I decided sometime this week I wanted to prepare a special July 4th. post for my blogspot. As I started researching yesterday, I just found so much “stuff” I knew I wouldn’t be able to put it all in one post. It would take me days to prepare it and almost as long to read it. I discovered information I didn’t know, which come to think of it, isn’t too surprising. I was going to start with a post about July 4th. itself. Then in Pastor’s message this morning, he mentioned Patrick Henry and his famous speech. After coming home and researching that, I decided to make that my first post. Until today I’ve never read Patrick Henry’s speech or if I did, I don’t remember it. But like everyone else, I can quote the last 11 words…”but as for me, give me liberty or give me death”. I thought about putting the entire speech in this post but decided it was too long and most people probably wouldn’t read it. If you are interested in doing so, just Google it. But I am going to include a portion. So here goes…
PATRICK HENRY – 3/23/1775
On March 20, 1775, the second Virginia Convention met in St. John’s church in Richmond, Va instead of the Capital in Williamsburg. This was done to avoid conflict with the Royal Marines. Delegate Patrick Henry presented resolutions to raise a militia, and to put Virginia in a posture of defense. His opponents urged caution and patience until the Crown replied to Congress’ latest petition for reconciliation. On the 23rd. Henry presented a proposal to organize a volunteer company of calvary or infantry in every Virginia county.
“If we wish to be free….we must fight! I repeat sir, we must fight. An appeal to arms and to the God of Hosts is all that is left to us. They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be next week or next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance, by lying supinely on our backs, and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot? Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power,. Three millions of people armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations; and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, it not be the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come. 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!”.
United States history was one of my favorite subjects in school. But after all the research and reading I’ve done this weekend, I wish I had paid more attention.
I live in the greatest country in the world. But it breaks my heart at what is happening in the United States. Are we become too arrogant, so sure of ourselves that we believe nothing can harm us? We need to make 2 Chronicles 7:14 our constant reminder of what we need to do and what the consequences will be if we just obey…”If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land”.
Brenda
boutlaw@carolinaregion.com
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