Methodist Hymn and Tune Book ‎#383

383. "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 Forward, flock of Jesus,
Salt of all the earth,
Till each yearning purpose
Spring to glorious birth:
Sick, they ask for healing,
Blind, they grope for day;
Pour upon the nations
Wisdom's loving ray.
Forward, out of error,
Leave behind the night;
Forward through the darkness,
Forward into light!

3 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!

4 To the 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 honour done.
Weak are earthly praises,
Dull the songs of night;
Forward into triumph,
Forward into light!

Text Information

• First Line: "Forward!" be our watchword
• Author: Dean Henry Alford, 1810-1871
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1917
• Topic: Forward; Army, Christ's; Captain, Christ our; Church: Militant; The Church and the Kingdom of God: Social Service; Heaven: Joys of; Heaven: Society of

Tune Information

• Name: ROSMORE
• Composer: H. G. Trembath, 1844-1908
• Meter: 6.5.6.5.6.5.6.5, with Refrain
• Key: A♭ Major