translate

Camp of Israel, Rise and Go! — Choir

Composed by:   Michael Smurthwaite

Voices:    SATB  – Choir

Lyrics:   Eliza R. Snow

Description:   Describes the resolve of the Latter-Day Saint people as they departed  Nauvoo in the cold February of 1846 to cross the plains.  Notes the   commotion of the camp, the camp fires, the supper, the evening prayers  of the saints, and posting of the guards.  Shows the  determination of the  saints after the martyrdom to find a safe place in the west to worship  God. Warns how the justice of God hangs over the nation but, regardless,  all will be well.

file_download  Download the sheet music

Camp-of-Israel-Rise-and-Go-key-changes-0418
Lyrics:

Lo a mighty host of Jacob, Tented on the western shore
Of the noble Mississippi they had crossed to cross no more.
At the last day dawn of winter, Bound with frost and wrapped with now;
Hark! The cry is “Onward, onward! Camp of Israel, rise and go.”

All at once is life in motion, Trunks, and beds, and baggage fly;
Oxen yoked, and horses harnessed, Tents rolled up and passing by;                                                                                                Soon the carriage wheels are moving, Onward to a woodland dell,
Where at sunset all are quartered, Camp of Israel, all is well.

Thickly ’round the tents are clustered, Neigh’bring smokes together blend;                                                                                        Supper served, the hymns are chanted, And the evening prayers ascend.
Last of all the guards are stationed, Heavns! must guards be serving here?
Who would harm the house-less exiles?  Camp of Israel, never fear.

Where is Freedom? Where is justice? Both have from this nation fled;
And the blood of martyred Prophets Must be answ’rd on it’s head!                                                                                                          Therefore to your tents, O Jacob! Like our Father A’bram dwell;                                                                                                              God will execute His purpose, Camp of Israel, all is well.