Camp of Israel, Rise and Go! — Hymn
Music By: Michael Smurthwaite
Voices: SATB congregation or choir
Lyrics By: Eliza R. Snow
Description: Pioneer commemorative hymn taken from poem written by Eliza R. Snow soon after leaving Nauvoo in the winter of 1846. In style of traditional hymn with intent to encourage suffering saints.
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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 snow;
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,
Tent rolled up and passing by;
Soon the carriage wheels are moving,
On-ward to a woodland dell,
Where at sunset all are quartered,
Camp of Israel, all is well.
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 houseless 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.