O Happy Band of Pilgrims

O hap­py band of pil­grims

If on­ward you will tread

With Je­sus as your fel­low

To Je­sus as your head.

O hap­py if you la­bor

As Je­sus did for men;

O hap­py if you hun­ger

As Je­sus hun­gered then.

The cross that Je­sus car­ried

He car­ried as your due;

The crown that Je­sus wear­eth

He wear­eth it for you.

The faith by which you see Him

The hope in which you yearn

The love that through all trou­bles

To Him alone will turn.

What are they but fore­run­ners

To lead you to His sight?

What are they save the ef­flu­ence

Of un­cre­at­ed light?

The tri­als that be­set you

The sor­rows you en­dure

The ma­ni­fold temp­tations

That death alone can cure.

What are they but His jew­els

Of right ce­les­ti­al worth?

What are they but the lad­der

Set up to Heav’n on earth?

O hap­py band of pil­grims

Look up­ward to the skies

Where such a light af­flict­ion

Shall win you such a prize.

To Fa­ther

Son

and Spir­it

The God whom we ad­ore

Be lof­ti­est prais­es giv­en

Now and for ev­er­more.