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The words ring out: GIVE ME LIBERTY, OR GIVE ME DEATH
On that April day two hundred thirty years ago death was the reward for those few farmers whose valor enabled them to encounter with firmness the danger marching upon them with the British troops.
Samuel Adams, who had been whisked away from the field of battle by those guarding the church where this took place, later exclaimed in agony:
“Contemplate the mangled bodies of your countrymen, and then say, ‘What should be the reward of such sacrifices?’”
Adams further wrote concerning this slaughter of his compatriots to those citizens of Massachusetts and of the other thirteen colonies whose loyalty to the cause was suspect:
"If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude than the animating contest of freedom, go from us in peace. We ask not your counsels or arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains sit lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that ye were our countrymen!"
Washington, too, wept to see the blood of his countrymen shed to avert the attack of the Red Coats.
But, that “shot heard round the world” was the herald of liberty for the colonists, and for us who now contemplate their great sacrifice.
Immediately, Patrick Henry, firebrand of the American Revolution, upon hearing of the attack, responded in a heart-wrung speech to the Assembly of Virginia:
"An appeal to arms and the God of hosts is all that is left us! But we shall not fight our battle alone. There is a just God that presides over the destinies of nations. The battle sir, is not to the strong alone. 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."
These men knew for what they were fighting. They knew for what their country stood. They knew their cause was just. Listen to these words from the lips of that same Patrick Henry, the Christian when, the following year, 1776, he wrote:
"It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great Nation was founded not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For that reason alone, people of other faiths have been afforded freedom of worship here."
There it is. Freedom of Worship. And here we stand once more in the battle for Liberty. Remember those heroes who lay on the greens of Lexington as you read the words below.
APRIL 19, 1775
"Oh, what a glorious morning is this!" The fleeing statesman cried, Though unaware that by sunny noon Many comrades would have died.
See, yonder through Lexington's trees The mighty Red Coat force, Bent on subjugating right, Are turning history's course:
For there the militia-small in number, Untrained, poor armed but free Have gathered at their captain's call: Not forced, not paid, but free!
“Do not fire a single shot," The captain warned his men, "But, if they want to have a war, "Let it here begin."
EPILOGUE Oh, words immortal, words that ring The Bell of Liberty throughout our land, May we remember your fidelity That made you one united band.
List! through the trees 'neath April's sun Lilts Liberty's sweet song. Oh, take your stand beside that maid Lest she should suffer wrong.
Oh, let us, like those men of old For Liberty ARISE! Let us for honor, God and kin Reclaim her sacred prize. ©der ’93
Question: “Who said this? ”AMONG the natural rights of the Colonists are these: First, a right to life; Secondly, to liberty; Thirdly, to property; together with the right to support and defend them in the best manner they can. (Deduced from) the duty of self preservation, commonly called the first law of nature."
Answer: Written by Samuel Adams in 1772. Review
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