Overview
Thomas Paine wrote the American Crisis in an effort to justify the American Revolution and to bolster the moral of the Continental Army.
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.
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.
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