Page:Sketches of the life and character of Patrick Henry.djvu/82

 58 SKETCHES OF THE

kind or other, had remained silent. I had been for the first time elected a burgess, a few days before, was young, inexperienced, unacquainted with the forms of the house, and the members that composed it. Finding the men of weight averse to opposition, and the com- mencement of the tax at hand, and that no person was likely to step forth, I determined to venture, and alone, unadvised, and unassisted, on a blank leaf of an old law book* wrote the within. Upon offering them to the house, violent debates ensued. Many threats were ut- tered, and much abuse cast on me, by the party for sub- mission. After a long and warm contest, the resolutions passed by a very small majority, perhaps of one or two only. The alarm spread throughout America w ith asto- nishing quickness, and the ministerial party were over- whelmed. The great point of resistance to British tax- ation was universally established in the colonies. This brought on the war, which finally separated the two countiies, and gave independence to ours. Wliether this will prove a blessing or a curse, will depend upon the use our people make of the blessings which a gra- cious 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. — P. Henry.^'

Such is the short, plain and modest account which Mr. Henry has left of this transaction. But other in- teresting particulars have been handed down by tradi- tion, and live still in the recollection of one, at least, now


 * Judge Tyler says, " an old Coke upon Littleton."

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