The Greatest Pioneer Known

Turn life's pages unto the past
To the greatest pioneer known
And upon Jesus you would cast
As He marked our path alone

Meet a Pioneer

The sun, the dusty soil,
The haggard face made through toil,
The cracked lips, and scarred feet
Describes a pioneer, you will meet

The snow, the frozen ground,
The frost bit face makes no sound
The starved lips and numb feet
Describes a pioneer, you will meet

The stars, a rock to rest
Over the place where prayers blessed
The soul who no more went
But to heaven that night was sent

The moon, the wolves in throng
The sounds of their haunting song
The Saints sing and stand strong
Towards Zion... they journey on

Haggard - Merriam-Webster Online

www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/haggard

haggard: looking very thin and tired especially from great hunger, worry, or pain.

Deep Rooted Faith

As the pioneers pushed toward the Salt Lake Valley

They moved on, though loved ones were buried almost daily

Their faith in the atonement was written in the heart

It was in the marrow of their bones to flourish and impart

1. Is Faith in the Atonement of Jesus Christ Written in Our Hearts?

   www.lds.org/.../is-faith-in-the-atonement-of-jesus-christ-written-in-our-h...‎
   

   
   

   A few years ago, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland shared his feelings about the deep-rootedfaith of ... faith of the gospel of Jesus Christ was in their soul, it was in the marrow of their bones. ... The example of a faithful pioneer sister illustrates this truth.

Elder Holland, who upon sharing his feelings about the deep-rooted faith of the pioneers who pushed toward the Salt Lake Valley even after the deaths of their children, stated "They didn't do that for a program, they didn't do it for a social activity, they did it because the faith of the gospel of Jesus Christ was in their soul, it was in the marrow of their bones."

Ephraim's Rescue - Official Trailer 2 (2013) - From the Makers of 17 Mir...

Both the old and the young
Had to endure and overcome
Starvation and chill
Faith kept them going, still...

With that being said
Who would do it again?
Imagine the dread
Winter was not a friend

A simple man answered the call
He had met many crossroads
He was prepared to give his all
He took meat and oil on his load

He administered like an angel
And saved many from near death
Frozen, their lives seemed to dangle
In need of hope to warm their breath

It was a perfect reminder of the faith of our pioneers!  Awesome movie!

The Wolves

Roche/ Thomas Roche
Source	This file on flickr.com

A trainer of wolves fixed
And kept them locked in a pen
A deer stood outside transfixed
Though they were not in the open

It stood mesmerized
He shooed it away
Then, he could not believe his eyes
More came the next day

They encircled the pen
Staring, silently entranced
I learned something, then
Upon some things you must not glance

Beware of those
Who seek to catch your eye
You must suppose
They will tempt you awry

a·wry  

/əˈrī/

Adverb Away from the appropriate, planned, or expected course; amiss: "many youthful romances go awry". Out of the normal or correct position; askew.

Synonyms askew - aslant - amiss - askance dictionary.com

..thoughts from a TC Christensen fireside  and his experience when filming Seventeen Miracles.
  New T.C. Christensen film "Ephraim's Rescue" tells the story of a simple man doing 'the work of angels'St. George News | STGnews.com

1. Beware the Wolves - New Era July 2012 - new-era

   www.lds.org/new-era/print/2012/07/beware-the-wolves?lang=eng...‎

   Mesmerized Deer on the Film Set. While working on the pioneer film 17 Miracles, my team and I created several scenes to convey this threat of wolves.

Sign the Buffalo Head

Sign this buffalo head
It proves that you were here
You endured to the end
As a modern day pioneer

The youth are going on a trek and will hike to a peak and sign the buffalo head that will then become a treasure for the stake president.  How cool is that?
This was a way that the Saints left messages for the next company...

