23 March 1775 A.D. RICHMOND, VA: Patrick Henry’s “Liberty or Death” Speech at St. John’s Episcopal Church
23 March 1775 A.D. RICHMOND,
VA: Patrick Henry’s “Liberty or Death” Speech at St. John’s Episcopal Church
Editors. “Patrick Henry Makes
`Liberty or Death’ Speech.” Christianity.com.
Jun 2007. http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1701-1800/patrick-henry-makes-liberty-or-death-speech-11630287.html.
Accessed 20 Mar 2015.
The American colonies were in an uproar in the
spring of 1775. The British crown seemed to be depriving the colonists of their
English rights; the governor of the Virginia colony had even dissolved the
legislature because of its constant discussions about the King's actions
against them. The assembly met anyway -- in St. John's Church, Richmond,
Virginia.
During the debates, Patrick Henry delivered a
speech on this day March 23, 1775 that electrified the assembly. Saying that if
he kept back his opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, he
would consider himself guilty of treason to his country and "disloyalty
toward the majesty of heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings."
Then, like the prophet Isaiah centuries before, Patrick warned of those who
cried, "Peace, peace" when there was no peace. Insisting that war
with Britain was inevitable, he called on Virginia to arm its militia. He
rallied his countrymen to trust the God of Hosts and use all the means that the
God of nature had placed in their power:
"Three million of people, armed in the holy
cause of liberty, and in such a country as that we possess, are invincible by
any force which our enemy can send us. Besides,...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."
Patrick concluded his argument with a passionate
cry, "I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me
liberty or give me death!" A man listening at the window was so moved by
the words, that he asked to be buried on that spot when he died--a wish that
was granted.
Patrick had given significant speeches before.
Thomas Jefferson said about one, "He appeared to me to speak as Homer
wrote." Where had Patrick Henry learned such eloquence? Many speculate it
was from Samuel Davies, Presbyterian minister in Virginia. Though Henry was
reared an Anglican, his mother embraced Presbyterianism during the Great
Awakening. As a teenager Henry often accompanied her to the meeting house in
Hanover County where Samuel Davies was a pastor. Davies was an eloquent,
powerful speaker as well as a strong advocate of religious liberty. No doubt
Christian influences such as Davies helped shape the thoughts and oratorical
skills of Patrick Henry.
Patrick Henry served several times as governor of
Virginia. Sometimes he was hopelessly out of touch with the times. For
instance, he tried to keep the Church of England as the established church of
Virginia. Again, although he sought liberty for himself, he was content to
leave blacks in slavery.
Nonetheless, he was a committed Christian
throughout his life. His will concluded with these words: "This is all the
inheritance I can give to my dear family. The religion of
Christ can give them one which will make them rich indeed."
Bibliography:
Copeland, Lewis. The World's Great Speeches. New York:
Book League of America, 1942.
Mitchell, S. C. "Henry, Patrick." Encyclopedia
Americana. Chicago: American Corp., 1956.
Risjord, Norman K. "Henry, Patrick." Encyclopedia
of American Biography, edited by John A. Garraty. San Francisco:
Harper and Row, 1975.
Last updated June, 2007
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