 | The forest minstrel |  |
TO THE BANNER OF THE CROSS.
Ay, lift the banner high,
And let it stream afar;
While on it rests the radiancy
Of Bethlehem's holy star.
And let it stream afar;
While on it rests the radiancy
Of Bethlehem's holy star.
Embroider on its field
“The Spirit's peaceful Dove,”
Defended by the ample shield
Of perfect fervent Love.
“The Spirit's peaceful Dove,”
Defended by the ample shield
Of perfect fervent Love.
Upon its border write
“Holiness to the Lord!”
While all its folds, in lines of light
Display his written word.
“Holiness to the Lord!”
While all its folds, in lines of light
Display his written word.
Ay, raise the banner high,
The Banner of the Cross!
Beneath which, earth is vanity,
And all its treasures dross.
The Banner of the Cross!
Beneath which, earth is vanity,
And all its treasures dross.
March on, from sea to sea,
And o'er the isle-set wave,
Till all the human family
Know Him, who came to save!—
And o'er the isle-set wave,
Till all the human family
Know Him, who came to save!—
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Till every spirit feels
Devotion's sacred flame,
Till every living creature kneels
To our Redeemer's name;
Devotion's sacred flame,
Till every living creature kneels
To our Redeemer's name;
Till heedless of earth's fame,
Her avarice and her pride,
We glory but in Jesus' name,
In Christ, the crucified.
Her avarice and her pride,
We glory but in Jesus' name,
In Christ, the crucified.
Then lift his banner high,
And pray, thy kingdom come;
'Tis crowned with joy and victory,
He leads his armies home.
And pray, thy kingdom come;
'Tis crowned with joy and victory,
He leads his armies home.
| The forest minstrel | |