The Liberty Bell

“Jesus answered them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin’.” [John 8:34]

The Liberty Bell, sometimes called the Bell of the Revolution, or Old Independence, has been a symbol of American patriotism for over 200 years, but it had a rough beginning. Originally cast in London in 1752 and weighing more than 2,000 pounds, the Liberty Bell arrived in Philadelphia in August, but cracked during its first test ringing. It was melted down in Philadelphia and recast to make a second bell in June of 1753. It was judged to have a poor tone, which was thought to be from too much copper, so it was melted down again the same year and recast to make the third and final bell.

This is the celebrated Liberty Bell that exists today, made mostly of copper and tin with small amounts of lead, zinc, arsenic, gold, and silver. It hangs from what is believed to be its original yoke, made from 200 pounds of American elm, and when struck it sounds the note of E flat. It was rung on July 8, 1776, to announce the signing of the Declaration of Independence, proclaiming America’s freedom.

During the Revolutionary War, the bell was placed on a wagon, moved 60 miles west to Allentown, and hidden in the floorboards of the Zion Reformed Church to keep it from falling into British hands, where it would have no doubt been melted down to make cannons. After the war, it was rung every July 4 until sometime around 1835, when it cracked again. No one knows exactly when the Liberty Bell cracked the second time. It is a mystery of history.

Today the 250-year-old icon is a popular attraction in Philadelphia and only rung on special occasions. Many people do not know the bell was first called the Liberty Bell not by patriots of the revolution but by the abolitionists fighting slavery. They chose this name because of the Bible inscription on the bell from Leviticus 25:10 that reads: “Proclaim liberty throughout all the land to all its inhabitants.” In retrospect, the cracked bell was a remarkably apt metaphor for a country that was literally split over slavery.

Jesus said whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. So how much does real liberty cost? True liberty involves giving our whole hearts to Christ so He can break our chains of sin. “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed” (John 8:36).