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.

— Patrick Henry

I am not a Virginian but an American.

— Patrick Henry

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

— Patrick Henry

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

— 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.

— Patrick Henry

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

— 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

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

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.

— Patrick Henry

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.

— Patrick Henry