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619

Lead On, O King Eternal

Lyrics by
Ernest Warburton Shurtleff (1887)
Music by
Henry Thomas Smart (1887)
Tune
LANCASHIRE · 7.6.7.6.D
Scripture
Revelation 17:14
Verse 1
Lead on, O King Eternal,
The day of march has come;
Henceforth in fields of conquest
Thy tents shall be our home;
Through days of preparation
Thy grace has made us strong,
And now, O King Eternal,
We lift our battle song.
Verse 2
Lead on, O King Eternal,
Till sin's fierce war shall cease,
And holiness shall whisper
The sweet Amen of peace;
For not with swords, loud clashing,
Nor roll of stirring drums,
With deeds of love and mercy,
The heavenly kingdom comes.
Verse 3
Lead on, O King Eternal,
We follow, not with fears,
For gladness breaks like morning
Where'er Thy face appears;
Thy cross is lifted o'er us;
We journey in its light;
The crown awaits the conquest;
Lead on, O God of might.

Shurtleff wrote this processional hymn during his ordination service, envisioning Christian leadership and progress.