Ancient and Modern ‎#590

590. As Jacob with travel was weary one day

1 As Jacob with travel was weary one day,
at night on a stone for a pillow he lay;
he saw in a vision a ladder so high
that its foot was on earth and its top in the sky:

Refrain:
Alleluia to Jesus who died on the tree,
and has raised up a ladder of mercy for me!

2 This ladder is long, it is strong and well-made,
has stood hundreds of years and is not yet decayed;
many millions have climbed it and reached Sion's hill;
by faith many millions are climbing it still: [Refrain]

3 Come let us ascend! All may climb it who will;
for the angels of Jacob are guarding it still:
and remember, each step that by faith we pass o'er,
some prophet or martyr has trod it before: [Refrain]

4 And when we arrive at the haven of rest
we shall hear the glad words, 'Come up hither, ye blest,
here are regions of light, here are mansions of bliss'.
O who would not climb such a ladder as this? [Refrain]

Text Information

• First Line: As Jacob with travel was weary one day
• Refrain First Line: Alleluia to Jesus who died on the tree
• Meter: 11 11 11 11 and refrain
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2013
• Scripture:
  Genesis 28:10-19
  ;
  John 1:51
• Topic: Angels; Children and All-Age Worship; Discipleship; Future hope; Heaven; Martyrs; Pilgrimage; Prophets
• Source: From Christmas Carols Old and New, 1871 probably of 18th-century origin

Tune Information

• Name: JACOB'S LADDER
• Harmonizer: Gerald Hocken Knight (1908-1979)
• Meter: 11 11 11 11 and refrain
• Key: F Major
• Source: 18th-century English carol melody
• Copyright: © The Royal School of Church Music, 19 The Close, Salisbury SP1 2EB. All rights reserved.