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
Amongst other strange things said of me, I hear it is said by the deists that I am one of the number; and, indeed, that some good people think I am no Christian. This thought gives me much more pain than the appellation of Tory;because I think religion of infinitely higher importance than politics;and I find much cause to reproach myself that I have lived so long, and have given no decided and public proofs of my being a Christian. But, indeed, my dear child, this is a character which I prize far above all this world has, or can boast.
-Patrick Henry
(To his daughter)
Whether this [new government] will prove a blessing or a curse will depend upon the use our people make of the blessings which a gracious God hath bestowed on us. If they are wise, they will be great and happy. If they are of a contrary character, they will be miserable. Righteousness alone can exalt them as a nation. Reader! Whoever thou art, remember this, and in thy sphere practice virtue thyself and encourage it in others.
-Patrick Henry
It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians;not on religions, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ! For this very reason peoples of other faiths have been afforded asylum, prosperity, and freedom of worship here.
-Patrick Henry
The Bible is worth all other books which have ever been printed.
-Patrick Henry
Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect every one who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but downright force. Whenever you give up that force, you are inevitably ruined.
-Patrick Henry
Are we at last brought to such humiliating and debasing degradation, that we cannot be trusted with arms for our defense? Where is the difference between having our arms in possession and under our direction, and having them under the management of Congress? If our defense be the real object of them under the management of Congress? If our defense be the real object of having those arms, in whose hands can they be trusted with more propriety, or equal safety to us, as in our own hands?
-Patrick Henry
(Debates in the Several State Conventions 45, 2d ed. Philadelphia)
1836
The great object is, that every man be armed ... Every one who is able may have a gun.