Most of us were required to study American history in earlier days and we read about the “firebrand of the American Revolution” - Patrick Henry, whose words, “Give me liberty or give me death” secured for him a permanent place in our country’s history.
But, do you know “the rest of the story?” Do you know the context from which these words came? Very few do. And I think it is significant that we don’t know.
This is what he said, “An appeal to arms and the God of hosts is all that is left us. But we shall not fight our battle alone. There is a just God that presides over the destinies of nations. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone. 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.”
The context for his final quote has been omitted from “modern” textbooks. Surprised?
The following year, 1776, he wrote the following, “It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great Nation was founded not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religion, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For that reason alone, people of other faiths have been afforded freedom of worship here.”
You will search in vain to find that quote in today’s history textbooks.
As history is rewritten and edited, it is certainly interesting to observe what is retained and what is omitted.
Do you think it is fair to say that, as a nation, we today are more concerned about our liberties than we are about pleasing God?

… Ken Stegall