The American Crisis No. III

The American Crisis by Thomas Paine
Published April 19, 1777

It is a much easier thing to draw remonstrances than swords, and that it is better to suffer wrong than to do it, is a position which every honest man will subscribe to; but it is likewise true that it is better to fight than to yield, and that hard as the task may be, the reward is glorious.

The heart that feels not now is dead; the blood of his children shall curse his cowardice, who shrinks back at a time when a little might have saved the whole, and made them happy. I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. ’Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death.

My countrymen, the time is now near at hand which must determine whether Americans are to be freemen or slaves; whether they are to have any property they can call their own; whether their houses and farms are to be pillaged and destroyed, and themselves consigned to a condition worse than death. The ravages of war, the cruelty of the invader, and the suffering of the innocent must be met with courage and unity.

Let it be remembered that the cause of America is the cause of all mankind. The principles we fight for are universal, and the struggle we endure is not for ourselves alone, but for generations yet unborn. The flame of liberty burns bright, and it must not be extinguished by fear or submission.

Source: Public domain