Beloved, there is no standing still in religion; we are either going forward or going back. Our Captain's command is, "Go forward." This is our direction. "Go forward" in the Lord's way, in the Lord's work; to the Lord's kingdom. The command contains great encouragement.
Go forward, remembering the Lord's wisdom, trusting in the Lord's power; and believing in the Lord's love. Go forward in union with the Lord's people, with zeal for His glory, until summoned into your Master's presence. Go forward, notwithstanding difficulties, fears, and discouragements. Go forward, because God has bidden you; He has promised to go with you; He will crown your journey's end.
Let us imitate ardent and holy Paul, who said, "Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect; but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which I am also apprehended of Christ Jesus."
Let us look for, and hasten to the coming of the day of God. There is nothing behind us worth a thought, if compared with what is set before us by the gospel.
Much is sorrow, oft in woe, Onward, Christian, onward go; Shrink not, fear not, dare not yield, Never quit the battle field: Forward press and win the prize, Then to endless glory rise.
Written by James Smith for his own flock around 1840, but such was the demand that by 1846 over thirty thousand copies where in circulation.
James Smith was a predecessor of Charles Spurgeon at New Park Street Chapel in London from 1841-1850. He also ministered with great blessing in Cheltenham. His devotional, The Believer's Daily Remembrancer, subtitled Pastor's Morning and Evening Visit, was very popular in its own day, and has received a new lease of life through recent republication.
Beloved, there is no standing still in religion; we are either going forward or going back. Our Captain's command is, "Go forward." This is our direction. "Go forward" in the Lord's way, in the Lord's work; to the Lord's kingdom. The command contains great encouragement.
Go forward, remembering the Lord's wisdom, trusting in the Lord's power; and believing in the Lord's love. Go forward in union with the Lord's people, with zeal for His glory, until summoned into your Master's presence. Go forward, notwithstanding difficulties, fears, and discouragements. Go forward, because God has bidden you; He has promised to go with you; He will crown your journey's end.
Let us imitate ardent and holy Paul, who said, "Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect; but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which I am also apprehended of Christ Jesus."
Let us look for, and hasten to the coming of the day of God. There is nothing behind us worth a thought, if compared with what is set before us by the gospel.
Much is sorrow, oft in woe, Onward, Christian, onward go; Shrink not, fear not, dare not yield, Never quit the battle field: Forward press and win the prize, Then to endless glory rise.