Our friend Daniel got a short-notice announcement that his school wanted a handbell choir for their graduation ceremony, specifically this hymn. So… here’s a fairly easy sixteen-bell arrangement of Lead On, O King Eternal!
Lead on, O King eternal, the day of march has come;
Henceforth in fields of conquest Thy tents will 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, till sin’s fierce war shall cease,
And holiness shall whisper the sweet amen of peace.
For not with swords’ loud clashing or roll of stirring drums
With deeds of love and mercy the heavenly kingdom comes.
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.
Purchasing this 16-bell arrangement gives you permission to print and maintain up to eight copies for your handbell group – so you only need to pay once. Purchase also gives permission for performance, broadcasting, live-streaming and video-sharing online. See our licensing agreement for full details, and please remember to mention the title and arranger of the piece on video-sharing sites, social media and any printed materials such as concert programs.
