The American Crisis....

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...

Thomas Paine

The above is an excerpt from "The American Crisis", written by Thomas Paine. This pamphlet was a work in progress which was originally published in 1776, but had been added onto and further published until 1783. This particular pamphlet proved invaluable in raising the morale for the American cause during a time when the outcome appeared particularly bleak.
Days before crossing the Delaware River to attack the Hessian barracks at Trenton, N.J., this pamphlet was read aloud to General George Washington's rag tag army. These words were delivered just in time, as many an underfed and defeated soldier in the army was on the verge of leaving the rank and file, as their enlistments were soon to expire. Hearing these patriotic words of encouragement gave new life and vigour to the cause, and most of the soldiers stayed on with Washington and defeated the Hessians, thus taking Trenton and began the change of tide in the American Revolution. The Americans had gained a much needed victory, and proved that it was possible for them to stand up the British Army and claim their independence from Great Britain.