Though modern ill-educated
filmmakers have tried to make money by portraying George Washington as a profane and adulterous worldling, there is not a shred of credible evidence
for such a conclusion . The reality of Washington’s Christian testimony can be found throughout his speeches, writings, letters and the comments
of others who knew him well . The following is the wording of his first order of the War, issued
July 4, 1775:
“The General most earnestly requires and expects a
due observance of those articles of war established
for the government of the army, which forbid profane cursing, swearing, and drunkenness . And in like manner he requires and expects of all officers and soldiers not engaged in actual duty, a punctual attendance on Divine service, to implore the blessing of Heaven upon the means used for our safety and defense .”
Author Jerry Newcombe writes, “Washington reasoned that they would alienate God’s superintending care over them just cause if they engaged in such behaviour .” Over and over again during our War for independence Washington implored and pled for the aid of Almighty God in the course of events and in the needs of his Continental Army .
As we celebrate Saturday, the 239th birthday of our nation, let’s remember it is a nation born of prayer and by the aid and protection of our Creator and Saviour .