Lead On, O King Eternal

Yesterday I found this interesting little book at a garage sale for 25 cents. It’s called “The Story of Fifty Hymns”.

From the Preface:

“On the morning of May 7, 1934, a group of artists and musicians, headed by Joe Emerson, a nationally known figure in the radio world, started a program of morning hymns. Every faith was represented in these hymns.”

The intro goes on to explain how General Mills of Minneapolis became the sponsor of this radio program and shortly thereafter, in response to listeners’ requests, published this book of hymns. Each of the fifty hymns, representing all faiths, included a one page historical story about the hymn.

Lean On, O King Eternal

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.

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.

History:

“It is the custom at many schools for the graduating class to produce an original song of its won. “Lead On, O King Eternal” was written for the graduation class of Andover Theological Seminary in the spring of 1888, by Ernest W. Shurtleff, one of the members of the class. It has since become one of the most popular convention and meeting songs among young people in religious societies and orders. The hymn expresses a high standard for youth in the ideals of Christianity, encouraging them to march in paths of peace and brotherly love, drawing their strength from the power of faith. It is a battle song of our young people who go out to conquer a rather difficult world. But with God as their eternal leader, they are certain to win the contest.”

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