Lead On, O King Eternal (ELLACOMBE)

Words:7.6.7.6 D • Ernest W. Shurtleff (1888), alt.
Music:ELLACOMBE • German melody (18th cent.) from Württemberg Gesangbuch (1784), alt. Gesangbuch Mainz (1833), har. Gesangbuch St Gallen (1863), alt. English Hymnal (1906)

Words

1.

Lead on, O King Eternal,
  The day of march has come.
Henceforth in fields of conquest
  Your tents shall 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;
With 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!

Compared to Hymnals

This pairing of words and music is not common in hymnals. The words “Lead On, O King Eternal” are more commonly paired with LANCASHIRE, and the music (ELLACOMBE) is more commonly sung to “I Sing the Mighty Power of God”.

  Includes ELLACOMBE (this music)
Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs No
Songs of Faith and Praise No
Praise for the Lord No
Hymns for Worship (Revised) No

Sources

Words

Music

  • The English Hymnal with Tunes (1906)

References

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Through [Jesus] let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge His name.
— Hebrews 13:15