Patrick Henry

I have now disposed of all my property to my family. There is one thing more I wish I could give them, and that is the Christian religion.

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!

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.

The great object is that every man be armed.

It is natural to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes to that siren until she allures us to our death.

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 am not a Virginian but an American.

Give me liberty or give me death.

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

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

Give me liberty or give me death.".]

Congress may carry on the most wicked and pernicious of schemes under the dark veil of secrecy. The liberties of a people never were, nor ever will be, secure, when the transactions of their rulers may be concealed from them.

Show me that age and country where the rights and liberties of the people were placed on the sole chance of their rulers being good men, without a consequent loss of liberty?

The eternal difference between right and wrong does not fluctuate, it is immutable.