026 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints added this hymn to its planned Hymns for Home and Church. May we join as fellow Christians in raising this song of joy to the Lamb of God!
Chorus: Alleluia, alleluia! Jesus came to set us free!
Lamb of God and true Messiah, songs of joy we raise to Thee!
