Independence Day

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Jul 6, 1915

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 42, No. 26.

No national memorial day stands for more than the fourth of July commemorates in this country.

Through many centuries in England, in Holland, in Germany, and elsewhere in western Europe, men had struggled for freedom. They had wrested from tyrants the liberties that justly belonged to the individual. Many of the truest and the best of the men who had inherited this struggle came to this New World, and with the great principles of freedom in their souls, established this republic.

In its foundation were two great fundamental principles. They were religious freedom and civil liberty for the individual.

No nation has ever had greater prosperity, and no nation has ever developed stronger or better men; and in no time in all the world’s history has any nation ever afforded the opportunity for more complete happiness and enjoyment of the individual in his home life. We have been free from petty annoyances, and had the fullest privilege to enjoy life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

How well it would be if our nation could always remain loyal and true to these God-given principles of freedom! And how well it would be if the spirit could be kept dominant in the land, that would resent and resist the influences that are working to curb the freedom of speech and the liberty of the press!

It is only when men insist on freedom, that they are in a position to develop the strong qualities which make good Christians and useful members of society.