LEAD ON, O KING ETERNAL

Our hymn this time was written by a young graduating seminary student, Ernest W. Shurtleff. 

It was 1887, and his classmates recognized his poetic ability.  They asked Ernest to write a hymn which they could all sing together during their commencement service.  Although he published several volumes of verse and wrote additional hymns throughout his ministry, LEAD ON, O KING ETERNAL has endured the passing of time.

Shurtleff served with distinction in the Congregational Church and was awarded the Doctor of Divinity from Ripon College in Wisconsin.  In 1905, he moved with his family to Germany to help organize a church in Frankfort.  Later, in Paris, he carried on a ministry with students and relief work among the poor and needy.  It was said that his entire life was truly the epitome of this hymn text.

It is easy to associate the imagery of this hymn with its initial purpose for the graduation.  Yet, these truths can be easily applied to our personal lives and ministries today.  Make LEAD ON, O KING ETERNAL, your prayer too.