Patrick Henry

"The sacred fire of liberty and the destiny of the republican model of government rests on the shoulders of the American people."

"I have the consolation to reflect that my integrity is clear and my heart is at ease."

"The freedom of conscience, the free exercise of religion according to the dictates of one's own judgment, is a truth."

"Believe not those who promise you freedom through the restriction of liberty."

"I am but a poor creature; let me implore the legislature to hear me."

"Our children should be taught to love their freedom and to jealously guard their liberties."

"Life is a beautiful struggle, and we must engage with courage."

"The hand of Providence has been so conspicuous in favor of the Americans."

"A wise man will give a liberal answer to a liberal question."

"The people ought to have the power of recall over those that represent them."

"What is to be the consequence of abandoning the trial by jury? Nothing but anarchy."

"The Constitution of these United States must be sacred and inviolable."

"We the people are the rightful masters of both Congress and the courts."

"Let there be no delusion about the dangers which threaten us."

"I believe the balance of power is the scale of peace; the same principle will apply to every republic."

"The virtue of the people and the strength of the country rest on the same foundation."

"Liberty and security are in the scales with the security of the majority."

"Some measure of power is conferred upon us that we may do good."

"The cement of union among the states is rendered vulnerable by the neglect of our duties."

"Reflection and choice will be the characteristics of our new government."

"A militia, when properly formed, is in fact the people themselves."

"The people want security and justice, and they will naturally turn to those who provide it."

"The price of justice is constant vigilance."

"Hold up your heads like freemen or like slaves, the choice is yours."

"Let us not despair; despair is the resource of cowards."

"Knowledge will always govern ignorance; and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power of knowledge."

"We must speak truth to power without fear."

"The love of liberty has been the dominant passion of my life."

"I request that the Almighty protect our endeavor."

"The business of every honest man ought to be the interest of the public."