Forward! be Our Watchword

Verse 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!

Verse 2

Forward! flock of Jesus, Salt of all the earth, Till each yearning purpose Springs 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!

Verse 3

Glories upon glories Hath our God prepared, By the souls that love Him One day to be shared! Eye hath not beheld them, Ear hath never heard; Nor of these hath uttered Thought or speech a word: Forward, marching eastward Where the heaven is bright. Till the veil be lifted, Till our faith be sight!

Verse 4

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! AMEN.