Take Heart - American Crisis

In my mail today:

Every time I read the passage below I take heart. They were written over 236 years ago, but they still apply, particularly given the current political situation. I have copied these words as an exercise that will force me to dwell on these words and their meaning as applied to our current national situation. They provide a message of courage and tenacity and hope that the future of our country can be salvaged if only we persevere. The basic message is never, ever give up.
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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 his 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; 'tis 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.

And more pearls of wisdom can be found in subsequent passages of THE AMERICAN CRISIS !!!

The American Crisis is a collection of articles written by Thomas Paine during the American Revolutionary War. In 1776 Paine wrote Common Sense, an extremely popular and successful pamphlet arguing for Independence from England. The essays collected here constitute Paine's ongoing support for an independent and self-governing America through the many severe crises of the Revolutionary War. General Washington found the first essay so inspiring, he ordered that it be read to the troops at Valley Forge.

• The American Crisis: December 23, 1776