I Am Not A Virginian,

Were My Soul Trembling On The Wing Of Eternity, Were This Hand Freezing To Death, Were My Voice Choking With The Last Struggle, I Would Still, With The Last Gasp Of That Voice, Implore You To Remember The Truth: God Has Given America To Be Free.

It Is In Vain, Sir, To Extenuate The Matter. Gentlemen May Cry, “peace! Peace!” — But There Is No Peace. The War Is Actually Begun! The Next Gale That Sweeps From The North Will Bring To Our Ears The Clash Of Resounding Arms! Our Brethren Are Already In The Field! Why Stand We Here Idle? What Is It That Gentlemen Wish? What Would They Have? Is Life So Dear, Or Peace So Sweet, As To Be Purchased At The Price Of Chains And Slavery? Forbid It, Almighty God! I Know Not What Course Others May Take; But As For Me, Give Me Liberty, Or Give Me Death!

My Great Objection To This Government Is, That It Does Not Leave Us The Means Of Defending Our Rights, Or Of Waging War Against Tyrants.

It Is Natural To Man To Indulge In The Illusion Of Hope. We Are Apt To Shut Our Eyes Against A Painful Truth, Till She Transforms Us Into Beasts.

Whether This Will Prove A Blessing Or A Curse, Will Depend Upon The Use Our People Will Make Of The Blessings Which A Gracious God Hath Bestowed On Us. If They Are Wise, They Will Be Great And Happy. If They Are Of A Contrary Character, They Will Be Miserable. Righteousness Alone Can Exalt Them As A Nation. Reader! Whoever Thou Art, Remember This: And In Thy Sphere Practice Virtue Thyself, An Encourage It In Others.