E. W. Shurtleff
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.
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.
3
Lead on, O King Eternal,
To lands of deepest night.
We follow where Thou leadest
As heralds of the Light.
May we to souls immortal
Thy Word of Life convey,
And open Heaven’s portal
Through Christ, the Truth, the Way.
4
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.