Mormon Tabernacle Choir featuring Katherine Jenkins

Choir music is everything
For the spirit it brings
Uniting swells
As in prayer each sings

The pioneer journey began

The pioneer journey began
Far in Western Europe
One place being Sweden
Where persecutions enveloped

In the middle of the night
So as not to alarm
They organized and baptized
While leaning on God's arm

With faith to rely on
They followed their church leaders
And planned to move to Zion
Selling all... they were eager

Preparing to immigrate
Funds from the church some sought
For the five month trip to make
Word of deaths... came a lot

Shipwrecks, seasickness,
Measles, cholera, and frostbite,
Starvation and dysentery...
Yet each knew their choice was right

373 Danes
128 Swedes
61 Norwegians
Crossed the rough Northern seas

It would be quite a squeeze
In England, there were more
10 nationalities
Two months later reached New York

Challenging their fears
An army lined the streets
Drumming for volunteers
Their hearts jumped with the beats

Passing the immigration process
Trains and boats were then boarded
Crossing the war-torn Missouri...they progressed
To Winter Quarters... these converts were sorted

With the rest of the journey by wagon
Many prepared themselves for walking
Sun... rain...prairies... mountains... waved on
There was no time for balking

From this moment ...
The past was left behind
Neither well-known, nor prominent
Faith was their wealth to find

With courage they made their way
Following the Mormon Trail
Imagine the joy of that day
When they'd reached Zion to dwell

These... our ancestors
Added well their footsteps
We treasure their records
And the hope that they kept


The Journey Before the Covered Wagons
A Western European Pioneer Story
Desert Saints Magazine, July 2010, 6
Leslie Albrecht Huber

picture: Public domain image of Kerrigan and Lois Wilson on set of the Covered Wagon from the western heroine archives. Silent film pictures are in the domain in the US and needed for article support and career commentary. Published before 1923

The Pioneers Sacrificed Everything They Owned

They sacrificed everything they owned
Even their very lives, at times
Persecuted they lost their homes
Pursuing Zion theirs, to find

One day each year let's take a journey
And trek a path till tired and dirty
Let's trace our heritage to the day
When our first ancestors paved the way

Each in their own way they sacrificed
As only in doing what's right sufficed
That we might have a name and standing today
May we be like them with matching faith to obey

Let's open our mouths, our homes, our hearts
As there are so many blessings the gospel imparts
Let's renew our commitment to follow and trust
For there are future pioneers waiting around us

Elia Gourgouris: Ask Dr. Elia
On Pioneer Day it's worth noting: We're all pioneers
Tuesday, Jul. 21, 2009
Read all of Elia's by clicking the title

Shall We Raise More Monuments

Shall we raise more monuments
Along the Mormon trail?
One, each there to represent
A life that was curtailed?

If we laid tombstones side by side
It would be miles before we're done
There to honor those who died
And name them one by one

Shall we lay them out in order?
And give honor to how they tried
For they kept to the trail's border
And their faith was not denied

Shall we mention how they suffered?
And went without and sacrificed?
How, to the last breath they offered
Consecration for Jesus Christ?

And with the monuments lined up
Shall we walk the trail with them?
And let their lives speak much to us?
As blessed roots from which we stem

6,000 pioneers lost their lives
on the trail west between 1847 and 1869

Pioneer Day- Poems From What the Prophets Say

In remembrance of the pioneers


With full faith in their every footstep
The pioneers forged and tempered their souls
Without the Lord, they would be inept
May we too be true, in all of our roles

Elder Wirthlin - General Conference April 1997

Kinship

We have been blessed by the pioneers
They heeded the voice of the prophets with faith.
They showed courage despite their fears
and conquered the uncertainty of fate.

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Heeding the Voice of the Prophets,” Liahona, Jul 2008, 2–5


A Defense and a Refuge

After hiking as far as they could,
The apostles and the prophet stood.
High above the valley- their new home.
With God’s blessings no longer to roam.

To a walking stick, they tied a cloth.
On a high peak they waved it aloft.
As an ensign to all from the storm.
A raised standard of works to perform.

Here was "the place" that the Savior chose.
The blossoming desert, a unique rose.
Each pioneer had survived circumstance,
The cause of Zion could now advance!

The gospel message is now ours to preach
To our neighbors our example can reach.
Like the pioneers who had much from them taken.
We, through our trials, gain faith unshaken.

