1 Hail the day that bought our freedom,
Bought with our forefathers' blood;
Thou, our conquering God, didst lead them
Through the flame and through the flood.
Independence!
Echo it through field and flood.
2 Lo! their happy sons and daughters,
On this glad and festal day,
By the springs of limpid waters,
O'er the hills and valleys stray.
Independence!
Chorus still of every lay.
3 Here we, in thy presence bending,
Happiest of the happy throngs,
Up to heaven our prayers are sending--
Up to heaven our rapturous songs.
Independence!
Swells the triumph, and prolongs.
4 Oh! thou God of our salvation,
Who dost blessings richly shower
Let us make our Declaration
In this spirit-stirring hour.
Independence!
From the tyrant Satan's power.
5 Father! oh, prepare us better
For the blessings richly given;
Break off every sinful fetter,
Purge out every sinful leaven.
Independence!
Then shall clear our path to heaven.
Source: The Voice of Praise: a collection of hymns for the use of the Methodist Church #783
Hunter, William, D.D, son of John Hunter, was born near Ballymoney, County Antrim, Ireland, May 26, 1811. He removed to America in 1817, and entered Madison College in 1830. For some time he edited the Conference Journal, and the Christian Advocate. In 1855 he was appointed Professor of Hebrew in Alleghany College: and subsequently Minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, at Alliance, Stark Country, Ohio. He died in 1877. He edited Minstrel of Zion, 1845; Select Melodies, 1851; and Songs of Devotion, 1859. His hymns, over 125 in all, appeared in these works. Some of these have been translated into various Indian languages. The best known are :—
1. A home in heaven; what a joyful thought. Heaven a Home. From his Minstrel of Zion, 1… Go to person page >
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