The people called Christian 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.
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.
The everlasting gospel hath launched the deep at last,
behold the sails expanded around the tow'ring mast,
Along the deck in order the joyful sailors stand,
crying, "Ho, here we go!" to Immanuel's happy land!
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.
To those who are spectators what anguish must ensue,
to hear their old companions bid them a last adieu;
The pleasure of your paradise no more our hearts invite:
We will sail, you may rail, we shall soon be out of sight.
The passengers united in order, peace and love;
the wind is in our favour, how swiftly do we move!
Thought tempests may assail us, and raging billows roar,
we will sweep through the deep till we reach fair Canaan's shore!