Excerpt

George Washington is an American hero whose fame is not wholly accounted for by the record of his life. The man was infinitely greater than anything he did. A military genius, he wrested liberty from tyranny; a statesman, he helped evolve a stable government from political chaos; a patriot, he refused a crown. Wisdom, patience, tolerance, courage, consecration to the righteous cause animated his every act. Ingratitude, injustice and treachery never embittered him, but served to strengthen his character. He grew in dignity and in capacity to the need of his growing responsibility and power. He never became arrogant and ambition and opportunity never tempted him from the narrow path of honor.


Some Important Highlights

Few people realize that George Washington (1732 – 1799) was a man who formally attended school only to the elementary level. Yet he went on to become Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army in 1775 and served in this capacity until 1783.

Washington first gained prominence leading troops from Virginia in support of the British Empire during the French and Indian War (1754–1763), a conflict which he inadvertently helped to start.

After leading the American victory in the Revolutionary War, he relinquished his military power and returned to civilian life, an act that brought him much renown.

There was initially a question as to how the new leader was to be properly addressed. The Senate proposed that he be called “King” or as “His Highness the President of the United States and Protector of Their Liberties.” Washington refused to consider either of these titles. As a result, the Senate and the House of Representatives, after much heated debate, compromised and agreed on the use of the much less pompous “President of the United States.”

After his second term expired, Washington again retired to civilian life. He thereby established an important precedent of peaceful change of government that was to serve as an example for the United States and for other future Republics.

Because of his central role in the founding of the United States, Washington is often called the “Father of the Country.” Scholars rank him among the greatest of United States presidents.


Washington’s Faith in God

Washington, “without making ostentatious professions of religion, was a sincere believer in the Christian faith, and a truly devout man,” according to John Marshall, Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court. Marshall had fought with General Washington at Valley Forge during the War for Independence.

After Washington died on December 4, 1799, Reverend J. T. Kirkland said: “The virtues of our departed friend were crowned by piety. He is known to have been habitually devout. To Christian institutions he gave the countenance of his, example; and no one could express, more fully, his sense of the Providence of God, and the dependence of man.”


Washington’s Spiritual Life

Washington dutifully recorded the words of advice his mother, Mary, gave him when he was leaving home to begin what would turn out to be a lifelong service to his country. She said: “Remember that God is our only one trust. To Him, I commend you … My son, neglect not the duty of secret prayer.”

Throughout his life, whether a young man, Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, or President of the United States, he would promptly stand up at exactly 9:00 pm, take his candle, and go to his library. There, from 9:00pm to 10:00pm, he would not be seen. He was on his knees in front of a chair praying, with the candle on a stand next to the chair, and the Bible opened before him. This he would do even if guests were still present in his home. Then promptly at 10:00pm, he would emerge and go directly to his bedroom.

He would get up every morning at 4:00am and spend another hour in the same room before the same chair in the same posture with the same book open before him.

Washington made a practice of never traveling unnecessarily on the Sabbath. He received no visitors on the Sabbath, with one exception, a Godly friend named Trumbel. They would spend time reading the Bible and praying together.

Henry Muhlenberg was the pastor of the Lutheran church near Valley Forge. He also was one of the founders of the Lutheran Church in America. He said this about Washington while he was in command of the Continental Army: “I heard a fine example today, namely, that His Excellency General Washington rode around among his army yesterday and admonished each and every one to fear God, to put away the wickedness that has set in and become so general, and to practice the Christian virtues. … the Lord God has also singularly, yea, marvelously, preserved him from harm in the midst of countless perils, ambuscades, fatigues, etc., and has hitherto graciously held him in His hand as a chosen vessel.”



Washington’s Oath and Actions

When Washington took his oath of office as President of the United States, he subsequently bent forward and kissed the Bible on which he had just taken his oath.

The Bible was opened to the Book of Genesis.

He then led the Senate and the House of Representatives to the church for a two hour worship service.

”The people know,” said George Washington, “it is impossible to rightly govern the world with out God and the Bible.”


A British Leader’s Comment

Yes, this is the man who was so highly honored by the great British statesman and four times Prime Minister, William Gladstone.

Gladstone once proposed the creation of a grouping of pedestals for statues of history’s greatest men.

One pedestal in the center was noticeably higher that the others.

Gladstone was asked to identify the figure to be given the place of honor on the highest pedestal.

Without a moment’s hesitation, he answered: “George Washington.”


Amnesty?

Washington refused an offer of amnesty from British Governor Gage in June of 1775. Amnesty was offered to all American patriots (with the exception of John Hancock and Samuel Adams) who would lay down their arms, stop agitating for independence, and “swear allegiance to the Crown.”

General Washington, the 56 Signers of the Declaration of Independence and the 39 Signers of the Constitution (of which he was one), or for that matter any Colonist who bore arms or agitated for Independence, were condemned to hang as traitors by the vengeful British.

Despite the fact that every man knew his possible fate, not one became a turncoat! Not one took Gage’s offer! In fact, each man was unwavering and most courageous.