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[Our Constitution] is an instrument for the people to restrain the government.

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
Instrument
Libertarian
Instruments
Constitution
Government
People
Restraining
Restrain

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It is natural to man to indulge in the illusion of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, till she transforms us into beasts.
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We have not yet begun to fight.
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Being a Christian... is a character which I prize far above all this world has or can boast.
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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.
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The King has degenerated into a tyrant and forfeits all rights to his subjects' obedience.
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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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The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave.
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The whole economy of this lower world proves that it is by labor and perseverance only that good is obtained and evil is avoided.
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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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The eternal difference between right and wrong does not fluctuate, it is immutable.
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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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Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace! – but there is no peace.
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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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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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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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I know not what others may choose but, as for me, give me liberty or give me death.
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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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We should transmit to posterity our abhorrence of slavery.
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I shall act as I think my duty requires.
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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.
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