UNFURL THE FLAG.
By Rev. Artemas Jean Haynes, Pastor Plymouth Church, Chicago.
Unfurl the flag! the flag of freedom’s birth—
The stainless banner of our loyal host;
Unfurl the flag! proclaim to all the earth
That war for conquest is not Freedom’s boast.
Shake out the crimson folds in God’s great strife—
Our country’s pledge to liberty and life.
Unfurl the flag! stand forth in Christ’s own name—
For God’s dread day of Judgment is at hand;
Unfurl the flag! and smite with sudden shame,
Relentless tyrants from our sisterland.
Each waving fold of white, each star shall bear
Our love to those whose griefs we seek to share.
Unfurl the flag! we battle not for gain—
We march as those who march to right a wrong;
Unfurl the flag! not to avenge the slain,
Unfurl it for the weak who trust the strong:
Fling out the blue! our battle flag unfurled—
Warfare for love, and freedom for the world.
Unfurl the flag! red, white and blue wave high—
Wave on to battle every loyal son;
Unfurl the flag! hear Thou, O God, our cry—
Blaze Thou the way until our task be done;
Until the night falls on the hosts of wrong,
And morning breaks to Freedom’s triumph song.