I know of no way of judging the future but by the past.

I know of no way of judging the future but by the past.

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.

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!

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.

We are descended from a people whose government was founded on liberty; our glorious forefathers of Great Britain made liberty the foundation of everything. That country is become a great, mighty, and splendid nation; not because their government is strong and energetic, but, sir, because liberty is its direct end and foundation.

I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience.

The great object is that every man be armed.

This is all the inheritance I give to my dear family. The religion of Christ will give them one which will make them rich indeed.

The liberties of a people never were, nor ever will be, secure, when the transactions of their rulers may be concealed from them.

Are we at last brought to such humiliating and debasing degradation, that we cannot be trusted with arms for our defense?

Do you remember any instance where tyranny was destroyed and freedom established on its ruins, among a people possessing so small a share of virtue and public spirit? I recollect none, and this more than the British arms makes me fearful of final success, without a reform.

Give me liberty or give me death.

We are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of Nature has placed in our power... the battle, sir, is not to the strong alone it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave.

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 have had many anxieties for our commonwealth, principally occasioned by the depreciation of our money.