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They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot? Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. Three millions of people, armed in the holy cause of Liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave.

Patrick Henry#10

FreedomFaithAmericaResistanceStrength

About this quote

What does it mean?
Americans are not weak if they use available means to fight for liberty. With God on their side and three million armed people, they are invincible against British forces.
In plain terms
We are strong if we fight for liberty with God on our side.
What can you take from it?
Use your strength to fight for liberty now.

Where it applies

  • revolutionary war
  • mobilization
  • defense

Putting it to work

  • arm citizens
  • resist oppression
  • rely on faith

Questions to consider

  • What gives a nation strength?
  • When is resistance necessary?

Another view

The claim of invincibility ignores logistical and military realities.

More from Patrick Henry

  1. I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience. I know no way of judging of the future but by the past.

    Permalink to quote #9
  2. If we wish to be free; if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contending; if we mean not basely to abando…

    Permalink to quote #11
  3. 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 t…

    Permalink to quote #8

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