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 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 ALLCASES 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.
Whether the independence of the continent was declared too soon, or delayed too long, I will not now enter into as an argument; my own simple opinion is, that had it been eight months earlier, it would have been much better.We did not make a proper use of last winter, neither could we, while we were in a dependent state.However, the fault, if it were one, was all our own * ; we have none to blame but ourselves.But no great deal is lost yet.All that Howe has been doing for this month past, is rather a ravage than a conquest, which the spirit of the Jerseys, a year ago, would have quickly repulsed, and which time and a little resolution will soon recover.