Give Me Liberty
The place was Saint John’s church. The date: March 23rd 1775. Patrick Henry was finishing his appeal to the Virginia House of Burgesses for military support in the War for Independence.
“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!”
Silence followed. Everyone was speechless. Then came the cry; “To Arms! To Arms!
I have always loved this speech. So when I read that it had been 232 years since it was given, I commented on that fact to on of my co-workers. His reply? Who was Patrick Henry? I was disappointed, though not really surprised. Courtesy of the government school system, most Americans my age have next to no real knowledge about the great American statesmen who created this nation. They learn more than enough about liberal political activist like Martin Luther King Jr., but it is great men like Patrick Henry that we can thank for the values that our country was built upon. So, I just want to pass on what I said to this man. Whatever your knowledge of American history, I recommend everyone read this whole speech from time to time.
You can find it here: http://www.history.org/Almanack/people/bios/pathenryspeech.html
It’s short, so it won’t take more than a couple of minutes. As you read, you can bring its ideas into the light of current events and see that this speech is still very relevant today. You may also notice that this man was very familiar with the Bible and invoked God’s authority in the fight for liberty.
As Christians and American patriots, we must never give up our God-given rights and freedoms to those that promise safety or security in exchange. The cost is to great and ultimately only the tyrants end up safe and secure.
Though most of us will never be called to physical battle, everyone can fight the daily attacks from those conspiring to take away your rights. We should pray, vote as God would have us, and spread the truth to every one around us.