 | Jones Very : The Complete Poems |  |
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Freedom National, Slavery Sectional
'Tis written by God's finger on our land,On mountains, prairies, lakes, and mighty streams,
'Tis thundered by the ocean on the strand,
From sun and stars in quenchless light it beams,
This land to Freedom is for aye ordained!
'Twas this inspired the roving Indian's breast,
'Twas this our fathers by the sword maintained,
'Tis this which bids us feel for the oppressed.
Then what are human laws, on parchment writ,
Fastening on man's free limbs the heavy chain;
Interpreted by learned jurists' wit,
Laws born of pride of birth, and lust of gain;
To those eternal laws, of God's decree,
Forever sounding forth, That Man Is Free?
Poem No. 734; 13 March 1857
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