Spirit Of The Age

Patrick Henry.—The following is an
extract from Patrick Henry's famous speech
in old St. John's Church:

"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
true 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. Be-
sides, 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 re-
treat, but in submission and slavery!—
Our chains are forged, their clanking may
be heard on the plains of Boston. The war
is inevitable, and let it come! I repeat
it sir, let it come! 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 slave-
ry? Forbid it, Heaven! I know not what
course others may take; but as for me, give
me liberty, or give me death!"