Scripture Verse

If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. John 8:36

Introduction

portrait
J. Lincoln Hall
1866–1930

Words: Hal­dor Lil­le­nas, 1917.

Music: J. Lin­coln Hall (🔊 pdf nwc). Some hymn­als show the com­poser as Al­fred Jud­son, one of Hall’s pseu­do­nyms.

portrait
Haldor Lillenas
1885–1959

Lyrics

Once I was bound by sin’s galling fetters;
Chained like a slave, I struggled in vain.
But I received a glorious freedom,
When Jesus broke my fetters in twain.

Refrain

Glorious freedom! Wonderful freedom!
No more in chains of sin I repine!
Jesus the glorious Emancipator—
Now and forever He shall be mine.

Freedom from all the carnal affections;
Freedom from envy, hatred and strife;
Freedom from vain and worldly ambitions;
Freedom from all that saddened my life!

Refrain

Freedom from pride and all sinful follies;
Freedom from love and glitter of gold;
Freedom from evil temper and anger;
Glorious freedom, rapture untold!

Refrain

Freedom from fear with all of its torments;
Freedom from care with all of its pain;
Freedom in Christ, my blessèd Redeemer—
He who has rent my fetters in twain.

Refrain