Thomas Paine

Thomas Paine was with the Continental Army, under the leadership of George Washington, in 1776 while it was retreating across New Jersey after the fall of Fort Washington and Fort Lee on the Hudson River.  While he was not much of a soldier he was an inspiring writer.  During this retreat he wrote "The Crisis", including this entry 

December 23, 1776

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 by 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 ALL CASES 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.

"These are the times that try men's souls" was a phrase we would use in jest many times over the next few months.