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629. O Happy Band of Pilgrims

1 O happy band of pilgrims,
If onward ye will tread
With Jesus as your fellow,
To Jesus as your Head!

2 O happy if ye labor
As Jesus did for men;
O happy if ye hunger
As Jesus hungered then!

3 The trials that beset you,
The sorrows ye endure,
The manifold temptations
That death alone can cure,

4 What are they but His jewels
Of right celestial worth?
What are they but the ladder
Set up to heaven on earth?

5 O happy band of pilgrims,
Look upward to the skies,
Where such a light affliction
Shall win you such a prize!

Text Information
First Line: O happy band of pilgrims, If onward ye will tread
Title: O Happy Band of Pilgrims
From: Joseph the Hymnographer (c. 800-883) (c. 840)
Translator: John M. Neale (1818-1866) (1862)
Meter: 7.6.7.6.
Publication Date: 1985
Scripture:
Topic: Christan Life: Pilgrimage
Tune Information
Name: VULPIUS
Arr. from: Melchior Vulpius (1560-1616)
Meter: 7.6.7.6.
Incipit: 13234 53654 32356
Key: E♭ Major



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