Quotes by Patrick Henry

About Patrick Henry:

Patrick Henry was an American attorney, planter and politician who became known as an orator during the movement for independence in Virginia in the 1770s. A Founding Father, he served as the first and sixth post-colonial Governor of Virginia, from 1776 to 1779 and from 1784 to 1786.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

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.

Patrick Henry

If this be treason, make the most of it!

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

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

Give me liberty or give me death." [From a speech given at Saint John's Church in Richmond, Virginia on March 23, 1775 to the Virginia House of Burgesses; as first published in print in 1817 in William Wirt's .]

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

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

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

It is the business of a virtuous clergy to censure vice in every appearance of it.

Patrick Henry

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.

Patrick Henry

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

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.

Patrick Henry

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

Perfect freedom is as necessary to the health and vigor of commerce as it is to the health and vigor of citizenship.

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

This is all the inheritance I give to my dear family. The religion of Christ will give them one which will make them rich indeed.

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

Give me liberty or give me death.

Patrick Henry

I know not what others may choose but, as for me, give me liberty or give me death.

Patrick Henry

The great object is that every man be armed.

Patrick Henry

Author Bio

  • NamePatrick Henry
  • Descriptionattorney, planter, politician and Founding Father of the United States
  • BornMay 29, 1736
  • DiedJune 6, 1799
  • CountryUnited States Of America
  • ProfessionPolitician; Lawyer