Posted on 03/22/2010 5:08:25 AM PDT by ConservativeHideout
From 1776 to 1783 Thomas Paine published sixteen pamphlets known as The American Crisis. These pamphlets were crafted to inspire the colonists during the turbulent times of the American Revolution. The first was released on December 23, 1776. What makes this pamphlet so vital in our country’s history is that Thomas Paine crafted the right words for the right time during the early days of our struggle for independence. Those words inspired General Washington into action. The pamphlet, was read aloud to the Continental army on December 23, 1776, two days before the Battle of Trenton. The first paragraph from it was a call for courage and perseverance.
"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 everything 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."
It was December 1776 and all appeared lost after the Continental Army met with defeat after defeat against a better trained and more organized enemy. The British felt the rebellion was crushed and George Washington was nothing more than an annoyance. Below is an excerpt from the New World Encyclopedia
“General Washington was faced with overwhelming military odds and the certain destruction of the American colonies’ quest for independence. Twelve thousand British troops were slowed only by weather in their unopposed advance across New Jersey. Facing separate army groups under the seasoned commands of British Generals Howe, and Cornwallis, Washington knew his options were limited. A keen student of history and a former officer of the Virginia Regiment in the British Army, George Washington was well aware this enemy had not lost a war in centuries.”
“His remaining 2,400 men on the western bank of the Delaware River huddled nine miles north of the Hessian encampment at Trenton had few choices. They were surrounded by unfriendly locals who believed the revolution all but lost, and tradesmen unwilling to extend credit. They were cold and hungry and for many their enlistments were up in less than one week. In the face of certain and permanent defeat, Washington chose Christmas Day, 1776, to sling his stone at the goliath’s forehead.”
I have chosen this precise moment in our nation’s history because the events and actions of patriots in the past can still inspire the American spirit. George Washington and his 2,400 men on that cold December day decided that liberty, freedom, and self governance were worth fighting for. With scarce provisions, little food, and inadequate winter clothes, they attacked and defeated a better trained Hessian force against all the odds. We are all blessed that such men lived.
Today an oppressive wind is blowing from the East and Americans are standing at a crossroads and must again decide if liberty, freedom, and self governance are worth fighting for. Our economy is a mess. Our politicians are corrupt. And many feel that we have lost our way. Has the great experiment failed us or have we failed it? I can’t help but return to the words of Thomas Paine; “These are the times that try men’s souls.” Do you have the courage and perseverance to see this through? Are you willing to stand up for the Republic and the Constitution? Or do you shrink from the service of your country?
These are questions you must ask yourself, because America is indeed in crisis again.
Liberty forever, freedom for all!
Original Post: The Current
Very inspirational. Thanks for the post.
Our Lives, Our fortunes. . .our sacred honor. . .Thanks CH for the proper perspective this morning.
Thanks. I already have that in my YouTube playlist :)
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