The Colonies Begin To Think and Feel Together P1

As Great Britain's treatment of the colonies became more heavy-handed and intolerant, many Americans, including some of those loyal to Great Britain, agreed that Parliament and the king were acting unjustly. Some civic leaders argued that the colonies could do nothing about these unjust actions because they were too weak. When someone made this argument in the Virginia legislature, Patrick Henry rejected it and urged decisive action, telling the members:

Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. Three 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 nation’s 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…..Gentlemen may cry, “Peace, Peace,” but there is no peace.

The War has 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!

More on this next week for another American moment.

Sourced From The American Story: The Beginnings by David Barton and Tim Barton.