The Lutheran Hymnal ‎#168

168. 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 Where deep for us the spear was dyed,
Life's torrent rushing from His side,
To wash us in that precious flood
Where mingled water flowed and blood.

3 Fulfilled is all that David told
In true prophetic song of old;
Amidst the nations, God, saith he,
Hath reigned and triumphed from the Tree.

4 O Tree of beauty, Tree of life,
O Tree with royal purple dight;
Elect, on whose triumphal breast
Those holy limbs should find their rest;

5 On whose dear arms, so widely flung,
The weight of this world's ransom hung
The price of humankind to pay
And spoil the spoiler of his prey.

6 O Cross, our one reliance, hail!
So may thy power with us avail
To give new virtue to the saint
And pardon to the penitent.

7 To Thee, eternal Three in One,
Let homage meet by all be done,
Whom by the cross Thou dost restore,
Preserve, and govern evermore.

Amen.

Text Information

• First Line: The royal banners forward go
• Title: The Royal Banners Forward Go
• Latin Title: Vexilla Regis prodeunt
• Author: Venantius Fortunatus (569, cento)
• Translator: John M. Neale (1851, alt.)
• Meter: L.M.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1941
• Scripture:
  Psalm 96:10
• Topic: The Church Year: Good Friday

Tune Information

• Name: VEXILLA REGIS
• Composer: John Hampton (1875)
• Meter: L.M.
• Key: C Major