As we approach the celebration of our independence as a country I'll share another hymn story from the book, "Then Sings My Soul." God uses men and women in incredible ways, one of which is the writing of great songs that challenge and inspire us. As you celebrate your freedom this week take some time to reflect on some of the great patriotic songs written through the years.

              'My Country, 'Tis of Thee' is a patriotic hymn written by Samuel Francis Smith. He was a native of Boston, born there in October of 1808. After attending Boston Latin School, he enrolled in Harvard and then attended Andover Seminary. While in seminary he became fascinated by the work of a guy by the name of Adoniram Judson. This guy was America's first missionary and helped develop in Samuel a lifelong passion for world evangelism.     

            It was during his first year of seminary that hymn publisher, Lowell Mason, sought his help. Mason had a stack of German songs and materials needing translation. Having learned that Samuel was proficient in German, he recruited the young student to translate them. One February afternoon Samuel was in his room translating the materials. He was struck by the words of "Gott segne Sachsenland" ("God Bless our Saxon Land"), set to the tune we know as "America" (used in Great Britain for "God Save the Queen").       

            "I instantly felt the impulse to write a patriotic hymn of my own adapted to this tune," Samuel later said, "picking up a scrap of paper which lay near me, I wrote at once, probably within half an hour, the hymn, 'America' as it is now known."

             A friend, William Jenks, took a copy to the pastor of Boston's Park Street Congregational Church. There "America" was first sung by the Juvenile Choir at a Sunday School Rally on July 4, 1831. Samuel went on to become a powerful Baptist preacher, pastor, professor, hymnist, writer and missionary advocate. He lived to a ripe old age, staying active until the very end of his life.  Thank you Samuel Smith for sharing this wonderful song with the world.