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The United Methodist Hymnal · No. 555 · Words: Frederick Lucian Hosmer · Tune: ST. GERTRUDE
Forward Through the Ages
Create PowerPoint slides from this hymn →A mission hymn written by Frederick Lucian Hosmer in 1908, celebrating the unbroken continuity of faithful service across generations and the ever-expanding kingdom of love and light. Set to Arthur Sullivan's stirring tune ST. GERTRUDE.
Verse 1
Forward through the ages,
in unbroken line,
move the faithful spirits
at the call divine;
gifts in differing measure,
hearts of one accord,
manifold the service,
one the sure reward.
Refrain
Forward through the ages,
in unbroken line,
move the faithful spirits
at the call divine.
Verse 2
Wider grows the kingdom,
reign of love and light;
for it we must labor,
till our faith is sight.
Prophets have
proclaimed it,
martyrs testified,
poets sung its glory,
heroes for it died.
Refrain
Forward through the ages,
in unbroken line,
move the faithful spirits
at the call divine.
Verse 3
Not alone we conquer,
not alone we fall;
in each loss or triumph
lose or triumph all.
Bound by God’s
far purpose
in one living whole,
move we on together
to the shining goal.
Refrain
Forward through the ages,
in unbroken line,
move the faithful spirits
at the call divine.
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