Fling out the banner! let it float

Sky-ward and sea-ward, high and wide:

The sun, that lights its shining folds,

The cross, on which the Saviour died.

2 Fling out the banner! angels bend,

In anxious silence, o’er the sign;

And vainly seek to comprehend

The wonder of the love divine.

3 Fling out the banner! heathen lands

Shall see, from far, the glorious sight,

And nations, crowding to be born,

Baptize their spirits in its light.

4 Fling out the banner! sin-sick souls,

That sink and perish in the strife,

Shall touch in faith its radiant hem,

And spring immortal into life.

5 Fling out the banner! let it float

Sky-ward and sea-ward, high and wide;

Our glory, only in the cross;

Our only hope, the Crucified.

6 Fling out the banner! wide and high,

Sea-ward and sky-ward, let it shine;

Nor skill, nor might, nor merit, ours;

We conquer only in that sign.