The Crisis, No. 1 Thomas Paine

p. 331  “These are the times that try men’s souls.”  Who are the summer soldier and the sunshine patriot?  Britain will not go down easily.  Britain has too much power; Paine feels only God should have that much power.  They waited too long…they should have declared independence months ago.  The only have themselves to blame for letting it get this far.

p  P. 332  God will watch out for them because they tried to avoid war.  The King is compared to a murderer, a highwayman, and a housebreaker.  Paine can give a firsthand account of what is going on because he is marching with the army.  P. 333  The retreated with a “manly and martial spirit.” What does he mean by that?  They seem to do better when facing great struggles; they don’t do anything the easy way.  Why are they fighting in the middle colonies?  Everyone must now choose a side…no more can one claim neutrality.

p  P. 334  Tories, who are British sympathizers, are cowards; Howe also expects them to fight with the British.  A good parent should want to fight now to ensure that their children have peace.  “…for though the flame of liberty may sometimes cease to shine, the coal can never expire.”  Kick the tories out and confiscate all their land and possessions!  P. 335  “…nothing can reach the heart that is steeled with prejudice.”  Paine makes a strong call to action.  No matter what you feel, this will affect everyone. Britain will not be merciful just because you did not fight.  He welcomes being called a rebel.  He claims he dislikes war but doesn’t see any other way out of the way they are being treated.

p. 336  The British are simply trying to terrify the colonists into submission.  “I bring reason to your ears, and, in language as plain as A, B, C, hold up truth to your eyes.”  Every move the army has made has been controlled; people spreading false alarms have made things seem worse than they are.  Perseverance is the only way to be successful.  This was part of the Common Sense pamphlets.