297. [1st of 6 verses] 1. O happy band of pilgrims, 297 [1st of 6 verses] 1. O happy band of pilgrims, if onward you will tread, with Jesus as your fellow, to Jesus as your head. 2. O happy, if you labour as Jesus did for men; O happy, if you hunger as Jesus hungered then.

3. The cross that Jesus carried, he’ll help you carry too; the crown that he is wearing, he wears it now for you. 4. The trials that beset you, the sorrows you endure, the many harsh temptations that death alone can cure.

5. What are they but his jewels of true celestial worth 5. What are they but his jewels of true celestial worth? What are they but the ladder to heaven, set up on earth? 6. O happy band of pilgrims, look upward to the skies, where such a light affliction will win you such a prize. John Mason Neale 1818-1866 Translated from a Greek hymn by Joseph the Hymnographer b. ?800, d.883