Up and Onward

Up and onward, Christian workers,
Life is fleeting, do not stray;
Great the harvest, few the toilers,
Up and onward, haste away!

Refrain

Haste away, then, Christian workers,
Hear the deep, despairing call;
Go and rescue those that perish,
Lend a helping hand to all.

Where the reapers bear their burdens
In the toil and heat of day,
Where the golden sheaves are waving,
Up and onward, haste away!

Refrain

Where the conflict fiercely rages
On the battlefield today,
With our banner, shield and buckler,
Up and onward, haste away!

Refrain

Consecrated to the service
Of our Savior and our Lord;
Ever faithful, true and earnest,
We shall gain the great reward.

Refrain

Author: Fanny Crosby

Year: 1888

Fanny Crosby (Frances Jane Crosby) wrote hundreds of hymns with this exact style and meter. The text matches known publications of her work from the late 1880s; some hymnals list it under her married name (Mrs. Alexander Van Alstyne) or as anonymous, but most sources attribute it to her.