Scripture Verse

I press toward the mark. Philippians 3:14

Introduction

Words: E. H. Lide, in Sun­ny-Side Songs, ed­it­ed by W. How­ard Doane (New York & Chi­ca­go, Il­li­nois: Big­low & Main, 1893), page 114.

Music: Will­iam J. Kirk­pat­rick (🔊 pdf nwc).

If you know Lide’s full name, or where to get a good pho­to of him (head & shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els),

portrait
William J. Kirkpatrick
(1838–1921)

Lyrics

Onward, comrades, on­ward press­ing,
Daily seek the Mas­ter’s bless­ing,
In the Chris­tian life pro­gress­ing,
Onward, com­rades, on­ward now!

Refrain

Onward now! on­ward, all!
Strength from our Sav­ior ev­er gain­ing;
Onward now! onw­ard, all!
Heed the loud, in­spir­ing call.

Many foes our path sur­round­ing,
Let our hap­py songs re­sound­ing,
Tell of grace still more abound­ing,
Onward, com­rades, on­ward now!

Refrain

On this grace alone de­pend­ing,
Sweetly on our souls des­cend­ing,
Aiding, cheer­ing, and de­fend­ing,
Onward, com­rades, on­ward now!

Refrain

Onward, for the Lord will guide us;
In His mer­cy, walk be­side us,
Freely, all we need, pro­vide us,
Onward, com­rades, on­ward now!

Refrain