My eloquence is subdued, tainted, and watered down by the second law of thermodynamics and a public school education. But I take heart in knowing that so is yours. Just kidding (a bit). But it’s true that we’re generally all less hearty and amazing human specimens than our ancestors. And I bring this up because, this morning, I’ve been thinking about the “Give me liberty” speech by Patrick Henry.
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Patrick Henry is famous for saying “Give me liberty or give me death.”
And he spoke those words in a “fiery speech” to the Second Virginia Convention in 1775. I like this section of his speech where he said…
“This is no time for ceremony. The question before the House is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery…”
Wow. If only there were someone in the House of Representatives or Senate who had the courage to speak that way these days. Because America has arrived at another “awful moment” which will define our character. Or lack of it.
Mr. Henry continued his speech with…
“It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country.”
Obviously he was a great orator. But apparently he forgot about the separation of church and state. (Yeah, right.)
And then the right honorable Mr. Henry added one of my favorite lines…
“Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings.”
Now THAT’S getting your priorities right!
You can read the whole, famous Patrick Henry speech here. But here’s the section that contains the most famous line, which appears to allude to 1 Thessalonians 5, in the Bible…
“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!”
And here’s what I sang about liberty and freedom. Tune into the FunderCast to hear it.
Freedom
Faith working through love”
Let’s praise God for our liberty”
Christ paid off our debt”
Only in Him are we truly free.
Love leads into joy”
Law leads back into slavery”
God gave us The Way.
Just believe, and we’re truly free.
Freedom from the law that kills,
And freedom with our own free wills,
Freedom from the world of sin”
Just let Jesus in, let the joy begin
Share a hopeful grin, with the Lord “We Win”!
Praise God for what we can become
With our freedom.
What law couldn’t do
Jesus did with finality.
He rose up from the dead
And promised the same life for you and me.
So we have”
Chorus”instrumental”chorus twice
© 2010 Tony Funderburk
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