Behold With Joy
(Elhanan Winchester and William Billings)

Behold with joy the peaceful state
Of people where Jehovah reigns
Whose wisdom, power and goodness great
Their glorious freedom still maintain.

Happy the land whose rulers are
Chose by the people's voice alone,
For such will take a special care
To save a country of their own.

Hail happy place where freedom stands
And liberty erects its throne
Where fraud and cruel slavery's bands
And tyranny are never known.

Where none each other's peace annoys
Where conscience never is oppressed
Where each free liberty enjoys
This is the land which God hath blessed.

In this free state we would rejoice
And dwell forevermore in peace
And praise our God with cheerful voice
Who makes our thrall and bondage cease.

From American Hymns Old and New, Christ-Janer et al
note: One of the Patriotic Hymns pipular during the American
Revolution. RG
RG