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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
It can not 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!
Bad men cannot make good citizens. It is when a people forget God
that tyrants forge their chains. A vitiated state of morals, a corrupted
public conscience, is incompatible with freedom. No free government,
or the blessings of liberty, can be preserved to any people but
by a firm adherence to justice, moderation, temperance, frugality,
and virtue; and by a frequent recurrence to fundamental principles.
Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect everyone
who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, nothing will preserve
it but downright force. Whenever you give up that force, you are
inevitably ruined.
I know not what others may choose but, as for me, give me liberty
or give me death.
Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price
of chains or slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course
others may take but as for me; give me liberty or give me death!
It is natural for man to indulge in the illusions of hope. 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... 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.
Religion I have disposed of all my property to my family. There
is one thing more I wish I could give to them, and that is the Christian
religion. If they had that and I had not given them one cent, they
would be rich. If they have not that, and I had given them the world,
they would be poor.
The Bible is worth all the other books which have ever been printed.
Quotes by Patrick Henry
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