"I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience...."See in text(Text of Henry's Speech)
Henry alludes to Psalm 119:105, a passage from a book in the Bible written as an anonymous prayer to God. The speaker of Psalms asks that God light their way forward, as a lamp to guide their feet. In this allusion, the lamp that lights Henry’s path is not God, but the “lamp of experience.” He asks his audience to recall the past in order to avoid repeating mistakes. This allusion also appeals to ethos because it conveys that Henry has experienced and observed the British imposition for the “last ten years.”
"For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it...."See in text(Text of Henry's Speech)
In an appeal to ethos, Henry vows not to be ignorant and to open his eyes and ears to the truth. He establishes his credibility as a loyal and dedicated American who will both confront the truth of British mistreatment and provide a solution for the American people.
"the Majesty of Heaven..."See in text(Text of Henry's Speech)
According to Henry, remaining quiet is not only an act of treason against the country but also a betrayal of the “Majesty of Heaven.” To the audience of the Second Virginia Convention, such a powerful statement would have appealed to their Christian morals and values. These men likely saw Henry’s devotion to the “majesty of heaven” as an indication of his credibility and wholehearted devotion to the country.
The word “treason” describes the act of betrayal. In an appeal to ethos, Henry claims that, should he keep his opinions to himself and not share them with his fellow delegates, it would be akin to betraying the country. With this statement, Henry asserts his persistent devotion to the thirteen colonies.
"I shall speak forth my sentiments freely and without reserve. This is no time for ceremony...."See in text(Text of Henry's Speech)
Patrick Henry (1736–1799) had a reputation as a passionate and skilled orator who could translate lofty political discussions into common language. Henry’s speeches were famous for their impromptu nature and animated delivery. His candid speaking style and tendency to shape his rhetoric for the common man helped spread revolutionary ideals to the masses. By promising to speak “freely” and “without reserve,” Henry appeals to ethos by establishing himself as an honest, straightforward voice. He also establishes a sense of urgency by rejecting ceremoniousness in favor of plain, direct speaking.