If we are doing the best that we can,
We can light a path for our fellow man.
As a candle placed upon a high peak
Our flame can burn bright for all who may seek.

The Lord is our refuge and our defense

For our homes and our inheritance.

We must not attack or turn flighty

But, in faith, pray to our Almighty.

Verse 1] After hiking as far as they could The apostles and the prophet stood High above the valley Their new home With God’s blessings No longer to roam To a walking stick They tied a cloth On a high peak They waved it aloft As an ensign to all From the storm A raised standard Of works to perform [Pre-Chorus] Here was the place That the Savior chose The blossoming desert A unique rose Each pioneer Had survived circumstance Now the cause of Zion Could advance [Chorus] Raise the banner high Raise it high The Lord is our refuge Our defense Light the path ahead Light the path For our fellow man For our inheritance Raise the banner high Raise it high If we do our best We will stand [Verse 2] The gospel message Is now ours to preach To our neighbors Our example can reach Like the pioneers Who had much taken We, through our trials Gain faith unshaken If we are doing The best that we can We can light a path For our fellow man As a candle placed Upon a high peak Our flame can burn bright For all who may seek [Bridge] We must not attack Or turn flighty But in faith Pray to our Almighty Hold us steady When the wild winds blow Teach our hands Where to build and go [Chorus] Raise the banner high Raise it high The Lord is our refuge Our defense Light the path ahead Light the path For our fellow man For our inheritance Raise the banner high Raise it high If we do our best We will stand

-President Packer 85–88, Boyd K. Packer, Nov 2006, “A Defense and a Refuge, ” Liahona

Frozen Handcarts

Verse 1] Fear and dire situation Led to the awful needs Bringing out the worst in them The Donner Party deeds Knowing food could have saved this party Edward Martin led the late company The handcarts were loaded up with food To share as an entire group [Pre-Chorus] Starvation looked them in the face Soon, the journey became a race The Winter was setting in Could they conquer and win? [Chorus] Frozen handcarts, hold on tight Frozen handcarts through the white Starving in the snow Still they had to go Frozen handcarts, hold on tight [Verse 2] Along the trail some died Frozen sleeping side by side The wind kept taking names And the sky kept the blame Starving in the snow With their hope still aglow Boots bit through the crust Each step carved out of dust [Pre-Chorus] Starvation looked them in the face Soon, the journey became a race The Winter was setting in Could they conquer and win? [Chorus] Frozen handcarts, hold on tight Frozen handcarts through the white Starving in the snow Still they had to go Frozen handcarts, hold on tight [Bridge] Then the rescue came like a dream Through the snow they saw the team Fed, on frozen feet they walked on To Zion it would not be long [Final Chorus] Frozen handcarts, hold on tight Frozen handcarts through the white Starving in the snow Still they had to go Frozen handcarts, hold on tight

Our Own Handcarts

 [Verse 1]

Push your handcart towards light With all your heart, mind, and might Along the trail others mock Still, all is well Keep on. Walk. [Pre-Chorus] Push your handcart Press on. Pray. True standards chart the Lord's way Show fortitude The path's sure [Chorus] Push your handcart Push your handcart Have gratitude and endure Push your handcart Keep on now Still, all is well, that's sure [Verse 2] Through the snow The frozen streams Your faith show grow Beyond your dreams When your knees feel worn and thin You lift again [Pre-Chorus] Push your handcart Press on. Pray. True standards chart the Lord's way Show fortitude The path's sure [Chorus] Push your handcart Push your handcart Have gratitude and endure Push your handcart Keep on now Still, all is well, that's sure [Bridge] Through the snow You do not fold The road gets hard Your heart stays bold Beyond your dreams You see it clear The path's sure Keep moving here [Final Chorus] Push your handcart Push your handcart Have gratitude and endure Push your handcart Keep on now Still, all is well, that's sure

Elder Dallin H. Oaks https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/no-other-gods?lang=eng

“There are many political and social pressures for legal and policy changes to establish behaviors contrary to God’s decrees about sexual morality and contrary to the eternal nature and purposes of marriage and childbearing. These pressures have already authorized same-gender marriages in various states and nations. Other pressures would confuse gender or homogenize those differences between men and women that are essential to accomplish God’s great plan of happiness.
“Our understanding of God’s plan and His doctrine gives us an eternal perspective that does not allow us to condone such behaviors or to find justification in the laws that permit them. And, unlike other organizations that can change their policies and even their doctrines, our policies are determined by the truths God has identified as unchangeable.

