Sunday, May 7th, 1775: At Sunday morning service, Rev. Thruston read Governor Dunmore’s Royal Proclamation dated May 6th in which he declared “. . . a certain PATRICK HENRY, of the county of Hanover and a number of his deluded followers have put themselves in a posture for war . . .” He then directed “. . . all persons, upon their allegiance, not to aid, abet, or give countenance to the said PATRICK HENRY or any other persons concerned in such unwarrantable combinations; but, on the contrary, to oppose them, and their designs by every means . . .”

After reading the entire proclamation, Rev. Thruston continued, “This is an illegal death warrant issued by John Murray, Lord Dunmore, the Royal Governor against Mr. Patrick Henry. Our governor hereby forfeits any authority over the people of the Commonwealth of Virginia.”

Then opening his Bible, he said, “As for Mr. Patrick Henry, his refuge is in David’s Psalm 26:

Judge me, O Lord; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the Lord; therefore I shall not slide.

Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.

For thy loving kindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth.

I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers.

I have hated the congregation of evildoers; and will not sit with the wicked.

I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O Lord:

That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.

Lord, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.

Gather not my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloody men:

In whose hands is mischief, and their right hand is full of bribes.

But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me.

My foot standeth in an even place: in the congregations will I bless the Lord.

After reading the Psalm, Rev. Thruston concluded, “I urge you to pray for all who stand against tyranny. I am able to let you know a piece of good news. Mr. Patrick Henry is now on his way to Philadelphia, accompanied by ten armed Patriot horsemen. There, he will join Virginia delegates, Messer’s Richard Bland, Benjamin Harrison, Francis Lightfoot Lee, Richard Henry Lee, Thomas Nelson Jr., Edmund Pendleton, Peyton Randolph, Col. George Washington, and George Wythe who were already there when Continental Congress re-convened on the 5th.”