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Social Band (Clamanda) 42

Tune: Supplement to the Kentucky Harmony, 1820
Alto: Wilson Marion Cooper, 1902
Lyrics: Collection of Hymns and Spiritual Songs, 1806
Meter: Long Meter Double (8,8,8,8,8,8,8,8)
Say, now ye lovely social band,
Who walk the way to Canaan’s land;
Ye, who have fled from Sodom’s plain,
Say, do you wish to turn again?
O have you ventured to the field,
Well armed with helmet, sword and shield
And shall the world with dread alarms,
Compel you now to ground your arms?

Beware of pleasure’s siren song;
Alas! it cannot soothe you long;
It cannot quiet Jordan’s wave,
Nor cheer the dark and silent grave.
O let your thoughts delight to soar
Where earth and time shall be no more;
Explore by faith the heav’nly fields,
And pluck the fruit that Canaan yields.

There see the glorious hosts on wing,
And hear the heav’nly seraphs sing!
The shining ranks in order stand,
Or move like lightning at command.
Jehovah there reigns not alone,
The Savior shares his Father’s throne,
While angels circle round his seat,
And worship prostrate at his feet.