Though foes press upon you in battle array;
Your Leader is present, and He will protect you,
The vict’ry is certain, you must win the day.
Refrain:
Go forward! Go forward!
Though foes press upon you in battle array,
Your Leader is present, and he will protect you,
The vict’ry is certain, you must win the day.
2. The Lord is your guide, He will ever defend you,
Though sins as a host seek your soul to destroy;
His pillar of fire will surely enfold you,
Your glory and refuge from all that annoy. [Refrain]
3. Then, children, take courage, strike hard for the Master,
A fight is before you, a race to be run;
Let blow follow blow; let each step still be faster,
Christ waits to command you, “good servants, well done.” [Refrain]
The hymn “Go Forward” finds its roots in the biblical exhortation from Exodus 14:15, where God commands Moses to speak to the children of Israel and tell them to go forward, even though the Red Sea lies ahead. Among the many hymns that echo this phrase, one of the most historically significant versions is “Go forward, Christian soldier,” written by Reverend Laurence Tuttiett in the 19th century. Tuttiett, an Anglican clergyman known for his devotional hymns, penned this particular hymn in 1866 as part of a series for use in the Church of England. Its primary purpose was to serve as a Confirmation hymn—a sacred moment when young Christians publicly affirm their faith and prepare to walk forward in their spiritual journey. The hymn was more than a song; it was a solemn charge to the confirmed believer to advance courageously under Christ’s banner, facing life’s trials not with hesitation but with confident obedience.
Set to the tune Lancashire by Henry Thomas Smart, the hymn gained a firm place in English and American hymnals, particularly within the Anglican, Methodist, and Episcopal traditions. The bold, marching meter and memorable melody amplified the hymn’s message of steadfastness and purpose. The language of spiritual warfare was especially prominent: references to the “banner,” the “Captain,” and battle imagery linked the hymn to the apostolic charge in Ephesians 6, where Paul commands believers to “put on the whole armor of God.” Within that context, “Go Forward” was more than poetic—it was prophetic, speaking to the struggles and victories of the Christian life. As such, the hymn was often sung at Confirmation services, youth gatherings, and mission-focused events. Its message encouraged young Christians to leave behind fear, doubt, and worldliness, and to live boldly for Christ.
In time, other hymns also adopted the phrase “Go Forward” in their titles and refrains, drawing from similar biblical inspiration. One notable example is a hymn written by George O. Webster, titled “Go forward… in Jesus’ conquering name,” published in the early 20th century in Progressive Sunday School Songs. This version, often used in children’s and youth ministries, carried a more exuberant tone but still maintained the central theme of courageous movement in faith. Similarly, Johnson Oatman Jr., a prolific American hymn writer known for “Count Your Blessings,” authored another version of “Go Forward” that drew heavily from the Exodus narrative. In his version, believers are challenged to walk by faith, even when the sea hasn’t parted, emphasizing trust in God’s timing and direction. Another version appeared among Seventh-day Adventist hymnals, composed by F. E. Belden, using the imagery of mountain-high seas and urging believers to keep moving forward in spite of all odds.
These various expressions of “Go Forward” reflected the deep spiritual hunger in different eras for direction, strength, and courage. Whether sung in 19th-century cathedrals or early 20th-century camp meetings, the call to “go forward” remained timeless. The hymn resonated especially during periods of revival, national crisis, or global mission movements—times when Christians needed a firm reminder to walk by faith and not by sight. The Confirmation setting of Tuttiett’s original hymn also tied its message to one of commitment and covenant. After baptism, a young believer would be confirmed and charged to live publicly and boldly for Christ. The hymn, therefore, acted as both a seal of that promise and a spiritual anthem for the journey ahead.
The enduring power of the hymn lies in its adaptability. It has been sung by soldiers heading into war, missionaries departing for unknown lands, and countless individuals facing personal trials. Its straightforward command, “Go forward,” encapsulates the entire Christian experience: there is no retreat in Christ, only advance. Today, it is still used in traditional church settings, especially during confirmation services, and has even been included in contemporary collections that revive classic hymns for modern worship. While many may not know the author by name, the charge remains unforgettable.
In essence, the story of “Go Forward” is one of persistent obedience in the face of uncertainty. It calls the believer to advance, not because the path is clear, but because God has commanded it. From Tuttiett’s original hymn to the many versions that followed, the message is the same: step out in faith, go forward in obedience, and trust that God, who leads His people through seas and deserts alike, will never fail to make a way.
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