Patrick Henry used several Biblical allusions to speak more strongly against Britain without using overtly treasonous speech. Here's what we found:
In sentence 11 Henry said, “Are we disposed of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not.” This is from Ezekiel 12:2, when god describes how those who hear Ezekiel’s words and do not listen will be destroyed.
Henry is implying that not seeing or listening to his argument will lead to destruction.
In Paragraph 3 (sentence 13), Henry used another Biblical allusion, “one lamp by which my feet are guided” (Psalms 119:105). The lamp represents experience. Henry recounts past experiences and events that “guide his feet” and make fighting a necessity.
In sentence 18, Henry again makes a Biblical allusion, “Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss.” Christ was betrayed by his disciple Judas through the kiss of brotherhood, which led to Christ’s arrest and crucifixion (Luke 22:47).
Henry believes the British represent Judas and that while they will appear brotherly to the Colonies they will betray, leading to Colonial downfall.
Learn more about Patrick Henry's famous speech to the Virginia Convention (March 23, 2024) at Americainclass.org.
Public speaking has played an important role in our country’s story. Here is a quick look at some of the landmark speeches that often pop up in the discussion about public rhetoric shared by Constitutioncenter.org.