He also wrote~

Certainly we owe a debt of gratitude to Francis Scott Key. We sing the anthem he gave us with lumps in throat, with tears in eyes. At least that is always my response.

This man, a lawyer by profession was also a poet. He was a man of God who promoted all things that furthered the Word of God being in the hands of the people.

Among his many fine writings is, in part, the following. (This hymn was recently introduced to me by my leading music mentor, favorite worship leader and brilliant hymn writer in his own right, JBD.)

...

To heav'n's high King,

The nation Thou hast blest

May well Thy love declare,

From foes and fears at rest,

Protected by Thy care.

For this fair land,

For this bright day,

Our thanks we pay..

A grateful song!

Earth, hear thy Maker's voice,

Thy great Redeemer own;

Believe, obey, rejoice,

And worship Him along.

Cast down thy pride,

Thy sin deplore,

And bow before

The Crucified.

And when in power He comes,

Oh, may our native land

From all its rending tombs

Send forth a glorious band,

A countless throng,

For aye to sing

To heaven's high King

Salvation's song!

At present this fine hymn is no longer found in our hymnals.
Nor is its truth found in force across our land.

May it be a 'call to arms' to we who follow such a King as known and presented here.

Best wishes to all for a blessed Independence Day.

May we ever remember the cost at which our liberty has been won as well as preserved.