Article June 19, 1943 Issue

Freedom Won by Song

HENRY E. WRIGHT

It would be difficult to find anyone who in the very depth of his heart did not desire to express joy in some way. When a group of people assemble together and converse, there are usually mirth and laughter. Laughter is generally contagious, and when one indulges in a hearty laugh, others who see or hear the merriment respond. The book of Psalms is full of expressions of joy. In the sixteenth Psalm it is recorded, "In thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore." How the words "n thy presence" challenge one's attention! To strive to be continually conscious of God's presence is to put ourselves in the way of happiness and freedom.

In these turbulent times some go about their daily tasks with faces full of despair, and openly declare that they have little or nothing about which to be joyful. Yet it is stated in Proverbs, "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth bones." If after a busy day we feel somewhat jaded and heavy, how our thoughts are uplifted by study of our Leader's writings or by reading the periodicals, thus causing the stress of the day to vanish.

One beautiful summer evening, a bird flew into the kitchen of a large house. Upon the approach of one of its occupants, the timid bird flew into a large cupboard. In due course this person went to get an article from the cupboard, afterward closing the doors. A little later, although entombed in the darkness of the cupboard, the bird began to sing. It was assumed that it was the song of a bird in the garden. Gradually, as the volume of song became louder and louder, the hearer decided to investigate. Since the sound came from the direction of the cupboard the doors were opened, and the bird flew out through the window into the garden.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Article
The Reading Room
June 19, 1943
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit