The year was 1775 and Virginia leaders had convened the Second Virginia Convention at Richmond — in what is now called St. John’s Church — instead of the Capitol in Williamsburg to avoid interference from Governor Dunmore. 

Delegate Patrick Henry presented resolutions to raise and establish a militia, and to put Virginia in a posture of defense. 

Henry’s opponents urged caution and patience until the crown replied to Congress’ latest petition for reconciliation.

On March 23 of that year, Henry presented a proposal to organize a volunteer company of cavalry or infantry in every Virginia county. 

By custom, Henry addressed himself to the Convention’s president, Peyton Randolph of Williamsburg. 

A selection of his oratory includes the following… “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 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…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!”

History tells us that this was a key moment in our nation’s history that helped set the stage for these and many other Godly men who loved their country more than life the opportunity to forge for our children and us the longest living republic on the face of the earth. 

You and I have been lovingly handed another key moment in history unlike any we have ever known. 

This new historical revisionist trend goes against previous centuries of orthodox thought, research, and opinion. 

By deconstructing the true history of America and the fingerprint of God throughout its frame, they remove its greatest gift and render its timeless principles useless. 

Revisionism’s fatal flaw is that generations to follow will rightfully look back with disdain and anguish at all America and its exceptional principles could have given them and their children had its courageous and Godly history not been intentionally erased. 

May God give us men of conviction and commitment like Joshua of old who in his final days said to Israel, “Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Henry’s voice was heard long before 1775. 

His final thoughts about the 1865 Stamp Act were written on the back of his copy of the Stamp Act Resolutions. It was a message to posterity… “Whether this will prove a blessing or a curse, will depend upon the use our people make of the blessings which a gracious God hath bestowed on us. If they are wise, they will be great and happy. If they are of a contrary character, they will be miserable. Righteousness alone can exalt them as a nation. Reader! whoever thou art, remember this; and in thy sphere practise virtue thyself, and encourage it in others.”

Ten years later in 1775 when Patrick Henry surveyed the political and cultural landscape, he was ready to practice what he had preached. 

After listening to the voices of objection and compromise, he knew in his heart that inaction was unacceptable and tantamount to sin. 

It mattered not what course others would take. 

Something must be done! 

As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of his memorable 1775 speech, I am reminded that I depend on the same source today as he did then, the God of Heaven! 

Remember, we shall not fight our battles alone. Those are words to live by.

Tim Throckmorton is the president of Lifepointe Ministries.