Liberty

Before I write my next blog entry, I would like to make this first make a quick update. I will be making an entry every 3 days as opposed to one each day or every other day.

This week America is celebrating its independence from England, and there were many instrumental leaders that played key roles that gained the 13 colonies freedom. I would like to focus on Patrick Henry.

Henry, Patrick (May 29, 1736–June 6, 1799), was an American Revolutionary leader and orator, who spoke the phrase, “Give me Liberty or give me death!” He was Commander in Chief of the Virginia Militia, a member of the Virginia General Assembly and House of Burgesses, 1765; and a member of the Continental Congress, 1774–75. He was the five-time Governor of the State of Virginia, 1776–79, 1784–86, and was instrumental in writing the Constitution of Virginia.¹

Here are some of the social issues that he addressed before 1776 and after:

On the reverse of The Stamp Act Resolves, passed in the House of Burgesses, May 1765, Patrick Henry wrote:

This brought on the war which finally separated the two countries and gave independence to ours. Whether this will prove a blessing or a curse, will depend upon the use our people make of the blessings, which a gracious God hath bestowed on us.

If they are wise, they will be great and happy. If they are of a contrary character, they will be miserable.

Righteousness alone can exalt them as a nation. Reader! Whoever thou art, remember this, and in thy sphere practice virtue thyself, and encourage it in others.

(signed) P. Henry

Prior to the Revolution, in 1768, Patrick Henry rode for miles on horseback to a trial in Spottsylvania County. He entered the rear of the courtroom where three Baptist ministers were being tried for having preached without the sanction of the Episcopalian Church. In the midst of the proceedings, he interrupted:

May it please your lordships, what did I hear read? Did I hear an expression that these men, whom you worships are about to try for misdemeanor, are charged with preaching the gospel of the Son of God?

     In a courtroom speech, Patrick Henry stated:

I know, sir, how well it becomes a liberal man and a Christian to forget and forgive. As individuals professing a holy religion, it is our bounden duty to forgive injuries done us as individuals. But when the character of Christian you add the character of patriot, you are in a different situation. Our mild and holy system of religion inculcates an admirable maxim of forbearance. If your enemy smite one cheek, turn the other to him. But you must stop there. You cannot apply this to your country. As members of a social community, this maxim does not apply to you. When you consider injuries done to your country your political duty tells you of vengeance. Forgive as a private man, but never forgive public injuries. Observations of this nature are exceedingly unpleasant, but it is my duty to use them.

         In a 1773 letter to Robert Pleasants, Patrick Henry expressed his disapproval of the slave trade:

I take this opportunity to acknowledge the receit of Anthony Benezet’s Book against the slave trade. I thank you for it.…

Is it not amazing, that at a time when the rights of humanity are defined and understood with precision in a country above all others fond of liberty, that in such an age and in such a country, we find men professing a religion most humane, mild, meek, gentle and generous, adopting a Principle as repugnant to humanity, as it is inconsistent to the Bible and destructive to liberty?.…

I will not, I cannot justify it.… I believe a time will come when an opportunity will be offered to abolish this lamentable evil.…

It is a debt we owe to the purity of our Religion to show that it is at variance with that law which warrants slavery. I know not when to stop. I would say many things on this subject, a serious review of which gives gloomy perspective to future times.1

In light of what you just read is there room for evangelistic work within our halls of justice, the senate, the congress, and the most powerful the President of the United States.

^1,1 Federer, W. J. (2001). Great Quotations: A Collection of Passages, Phrases, and Quotations Influencing Early and Modern World History Referenced according to their Sources in Literature, Memoirs, Letters, Governmental Documents, Speeches, Charters, Court Decisions and Constitutions. St. Louis, MO: AmeriSearch.