Patrick Henry was one of the Anti Federalists who was instrumental in bringing forth the Bill of Rights. His quote “guard with jealous attention the public liberty” is used to inspire us today, but it was originally given by him to admonish those who saw no danger in the proposed Constitution. His messages was that individual liberties needed to be protected above all else. Below is a bigger portion of the quote displayed about vigilance.

“Is the relinquishment of the trial by jury and the liberty of the press necessary for your liberty? Will the abandonment of your most sacred rights tend to the security of your liberty?

Liberty, the greatest of all earthly blessings-give us that precious jewel, and you may take every thing else: But I am fearful I have lived long enough to become an fellow: Perhaps an invincible attachment to the dearest rights of man, may, in these refined, enlightened days, be deemed old fashioned: If so, I am contented to be so: I say, the time has been when every pore of my heart beat for American liberty, and which, I believe, had a counterpart in the breast of every true American.

I may be thought suspicious when I say our privileges and rights are in danger… But, Sir, suspicion is a virtue, as long as its object is the preservation of the public good, and as long as it stays within proper bounds: Should it fall on me, I am contented: Conscious rectitude is a powerful consolation.

I trust there are many who think my professions for the public good to be real. Let your suspicion look to both sides: There are many on the other side, who possibly may have been persuaded of the necessity of these measures, which I conceive to be dangerous to your liberty.

Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect every one who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but downright force: Whenever you give up that force, you are inevitably ruined.