The Church Hymnal ‎#97

97. The royal banners forward go

1 The royal banners forward go,
The Cross shines forth in mystic glow;
Where He in flesh, our flesh Who made,
Our sentence bore, our ransom paid.

2 There whilst He hung, His sacred side
By soldier's spear was opened wide,
To cleanse us in the precious flood
Of water mingled with His blood.

3 Fulfilled is now what David told
In true prophetic song of old,
How God the heathen's King should be;
For God is reigning from the Tree.

4 O Tree of glory, Tree most fair,
Ordained those holy limbs to bear,
How bright in purpose robe it stood,
The purple of a Saviour's blood!

5 Upon its arms, like balance true,
He weighed the price for sinners due,
The price which none but He could pay,
And spoiled the spoiler of his prey.

6 To Thee, eternal Three in One,
Let homage meet by all be done:
As by the Cross Thou dost restore,
So rule and guide us evermore.

Text Information

• First Line: The royal banners forward go
• Author: V. Fortunatus
• Translator: J. M. Neale
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1920
• Topic: Lent: Holy Week

Tune Information

• Name: VEXILLA REGIS
• Composer: H. W. Parker
• Meter: L.M.
• Key: D♭ Major