“In this determination we may be misunderstood, and we may incur accusations of bigotry, suffer discrimination, or have to withstand invasions of our free exercise of religion. If so, I think we should remember our first priority–to serve God–and, like our pioneer predecessors, push our personal handcarts forward with the same fortitude they exhibited.”“Our twelfth article of faith states our belief in being subject to civil authority and ‘in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.’But man’s laws cannot make moral what God has declared immoral. Commitment to our highest priority–to love and serve God–requires that we look to His law for our standard of behavior. For example, we remain under divine command not to commit adultery or fornication even when those acts are no longer crimes under the laws of the states or countries where we reside. Similarly, laws legalizing so-called ‘same-sex marriage’ do not change God’s law of marriage or His commandments and our standards concerning it. We remain under covenant to love God and keep His commandments and to refrain from serving other gods and priorities–even those becoming popular in our particular time and place.

 

The Passage of Time

The passage of time dims bad memories
And none too soon fades our worst worries.
The pioneer trail, where once tears fell like rain
Is now a roller coaster.... a runaway train.

For as crimes creep higher and spiral upward
Decency careens society downward
And who can escape as the ride moves faster?
This thrill of the moment speeds to disaster!

Can we muster the courage for today?
As modern pioneers can we show the Lord's way?
His path has been laid to eternity
May we blaze this trail bright with  morality!

Blaze This Trail

Verse 1] The passage of time dims bad memories And none too soon fades our worst worries. The pioneer trail, where once tears fell like rain Is now a roller coaster... a runaway train. [Pre-Chorus] For as crimes creep higher and spiral upward Decency careens society downward And who can escape as the ride moves faster? This thrill of the moment speeds to disaster! [Chorus] Modern pioneers Show the Lord's way Modern pioneers Walk it today His path has been laid To eternity Blaze this trail bright With morality (Modern pioneers) (Show the Lord's way) [Verse 2] Can we muster the courage for today? As modern pioneers can we show the Lord's way? His path has been laid to eternity May we blaze this trail bright with morality! [Pre-Chorus] For as crimes creep higher and spiral upward Decency careens society downward And who can escape as the ride moves faster? This thrill of the moment speeds to disaster! [Chorus] Modern pioneers Show the Lord's way Modern pioneers Walk it today His path has been laid To eternity Blaze this trail bright With morality (Modern pioneers) (Show the Lord's way) [Bridge] Can we muster the courage for today? Stand where the faithful stood Let the straight road stay One step, one vow, one light Till the dark gives way [Final Chorus] Modern pioneers Show the Lord's way Modern pioneers Walk it today His path has been laid To eternity Blaze this trail bright With morality (Modern pioneers) (Show the Lord's way) (Blaze this trail bright)

Thomas S. Monson 'Come Follow Me," Ensign, Jul 1988, 2

The Coming Tests and Trials and Glory

We stand today on a mountain peak
Humbled for there is much more to seek
In the midst of the mountains of Israel
There's a panavision that is surreal
To gain the height we have climbed up switches
Past forests of evil where much sin stretches
Past canyons, cliffs and crags where some plummet
We have struggled and reached this high summit:

Along the way, as we upward climb,
We pass roaring rivers of hate and crime
Still, we trudge forward. Sharp rocks cut our feet
How we are leery of jackals that we might meet!
The lion's lair, serpents coiled on ledges...
What is lurking in the brush along dark edges?
Yet, far in the distance, hidden in clouds,
A morning mist on Mt. Zion enshrouds.

