"Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty."
To human consciousness, liberty is the highest estate of man. The history of the race, indicates the constant striving for freedom, for liberty. The onward movement towards this sublime consummation is being seen more clearly, year by year. It has been especially noticeable within recent years. In this country, liberty and freedom form the foundation of our Government, national and state; and in individual life, it finds its expression not alone through the medium of law, but in the ever-increasing desire to lessen the burdens of others; — to bring into the home-life a sweeter influence, a holier communion, and secure more equitable adjustment of the duties and responsibilities that rest upon the social world.
As this spirit of liberty becomes more universal, we find that peace and contentment prevail; but where it is resisted, from whatever cause, by despotic power or otherwise, discontent and forebodings of impending calamity take possession of the masses. In fact, in the direct proportion that the spirit of the Lord is absent, is liberty restrained. A moment's view of the nations of the earth to-day, and a little reflection, will convince us of this fact; moreover where the restraint is most determined, and the law most burdensome and unyielding, this restless chafing under restraint will break away the barriers, and in time result in the proclamation of liberty to the enslaved.
