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.

Meaning of the quote

In this quote, Patrick Henry, an important American Revolutionary, is saying that he has given all of his material possessions to his family. However, the one thing he wishes he could give them is the Christian religion. This suggests that Henry believed the Christian faith was the most valuable thing he could pass on to his loved ones, even more so than his worldly wealth and belongings.

About Patrick Henry

Patrick Henry was an American politician, planter, and orator who famously declared “Give me liberty, or give me death!” during the American Revolution. He served as the first and sixth post-colonial Governor of Virginia and was a key figure in the fight for American independence.

More about the author

More quotes from Patrick Henry

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.

Patrick Henry

American Founding Father, orator and politician (1736 - 1799)

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

Patrick Henry

American Founding Father, orator and politician (1736 - 1799)

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.

Patrick Henry

American Founding Father, orator and politician (1736 - 1799)

Fear is the passion of slaves.

Patrick Henry

American Founding Father, orator and politician (1736 - 1799)

I like dreams of the future better than the history of the past.

Patrick Henry

American Founding Father, orator and politician (1736 - 1799)

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

Patrick Henry

American Founding Father, orator and politician (1736 - 1799)

The Bible is worth all the other books which have ever been printed.

Patrick Henry

American Founding Father, orator and politician (1736 - 1799)

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.

Patrick Henry

American Founding Father, orator and politician (1736 - 1799)

When the American spirit was in its youth, the language of America was different: Liberty, sir, was the primary object.

Patrick Henry

American Founding Father, orator and politician (1736 - 1799)

The great object is that every man be armed.

Patrick Henry

American Founding Father, orator and politician (1736 - 1799)

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

Patrick Henry

American Founding Father, orator and politician (1736 - 1799)

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.

Patrick Henry

American Founding Father, orator and politician (1736 - 1799)

I know not what others may choose but, as for me, give me liberty or give me death.

Patrick Henry

American Founding Father, orator and politician (1736 - 1799)

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!

Patrick Henry

American Founding Father, orator and politician (1736 - 1799)

Give me liberty or give me death.

Patrick Henry

American Founding Father, orator and politician (1736 - 1799)

Perfect freedom is as necessary to the health and vigor of commerce as it is to the health and vigor of citizenship.

Patrick Henry

American Founding Father, orator and politician (1736 - 1799)

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

Patrick Henry

American Founding Father, orator and politician (1736 - 1799)

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.

Patrick Henry

American Founding Father, orator and politician (1736 - 1799)

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

Patrick Henry

American Founding Father, orator and politician (1736 - 1799)

If this be treason, make the most of it!

Patrick Henry

American Founding Father, orator and politician (1736 - 1799)