Quotes from 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.

I believe a time will come when an opportunity will be offered to abolish this lamentable evil.

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.

If this be treason, make the most of it!

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

Shall we, who have laid the proud British lion at our feet, now be afraid of his whelps?

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

I shall act as I think my duty requires.

My great objection to this government is, that it does not leave us the means of defending our rights, or of waging war against tyrants.

The whole economy of this lower world proves that it is by labor and perseverance only that good is obtained and evil is avoided.

Be of good courage, my son, and remember that the best men always make themselves.

Implements of war and subjugation are the last arguments to which kings resort.

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.

Adversity toughens manhood, and the characteristic of the good or the great man is not that he has been exempt from the evils of life, but that he has surmounted them.

Bad men cannot make good citizens. A vitiated state of morals, a corrupted public conscience are incompatible with freedom.

The militia is our ultimate safety. We can have no security without it. The great object is that every man be armed.

Bad men cannot make good citizens.

The American Revolution was the grand operation, which seemed to be assigned by the Deity to the men of this age in our country, over and above the common duties of life

The distinctions between Virginians, Pennsylvanians, New Yorkers, and New Englanders are no more. I am not a Virginian but an American.

Unite liberality with a just frugality; always reserve something for the hand of charity; and never let your door be closed to the voice of suffering humanity.

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!

Righteousness alone can exalt them [America] as a nation. Reader! Whoever thou art, remember this, and in thy sphere practice virtue thyself and encourage it in others.

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.

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?