Mike Smith:
Revolutionary leader Patrick Henry was homeschooled from the age of 10. His father's training prepared him for the future role he would take in leading our fledgling nation to independence.
In the years leading to America's fight for independence, the British crown was determined to demonstrate its power over its subjects.
Henry recognized that King George was not going to listen to the pleas of the colonies and now action was necessary to rid the colonies of foreign tyranny.
Putting his oratorical gifts to good use, Patrick Henry argued forcefully for freedom. In 1763 he remarked that a king who would veto a good and necessary law made by a locally elected representative body was not a father to his people, but a tyrant who forfeits the allegiance of his subjects.
For Patrick Henry, the last straw was the Stamp Act. In his own words,
"This brought on the war which finally separated the two countries and gave independence to ours. Whether this will prove a blessing or a curse, will depend upon the use our people make of the blessings, which a gracious God has 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."
Righteousness does indeed exalt a nation and Patrick Henry exemplified this quality.
And until next time, I'm Mike Smith.
