THE BREAKING OF CHAINS

Between the ringing of bells and the musical clang of chimes

I hear a sound like the breaking of chains, all through these Christmas times.

For the thought of the world is waking out of a slumber deep and long,

And the race is beginning to understand how Right can master Wrong.

Fetters of superstitious fear have bound the race to creeds

That hindered the upward march of man to the larger faith he needs.

Fetters of greed and pride have made the race bow down to kings;

But the pompous creed and the costly throne must yield to simpler things.

The thought of the world has climbed above old paths for centuries trod;

And cloth and crown no longer mean the‘ vested power of God.’

The race no longer bends beneath the weight of Adam's sin,

But stands erect and knows itself the Maker's first of kin.