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 the next week, or the 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. The 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, 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. 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! - Patrick Henry, March 23, 1775
Posted by Mark Noonan at July 1, 2006 01:32 AM
Trackback Pings
TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.blogsforbush.com/mt/whitehouse.cgi/7417
Comments
Mark,
What a wonderful way to remind us of our heritage and our legacy. Thank you.
Posted by: Karen at July 1, 2006 02:36 AM
Mark,
Thank you for the wonderful reminder of our heritage and our legacy. May we remember this as we celebrate this weekend. May we also remember those who have given their lives that we may celebrate this weekend.
Posted by: kjstrouble at July 1, 2006 02:42 AM
Mark,
I couldn't have said it any better than Mr. Henry!
And I would like to reiterate on approximately the same lines Mr. Henry, more or less so obtaining to this life and beyond.
A young lady said once after fixing dinner, "Hang on to that fork, the best is yet to come"!!
Yes like Mr. Henry says "give me Liberty or give me death" will certainly pay in the sense that he acknowledged God and he is now claiming his reward with Him!!
How very thankful I am for the independence of our great nation and the freedom to extend thanks to the one who if it was not for Him it would not be possible to take part in all that He has done for US!
It is a sad thing to know that America is so divided, But that division will in due time lead to strength because satan cannot stand under a Godly leadership such as George W. Bush, Because no matter how big the chain liberal's try to throw over America God is in the midst of it all and His strength will lighten the load! Just like He brought down the mad dictators, the iron curtain, He meanded the North and the South made America whole again! HE WILL DO IT AGAIN!!
He brings the Storm and we see danger all around but His hand of protection is right there with us!
And YES, OH YES, He brings the calm and we can see the peace that only He could know!!
HE IS IN THE MIDST!!
MAY GOD BLESS US EVERYONE ON THIS INDEPENDACE DAY 2006!!!
Jeremiah
Posted by: Jeremiah at July 1, 2006 06:33 PM
(edited)
For a really cool Pulitzer Prize winning book on Indepence Day and what it took to achieve, David McCullough's book "1776" will make your day. Highly recommended.
Posted by: congressive at July 2, 2006 03:22 AM
Post a comment
Mark,
What a wonderful way to remind us of our heritage and our legacy. Thank you.
Mark,
Thank you for the wonderful reminder of our heritage and our legacy. May we remember this as we celebrate this weekend. May we also remember those who have given their lives that we may celebrate this weekend.
Mark,
I couldn't have said it any better than Mr. Henry!
And I would like to reiterate on approximately the same lines Mr. Henry, more or less so obtaining to this life and beyond.
A young lady said once after fixing dinner, "Hang on to that fork, the best is yet to come"!!
Yes like Mr. Henry says "give me Liberty or give me death" will certainly pay in the sense that he acknowledged God and he is now claiming his reward with Him!!
How very thankful I am for the independence of our great nation and the freedom to extend thanks to the one who if it was not for Him it would not be possible to take part in all that He has done for US!
It is a sad thing to know that America is so divided, But that division will in due time lead to strength because satan cannot stand under a Godly leadership such as George W. Bush, Because no matter how big the chain liberal's try to throw over America God is in the midst of it all and His strength will lighten the load! Just like He brought down the mad dictators, the iron curtain, He meanded the North and the South made America whole again! HE WILL DO IT AGAIN!!
He brings the Storm and we see danger all around but His hand of protection is right there with us!
And YES, OH YES, He brings the calm and we can see the peace that only He could know!!
HE IS IN THE MIDST!!
MAY GOD BLESS US EVERYONE ON THIS INDEPENDACE DAY 2006!!!
Jeremiah
(edited)
For a really cool Pulitzer Prize winning book on Indepence Day and what it took to achieve, David McCullough's book "1776" will make your day. Highly recommended.