Give me Freedom or Give Death by Patric Henry

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Throughout his speech, Henry referenced a variety of Biblical themes. What are some of the most striking references Henry used? Why would these themes have resonated with his audience?
This speech is timeless and would stir the patriotic spirit in many people. The message it contains can work for us today as well as it did for the colonists it was originally written for. Throughout time none of the power in this speech has diminished. It was a call for a young nation to say enough and stand up and fight for the liberty they so desired and deserved.
The first paragraph tells us the reason he chose to use such delightful and colorful biblical references in his speech. Though he does not say the scripture verbatim, Mr. Henry’s makes adequate use of many strong themes that are in the Bible. From his first words that people of the colonies are told that their duty is to God first and the country second. Patrick Henry even alludes to the fact that if he did not speak on the matter then he would not be honoring God or doing the right thing for his country. But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men”.
Mr. Henry says, “having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not”. Jesus says, “This is why I speak to them in parables: "Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: "You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving”. The people were hoping that if they did not see the problem it would go away and they would not have to do anything about it. Is it possible that Patrick Henry spoke this way not because he followed ...

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...ut Christian and believer in Christ. He was also a man who loved his country and was willing to fight for every man to have life, freedom and to be happy. It is apparent that even though he put God first he also did not neglect his duties as an American. He managed to put bother his love of God and fire in one speech which is now one of the greatest speeches that is part of our America heritage. The last line of the speech is,”Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!” “ For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. “

Works Cited

Patrick Henry. Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death. Virginia, March 23, 1773
Ibid
Acts 5:29 John 3:16 (KJV) Mark 13: 13,14 (KJV)
Jeremiah 29:11 (KJV)

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