Peace-Hymn of the Republic
A religiously infused patriotic hymn that envisions the nation as divinely favored and destined to serve as an exemplar of freedom, unity, and justice. The text frames the nation's creation and development as guided by a higher power, attributing to God the grant of liberty and prosperity over its expansive lands, cities, and fields. It calls for ongoing divine protection to preserve youthful promise and safeguard the achievements of liberty through law, order, and moral commitment. The work emphasizes the importance of unity by depicting the nation as a golden chain forged from the diverse heritage of its people. It appeals for national cohesion and collective progress, urging that the various states and communities contribute to a harmonious whole. A central message is the blending of diverse backgrounds into one people bound by common ideals of brotherhood and truth. Social justice is a key theme; the hymn pleads not only to uplift the poor and rectify unequal ways but also to humble the proud, advocating for a balanced society that upholds justice nationwide. The appeal is both a prayer and a call to ethical conduct, where divine guidance ensures that the nation remains on a righteous path. Universal outreach is another significant element. The work envisions the nation’s ideals as a light to the world, capable of leading by example. It promotes a vision in which the nation not only seeks internal peace and prosperity but also extends a message of goodwill and moral clarity to all lands, thereby participating in a broader, divinely sanctioned project of global enlightenment. Overall, the hymn is a fusion of national pride and spiritual fervor. It portrays the nation as an embodiment of divine promise—a country whose success, underpinned by faith and ethical values, is meant to inspire and guide the entire world toward peace, justice, and unity.
By Henry van Dyke · First published 1918 · Genre: Religious Poetry, Patriotic Poetry, Inspirational Poetry · 266 words
First lines
O Lord our God, Thy mighty hand Hath made our country free; From all her broad and happy land May praise arise to Thee.
Fulfill the promise of her youth, Her liberty defend; By law and order, love and truth, America befriend!
The strength of every State increase In Union's golden chain; Her thousand cities fill with peace, Her million fields with grain.
The virtues of her mingled blood In one new people blend; By unity and brotherhood, America befriend!
What this Textopian page supports
Peace-Hymn of the Republic is listed on Textopian as a poem by Henry van Dyke, dated 1918 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Henry van Dyke
- Date: 1918 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious Poetry, Patriotic Poetry, Inspirational Poetry, Hymn, Historical/Americana
- Length: 266 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Peace-Hymn of the Republic by Henry van Dyke
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Peace-Hymn of the Republic?
- How does this poem by Henry van Dyke fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Religious Poetry first become important in the reading?
Genres
- Religious Poetry — The work is structured as a hymn that invokes divine intervention and anchors its themes in praise and reliance on God.
- Patriotic Poetry — The poem focuses on national pride and the celebration of American values, blending religious sentiment with a call for national unity.
- Inspirational Poetry — Its uplifting tone and motivational language encourage a vision of a better, united society anchored in higher principles.
- Hymn — Its repetitive, lyrical structure and call-and-response style align closely with traditional hymnody, enhancing its musical and ceremonial qualities.
Tags
poetry · hymn · peace · spiritual · religious · inspirational · patriotic · meditative · allegorical · lyrical · reflective · uplifting