Enfranchised

Lo ! truth and right grow stronger and more strong 
In their fierce battle with the false and wrong; 
And the swift years sweep onward to the day 
Whose dawn shall herald Christ's triumphant sway, 
As seers have prophesied and bards have sung 
In the far ages when the world was young; 
Catching some glimpses of millennial light 
Behind the murk of all involving night, 
And reading the sure promise of the Lord 
That to his Eden man shall be restored!

Have we not seen how Slavery's hated yoke 
Crumbled to dust as Abraham Lincoln spoke, 
And, like the angel of the Apocalypse, 
Proclaimed, "Here ends the reign of chains and whips!" 
How, from the bondage of the centuries, 
The slave arose and claimed all rights as his; 
Broke from his soul the tyrant's gyves away, 
And proved his manhood in the deadly fray; 
And, better still, how learning's temple-door 
Swings back for millions of the wronged and poor,
And pours her light on many a darkened mind, 
Which casts, so touched, the old slave life behind, 
And, still aspiring, proves its right to be 
Known as God's child, whom He created free!

And still with cumulative force goes on 
The glorious work our martyred Chief begun; 
And nobler hopes the patriot's heart inspire, 
As Freedom's ebbless ocean rises higher, 
Its cleansing waters making sweet the shore 
So darkly stained with tears and human gore.

Wrenched by Rebellion from the place they filled.
The shattered States doth loyalty rebuild;
On broad foundations of eternal right
Base the strong columns that are crowned with light; 
A deeper wisdom from experience draw, 
Bind part to part with pure, impartial law, 
And build securely what henceforth shall be 
The august shrine and home of Liberty!