“Say not that this is revenge; call it rather the soft resentment
of a suffering people who, having no object in view but the
good of all, have staked their own all upon a seemingly
doubtful event. Yet it is folly to argue against determined
hardness; eloquence may strike the ear and the language of
sorrow draw forth the tear of compassion, but nothing can reach
the heart that is steeled with prejudice.
Quitting this class of men, I turn with the 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 or that state, but on every state- up and
help us, lay your shoulder 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 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”.
{For you Christians out there that quote is from James 2:18},
“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 the
near, the home counties and the back, 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 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.”
Thomas Paine.
From “The American Crisis”.
Islander.