“They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. 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 British 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.”

Patrick Henry, Second Virginia Convention

250 years ago today these were the words that rang through the halls of St. John’s Church. The year was 1775 and the gathering storm clouds of war were on the horizon.

The previous year, the Virginia House of Burgesses had adopted a resolution in support of Boston. This came in response to Parliament closing Boston Harbor following the Tea Party. Although it was fully within the Burgesses’ rights to pass the resolution, the royal governor retaliated by ordering them to disband and cease from meeting. Thankfully for America, these men were not easily discouraged from their quest for justice and freedom. They formed the First Virginia Convention and met in secret to continue their work.

In March of 1775, they met again for the Second Virginia Convention. This time war was growing ever closer. The pleas of the first Convention and Continental Congress had fallen on deaf ears in parliament and the crown.

When the Burgesses gathered for this convention in 1775 they knew that the fate of their nation was riding on what they determined to be the course of action going forward. The most important resolution presented during the convention was to authorize Virginia’s mobilization to arms.

Many prominent speakers gave their argument for or against armed resistance to the crown. Some believed that, while there was just cause to take up arms in defense of their freedoms, any form of resistance to the crown would be instantly crushed. Could a ragtag group of freedom loving people be strong enough to resist the most powerful military on earth?

Upon hearing the arguments of those opposed to this resolution, Patrick Henry arose to give a reply that would echo through the annals of time. I could never do justice to this pivotal moment in our history without using the very words that lit the fuse for American Independence.

“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!“

Such a speech had never been heard within the walls of St. John’s church where the delegates met that early spring. It was an appeal to fight for the God-given liberties Great Britain was trampling upon. It was an explanation as to why peace was no longer a viable option.

A Baptist preacher present in the convention said this of Henry’s speech:

“Henry arose with an unearthly fire burning in his eye. He commenced somewhat calmly—but the smothered excitement began more and more to play upon his features and thrill in the tones of his voice. The tendons of his neck stood out white and rigid like whipcords. His voice rose louder and louder, until the walls of the building and all within them seemed to shake and rock in its tremendous vibrations. Finally his pale face and glaring eyes became terrible to look upon. Men leaned forward in their seats with their heads strained forward, their faces pale and their eyes glaring like the speaker’s. His last exclamation—‘Give me liberty or give me death’—was like the shout of the leader which turns back the rout of battle! The old clergyman said, when Mr. Henry sat down, he (the auditor) felt sick with excitement. Every eye yet gazed entranced on Henry. It seemed as if a word from him would have led to any wild explosion of violence. Men looked beside themselves.”

It is hard to imagine what would have been in our nation’s history had Patrick Henry not been the voice for liberty that he was. Thomas Jefferson said on the topic, “It is not now easy to say what we should have done without Patrick Henry. He was before us all in maintaining the spirit of the Revolution.”

President Trump has declared today, March 23, 2025, a national day of celebration and remembrance for the 250th anniversary of this incredible moment in our history. I encourage each of you to read the full transcript of what we  have of his speech today. If we are to maintain the freedoms our founders fought so valiantly for, we must maintain the passion they possessed. What better way than through the very words with which they proclaimed it?

So tell me, will you join me in commemorating this special day?

A. M. Watson

Hebrews 13:8