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 ; Canaan lies 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. 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, ever forward, Clad in armour bright ; Till the vail be lifted, Till our faith be sight.
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 !