When with the ever circling years
Shall come the time foretold
These alterations may have brought the hymn into closer accord with orthodox theology, but at the expense of some of its poetic beauty.
Two patriotic songs by Sears were included in the army hymn book, The Soldier’s Companion, 1861. One headed “A Psalm of Freedom” begins,
Still wave our streamer’s glorious folds,
The other is headed “Song of the Stars and Stripes,” and begins,
We see the gallant streamer yet,
Neither has any great merit, though both may have served the purpose for which they were written.
J. 1036 H.W.F.
Sewall, C.