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O Happy Band O happy band of pilgrims, John Mason Neale (1818-1866) penned these words during the 19th Century. He was a Londoner, educated at Sherborne Grammar School and Cambridge University. An excellent classical scholar he was preeminent in translations from Greek rather than Latin. In 1862 he published 'Hymns of the Eastern Church' in which this hymn was first published. The author of the original Greek hymn was Joseph the Hymnographer (810-886), a native of Sicily who left that island for a monastery in Thessalonica, lived for a time in Constantinople before fleeing the persecution in that ancient city, now in modern day Turkey, for Rome. He was enslaved for many years in Crete having been captured by pirates. Here are some scriptures which are believed to have been in the mind of the writer; Philippians 3:10,14 (KJV) That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death...I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Hebrews 10:34 (NKJV) For you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven. 1 Peter 4:12-13 (NKJV) Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. Malachi 3:17 (KJV) And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. 2 Corinthians 4:17 (NKJV) For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. |
What
are they but His jewels
ladder