p. 5 | LIBERTY by W. A. Gosmer

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Feb 23, 1915

LIBERTY

By W. A. Gosmer

By W. A. GOSMER

'Twas the midnight of the ages. The lamp of truth burned low. The light which faith had kindled, in the darkness scarce did glow. The church and state united, in baleful concord stood; And men with minds benighted, were drenching earth with blood. But look! From out the darkness, across the deep, blue sea, A piercing ray of light divine betokened liberty. It told of light and freedom, of shores where paeans did ring: “A church without an earthly head, a state without a king!”

But see! A shadow rises on yon horizon fair. It dims thy kindly heavens, it chills thy balmy air. O blessed light of nations, O land supremely blest, Time’s marching footsteps hasten the shadow on thy crest! Men talk once more of union between the church and state, These two that our forefathers saw should be kept separate. They talk of legislation promoting righteousness, And that by civil law men shall the name of Christ confess. The dial hand of liberty on freedom’s stately tower, Points backward to a thousand years of persecution’s power. O wondrous light of nations, 'twere blest if thou couldst stand To freedom true, forever, secure from tyrant’s hand!