Independence Day: Free To Be Thankful - Julia Ward Howe

1819–1910

Five dollars. That’s what Julia Ward Howe received from the Atlantic Monthly when it published “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” in 1862. You’re probably familiar with the song.

Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord;

He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored;

He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword;

His truth is marching on.

This first verse and every verse of the song is followed by a hearty chorus: “Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!”

The story behind the Civil War anthem goes like this: Julia, already a notable writer and poet, had heard the Union troops singing the song “John Brown’s Body.” The simple marching song tells the tale of a Union soldier who died in battle so that slaves might be free. While his body “lies a-mouldering in the grave,” his “soul goes marching on.” So, while riding in a carriage, Julia and some friends were singing patriotic tunes . . . including that one. One of those companions, James Freeman Clarke, challenged Julia to write better words to the tune. Later that night, she awoke with the words in her head and quickly wrote them down.

The song caught on and became a leading anthem for the Civil War, the Union’s answer to “Dixie.” Soldiers sang it as they marched on in the war—certain that God’s lightning from his “terrible swift sword” was on their side in the fight to abolish slavery. The story behind the creation of the lyrics only solidified that idea in the minds of many. From Julia’s account, she did not make them up on her own; they were given to her. Some would say she was inspired.

Today is the Fourth of July, a day to show your patriotic spirit and be thankful. While it can be unwise to mix politics and Christianity, it makes sense to offer God thanks for the freedoms this nation affords to us and to others.

Spend some time thanking God today for the freedoms you enjoy.

You have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.

Galatians 5:13