I finished writing my report on Patrick Henry. It wasn't too hard to do once I actually sat down to work on it. Although, writing and English are my absolute worst subjects, my writing curriculum from last year, really helped make it easier for me to write. One of the purposes of this blog is to help me learn to write better.
This is my finished report:
What type of background did Patrick Henry have? How did his parents influence him in religion? How did he gain so much insight into the future? Although he was best known as bringing the “give me liberty, or give me death” speech, Henry was far more than just a speech maker. During his growing up years, he pursued many interests. Even as an adult, Henry’s religious background influenced him, and his wisdom in political matters led many of his prophecies to come true.
On May 29, 1736, Patrick Henry was born to John and Sarah Winston Henry. The second of nine children, Henry enjoyed hunting, spending time outdoors and having fun. He also spent much time deeply reflecting and meditating during his solitary times outside. Wisely, he also developed a love of reading. Up until age 10, Henry went to a common English school. After public school, Henry was educated by his father in Latin, Greek, math, and ancient and modern history. Musically inclined, Henry played the violin, flute, lute, and harpsichord. At the age of 16, Henry became a storekeeper along with his brother. The store soon went bankrupt. Henry tried again, and that store also soon closed. Marrying at the young age of 18, Henry wedded Sarah Shelton, a girl he had known since childhood. Since Henry didn’t do well at storekeeping, he decided to study and endeavor to pass the bar exam. By promising to continue to study he passed; and on August 15, 1760 he was sworn in as a lawyer.
Although Patrick Henry spent much of his life in politics, he acknowledged that “religion was infinitely more important than politics.” John Henry, Patrick’s dad, was an Anglican known for his integrity and piety. Despite her husband being an Anglican, Patrick’s mom was a Scottish Presbyterian. Probably because of this, Henry always attended both the Anglican and Presbyterian services whenever possible. Known as a modest, mild man, Henry did not swear, gamble or indulge in strong drink. Not just on Sunday, but everyday of the week he was a Christian witness. He understood that political structure rested on a religious foundation. Also, he was known as a champion of religious toleration.
A man of great wisdom and vision, Patrick Henry could foresee the logical results of where things were headed. Of the First Continental Congress delegates, he was the only one to foresee that the trouble with Britain would break out into a full-fledged war. Adamantly against the Constitution, he believed the Constitution would jeopardize personal liberty and state sovereignty. The ratification of the U.S. Bill of Rights occurred largely because of Henry’s labor. He saw that the federal government would claim implied powers and then abuse them. Because the North’s interest was industrial, and the South’s interest was agricultural, Henry saw that the balance of power between North and South would be changed under the constitution. His insight was simply the logical outcome of common sense laws. Many people considered Henry a prophet, because of his wisdom.
Patrick Henry had a background and childhood that prepared him for his adult life in politics. His parents' different religions gave him sympathy for oppressed Christian religions. Listening to and pondering other people’s thoughts gave him insight and vision into where America as a whole was headed. Childhoods are not an unprofitable, boring waiting time, but a training ground for a powerful adult life. God does not make mistakes. He places children in specific families for a reason. If Patrick Henry had been placed in a different family, who knows what the outcome may have been?
Vaughan, David J. Give Me Liberty: The Uncompromising Statesmanship of Patrick Henry. Elkton, MD: Highland Books, 1997.
