“The slave will be free. Democracy in America will yet be a glorious reality; and when the top-stone of that temple of freedom which our fathers left unfinished shall be brought forth with shoutings and cries of grace unto it, when our now drooping Liberty lifts up her head and prospers, happy will he be who can say, with John Milton, "Among those who have something more than wished her welfare, I, too, have my charter and freehold of rejoicing to me and my heirs." ”

I will be glad when this day ever comes.

A race of slaves changed status from one man's property to government's property (by way of extremely terse example, no perfected alodial freehold exists). At nearly the same time as the one race transitioned, all race's, creeds, etc. were then accounted slaves to the inanimate. Slaves today live on a dole, retirement payments, and other bread and circus policies. Slaves today willingly submit to their master's compelled compliance, license, victimless crimes, larceny with impunity (life, property, income taxes - funny money, etc.), non-recognition of individual / sovereign inalienable rights, rejection of natural law, etc., etc., etc. The slave does not appear to desire freedom.

Though democracy was the most despised form of government by the de jure Republican form founders (by example "Democracy is 2 wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for supper. Freedom is a well armed lamb contesting the vote" attributed to Benjamin Franklin) a glorious reality there of will never produce freedom, liberty or its reality (especially the way that Democrats and Republicans decide elections before they happen, i.e., Florida, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, etc.)

"that temple of freedom which our fathers left unfinished" has deteriorated almost from inception. It is my hope, prayer and rejoicing that works toward my heirs being able to live in a land of liberty.

I do believe Whittier would fit well in the Fabian socialist camp.
The temple of freedom so described is the first mention I have heard of " The Head Stone " as referenced in Zechariah 4:7. In this blog or any other class or counsel I have been joined to .Some do know of Zerubbabel's ministry, but never spoken of. Whittier would have heard of it, but for a time to come, which is upon us now. The temple is not unfinished, but completed. There is much to say about the Headstone as it is brought forth, Also with the hidden arm of God when it shooteth forth from the headstone, it will be debated with ! Very well said Mike, It is my hope also. So comes the song !