1 O happy band of pilgrims,
if onward you will tread,
with Jesus as your fellow,
to Jesus as your head!
O happy if ye labour
as Jesus did for all,
if praing, fasting, list'ning,
you hear the Savior's call!

2 The faith by which ye see him,
the hope in which ye 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 but the effluence
of uncreated light?

3 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 heav'n on earth?

4 The cross that Jesus carried,
he carried as your due;
the crown that Jesus weareth,
he weareth it for you.
O happy band of pilgrims,
look upward to the skies,
where such a light affliction
shall win so great a prize!