Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Patrick Henry, Bible Believer

Patrick HenryImage via Wikipedia

I went to the Tax Day Tea Party with my daughter Jennifer and her daughters Katie, 8, Beverly,10, and Haley ,12. This was a homeschool project for them.

We felt like we were participating in American History, instead of just reading about it. We were excited to be a part of the millions of Americans across America who want to preserve our God-given rights.

We saw several men carrying "Don't Tread on Me" flags. Others were wearing three-cornered hats. It reminded me of the song "Yankee Doodle."
"And there we saw the men and boys as thick as hasty pudding," I quoted. Then, I had to explain to the kids that this is a song about the gathering of troops under General George Washington.

We heard several local leaders and were inspired by what they said. It was a refreshing experience to hear good things about America, and to hear them spoken in the open air.

On the way home, we were talked about what we had heard. I remembered Patrick Henry's "Give me liberty or give me death" speech. I knew that it was one of the greatest speeches ever given. Like most other people in America, I had no idea what is in it.

When we got home, we read it and were amazed by what it says. It is not a political speech, it is a powerful sermon. Patrick Henry is assuring the others that God will help them to win the Revolutionary War. And what he said was true. God did help them and deliver them from slavery to the King of England.
This speech is such a treasure that I have to share it with you. Here are the two final paragraphs.

"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 battle alone. There is an just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to 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. . . . The war is inevitable--and let it come. I repeat it sir, let it come.

It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentleman may cry, Peace, peace--but there is no peace. . . . 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!"

What makes this speech so great? It is the passion that the man conveys to us in expressing his faith in God. It comes through even on the printed page. Patrick Henry's voice still rings true and he still speaks to the true American patriot. He knew that God always intervenes on behalf of his people. And when God is helping us, we cannot lose.

We are facing some problems today with our government, but they are nothing compared to what the Founding Fathers went through. The same God who gave them victory in the American Revolution is available to help us today.
Where can we find the godly men and women of today? Are you one of them? Are you willing to do something to help preserve our liberty and freedom? Are you willing to humble yourself before God, and pray, and seek his face, and turn from your wicked ways?

God has promised us that if we, his people, who are called by his name, will do these things, he will hear us and he will heal our land. Every Christian in America ought to do these things right away.

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