In this speech, Patrick Henry expressed his strong faith in God, and he was speaking to an audience of like-minded people. He said,
“We are not weak, if we make a proper use of those forces 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.
If we wish to be free—if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contending—if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon—we must fight!—I repeat it, sir, we must fight!! An appeal to arms and to the God of Hosts, is all that is left us!
Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and 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. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest.
There is no retreat but in submission and slavery. Our chains are forged. Their clanking may be heard on the streets of Boston. The war is inevitable–and let it come. I repeat it sir, let it come.It is in vain, 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 sound of resounding arms. Our brethren are already in the field.
Why stand we here idle? What is it that the 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.”
