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240. Know This, That Every Soul Is Free

1. Know this, that ev’ry soul is free
To choose his life and what he’ll be;
For this eternal truth is giv’n:
That God will force no man to heav’n.

2. He’ll call, persuade, direct aright,
And bless with wisdom, love, and light,
In nameless ways be good and kind,
But never force the human mind.

3. Freedom and reason make us men;
Take these away, what are we then?
Mere animals, and just as well
The beasts may think of heav’n or hell.

4. May we no more our pow’rs abuse,
But ways of truth and goodness choose;
Our God is pleased when we improve
His grace and seek his perfect love.

Text Information
First Line: Know this, that ev’ry soul is free
Title: Know This, That Every Soul Is Free
Author: Anon. (ca. 1835)
Language: English
Publication Date: 1985
Topic: Agency; Special Topics
Source: Boston
Notes: "Included in the first LDS hymnbook, 1835." Scripture references from LDS canon: Helaman 14:30–31, 2 Nephi 10:23-24
Tune Information
Name: [Know this, that ev’ry soul is free]
Composer: Roger L. Miller, b. 1937
Incipit: 17165 34551 23171
Key: G Major
Copyright: © 1985 IRI



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