Some Thoughts on the Motto "Victory or Death!" On the Anniversary of the Travis Letter.
February 24, 2009
On this day, one hundred seventy three years, one of the great figures in Texas history penned the words "Victory or Death."
For William Barrett Travis, the defense of the Alamo may have been a desperate cause, but he believed it was his duty to the people of Texas, for whom he was fighting.
Travis lost. Everyone died.
One hundred seventy three years later, some might ask, " Was Travis right?" Was he right to make "Victory or Death!" his motto and lead 189 men to their deaths? Was this declaration the mark of heroic bravery or fool-hearty recklessness? Is it ever time to give up?
Some of you who have emailed me may have noticed that, in addition to the motto Alba Gu Bra, I sometimes use "Victory or Death!" ("Buaidh No Bas" in Gaelic.) This battle cry was not only used by Travis, but has also been sounded for generations in war and peace, going back hundreds of years in almost every country.
The essence of the motto "Victory or Death!" is a simple proposition: It is important for men to be willing to lay down their lives for a godly cause. Or, very simply, "I will fight to the death for what is right and nothing this side of death will stop me!"
When properly applied in the right context, "Victory or Death!" is a message of manhood, self-sacrifice, and courage that should inspire all Christian men because it is a biblical message. There really are battles worth fighting for.
After noting a comment I posted that "G.A. Henty boys are not wimps or saps," a reader of Ballantynethebrave.com emailed me, questioning whether it is really so bad to be wimpy.
He asked how anyone could biblically justify the "intense physical violence and bloodshed" which some Henty boys experience on the battlefield. Stating that courage is not shown in "conquest or dominion,", he closed by saying,
I am left to wonder: what is God's biblical idea of manhood and courage? Is it defending your name, your family, your religion, or your country? Or is it something deeper than that, a man who knows the Truth, believes the Truth, proclaims the Truth, and is willing to give all that he holds dear in the defense and maintaining of it?
Reflecting on these questions, I thought, what sort of man would question defending your name, family, religion, and country? Is it not clear in the Bible that we are to to live with a sword in one hand and a trowel in another as Nehemiah did, and say with him, "Be not ye afraid of them: remember the LORD, which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses!" [Neh. 4:14]
To be a man who "knows the Truth, believes the Truth, proclaims the Truth, and is willing to give all that he holds dear in the defense" of the 'Truth', I must defend my family, religion, and country in obedience to the Scripture, which is the only "Truth!" I might even go so far as to say that in certain situations, I must defend my name and honor to uphold that very same "Truth."
Another verse this gentleman included in his email was the famous, "Put up again thy sword into [its] place: for they that take the sword shall perish with the sword" (Matt. 26:52) quote. What he didn't include was an equally important verse, also spoken by Jesus while on the earth, "... he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one." (Luke 22:36) I think it should be clear here that Jesus is not condemning owning weapons or even being ready to fight. Rather, in the Mathew 26:52 verse, he is pointing out that it was time for the fulfillment of his duty (on the Cross), not time to start chopping folks' ears off.
Going back to the idea of "Victory or Death," if you are going to fight for something (I mean literal battle), it better be worth dying over. Biblically, it seems that, if you are not fighting for victory, you are fighting for defeat, and that means the loss of whatever it is that you are fighting for. If you are fighting for your family, home, religion, or even honor, you can't afford to lose. That's part of the reason why it is so important to only have biblical warfare. Don't start a war if you aren't going to really try and win it. (And don't chop off anyone ears unless it is time for battle.) Choose your battles carefully.
So, what about Travis?
Here in Texas, when you hear someone refer to the motto "Victory or Death!" it's a pretty safe thing to guess that they are referring to the words of W.B.Travis at the famous Battle of the Alamo.
Let's review the facts:
Travis could have tried to surrender the Alamo. He could have tried to flee with his men. But he didn't. Instead Travis stood and held his ground, knowing that short of a near-impossible victory, he and everyone of his men would lose their lives.
Travis drew a line in the sand and offered every man in the Alamo an "honorable" way out of this death trap. Out of 190 men, only one crossed that line.
Each of those men died. But they sent a message to the world that Texans would not surrender their homes, their families, or their freedom. They also held the Alamo long enough to set things in motion for the men who would ultimately defeat the Santa Anna. If it weren't for the Alamo defenders who refused to flee or surrender, there might not be a Texas today.
I am grateful for Travis' cry of "Victory or Death!" As a Texan, I am especially thankful for those men who gave their lives for what they believed was worth dying for: freedom. They believed their cause was just, and they were right.
Of course, modern man is uncomfortable with statements like "Victory or Death." It is too dogmatic, too uncompromising, too unrealistic. But the problem is not with the statement. The problem is with modern man.
There is a time when Christian men must be willing to say, "I will fight, to the death, for what is right and nothing this side of death will stop me!" Whether it was Patrick Henry's "Give me Liberty or give me Death" speech, Colonel Travis' letter from the Alamo, or even the echo of William Wallace's battle cries, you can feel the sentiment coming through that they will fight to the death for victory and never give up.
I believe that it is our duty to take this message, and particularly Travis's closing line, and "never surrender or retreat" when we are on the Lord's side. Even in times of great angst and trouble, when our country is in distress, it is our duty not to give up, but to fight to defend our families, religion, and country. And ultimately the honor of the "Truth." To live well, we must realize that some things are worth dying for.
The film Braveheart popularized another important motto: "Every man dies. Not every man truly lives." Behind this sentiment is the belief that only those who are willing to lay down their lives in a meaningful cause have something worth living for.
Travis would have agreed.
So, was Travis right to declare "Victory or Death" in the face of almost certain immediate disaster?
I believe he was. The simple fact is this: His death purchased Texas' independence. My state, my community, my family, and I continue to benefit from his sacrifice.
Travis was right. So was Patrick Henry. And Nehemiah. And the Scots. And George Washington fighting for our national freedom. And so are all the martyrs and defenders of Godly causes through all time who lose their life in service for the Lord, living out "Victory or Death!"
"Buaidh No Bas." -JT
Some Thoughts on the Motto "Victory or Death!"
By Joshua Phillips — February 24, 2009
On this day, one hundred seventy three years, one of the great figures in Texas history penned the words [Read more...]
Question of the Week Giveaway is Starting up Again
February 23, 2009
In "contests" you said that you are giving away a free book every week until the end of June. Was that for 2008 or 2009? -J.L.J.
Great question! Originally the one book a week give away had only been until June of '08. But, for the next eight weeks, starting today, I will be doing another "best question/quote/thought of the week receives a free Ballantyne book" give away. Send in your your questions, ideas, thoughts and if I post your comment or question, I will identify you using your first name and an initial for your last name. I hope to hear from you! -Joshua Titus
An Interview with My Sister Liberty
February 19, 2009
Having been asked many times about girls reading so called "boys fiction" I thought I would do a short interview with my sister Liberty on the books she has been reading. The main topic today was G.A. Henty.
JTP: Liberty, what types of books do you like to read?
L: I like to read a variety. My favorites are history books, historical fiction, and biographies.
JTP: What was the first significant series you read?
L: Well, on my ninth birthday, Mom and Dad gave me the Elsie Dinsmore series, and I really enjoyed reading it. In fact, I read it several times!
JTP: Now that you are twelve, what are you reading the most?
L: Currently I am working through the Henty collection.
JTP: I have a pretty good guess, but for the readers of BTB, how did you get started on Henty?
L: Well, you were always talking about how much you enjoyed reading them, and you were constantly telling us [the Phillips family] about all the historical information you were learning from them, and so I wanted to read them for myself.
JTP: So, how many books by Henty have you read now?
L: I have read 25, and I am working on three others.
JTP: Well, you are definitely on your way to catching up! What are two or three of your top favorite Henty books?
L: 'Beric the Briton' and 'In Freedom's Cause' are my top two favorites, and I also like 'In Times of Peril' and 'Under Drake's Flag'. I listened to 'For The Temple' on audio, and lots of girls I know like that one, so I would recommend it, too. But it's really hard to pick a top favorite, because I like so many of them.
JTP: Well, I'm not very surprised by that. I think that is a common feeling among Henty readers. Have you read any of the new ones that were recently added to the Vision Forum set?
L: I have not, but I cannot wait to read them! I would like to start with 'A Chapter of Adventures,' but I really want to read them all!
JTP: Do you have anything to say to girls who might never have read a Henty before?
L: Well, I know lots of girls, besides me, who have read Henty's books and really enjoy them. They are full of adventure; they are a great way to learn history; and I highly recommend them!
JTP: Thank, Lib. Now, can you give me one comment on your opinion of Ballantyne.
L: I like Ballantyne almost as much as Henty, in particular the Christianity of his characters. They are inspiring.
JTP: Thank you Liberty for this interview! I think the gents and ladies reading BTB will appreciate it.
P.S. liberty has read a total of 25 Henty books and 8 Ballantyne books now. -JT
Eight New Henty Books! Huzzah!
February 06, 2009
For this week only, I am pleased to announce that Vision Forum has a special 30% introductory sale on the newest set of G.A. Henty adventure classics! This years eight-volume set includes a couple of books by Henty which I particularly enjoy.
In Greek Waters: The Story of the Greek War of Independence
February 06, 2009
Redskin and Cowboy: A Tale of the Western Plains
Living in Texas it is not surprising that I have always been interesting in the history of Americas west. This book is a great way to begin learning about the Wild West." Here is a short bio of the book.
This book centers around a young English chap--Hugh Tunstall, adventuring in the American West. Hugh's experiences during a "roundup" presents in picturesque form the toilsome, exciting, adventurous life of a cowboy; while the perils of a frontier settlement are vividly set forth in an Indian raid, accompanied by pillage, capture, and recapture. Young Tunstall goes through many more challenging adventures including fighting with gun men, battles with Indians, and learns first hand the ins and outs of life in the "wild west".
February 06, 2009
Colonel Thorndyke's Secret
Colonel Thorndyke had tried to save a fellow soldier from being stabbed to death while in India. As the soldier begins to die he gives Thorndyke a diamond bracelet for which he had been attacked. A mystery surrounds this bracelet. After 12 years, Thorndyke returns to England with the jewel, a little daughter, and a servant, Ramoo. As he dies, he hands off the bracelet to his brother and thus begins a great mystery!
February 06, 2009
There are a total of eight new books you can get as part of this years Henty collection. I recommend you get them all! The titles to all eight are;
A Chapter of Adventures
Colonel Thorndyke's Secret
The Cornet of Horse
In Greek Waters
John Hawk's Fortune
The Plague Ship
Redskin and Cowboy
With Roberts to Pretoria
There is a special add-on: The first one hundred customers to purchase our new eight-volume Henty set will get as a special gift the new CDs "Henty Live!: Volume One" Taped on live radio in San Antonio, Texas. These are two episodes of the weekly interviews that I did on KSLR with talk show host Adam McManus and Mr. Bill Potter of circahistory.com. The second show also has Noah Botkin on the interview, a good friend and fellow Henty reader. Noah has also done articles and posts for BallantyneTheBrave.com.
I hope you all will get the eight new Henty books and if you need another reason to read Henty read my article A Few Thoughts on G.A. Henty.
"Victory or Death!" And "Alba Gu Bra!"
Joshua Titus
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