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LIFT high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim
till all the world adore his sacred name.
Come, let us follow where our Captain trod,
our King victorious, Christ the Son of God:
Led on their way by this triumphant sign,
the hosts of God in conquering ranks combine:
Each new-born solder of the Crucified
bears on his brow the seal of him who died:
This is the sign which Satan's legions fear
and angels veil their faces to revere:
Saved by the cross whereon their Lord was slain,
earth's fallen children their lost home regain:
From north and south, from east and west they raise
in growing unison their song of praise:
O Lord, once lifted on the glorious tree,
as thou hast promised, draw us unto thee:
Let every race and every language tell
of him who saves our souls from death and hell:
From farthest regions let them homage bring,
and on his cross adore their Saviour King:
Set up thy throne, that earth's despair may cease
beneath the shadow of its healing peace:
For thy blest cross which doth for all atone
creation's praises rise before thy throne:
Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim
till all the world adore his sacred name.
G.W. Kitchin (1827-1912)
and M.R. Newbolt (1874-1956
Tune: CRUCIFER
S.H. Nicholson (1875-1947)
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