Patrick Henry wanted the Constitution to have a Bill of Rights attached to it — a list of powers that the government could never use against the people of the United States.
PATRICK HENRYLiberty, the greatest of all earthly blessings – give us that precious jewel and you may take everything else!
More Patrick Henry Quotes
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I smell a rat.
PATRICK HENRY -
Mr. President, it is natural to 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.
PATRICK HENRY -
Beside, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone.
PATRICK HENRY -
The distinctions between Virginians, Pennsylvanians, New Yorkers, and New Englanders are no more. I Am Not A Virginian, But An American!
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Fear is the passion of slaves.
PATRICK HENRY -
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?
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United we stand, divided we fall. Let us not split into factions which must destroy that union upon which our existence hangs.
PATRICK HENRY -
I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience.
PATRICK HENRY -
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!
PATRICK HENRY -
Will preserve it but downright force. When you give up that force, you are ruined.
PATRICK HENRY -
Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason toward my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings.
PATRICK HENRY -
I am not a Virginian, but an American.
PATRICK HENRY -
The battle, Sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, Sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable; and let it come! I repeat, Sir, let it come!
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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 -
Suspicion is a virtue as long as its object is the public good, and as long as it stays within proper bounds. Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect every one who approaches that jewel.
PATRICK HENRY