Are we at last brought to such a humiliating and debasing degradation, that we cannot be trusted with arms for our own defense?
PATRICK HENRYThe liberties of a people never were, nor ever will be, secure when the transactions of their rulers may be concealed from them.
More Patrick Henry Quotes
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A King, by disallowing Acts of this salutary nature, from being the father of his people, degenerated into a Tyrant and forfeits all rights to his subjects’ obedience.
PATRICK HENRY -
I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience.
PATRICK HENRY -
We will appoint as justices, constables, sheriffs, or other officials, only men that know the law of the realm and are minded to keep it well.
PATRICK HENRY -
Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect everyone who comes near that precious jewel. Unfortunately, nothing.
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 -
Caesar had his Brutus, Charles the First his Cromwell; and George the Third — [‘Treason!’ cried the Speaker] — may profit by their example. If this be treason, make the most of it.
PATRICK HENRY -
I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past.
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!
PATRICK HENRY -
The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave.
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?
PATRICK HENRY -
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.
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.
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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 -
I am not a Virginian, but an American.
PATRICK HENRY