Patrick Henry

Patrick Henry (29 May 1736 - 6 June 1799) was a prominent figure in the American Revolution, known and remembered primarily for his stirring oratory.
Found 16 thoughts of Patrick Henry

Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains or slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take but as for me; give me liberty or give me death!

Patrick Henry

The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government - lest it come to dominate our lives and interests.

Patrick Henry

Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect everyone who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but downright force. Whenever you give up that force, you are inevitably ruined.

Patrick Henry

It is natural for man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts... 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.

Patrick Henry

Are we at last brought to such humiliating and debasing degradation, that we cannot be trusted with arms for our defence?

Patrick Henry

It can not be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians, not on religions, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ!

Patrick Henry

Bad men cannot make good citizens. It is impossible that a nation of infidels or idolaters should be a nation of free men. It is when a people forget God that tyrants forge their chains. A vitiated state of morals, a corrupted public conscience, are incompatible with freedom.

Patrick Henry

We are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of Nature has placed in our power.. the battle, sir, is not to the strong alone it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave.

Patrick Henry

When the American spirit was in its youth, the language of America was different: Liberty, sir, was the primary object.

Patrick Henry

Perfect freedom is as necessary to the health and vigor of commerce as it is to the health and vigor of citizenship.

Patrick Henry

The liberties of a people never were, nor ever will be, secure, when the transactions of their rulers may be concealed from them.

Patrick Henry

I know of no way to judge the future but by the past.

Patrick Henry

This is all the inheritance I give to my dear family. The religion of Christ will give them one which will make them rich indeed.

Patrick Henry

I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death.

Patrick Henry

I know no way of judging the future but by the past.

Patrick Henry

Give me liberty, or give me death.

Patrick Henry