The fondest hopes of humanity, have centered round the word, liberty. Thought has dwelt upon it, until it has in some measure been realized, though the steps taken toward its attainment have oft been costly. One who gave up the human sense of life for it, said, "Liberty, what crimes are committed in thy name!" Though there have been gross misconceptions of liberty, its true significance could not be hid, and, with ever-increasing impetus, it has come down through the darkness of the past into the light of the present.
To-day, liberty represents alike the aim and goal of the better part of mankind. Strife and contention are still to be found in the paths pursued in its search, and this called forth the apostle's vigorous warning against "using liberty for a cloak of maliciousness." These errors have never led to true freedom, and never can, because they follow the leadings of human selfishness,— one striving to gain something above that which another has, with a sense of pride that does not at all accord with the gracious call, "Ho. every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters."
Mortals wrongly think there is not enough for all, and, if a few gain their freedom, they must watch lest others rob them of it. The understanding that what God gives cannot be taken from us, destroys this sense, and the certainty that He gives to all alike breaks down all barriers and sets each one free to work out his salvation, which is accomplished in proportion to his honest, faithful effort. If he dwell "in the secret place of the most High," he will be undisturbed amid the surrounding discord, and calmly walk the way, each step of which liberates him from some form of error's bondage, and encourages him to go forward with greater assurance.
