Scripture Verse

There shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek. Isaiah 11:10

Introduction

Words: John Bell, in Hymns, Psalms and Gos­pel Songs, by James Mc­Gra­na­han et al. (Pitts­burgh, Penn­syl­van­ia: Hugh H. Mc­Gra­na­han, 1904), num­ber 456.

Music: Lou­is D. Eich­horn (🔊 pdf nwc).

If you know where to get a good pho­to of Bell or Eich­horn (head & shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els),

Lyrics

Great, and high, and holy, Lord,
Heav’n and earth are full of Thee;
Spread abroad Thy precious word,
Let the world Thy glo­ry see.

Refrain

Raise, raise the ensign far, far and wide,
Out over mountain, hill and plain!
Tell, tell of Christ, the Cru­ci­fied,
Bring all the world to own His reign!

Why in darkness, still and deep,
Should the heathen nations lie,
Afric’s stricken daughters weep,
India’s sons no light descry?

Refrain

May Thy Spi­rit pierce the gloom,
Scatter night and mist afar;
Save the heathen from their doom,
By the rising Morning Star.

Refrain