THE CHURCH
CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS

(76.76) R. C. H. 577

by Unknown

O happy band of pilgrims
"And our fellowship is with the father and with his son, Jesus Christ". I John 1:3
O happy band of pilgrims
If onward ye will tread,
With Jesus as your fellow,
To Jesus as your head!
O happy if ye labour
As Jesus did for men;
O happy if ye 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 ye see Him,
The hope in which ye yearn,
The love that through all troubles
To Him alone will turn, -
The trials that beset you,
The sorrows ye 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 heaven on earth?
What are they but vaunt couriers
To lead you to His sight?
What are they save the effluence
Of uncreated light?
O happy band of pilgrims
Look upward to the skies,
Where such a light affliction
Shall win you such a prize.
JOHN MASON NEALE, 1818-66; based
On Joseph the Hymnographer, 9th Century.