Liberty or Death!

"Give me liberty or give me death!"

Surely no words have been more repeated when it comes to patriotic phrases and enthusiasm. Spoken so long ago, who would have thought his words could hold such relevence today? While watching a reenactment of Patrick Henry's famous speech on television tonight, I was struck by how easily the portion I've quoted below could be referring to our current times.

...[I]t is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not[?] For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it.

I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past.

He continues:

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 [government] 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.

[emphasis added]

It's a beautiful speech (politicians just ain't what they used to be), and if you're inclined to read the rest of it HERE is the link. I strongly suggest you do so, especially if you're an American. ;-)

Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD
~ Psalm 33:12

I'm not sure how blessed ours is anymore, but I love my country, flaws and all. I hope it will improve rather than degenerate to the level I fear we may, but as Patrick Henry said, there is a just God who is watching out for His people.