TRUTH AND FREEDOM by Gallagher

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 23, 1872

TRUTH AND FREEDOM.

By Gallagher

He is the FREEMAN whom the Truth makes free, And all are slaves beside. —Cooper.

For the truth, then, let us battle, Whatsoever fate betide! Long the boast that we are FREEMEN, We have made and published wide.

He who hath the Truth, and keeps it, Keeps what not to him belongs, But performs a selfish action, That his fellow-mortal wrongs.

He who seeks the Truth, and trembles At the dangers he must brave, Is not fit to be a freeman:— He at best is but a slave.

He who hears the Truth, and places Its high promptings under ban, Loud may boast of all that's manly, But can never be a man.

Friend, this simple lay who readest, Be not thou like either them— But to Truth give utmost freedom, And the tide it raises, stem.

Bold in speech, and bold in action, Be forever—Time will test, Of the free-soul'd and the slavish, Which fulfils life's mission best.

Be thou like the noble Roman— Scorn the threat that bids thee fear; Speak!—no matter what betide thee; Let them strike, but make them hear!

Be thou like the first apostles— Be thou like heroic Paul; If a free thought seek expression, Speak it boldly!—speak it all!

Face thine enemies—accusers; Scorn the prison, rack, or rod! And, if thou hast Truth to utter, Speak! and leave the rest to God.

—Gallagher.