FAITH OF THE FOUNDERS: Patrick Henry on His Deathbed
(QUICK READ) — Patrick Henry was not a signer of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, nor was he a delegate to the Constitutional Convention in 1787, but he is among the most well-known members of the Founding generation, thanks to two of his stirring speeches and his role in the adoption of the Bill of Rights.
Patrick Henry, “Give me liberty or give me death.” (The Matthews portrait).
In an oration before the Virginia House of Burgess in 1765, Henry made his opposition to the Stamp Act vividly clear by declaring of his stance, “if this be treason, make the most of it.” And in 1775 as a delegate to the Virginia convention at St. John’s Church, he pronounced his most famous words: “Give me liberty or give me death.”
Henry was an Anti-Federalist due to his fear the proposed Constitution gave the chief executive too much power.
But his insistent demands during the Virginia debate over adoption contributed significantly to James Madison agreeing to introduce a Bill of Rights in the first Congress.
Henry lived a long life, and it was not until 1798 that death came. On his deathbed, Henry pronounced to his attending physician his confidence about his eternal destiny:
“Doctor, I wish you to observe how real and beneficial the religion of Christ is to a man about to die…I am, however, much consoled by reflecting that the religion of Christ has, from its first appearance in the world, been attacked in vain by all the wits, philosophers, and wise ones, aided by every power of man, and its triumphs have been complete.” – Patrick Henry, on his deathbed, 1798. Compiled by Mark Strand.
Many of the quotes reprinted in HillFaith’s “The Faith of The Founders” weekly series of posts are compiled from Benjamin F. Morris’ classic work, “The Christian Life and Character of the Civil Institutions of the United States.” Morris, an historian and pastor, published the first edition more than a century ago.
Quotations are also compiled from Mark Strand, author of the Daily Inspirations email he shares on request here and that HillFaith highly recommends to all congressional aides, be they working on Capitol Hill or in a state or district office back home.
Mark was for 16 years President of the Congressional Institute, and he is a former fellow of the Harvard Institute of Politics. He was also a 24-year veteran congressional staffer, including four years as Chief of Staff to Sen. James Talent (R-Missouri).