When all seems bleak look to 1776! Today, it is difficult to even conceive of the hardships endured by the Continental Army on that Christmas day in1776. General George Washington was on the verge of losing the Revolutionary War. His army felt defeated and discouraged and his countrymen had lost confidence in his abilities.
With his men’s enlistments expiring in one week Washington had no choice but to risk everything on a desperate gamble. The situation was so bleak that Thomas Paine, one of the few who still believed in George Washington felt compelled to write the “Crisis” in hopes of rallying the men and inspiring the nation to continue the war. I believe it is still valuable to inspire patriots today to continue the battle to save our Republic. As events may look bleak, ie, the loss of Virginia to the radical left, look again to the words of Thomas Paine. Think about the terrible conditions that the Continental Army faced that day and press ahead!
“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 by 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.”