Words: , 1908. Hos­mer wrote this hymn while pas­tor at the First Un­i­tar­i­an Church, Berk­e­ley, Cal­i­for­nia; it was pub­lished in his Thought of God, Third Ser­ies, 1918.

Music: St. Ger­trude, , 1871.


Forward through the ages, in unbroken line,
Move the faithful spirits, at the call divine;
Gifts in different 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.

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

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