This Mount is the grandest peak of all
Where Heavenly angels beckon and call.
Here assemble the church of the first born!
Looking back we see the the trails they have worn.
And the view is glorious! Yes, indeed!
We can hear praise for their every deed,
As Angel Moroni flies high in the midst.
From his trump, lo- hear whispers come up from the dust.

While angelic ministrants bless, bearing keys,
What is rolling forth to fill the earth with peace?
A little stone that is cut, all, without hands
Shorn from where the house of the Lord now stands.
As the stone breaks earthly kingdom's damage
Soon, it will smite the Babylonian image.
Then Elders can cry unto these many nations,
"Repent and assemble where e'er one stations!"

We see stakes and temples dotting the ground,
Where gifts, signs, and miracles abound.
As the sick are healed and the dead are raised
And the power of God, in song is praised.
Amidst this toil and sorrowful test
Their sacred covenants strengthen and bless.
God's elect are to progress, tutored and bred
While murderers try their good blood to shed.

We see Nauvoo in flames by those depraved.
We see snow and cold and death and graves.
With a new leader t'wards their promised land
"All is Well," they sing, as in faith, they band.
They lay their all, even their lives, on the altar
And proved, though driven, they will not falter.
They heed the prophet.  Their faith is not weak.
T'wards Mt. Zion, it is God's will that they seek.

As our eyes watch all that lies below
We rejoice that there is much more to know.
With joy, we anticipate the dawn of tomorrow
Though we may face suffering and dampening sorrow.
We know we will yet face even greater perils
As we are proved and tested with our own severe trials.
May our shoes be off, when they are found
For then we stand upon holy ground.

As we ponder and count our bountiful blessings
We climb on and follow the pioneers old treadings.
Crest upon crest along their once charted course
Until, suddenly, we are hit with emotions full force.
So glorious... what we can see causes our hearts to rejoice,
For those with clean hands and pure hearts are sanctified and choice.
Yet, wretchedly, what we can see causes us to tremble,
As we weep for those who'se faithfulness had crumbled.

What wars and plagues which cover earth's kingdoms
As the wayward and worldly abuse rights and freedoms!
Even some of the elect drop to this low pattern
And fall by the wayside bruised, ashamed, and tattered!
But, the Lord's caravan must and does roll forward
To all the nations it presses onward and onward.
More and more missionaries share light and utterance
Ishmael's tribes will have their inheritance!

The now large stone breaks down the last barriers.
We can not stop, be idle, or tarry here.
For, we see saints, of the most high, worshipping
In Moscow, Saigon and in Peking
In Egypt, India, and Africa...
As contrails burst forth from America,
We see Saints of God all the world over
Standing with lights and guides that empower!

The ultimate symbol, brightly triumphant
The new generation takes a virtuous stand!
Crowned with God's power, defending His truth
We see great wisdom of those still in their youth.
This vision's not all sweetness, peace and light
There's greater evils, than at any past time.
As the Saints prepare to meet their God
Sinking depravity rides hardshod!

Hearts become heavy, full of foreboding
While liars, thieves and murderers all are found goading.
With blood, death, and carnage dark everywhere
Mankind's hearts are finding it hard to care.
Adulterers, fiends, and altered sexuals
Take the place of families as usuals.
They glorify all that is lewd and base
As the work of the Lord rolls on, more in haste.

Thus, Satan reigns in the hearts of men
and show his power with Gadiantons.
They'll fill the judgment seats of ruling nations.
They'll overthrow liberty with sedition.
Amist it all, still, there are revelations.
There are prophecies, prayers, and more visions.
There are new gifts, signs, and miracles
Yes, the Holy Spirit of God fulfills!

Amid this believing, souls are born again
Preparing for God and to dwell with Him.
Is it any wonder that we rejoice?
Amid commotion there is a still small voice.
The ungodly will be swept away from the church
As the little stone fills the whole earth.
The Zion of God will be found unmoved.
Amidst great trembling, the Mt. is best proved.

