I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:14
Words: P. S. Howell, in Garlands of Praise (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Asa Hull, 1876), page 3, alt.
Music: Sharm El Sheikh Asa Hull (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know Howell’s full name, or where to get a good photo of him (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Onward, right onward!
Heeding no toil or pain;
Onward, right onward!
Eager the prize to gain.
Darkly the clouds may gather,
Coldly the rain may fall;
Starless the night’s deep shadows,
But there is light for all.
Onward, though round us
Billows may roll and toss;
Onward, though hearts ache,
Moaning with sense of loss.
Closely beside us walketh,
Death with his sable pall;
Deep are the pangs he bringeth,
Yet there is joy for all.
Onward and upward!
Never so dark a time,
But beams from Heaven
Onto our pathway shine.
Never in deepest sorrow,
Over our dead we weep,
But that a hope from Heaven,
Into our hearts may creep.