Testing of mens souls Excerpts from my blog. December 1776 was a time of testing for the newly declared republic. The time of enduring and preparing for what lay ahead was at hand. It was the winter before Valley forge and crossing the potomic. In the days and months ahead the Contenintal army would be thrust upon the stage of world history. It is in this setting, Thomas Pane penned these following words laying forth the principals of heart urging our forefathers, and mothers forward in the purpose of the pursuit of freedom, not just for themselves, but for all that would follow. 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. Thomas Paine, The Crisis No. I (written 19 December 1776, published 23 December 1776) Today we find ourselves faced with similar testing. Testing which will determine the fate of this nation. Lets us all now rise to the challange set to us by our heritage and the founders. What they fought for and obtained let us now defend. Our turn has come and either we meet the challange thrust upon us or we will sink into the abyss of obscurity.  We can prevail, and we must and as one said, secure the blessing of liberty for ourselves and our prosperity.  Our first understanding should be we must dedicate ourselfs to prayer and to seeking Gods face. I arose at a very early hour this AM to pray. The Lord gave me the following:  Seek first the kingdom of God and then all these things will be added unto you. IICh. 7:14 seek My face.  As I have written before this is our Esther 4:14 and II Ch. 7:14 moment.  When Gods face is upon us for favor, then all these things ...... Mat. 6:33 All the blessings of heaven follow the countenance of our heavenly father. So when we seek his face, not his hands we reciece all the bounty of heaven. https://omywordsite.wordpress.com/2020/07/08/testing-mens-souls/