Kind of makes you wonder if the initial rejection was such a good idea, doesn’t it?
Never -- our forbears were not so much those of the gold-seekers of Virginia as the Pilgrims in "New England," whose leaders were fleeing from abuses of England's intolerance of their beliefs.
Our country was been blessed as long as we clung to The Righteous One who himself hung from the Cross for political and religious persecution. Jesus Christ is a far greater, glorious, and benevolent Lord and Master than any other the world has ever offered.
At least, in my loyal opinion, as voiced by Emma Lazarus.
With sincere respect ---