The people called Christians

1.
The people called Christians
Have many things to tell
About the land of Canaan,
Where saints and angels dwell;
But here a dismal ocean,
Enclosing them around,
With its tides, still divides
Them from Canaan's happy ground.

2.
Many have been impatient
To work their passage through,
And with united wisdom
Have tried what they could do;
But vessels built by human skill
Have never sailed far,
Till we found them aground
On some dreadful, sandy bar.

3.
The everlasting gospel
Hath launched the deep at last
Behold the sails expanded
Around the towering mast!
Along the deck in order,
The joyful sailors stand,
Crying, "Ho!"--here we go
To Immanuel's happy land.

4.
We're now on the wide ocean
We bid the world farewell!
And though where we shall anchor
No human tongue can tell;
About our future destiny
There need be no debate,
While we ride on the tide,
With our Captain and his Mate.

5.
To those who are spectators
What anguish must ensue,
To hear their old companions
Bid them a last adieu!
The pleasures of your paradise
No more our hearts invite;
We will sail--you may rail,
We shall soon be out of sight.

6.
The passengers united
In order, peace, and love;--
The wind is in our favor,
How swiftly do we move!
Though tempests may assail us,
And raging billows roar,
We will sweep through the deep,
Till we reach fair Canaan's shore.

Source: The Southern Harmony, and Musical Companion (New ed. thoroughly rev. and much enl.) #41

• Audio recording from The Southern Harmony, and Musical Companion (New ed. thoroughly rev. and much enl.) #41
• MIDI file from The Southern Harmony, and Musical Companion (New ed. thoroughly rev. and much enl.) #41