803. L. M. J. G. Whittier. For a Liberty Meeting on the Fourth of July.

1 O Thou! whose presence went before
Our fathers in their weary way,
As with thy chosen moved of yore
The fire by night -- the cloud by day!

2 When, from each temple of the free,
A nation's song ascends to heaven,
Most Holy Father! unto thee,
May not our humble prayer be given, --

3 For those to whom this day can bring,
Not, as to us, the joyful thrill; --
For those, who, under freedom's wing,
Are bound in slavery's fetters still: --

4 And grant, O Father! that the time
Of Earth's deliverance may be near,
When every land, and tongue, and clime,
The message of thy love shall hear.

5 When smitten, as with fire from heaven,
The captive's chain shall sink in dust,
And to his fettered soul be given
The glorious freedom of the just.