American Eloquence, Volume I | Page 8

be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we
are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we
gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual
resistance, by lying supinely on our backs, and hugging the delusive phantom of hope,
until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot? Sir, we are not weak, if we make a
proper use of the means which the God of nature bath placed in our power. Three
millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which
we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir,
we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of
nations; and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to
the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides. sir, we have no
election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest.
There is no retreat, but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking
may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable--and let it come! I repeat it,
sir, let it come!
It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry peace, peace--but there is no
peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to
our ears the clash of resounding arms. Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand
we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? 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!

SAMUEL ADAMS
OF MASSACHUSETTS (BORN 1722, DIED 1803.)
ON AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE--IN PHILADELPHIA, AUGUST I, 1776.
COUNTRYMEN AND BRETHREN: I would gladly have declined an honor, to which I
find myself unequal. I have not the calmness and impartiality which the infinite
importance of this occasion demands. I will not deny the charge of my enemies, that
resentment for the accumulated injuries of our country, and an ardor for her glory, rising
to enthusiasm, may deprive me of that accuracy of judgment and expression which men
of cooler passions may possess. Let me beseech you then, to hear me with caution, to
examine without prejudice, and to correct the mistakes into which I may be hurried by
my zeal.
Truth loves an appeal to the common sense of mankind. Your unperverted
understandings can best determine on subjects of a practical nature. The positions and
plans which are said to be above the comprehension of the multitude may be always
suspected to be visionary and fruitless. He who made all men hath made the truths
necessary to human happiness obvious to all.
Our forefathers threw off the yoke of Popery in religion; for you is reserved the honor of
levelling the Popery of politics. They opened the Bible to all, and maintained the capacity
of every man to judge for himself in religion. Are we sufficient for the comprehension of
the sublimest spiritual truths, and unequal to material and temporal ones? Heaven hath
trusted us with the management of things for eternity, and man denies us ability to judge
of the present, or to know from our feelings the experience that will make us happy. "You
can discern," say they, "objects distant and remote, but cannot perceive those within your

grasp. Let us have the distribution of present goods, and cut out and manage as you
please the interests of futurity." This day, I trust, the reign of political protestantism will
commence.
We have explored the temple of royalty, and found that the idol we have bowed down to,
has eyes which see not, ears that hear not our prayers, and a heart like the nether
millstone. We have this day restored the Sovereign, to whom alone men ought to be
obedient. He reigns in heaven, and with a propitious eye beholds His subjects assuming
that freedom of thought and dignity of self-direction which He bestowed on them. From
the rising to the setting sun, may His kingdom come.
Men who content themselves with the semblance of truth, and a display of words, talk
much of our obligations to Great Britain for protection. Had she a single eye to our
advantage? A nation of shopkeepers are very seldom so disinterested. Let us not be so
amused with words;