"Come To That Happy Land"?

Over the years Kevin and I have referred to many old Christian hymns that were sung by the oldest Baptists in this country and that are still in Hardshell hymn books and yet they are no longer in accordance with their teachings. The following song I used to sing when I was with the Hardshells, called "There Is a Happy Land" and is a hymn by Andrew Young (1807–1889), a Scottish schoolmaster, and first published in 1838. It is sung to a tune arranged by Leonard P. Breedlove. It has been sung in many films. It is in the PB "Old School Hymnal." Notice the words "come to that happy land, come, come away." That kind of invitation is not given to sinners by today's Hardshell preachers. Notice too the words of warning given to those who refuse the gracious invitation - "why will ye doubting stand, why still delay." Hardshell preachers do not talk this way to sinners. Notice too the words "oh, then to glory run." And, of obtaining both "crown" and "kingdom" by victory. Do Hardshells teach this?

There is a happy land, far, far away,
Where saints in glory stand, bright, bright as day.
Oh, how they sweetly sing, worthy is our Savior king,
Loud let His praises ring, praise, praise for aye.

Come to that happy land, come, come away;
Why will ye doubting stand, why still delay?
Oh, we shall happy be, when from sin and sorrow free,
Lord, we shall live with Thee, blest, blest for aye.

Bright, in that happy land, beams every eye;
Kept by a Father’s hand, love cannot die.
Oh, then to glory run; be a crown and kingdom won;
And, bright, above the sun, we reign for aye.

There are not too many who sing this well (at least on youtube), though I have heard it sung better on the radio and in church services. Still, here are some samples if you care to listen.

Peggy Duncan Singers (here)

The Lewis Family (here)

By Gadaya (solo with instruments) (here)

Sacred Harp (here)