Ahead lies what's dark, dreary and dreadful.
Upon each issue we must be careful.
The blood of the martyrs will poor again
As though doors in Carthage enclose in.
We must heed the Prophet and Apostles
And let their words penetrate our auricles.
As whether in life or death, we will soon see
Our blessed Lord return nigh in Glory!

We will see New Jerusalem coming down
To join the Holy City with peace all around.
We shall mingle with Enoch's pure bright city
While we worship and serve divinity.
From peak to peak, hear the echoing strains?
"Glory to the Lord our God," we will acclaim!
We will sing the Psalms of the Restoration
And among things unlawful to even speak
Will come joy into the hearts of the faithful, meek.

Bruce R. McConkie, Ensign 1980 "The Coming Tests and Trials and Glory"


Give Heed Unto the Prophet's Words

In the promised land
During conference session,
Bad news came at hand...
"There's a stuck procession!"

Those in attendance
Gave heed, nigh at once.
Despite the distance...
They knew of storm-fronts!

They must brave their fears
Time was against them,
To save those pioneers
On the verge of death!

The blizzard stormed.
Twas terrible indeed.
Yet, rescue teams formed
For those in dire need.

In a selfless act
At SweetWater some laved.
Their faith was in tact.
They carried those they'd saved.

When the prophet called
Their love was heroic.
To serve no one stalled
Their wet clothes grew thick.

May we not forget

May we act in like kind

Those in dire need, fret

And, of those may we find

In conference we hear
What's for our best profit
His message is clear
May we heed our prophet


Give Heed Unto the Prophet's Words Elder Quentin L. Cook



Mommy, Why?

Mommy, why are we leaving home
Where are we going, why must we roam?

Come, come along, my dear precious one

We are going to live in Zion

There we'll build the city of our God

Come follow me, hold my hand and come...

How much longer on the ship? I'm sick
We've traveled so long on this Atlantic

Yes, the quarters are small, the voyage too long

But, we are together. Let us sing a glad song

With faith in the Lord we will be made strong

We will soon be in Zion, where we belong...

I feel so very sick, I feel so weak
Do you see land? Please, Mommy, go and peek

Yes, you stay with Mary and hold her hand

She has been too weak to even stand

Her lips are pale and I greatly fear

She is soon to pass through this "vale of tears"...

Why must we bury her out to sea?
Can we sing a song for dear Mary?

The Lord giveth, the Lord taketh away

Yes, little child, let us sing and let us pray

If we do according to God's will

He promises us we have "His peace... be still..."

Why must we walk so long and so far
Can I sit up there, high inside the cart?

We need to keep moving, just to stay warm

Come, and I will hold you under my arm

Here we must step and here we must press on

Until we reach the city of Zion...

Is this our new home, this little dugout?
Is this what Zion is really about?

This quilt can be our door, this short winter

For now all we need is a quick shelter

We have sacrificed and much we have conquered

May our trials always, truly, be remembered...

One-sixth died on the journey, there to slumber.
They endured for us! Now look at our numbers!

Mommy, Why?

“‘Come, Follow Me’,”

Ensign, Jul 1988, 2

"The Sabbath is a Holy Day"




On the Sabbath morning
I felt within my heart
That the Lord's day was holy
And purely set apart
As a soul that rejoices
I speak of heavenly things
Then join the choir voices
And with the angels sing

I rest from cares and labors,
The rushed duties of life,
And with my best endeavors
Reach forth to receive light.
With full dedication,
And feelings of peace and rest
There is education,
Through repentance, I'm blessed.

What I learn from a talk
I can know, "It is true!"
"This is the path to walk."
The spirit tells me anew.
I store up on wisdom.
We teach one another.
The ways of God's kingdom
Shares like no other!

As a memorial
We take the sacrament.
His life, His death, His burial
Gave us the atonement.
And this we must think on
As we partake of His emblems.
And, His ascension
Gladdens us to sing the hymns.

We ought to be careful
And partake worthily.
With tender hearts grown full
We engage more civilly.
We receive blessings
Each time that we partake.
The spirit impressing...
Of our sins, we forsake.

