Article June 26, 1909 Issue

THE PRICE OF LIBERTY

WILLIS F. GROSS

LIBERTY is the divine right of every man, and it is the prerogative of no one to do that which will either directly or indirectly interfere with or circumscribe the liberty of another. According to the Declaration of Independence, liberty is an inalienable right, bestowed upon man by his Maker. The recognition of the eternal truth expressed in this sentiment has been the inspiration of every effort looking to the liberation of humanity from the various forms and phases of evil that enslave and that seem to have power to enforce obedience.

The fact that liberty is a God-given right can profit but little if man is not in a position to exercise that right. Evil knows no law and acknowledges no right. Its sole purpose and aim is to enforce its own claim to power and reality. Mortals are oftentimes the innocent victims of evil and may unwittingly become the means by which evil is able to accomplish its purpose. So completely are they deceived at times that they are led to believe that what they say and do is in the service of God. They are blinded to the fact that injustice is done to others, and the rights of their fellow-men are trampled upon. The wrong that is done ignorantly may not make one a wilful sinner, but it is nevertheless the means of injuring others and in time it must react upon the wrong-doer, causing him to reap as he has sown.

If one would exercise his divine right to liberty, he must understand how to overcome the evils that hold him in bondage. The fact that liberty is man's right and that all the claims of evil are false claims. does not suffice; he must be able to prove the unreality of that which is opposed to God, good. Unless he is able to do this, he has not gained that understanding of the truth which makes free indeed. To know the truth is to be made free, and the measure of freedom that is enjoyed must always be proportionate to the individual's recognition of the truth. The Master made plan the way to freedom when he said, "Ye shall know the truth. and the truth shall make you free."

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 NATURE OF DEITY
June 26, 1909
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit