Question

Which two excerpts in the passage supports the claim that Paine believed the cost of the colonists' struggle against the British was well worth the outcome?

The Crisis, No. 1
by Thomas Paine (adapted excerpt)

. . . 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 shoulders 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 to 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," that you may be blessed. It matters not where you live, or what rank of life you hold, the effect 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 cold; the children will criticize 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. My own line of reasoning is to myself as straight and clear as a ray of light. Not all the treasures of the world, so far as I believe, could have induced me to support an offensive, for I think it wrong; but if a thief breaks into my house, burns and destroys my property, and threatens me, or those that are in it, and to "bind me in all cases whatsoever" to his absolute will, am I to suffer it?



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Answer 1

Here are two excerpts from Thomas Paine's "The Crisis, No. 1" that support the claim that he believed the cost of the colonists' struggle against the British was well worth the outcome:

• "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 to repulse it."
• "The heart that feels not now is cold; the children will criticize his cowardice, who shrinks back at a time when a little might have saved the whole, and made them happy."

In these excerpts, Paine is urging the colonists to continue fighting for their independence, even though the cost of the war has been high. He reminds them that they are fighting for a noble cause, and that the future of their children depends on their victory.

Paine also believes that the colonists will ultimately be victorious. He compares the colonists to a city under siege, and says that they will eventually repel the British invaders. He also says that the colonists are fighting for a just cause, and that God will help them to achieve victory.

Paine's words were a powerful inspiration to the colonists, and they helped to keep the American Revolution going. In the end, the colonists were victorious, and Paine's words were vindicated.