The Hymnal ‎#369

369. "Forward!" be our watchword

1 "Forward!" be our watchword,
Steps and voices joined;
Seek the things before us,
Not a look behind:
Burns the fiery pillar
At our army's head;
Who shall dream of shrinking,
By our Captain led?
Forward through the desert,
Through the toil and fight;
Jordan flows before us,
Zion beams with light!

2 Far o'er yon horizon
Rise the city towers,
Where our God abideth;
That fair home is ours:
Flash the streets with jasper,
Shine the gates with gold;
Flows the gladdening river,
Shedding joys untold.
Thither, onward thither,
In the Spirit's might;
Pilgrims to your country,
Forward into light!

3 To th' eternal Father
Loudest anthems raise,
To the Son, and Spirit,
Echo songs of praise,
To the Lord of glory,
Blessed Three in One,
Be by men and angels
Endless honor done.
Weak are earthly praises,
Dull the songs of night:
Forward into triumph,
Forward into light!

Amen.

Text Information

• First Line: "Forward!" be our watchword
• Author: Rev. Henry Alford (1871)
• Meter: 6. 5. 6. 5. 12l.
• Publication Date: 1950
• Topic: Work; The Kingdom of God on Earth: Discipleship and Service; Conflict With Sin; Discipleship and Service; Processionals; Young People's Day
• Notes: Stanzas 2, 3, alt.

Tune Information

• Name: FORWARD
• Composer: Henry Smart (1872)
• Meter: 6. 5. 6. 5. 12l.
• Key: G Major