His poetry includes at least this one called “Christ Returneth”, and he may be the same 19th Century figure known as ‘Colonel’. Was the poet Henry Lathrop Turner the author who looked into some ancient mysterious words, and even at portrayals of this event in art (like this etching that depicts the Rapture, by 17th/18th Century artist Jan Luyken), and offered his own words on the subject of Christ’s reappearance? The Colonel chose not to delve into all the various permutations of how the God-Man’s reemergence might occur, for who can say? It’s safe to presume that he might have been reading what a biblical writer named Paul had to say on the subject, because none of us mortals, at least not while here on earth, have observed such an event; so, we all wonder, and even dread, what the end of us, and of all humankind, will entail. It seems from what Henry wrote, that he was not in fear of this event, however. Why was that?
We know a little about Colonel Henry Lathrop Turner. One can guess, based on his birth in 1845 and the rank associated with his name, that Henry served in the military, possibly during the latter stages of the American Civil War; one source indicates he was part of a unit called the ‘Old First Infantry’. Was it during his service that Henry became a poet, giving him a perspective on eternity’s approach that helped spur his penned words about Christ’s second coming? This Ohio native eventually lived and died in the Chicago, Illinois area, but little else is notable about him personally. His ode about Christ’s return was first used in an 1878 hymnal compiled by the well-known Ira Sankey, who happened to have served in the Civil War himself. So, was there a connection between these two military veterans that helped prompt ‘Christ Returneth’? Turner’s verses, particularly verses 3 and 4, suggest he was inspired by Paul’s message to a group of people called Thessalonians (1 Thess. 4), and the exhilarating prospect of Jesus calling out as He descends in order to awaken those who will go to heaven with Him. What time of day, or what exact era in earth’s history will God choose to do this? Turner does not wade into this debate, which was as unsettled in his own time as it still is today. From the eyes of someone who’d seen a battlefield, would certainty about the time of day or what year God intends to consummate our planet’s destiny matter? One can imagine that Turner, and other veterans like him, felt that being prepared at any time was their only concern. Henry had likely seen enough violence on earth that he welcomed the awesome return of the Righteous One, who will usher in ultimate justice. The contrast between what Henry had witnessed already and what he could envision was undoubtedly what prompted three hallelujahs in his poem’s refrain.
Henry Turner did not need any other experiences to summarize what he wanted to impart to his readers. Did he and others suffer from battlefield fatigue, what we know of today as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)? Someone might ask what is the best remedy for PTSD. We know not whether Henry received personal counselling, or sat in a circle sharing with other like-sufferers, or really if he had the need for these kinds of therapies. We can only imagine that at one point in his life, he was imagining something that all of us will see and experience someday. For some, it will be terrifying, the most extreme PTSD episode they will ever face. And, it will never end or become less horrifying. Can you conceive that one – never-ending stress, forever? I think I’d rather be in the spot Henry was occupying, emotionally – welcoming that episode, and exulting in its coming. Where are you, today?
See more information on the song in these sources: The Complete Book of Hymns – Inspiring Stories About 600 Hymns and Praise Songs by William J. Petersen and Ardythe Petersen, Tyndale House Publishers, 2006; Amazing Grace: 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions by Kenneth W. Osbeck, Kregel Publications, 1990.
See very brief reference to the author’s identity here: http://www.hymntime.com/tch/bio/t/u/r/n/turner_hl.htm
And, here: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/112450799/henry-lathrop-turner
Also see this link, showing all four original verses and the refrain: http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/c/h/r/i/s/t/r/christre.htm
See here for a discussion of the end-time known as the Rapture, about which the author wrote: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rapture
See here for description of the military unit in which the author apparently served: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1st_Infantry_Regiment_(United_States)
See here for biography of the hymnal editor who published the author’s song: http://www.hymntime.com/tch/bio/s/a/n/k/sankey_id.htm
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