C A R L B. G A R N E R

'CONFIRM THY SOUL, IN SELF-CONTROL'

Many years ago, Katherine Lee Bates wrote the words that serve as the title of this article. They are from the second stanza of "America, The Beautiful." Her appeal to "self-control" is followed by:
"Thy Liberty in Law."

There are other words to other songs that have fallen through the cracks of our memory, even though they were once on the tongues and in the memory of all Americans:
"Protect us by thy might; Great God, our King." Those words are in the third stanza of the familiar song, "America."
"Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just; And this be our motto: In God is our Trust.'"

These last words are from the third stanza of "The Star-Spangled Banner." Don't remember them, do you? Don't worry, you're not alone.

I recently heard the Robert Shaw Chorale singing folk and patriotic songs of the early decades of this century. It reminded me of the fervor with which Americans once sang those songs. Tears welled up in my eyes as I remembered the love of country that characterized my youth. Something has been lost, and I'm not sure it can ever be recovered. It occurred to me that my own grandchildren have probably never heard these songs, much less know the words and their significance. This is not a "my country, right or wrong" speech, but it is my country, and her values are an endangered species. We all would be a better people if we heeded these words:

SELF-CONTROL
One reason we have lost much of our national pride is the decline of our national morality. To deny this is folly. When Bates wrote the words to "America, The Beautiful," it was not likely that tomorrow's editorial would ridicule the idea of one's soul being confirmed by means of "self-control." Include the word "soul" in a letter-to-the-editor today and you will get a "passel" of responses, some even accusing you of trying to "stuff religion down someone's throat." The mere mention of "self-control" has resulted in violence by Gay-Lesbian Alliance groups in various parts of our country. Our nation no longer holds to the high moral standards we once did.

Many Americans have become disillusioned by the myriad scandals that have touched our political leaders in the last few years. We can understand the words of Solomon: "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people," Proverbs 14:34. Unless America is willing to practice self-control, we will continue to go down the same old road that Israel took centuries ago. They told their preachers not to speak truth to them, but to "speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits," Isaiah 30:10. That is just what our world wants to hear today; that "everything is all right," that heaven is the destiny of all. It's not true, but some will preach whatever people want to hear, 2 Timothy 4:3-4.

LIBERTY IN LAW
Bates' lyrics include a second, very interesting phrase:
Thy liberty in law.
It is admitted academically that the only way to true freedom is by means of law. The opposite of this is anarchy, and the folly of a society in which law is absent is clearly seen. If we are to have any liberty, it will have to be in and by principles of law.

American patriots over 200 years ago understood this vital principle. Why do some modern religionists stumble over it, claiming man is not accountable to God? The Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write: "Not being without law to God, but under law to Christ," 1 Corinthians 9:21.

God's grace does not nullify law. God's love does not eliminate law. All men everywhere are amenable to God's law, Acts 17:30-31. In fact, our response to God's commands is directly related to our love for Him and for our brothers: "By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous," 1 John 5:2-3. Our liberty in Christ is enhanced by His law.

GREAT GOD OUR KING
Those grand songs of the past saw God as Protector and King. But those authors also realized that our cause must be just. The question of "righteous war" is one that has not been settled in the minds of many, but who is saying that our nation is a "Christian nation" today? In the biblical sense, it has never been true, but in the minds of our founders, Christ and the Bible were part of the founding of this nation. During World War II, Americans thrilled to Kate Smith's rendition of "God Bless America." Those words are now used as an expletive. "The Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and setteth up over it the lowest of men," Daniel 4:17. While we do not always know the how, we know it to be true. Can America prosper again? Not until our cause is just. That can only be when men seek Him truly through His Word. Even with all her flaws, ours is still the greatest nation in the world. Men and women from all over the world dream of coming here. They are sometimes disappointed, but they know that freedoms exist here that are nonexistent elsewhere. "Righteousness exalteth a nation." God's word must be taught so that righteousness can exalt this nation! "Sin is a reproach to any people." Our country is worth saving, even if the effort is arduous. We must all do our part if America is ever to be a nation God would want to bless!