Now the day is not through...
As we attend more meetings.
This we do not simply do,
For that would be fleeting.
We are sustained through each calling
And need not to condemn.
The world would to find us falling
But, we are God's light for them.

In Christ, we must wash our robes
With His blood, they become white.
In heaven there will be more than probes
To see who is in the right.
We have got to arrive at
A state that is ever pure.
The spirit tell us what is fact
Thus, we can know for sure.

May the pioneers inspire.
How they traveled in peril!
The days became more dire.
They soon did not fair well.
Still, they were committed
And rested each Sabbath day.
Gods commandments are written.
Let us, too, show faith and obey.

"The Sabbath is a Holy Day", John Taylor, pg 107 Teachings of the Presidents of the Church

[

The World Needs Pioneers


Without freedom
How can one feel safe?
Act with wisdom
Or become a slave

Noah packed up
Though others jeered
Building was tough
But freedom neared

The pioneers
Left the known behind
Despite the tears
They'd freedom to find

What is security
And a comfortable life
Without liberty
And faith to help you strive


The World Needs Pioneers Today
BY PRESIDENT THOMAS S. MONSON
JULY 2013, ENSIGN

Liberty is the value of individuals to have agency (control over their own actions).

We forget how the Greeks and Romans prevailed magnificently in a barbaric world and how that triumph ended—how a slackness and softness finally overcame them to their ruin. In the end, more than they wanted freedom, they wanted security and a comfortable life; and they lost all—comfort and security and freedom. 

http://www.lds.org/liahona/2013/07/the-world-needs-pioneers-today?lang=eng

Liberty - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberty‎

He who sacrifices freedom for security will soon have neither.- Ben Franklin

Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase a little Temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.

Verse 1] Without freedom How can one feel safe? Act with wisdom Or become a slave Noah packed up Though others jeered Building was tough But freedom neared [Chorus] Without freedom What is security? Without freedom Where is dignity? Without liberty I can't feel whole Without faith I lose my soul (Without freedom) [Verse 2] The pioneers Left the known behind Despite the tears They'd freedom to find They walked on dust With hope in view One hard road And a future new [Pre-Chorus] What is security And a comfortable life If the soul is caged And the heart pays the price? [Chorus] Without freedom What is security? Without freedom Where is dignity? Without liberty I can't feel whole Without faith I lose my soul (Without freedom) [Bridge] So I'll keep going When the night comes down With open hands And a steady ground No fear can own me No chain can stay When truth is calling I will find my way [Chorus] Without freedom What is security? Without freedom Where is dignity? Without liberty I can't feel whole Without faith I lose my soul (Without freedom)

[Verse 1] Who'll walk the trail Of our pioneers? Their faith did not pale But calmed all their fears On these paths they left A legacy of faith Though blizzards swept Their trust was not faint [Pre-Chorus] With naught to eat They pressed on With frozen feet On, towards Zion [Chorus] Who'll walk the trail? Who'll walk the trail? Legacy of faith Legacy of faith Through desert, mountain, and prairie They carried hope and brotherhood United in Christ to carry Hope and brotherhood [Verse 2] Seventy thousand trekked Before the railroads came Snow, mud, and rain unchecked Fell... and God was not blamed Chilled, wet, malnourished, weak They pushed handcarts forward From icy rivers to mountain peaks They dared not to look rearward [Pre-Chorus] With naught to eat They pressed on With frozen feet On, towards Zion [Chorus] Who'll walk the trail? Who'll walk the trail? Legacy of faith Legacy of faith Through desert, mountain, and prairie They carried hope and brotherhood United in Christ to carry Hope and brotherhood [Bridge] Thirteen hundred miles later Imagine the joy and relief To have what they had prayed for A place to blossom with belief [Final Chorus] Who'll walk the trail? Who'll walk the trail? Legacy of faith Legacy of faith Through desert, mountain, and prairie They carried hope and brotherhood United in Christ to carry Hope and brotherhood Who'll walk the trail? Who'll walk the trail? Legacy of faith Legacy of faith

banjo version