Patrick Henry

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.

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.

Give me liberty or give me d

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!

Fear is the passion of slaves.

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.

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

Do you remember any instance where tyranny was destroyed and freedom established on its ruins, among a people possessing so small a share of virtue and public spirit? I recollect none, and this more than the British arms makes me fearful of final success, without a reform.

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

It is the business of a virtuous clergy to censure vice in every appearance of it.

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

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

We are descended from a people whose government was founded on liberty; our glorious forefathers of Great Britain made liberty the foundation of everything. That country is become a great, mighty, and splendid nation; not because their government is strong and energetic, but, sir, because liberty is its direct end and foundation.

For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst and provide for it.

I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience.

The Bible is worth all the other books which have ever been printed.

It is a debt we owe to the purity of our religion to show that it is at variance with that law which warrants slavery.

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.