Psalm 33:12
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,
the people He has chose for His own inheritance.”
On a rainy day, in a room situated on the campus of Andover Theological Seminary in Andover, Massachusetts, a 24-year old student named Samuel Frances Smith wrote the words to a hymn that was taken to the heart of our nation. He had a great sense of history as the seminary where he studied was near the church in which the lantern was hung during Paul Revere’s famous ride. Knowing he would set it to the music of “God Save the King”— used in England for one hundred years—he began his task thirty minutes before sundown. The first three verses were filled with patriotic fervor, encouraging national pride; the last verse concludes with petitions to God for his continued favor and protection over America. As the sun was setting, the last line was put on paper. Smith never dreamed that his work, “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” would be such a patriotic song or that it would become our unofficial national anthem for almost 100 years until “The Star Spangled Banner” was adopted as such in 1931. To his delight, a few, short months later, Samuel J. Smith’s timeless, musical masterpiece was presented for the first time on July 4, 1832, sung by a children’s choir at Park Street Church in Boston. Now, more than ever, we need to raise this song to be reminded that God is the Author of our freedom and liberty!
Dear heavenly Father, may our hearts be roused by these inspiring words as we give proper credit to You, the Author of our freedom and liberty. As we remember and honor the men who forged our nation’s independence, may we never forget that You are the one who safeguards our nation, keeping it secure for us to enjoy true freedom. Thank you for preserving America, our country which ‘tis of Thee. Amen.
My Country ‘Tis of Thee
Land where my fathers died,
Land of the pilgrims’ pride,
From every mountain side
Let Freedom ring.
Our fathers’ God to Thee,
Author of Liberty,
To thee we sing,
Long may our land be bright
With Freedom’s holy light,
Protect us by thy might
Great God, our King.
Our glorious Land to-day,
‘Neath Education’s sway,
Soars upward still.
Its hills of learning fair,
Whose bounties all may share,
behold them everywhere
On vale and hill!
Thy safeguard, Liberty,
The school shall ever be,
Our Nation’s pride!
No tyrant hand shall smite,
While with encircling might
All here are taught the Right
With Truth allied.
Beneath Heaven’s gracious will
The stars of progress still
Our course do sway;
In unity sublime
To broader heights we climb,
Triumphant over Time,
God speeds our way!
Grand birthright of our sires,
Our altars and our fires
Keep we still pure!
Our starry flag unfurled,
The hope of all the world,
In peace and light impearled,
God hold secure!
(selected verses)
~ lyrics by Samuel J. Smith
