LIBERTY
Reading edition
Liberty is older than Law, older than Government, older than the State. Liberty goes back to the Garden of Eden, where first was taught the bitter lesson that where Liberty is uncontrolled, society breaks down. The word is a splendid one, coined by the Romans, “With a great price obtained I this freedom,” said the Roman centurion; “But I was free born,” replied St. Paul. Liberty was in the hearts of the English colonists; Liberty rang out from the Bell of Independence Hall; Liberty is stamped upon our state and federal constitutions. For Liberty millions of men have struggled and died. Toward Liberty oppressed myriads are stretching out their hands today. Liberty is the pole-star of peoples, the hope of mankind.
FANEUIL HALL, BOSTON, MASS.—“THE CRADLE OF LIBERTY”