Patrick Henry quotes - page 2

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)
With respect to subsequent amendments, proposed by the worthy member, I am distressed when I hear the expression. It is a new one altogether, and such a one as stands against every idea of fortitude and manliness in the states, or any one else. Evils admitted in order to be removed subsequently, and tyranny submitted to in order to be excluded by a subsequent alteration, are things totally new to me.... I ask, does experience warrant such a thing from the beginning of the world to this day? Do you enter into a compact first, and afterwards settle the terms of the government? View quote
Patrick Henry
I will not, I cannot justify it. View quote
Patrick Henry
It is not a little Surprising that Christianity, whose chief excellence consists of softening the human heart, in cherishing and improving its finer Feelings, should encourage a Practice so totally repugnant to the first Impression of Right and Wrong. What adds to the wonder is that this Abominable Practice has been introduced in the most enlightened Ages. View quote
Patrick Henry
If she chuses to set free one or two of my slaves she is to have full power to do so. View quote
Patrick Henry
That religion, or the duty which we owe to our Creator, and the manner of discharging it, can be directed only by reason and conviction, not by force or violence; and therefore all men are equally entitled to the free exercise of religion, according to the dictates of conscience; and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian forbearance, love, and charity towards each other. View quote
Patrick Henry
I believe a time will come when an opportunity will be offered to abolish this lamentable evil. Everything we do is to improve it, if it happens in our day; if not, let us transmit to our descendants, together with our slaves, a pity for their unhappy lot and an abhorrence of slavery. View quote
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. View quote
Patrick Henry
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 it, sir, let it come. View quote
Patrick Henry
It is natural for man to indulge in the illusions of hope and pride. 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. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? 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. View quote
Patrick Henry
The question before the House is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings. (Patrick Henry)
The great object is that every man be armed... Everyone who is able may have a gun. View quote
Patrick Henry
It is natural to man to indulge in the illusion of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against the painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren, till she transforms us into beasts. View quote
Patrick Henry
The question before the House is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery. View quote
Patrick Henry
I shall honour the Quakers for their noble Effort to abolish Slavery. It is equally calculated to promote moral & political Good. View quote
Patrick Henry
Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation? Have we shown ourselves so unwilling to be reconciled that force must be called in to win back our love? Let us not deceive ourselves, sir. These are the implements of war and subjugation; the last arguments to which kings resort. View quote
Patrick Henry
Give me liberty or give me death. View quote
Patrick Henry
If this be treason, make the most of it! View quote
Patrick Henry
Are we at last brought to such humiliating and debasing degradation, that we cannot be trusted with arms for our defense? View quote
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. View quote
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)
Let Mr. Madison tell me when did liberty ever exist when the sword and the purse were given up from the people? Unless a miracle shall interpose, no nation ever did, nor ever can retain its liberty after the loss of the sword and the purse. View quote
Patrick Henry
Be of good courage, my son, and remember that the best men always make themselves. View quote
Patrick Henry
They tell us sir that we are weak, unable to cope with so formidable an advesary.But when shall we be stronger. View quote
Patrick Henry
I like dreams of the future better than the history of the past. View quote
Patrick Henry