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About this quote

What does it mean?
The land where settlers first stood is holy because they left their right to worship freely.
In plain terms
This ground is holy because it allowed free worship.
What can you take from it?
Freedom of belief makes a place sacred.

Where it applies

  • religious reflection
  • patriotism
  • historical study

Putting it to work

  • ceremonial speech
  • tourism
  • educational talk

Questions to consider

  • What makes a place sacred to you?
  • How does freedom shape belief?

Another view

It assumes one group's view of holiness is universal.

More from Felicia Hemans

  1. And the heavy night hung dark, The hills and waters o'er, When a band of exiles moored their bark On the wild New England shore.

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  2. The breaking waves dashed high On a stern and rock-bound coast, And the woods against a stormy sky Their giant branches tossed.

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  3. I had a hat. It was not all a hat,- Part of the brim was gone: Yet still I wore it on.

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