Lead on, O King Eternal

Text

This hymn was written by Ernest W. Shurtleff in 1887 for Andover Theological Seminary’s commencement ceremonies. It was published that same year. The text is initially full of battle imagery, and the second verse begins to tell us what we are at war against, namely, the powers of sin. The third verse points to the hope we have in Christ’s ultimate victory. While Shurtleff’s text might have been written specifically for those entering pastoral ministry, as Albert Bailey writes, “It is the battle-plan for humanity” (The Gospel in Hymns, 549).

The text has remained mostly unchanged since its composition. The only differences lie in the modernization of language, changing “thee” to “you,” etc.

Tune

The rousing marching tune LANCASHIRE was composed by Henry T. Smart and set to Shurtleff’s text in 1905. It is an easy melody to pick up, and is most effective with a strong accompaniment, whether that be organ, firm piano, or brass. This song was written for young people, and it remains a popular choice at youth camps and young people’s worship gatherings, due in part to a new tune composed by Enfield. The band has also written a new refrain for the hymn: “Lead on, lead on king of heaven / my light and my salvation / your faithfulness endures. Lead on, lead us to your kingdom / through joy or tribulation /we follow you, we follow you alone.” Indelible Grace also has a new tune written by Jeff Pardo – this will need some transposition however, as the key puts the melody very high!

When/Why/How

This hymn could be sung during any service of “beginning.” Ordination and commissioning services, as well as occasions that mark the beginning of a church/school year or program would be perfect opportunities to sing the hymn. It could be sung after a time of commissioning, or, when the entire service is themed around God’s guidance, it makes a perfect recessional or closing hymn. Along with the following Bible passages, it would work beautifully to read the Heidelberg Catechism Q & A 123 beforehand (this is a response to the line in the Lord’s Prayer, “Your kingdom come.”)

Suggested music:

• Hobby, Robert. The Day of Resurrection-Lead On, O King Eternal-(Choral Score) - a setting of LANCASHIRE with both texts for organ, percussion, brass, choir, and congregation
• Sherman, Arnold. Lead On, O King Eternal - for Choir and Handbells
• Pedals and Pipes for Postludes and Praise - for Organ

Laura de Jong
Hymnary.org

In his book, The Gospel in Hymns, Albert Bailey describes very eloquently the function of this hymn when he writes, “It is the eager cry of the knight who has been kneeling through the hours of darkness in vigil at the altar where his sword and armor are being impregnated with the power of heaven, and who now with the dawn rises to receive the accolade of his King and goes forth to combat.” We probably don’t think about our faith like this too often. Quite frankly, we most likely don’t know how to make sense of this. How do we reconcile between the peaceful Christ and the seemingly war-driven God of the Old Testament? How can we claim to desire a world of peace when we talk in such violent language? These are questions Christians around the world wrestle with. But we shouldn’t stay away from such language because we don’t fully understand it. Part of our task is to remember that language is just that - only words. We talk in imagery. When we say we are putting on the armor of God, we know that we are clothing ourselves with love, righteousness, and good deeds. When we invoke the God of conquest, we know we are asking God to use us in a fight against spiritual evils, not physical. Perhaps the second verse of this hymn says it best: “For not with sword’s loud clashing / or roll of stirring drums / with deeds of love and mercy / the heavenly kingdom comes.”