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The Wane of Freedom

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 27, 1910

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 87, No. 43.

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The Wane of Freedom

By Claude L. Wiltsie

CLAUDE L. WILTSIE
ROUND about the shadows deepen, Omens of the coming night. Lo, the blessed sun of Freedom, Sinking, sinking from our sight!
In this land where light and blessing Have a hundred years held sway, Mighty forces are preparing Liberty to sweep away.
Roman pomp and strength and splendor Tell the sad, sad story well; While the Protestants in slumber Help to sound their own death-knell.
In their dreams for laws they clamor, That will aid their waning power, Fill their churches on the Sunday, When doth come the worship hour.
Laws, they say, will save the nation, Shield the altar and the home; Thus they clamor, blindly pressing Toward the ambuscade of Rome,
While she waits with subtle patience, Rides her swift approaching hour, When, her net drawn tight about them, She will hold them in her power.
But a little band opposes, Holding firm the faithful Word; And aloft they bear a banner That our nation once adored.
On this banner, see, ’tis written (Charter of our liberties), “Give to Cæsar what is Cæsar’s, And to God that which is his.”
’Tis the banner bright of Freedom; Hold it high, ye faithful ones,— Hold it high; and if ye perish, Bravely die like Freedom’s sons.