The Silencing of God: The Dismantling of America's Christian Heritage (Audio)

Patrick Henry

This was about a year, or so, before the Declaration of Independence. He was a member of the Virginia state convention, who were meeting in a church building to discuss their political concerns and the tyranny of the crown - Britian. He was 39 years old...took a seat on the third pew, listened to all of the supporters of loyalty to the king, then he got up and here's what he said - Again, you won't believe the Bible orientation of this speech!(Dave Miller):

"No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism as well as the abilities of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House; but, different men often see the subject in different lights, therefore, I hope not to be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen if entertaining, as I do, a character very opposite of theirs. I shall speak forth my sentiments freely and without reserve. 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 nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery, and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. 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 country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason toward my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings."

"Mr. President, it is natural for man to indulge in the illusions of hope, we're apt to shut our eyes against the painful truth and listen to the song of that siren until 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 "? (Anybody recognize that?...Mark chapter 8 - Dave Miller). The things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation, for my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I'm willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst. To provide for it, I've but one lamp by which my feet are guided. That's the lamp of experience. I know of no way of judging the future but by the past. Judging by the past, I wish to know what there has been in the conduct of the British Ministry for the last ten years to justify these hopes which gentlemen have been pleased to solace themselves in the House."

"Is it that insidious smile with which our petition has been lately received?" (You know they were constantly petitioning the Crown. Do you know what they kept bugging them about? Things like - you know you've heard a lot of this - taxation without representation and all that. That's not all! For example, did you know they repeatedly hounded the government of England to Stop Slavery. Did you know that? Oh, no, all the Founding Fathers were a bunch of racists. That's what we've been told for 50 years. It was actually in the original draft of the Declaration of Independence. - Dave Miller).

"Trust it not, Sir. It will prove a snare to your feet. Suffer not yourselves... (Btw, "snare to your feet", that sound familiar?...common metaphor in the Old Testament. - Dave Miller). "Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss." (Where'd that come from? Are you counting these? - Dave Miller).

"Ask yourselves how this glorious reception of our petition comports with those warlike preparations which cover our waters. I ask gentlemen, sirs, what means this martial army if it means not to force us to submission. They are meant for us. They can be meant for no other." (I'm kind of skipping down through this. - Dave Miller).

(Look what else he says here. - Dave Miller) "No longer any room for hope. WE MUST FIGHT. An appeal to arms, and to the God of Hosts is all that is left."

(Do you know what God of Hosts is? Technical expression in the Old Testament referring to God in His military might. - Dave Miller). "Until our enemies have bound us hand and foot." (John chapter 11).

"Sir, we're not weak if we make a proper use of our means which the God of nature has placed in our power." (There's that expression. The God that created nature. - DM). "There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations." (This thing is riddled with references to God and Scripture quotations! - DM).

"The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone." (That's Ecclesiastes Chapter 9). "It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry "peace, peace", but, there is no peace." (Jeremiah chapter 6). "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 fields, why stand we here idle? (That's a reference to Matthew 20:6).

"What is it the gentlemen wish? What will they have? Is life so dear, peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains of slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God!"

"I know what course others may take; but, as for me, give me liberty or give me death!" (There's the part you've heard; but, you can't put the rest of it in the public schools because it quotes the Bible, and alludes to God constantly. There is more scripture in this political speech than many sermons preached from pulpits all over the country! I tell you we're in trouble. - Dave Miller).

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