Scripture Verse

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14

Introduction

portrait
Albert Midlane
1825–1909

Words: Al­bert Mid­lane, in A Se­lec­tion of Psalms and Hymns for Di­vine Wor­ship (Wis­bech, Eng­land: Gar­di­ner, 1873), num­ber 660 (re­frain from Roy­al Di­a­dem).

Music: Bay­town Will­iam F. Sher­win, in Roy­al Di­a­dem, ed­it­ed by Ro­bert Low­ry & W. How­ard Doane (New York & Chi­ca­go, Il­li­nois: Big­low & Main, 1873), num­ber 111 (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tune:

  • Hanoi Ira D. San­key, Gos­pel Hymns No. 5 (New York; Cin­cin­na­ti Ohio & Chi­ca­go, Il­li­nois: John Church and Big­low & Main, 1887), num­ber 2 (🔊 pdf nwc)

If you know where to get a bet­ter pho­to of Mid­lane or Sher­win,

portrait
William F. Sherwin
1826–1888

Lyrics

Onward, upward, homeward,
Hastily I flee:
From this world of sorrow,
With my Lord to be;
Onward to the glory,
Upward to the prize,
Homeward to the mansions
Far above the skies.

Refrain

Onward to the glory,
Upward to the prize,
Homeward to the mansions
Far above the skies.

Onward, upward, homeward,
Here I find no rest;
Treading o’er the desert
Which my Savior pressed;
Onward, upward homeward,
I shall soon be there;
Soon its joys and pleasures
I, through grace, shall share.

Refrain

Onward, upward, homeward,
Come along with me;
Ye who love the Savior,
Bear me company;
Onward, upward, homeward,
Press with vigor on;
Yet a little while,
And the race is won.

Refrain