Patrick Henry on Government, March 23, 1775

There is no longer room for hope.  If we wish to be free, we must fight!  An appeal to arms and to the God of Hosts is all that is left us!

They tell me that we are weak, but shall we gather strength by irresolution?  We are not weak.  Three million people, armed in the holy cause of liberty and in such a country, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us.  We shall not fight alone.  God presides over the destinies of nations, and will raise up friends for us.  The battle is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave...

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!