American Crisis, No. 1
Thomas Paine
Quoted in President Obama's Inauguration Speech
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Complete text of page
- 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.
With an army to enforce her tyranny, they declared that they have a right 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.
I turn with warm ardor of a friend to those who have nobly stood and are yet determined to stand the
matter out. I call not upon a few but upon all, not on this state but on every state: up and help us; lay
your shoulders to the wheel; better have too much force than too little, when so great an object is at stake
Let it be told to the future world that in the depth of winter, when
nothing but hope and virtue could survive, that the city and the country,
alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet and to repulse it.
Say not that thousands are gone, turn out your tens of thousands; throw not the burden of the day
upon Providence, but 'show your faith by your works,' that God may bless you.
It matters not where you live, or what rank of life you hold, the evil or the blessing will reach you all.
The far and near the rich and the poor, will suffer or rejoice alike.
The heart that feels not now, is dead; the blood of his children will curse his cowardness
who shrinks back at a time when a little might have saved the whole and make them happy.
Let them call me a rebel and welcome, I feel no concern from it; but I should suffer the misery of devils
were I to make a whore of my soul by swearing allegiance to one whose character is that of a stupid,
stubborn, worthless, brutish man. I conceive likewise a horrid idea in receiving mercy from a being,
who at the last day shall be shrieking to the rocks and mountains to cover him and fleeing with terror
from the orphan, the widow, and the slain of America.
There are cases which cannot be overdone by language, and this is one.
There are persons too, who see not the full extent of the evil which threatens them; they solace
themselves with hopes that the enemy, if he succeed,will be merciful.
It is the madness of folly to expect mercy from those who have refused to do justice.
By perseverance and fortitude we have the prospect of a glorious issue; by cowardice and submission,
the sad choice of a variety of evils- a ravaged country- life without safety and slavery without hope...
