The voices / 33 fragments

Patrick Henry

1736 AD — 1799 AD

Listed in the author section of Bartlett’s ninth-edition anthology, in the linked 1905 printing. Dates reflect that historical edition and may differ from modern scholarship.

Author and source reference ↗

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Historical source references

Speech in the Virginia Convention, 1765
Speech in the Virginia Convention
Conscience · anthology attribution: Patrick Henry
Printed citation: Patrick Henry
Page 141 · printed citation: Patrick Henry · subject: Kings

Archive entries

01c. 1767 AD

Cæsar 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 / quote

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02c. 1767 AD

I am not a Virginian, but an American.

Patrick Henry / quote

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03c. 1767 AD

I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience. I know no way of judging of the future but by the past.

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04c. 1767 AD

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 / quote

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05Undated

He that hath a blind conscience which sees nothing, a dead conscience which feels nothing, and a dumb conscience which says nothing, is in as miserable a condition as a man can be on this side of hell.

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06Undated

I know no judgment of the future but by the past.

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07Undated

Implements of war and subjugation are the last arguments to which kings resort.

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08Undated

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.

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09Undated

Give me liberty or give me death.".]

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10Undated

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

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11Undated

Fear is the passion of slaves.

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12Undated

Give me liberty or give me d

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13Undated

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.

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14Undated

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

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15Undated

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 / quote

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16Undated

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 / quote

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17Undated

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

Patrick Henry / quote

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18Undated

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

Patrick Henry / quote

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19Undated

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 / quote

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20Undated

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 / quote

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21Undated

The great object is that every man be armed.

Patrick Henry / quote

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22Undated

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 / quote

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23Undated

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 / quote

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24Undated

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 / quote

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Patrick Henry

Archive entries

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