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Liberty

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Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Feb 14, 1911

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 38, No. 7.

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Liberty

By Golden-West Scot

By Golden-West Scot
To my native Scotland my fostering America, and all liberty lovers
WHEN first went forth Jehovah's word, Creative power to employ, And angels sang with one accord, While all God's sons cried out for joy; To wield His scepter, Righteousness, Insure for ay each high decree E'er made by Him — and that to bless — God gave His offspring liberty.
Tho God's own law was writ on stone, 'Mid clouds through which man does not see, 'Tis godly fear and love, alone, That makes for truth and loyalty. And He who came since Sinai, To live, then die on Calvary, Our Father's law to magnify, Still left us all our liberty.
Since Babel reared her daring pile, Where human empires have held sway, Strong minds have tried, by force and guile, To take our liberty away. And men have suffered — bled and died, Or lonely exile braved — that we Might yet in happiness abide, Enjoying life and liberty.
Let all electors, everywhere, Be vigilant continually, Lest tyrants, tho they seem so rare, Deprive us, now, of liberty. Lend not your efforts to enact Religious laws, whate'er they be; Vote out such foes, preserve intact Our country's ark — fair liberty!
"The powers that be" were not ordained To teach us faith and piety; But that oppression be restrained, And justice meted equally. We'll worship, therefore, whom we choose, And when, and where, and how-so-free; Give Cæsar, too, his proper dues; But live, or die, with liberty!
No dragon laws our souls affright; For He who is our hope and trust, Shall bring to naught all beastly might, For He is strong and pure and just. And we are nearing that glad day When earth's dark shadows all shall flee Before each healing, bursting ray Of life and love and liberty.
So, ye who think by human law To bring Christ's kingdom speedily, Know, God foretold, as He foresaw, And brands each work "iniquity." The task you take is worse than vain; And in confusion you shall be, When He shall come — Himself to reign — The Author of our liberty.
Refrain O liberty! Dear liberty! Our precious God-gift, liberty! O Lord, we lift our hearts to Thee, And thank Thee, now, for liberty! Long live liberty!