Question

read the excerpt from the crisis, number 1.

\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.\

which best describes the purpose of this excerpt?

• to encourage colonists to consider a peaceful solution
• to explain paine’s moral justification for the war
• to emphasize the hardships that come with fighting for a cause
• to inspire colonists to join the fight for independence

Explanation:

The excerpt from The Crisis, Number 1 by Thomas Paine contrasts "little minds" that shrink with those with firm hearts and good consciences who pursue principles to death. This is meant to inspire colonists to be brave and join the fight for independence, not advocate peace, explain moral justification generally, or emphasize hardships.

Answer:

D. to inspire colonists to join the fight for independence (assuming the options are labeled A - D with the last option as such; if the original options have different labels, adjust to match, e.g., if the bottom - right is option D, then "D. to inspire colonists to join the fight for independence")