‘FORWARD!’ be our watchword, Steps and voices joined; Seek the things before us, Not a look behind: See the fiery pillar At our army’s head; Who shall dream of shrinking By our Saviour led? Forward through the desert, Through the toil and fight: Jordan flows before us, Zion beams with light.
Forward, flock of Jesus, Salt of all the earth, Till each yearning purpose Springs to glorious birth: Take the Word of mercy, Work while it is day: Spread through all the nations Love’s redeeming ray; Lead them out of error, By the Spirit’s might; Urge them from their darkness Forward into light.
Glory upon glory Has our God prepared, For the souls that love Him One day to be shared: Eye has not beheld them, Ear has never heard, Nor of them has uttered Thought or speech a word: But in future glory, Where the heavens are bright, Shall the veil be lifted And our faith be sight.
Over yon horizon, Rise the City’s towers, Where our God abideth— That fair home is ours! Shining walls of jasper, Streets of crystal gold, And, of life, a river Shedding joys untold! Press, then, onward thither, In the Spirit’s might, Pilgrims, to your country— Forward into light!
Henry Alford, 1810-71‡