The paragraph below called "The American Crisis" was written by Thomas Paine during the time when George Washington's men withdrew into New Jersey. They were in a bad shape and lacked proper food and clothing. During this bleak hour, he wrote this essay that until today stirs the hearts of those who must face unexpected hardship in fighting for what they believe.
THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot
will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now,
deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily
conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the
more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too
lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a
proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as
FREEDOM should not be highly rated. Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny, has
declared that she has a right (not only to TAX) but "to BIND us in ALL CASES
WHATSOEVER," and if being bound in that manner, is not slavery, then is there not such
a thing as slavery upon earth. Even the expression is impious; for so unlimited a
power can belong only to God.
Personally, the way Thomas Paine wrote it was absolutely brilliant. Which is no wonder how it stirs the hearts of many people.
I hope you were blessed.
-deborah-
THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot
will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now,
deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily
conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the
more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too
lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a
proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as
FREEDOM should not be highly rated. Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny, has
declared that she has a right (not only to TAX) but "to BIND us in ALL CASES
WHATSOEVER," and if being bound in that manner, is not slavery, then is there not such
a thing as slavery upon earth. Even the expression is impious; for so unlimited a
power can belong only to God.
Personally, the way Thomas Paine wrote it was absolutely brilliant. Which is no wonder how it stirs the hearts of many people.
I hope you were blessed.
-deborah-