Quote

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

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Patrick Henry
Age: 63 †
Born: 1736
Born: May 29
Died: 1799
Died: June 6
Governor Of Virginia
Lawyer
Politician
Slaveholder
Hanover County
Virginia
Henry
Attention
Bounds
Jewels
Every
Object
Stays
Long
Approach
Suspect
Good
Objects
Suspects
Virtue
Guard
Liberty
Suspicion
Public
Jealous
Jewel
Within
Proper
Approaches

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Have we the means of resisting disciplined armies, when our only defence, the militia, is put in the hands of Congress?
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. . . Virtue, morality, and religion. This is the armor, my friend, and this alone that renders us invincible. These are the tactics we should study. If we lose these, we are conquered, fallen indeed . . . so long as our manners and principles remain sound, there is no danger.
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Were my soul trembling on the wing of eternity, were this hand freezing to death, were my voice choking with the last struggle, I would still, with the last gasp of that voice, implore you to remember the truth: God has given America to be free.
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They tell us, sir, that we are weak unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house?
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The liberties of a people never were, nor ever will be, secure, when the transactions of their rulers may be concealed from them.
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This house protected by an armed citizen. There is absolutely nothing here worth dying for.
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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.
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I believe a time will come when an opportunity will be offered to abolish this lamentable evil.
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I know of no way of judging the future but by the past.
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I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience.
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Away with your president! We shall have a king... the army will salute him as monarch your militia will leave you and assist in making him king and fight against you. And what have you to oppose this force? What will then become of you and your rights?
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The great pillars of all government and of social life [are] virtue, morality, and religion. This is the armor, my friend, and this alone, that renders us invincible.
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Human nature will never part with power. Look for an example of a voluntary relinquishment of power from one end of the globe to another - you will find none.
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There is a Book worth all other books which were ever printed.
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Jealousy is the only vice that gives no pleasure
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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!
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[Our Constitution] is an instrument for the people to restrain the government.
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Give me liberty or give me death.
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The King has degenerated into a tyrant and forfeits all rights to his subjects' obedience.
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When the American spirit was in its youth, the language of America was different: Liberty, sir, was the primary object.
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