1864

"THE TRUTH SHALL MAKE YOU FREE"

by William Cullen Bryant

THE TRUTH SHALL MAKE YOU FREE -

Lord, from whose glorious presence came

The truth that made our fathers free,

And kindled in their hearts the flame

Of love to man and love to thee. -

Bow the great heavens, thy throne of light,

And fill these walls, as once, of yore,

Thy spirit rested in its might

Upon the ark that Israel bore. -

Here, let thy love be strong to draw

Our wavering hearts to do thy will,

And hush them with the holy awe

That makes the rebel passions still. -

And while thy children, frail and blind,

Here bend in humble prayer to thee,

Oh, shed, abroad, on every mind,

The truth that made our fathers free. - -