The A.M.E. Zion Hymnal ‎#430

430. 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
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!

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!

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.

Text Information

• First Line: Forward! be our watchword
• Title: Forward! Be Our Watchword
• Author: Henry Alford
• Meter: 6 5 6 5 D
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1999
• Topic: The Call to Service

Tune Information

• Name: ST THERESA
• Composer: Arthur S Sullivan
• Meter: 6 5 6 5 D
• Key: E♭ Major