Lead On

Isaiah 6:1-3
In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lofty; and the hem of his robe filled the temple. Seraphs were in attendance above him; each had six wings: with two they covered their faces, and with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. And one called to another and said: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory.’

Lead On, O King Eternal! LBW 495

1    Lead on, O King eternal!  The day of march has come;
      henceforth in fields of conquest your tents will be our home.
      Through days of preparation your grace has made us strong;
      and now, O King eternal, we lift our battle song.

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,
      but deeds of love and mercy the heav'nly kingdom comes.

3    Lead on, O King eternal: we follow, not with fears,
      for gladness breaks like morning where'er your face appears.
      Your cross is lifted o'er us; we journey in its light;
      the crown awaits the conquest; lead on, O God of might!

Text: Ernest W. Shurtleff, 1862-1917

            In 1887 Ernest Shurtleff was preparing to enter the ministry. He was in that year’s graduating class form Andover Seminary.  Ernest was at the top of his class in both grades and enthusiasm, so his class chose him to give the address at graduation and as he was known as quite a poet, to write a poem to be read.  Instead, he offered to write a hymn.  He said to them; “We have spent days of preparation in seminary, now the day of march has come!  We shall follow the King of Kings and conquer the world under his banner!”

In this time of pandemic, loss and confusion, perhaps it is time again for us to heed the call of this hymn and go forth under his banner; to “follow, not with fear: but with His “cross lifted o'er us; to journey in its light!”

 Prayer:  Lead on O King eternal, for gladness breaks like morning where'er your face appears, so lead on, O God of might! Amen!