University of Virginia Library

Voting In The Old North Church

No unfit place is this wherein to vote,
That once a Temple was to the Most High.
Though some may deem it as a thing of chance,
That it for such a purpose should be used;
I see in this a sign of deep import
Unto my Country, and her future weal:
A sign it is, that with no foolish haste,
No ignorance of what our duty is,
No base or sordid purpose in our souls,
We on this Table now should lay our votes,
And exercise a freeman's holy trust.
Hence ye profane! who would these courts invade
With consciences defiled, and passions fierce;
Who scorn all bounds, and, in the sacred name
Of Liberty; indulge in foul excess,
Shouting her name to violate her rights.
Hence too ye ignorant! who know not yet
The value of the rights, which you enjoy.
Neglecting your own minds, in vain you strive
To serve your Country in her hour of need.
The ends of Government, its righteous ends,
Peace, Order, Industry, and steady growth
In Knowledge, and in Virtue, are forgot
By ignorant, deluded multitudes;
For mad Ambition's warlike, wasteful schemes.
The industrious citizen and peaceful man,
Who for long years has served his country well,
And understands her history, and her laws;
Is set aside for heroes of an hour;
Who nothing know, but to excell in arms,
And nothing but a victory recommends.
In vain does Freedom, with her gifts, endow
A people; that neglect to know their worth,
Or satisfy the claims on which they are held.
Ye sordid hence! if such, in such a land,
There live; who, though in deepest poverty,
Could so forget a freeman's holy trust,
As for the heaviest purse to sell their votes!
Hence all, who have not in their heart of hearts
Their Country's good! who bring not here to lay
Upon her altar sincere gifts, and free.
Who, by whatever name they may be called,
Seek not her highest welfare as their own.
Oft as I tread these courts, I seem to hear
A voice, still lingering round their walls, which says,
‘Ye who would serve your Country, serve your God.
Choose ye this day, if ye will serve the Lord.
Do justice, and love mercy. Let not pride
Of country blind you to your country's sins.
Uphold not by your votes her wickedness,
Her love of war, the oppression of the slave,
Or any wrong, that man inflicts on man.
Give the law's sanction only to what's just,
To precepts such as reason doth approve,
And Christ has taught. Obedient to these truths,
Americans! your Country's safe. The will
Of the majority will prove the reign of right,
Of reason, and self-government mature.
And He who rules the nations shall sustain,
And cherish your Republic; till it grow
To be a blessing, lasting and unmixed,
To all the human race.’