General George Washington
Soldier and Churchman
[B. February 22nd , D. December 14th]
O ETERNAL GOD, through whose mighty power our fathers won their liberties of old; Grant, we beseech thee, that we and all the people of this land may have grace to maintain these liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord,
Amen
Psalm 44:1-8
We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, what work thou didst in their days, in the times of old. How thou didst drive out the heathen with thy hand, and plantedst them; how thou didst afflict the people, and cast them out. For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them. Thou art my King, O God: command deliverances for Jacob. Through thee will we push down our enemies: through thy name will we tread them under that rise up against us. For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me. But thou hast saved us from our enemies, and hast put them to shame that hated us. In God we boast all the day long, and praise thy name for ever. Selah.
Romans 4: 1-3
What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
Colonel Washington was a regular churchman and
member of Truo Church (Church of England) in
Virginia, where he served as Warden in 1767; he
regularly took communion there. General Washington,
as commander of the Colonial Army in the War of
Independence, respected all faiths, and
worshipped with several denominations. This
ecumenical charity continued in his role as the
first President of the Republic and its first
Commander in Chief.
His quotations below speak most clearly of his
beliefs.
"May that being, who is powerful to
save, and in whose hands is the fate of nations,
look down with an eye of tender pity and
compassion upon the whole of the United Colonies;
may He continue to smile upon their counsels and
arms, and crown them with success, whilst employed
in the cause of virtue and mankind."
[1776 Address to the Massachusetts
Legislature]
"….should providence be pleased to
crown our Arms in the course of the Campaign, with
one more fortunate stroke, I think we shall have
no great cause for anxiety respecting the future
designs of Britain. I trust all will be well in
his good time."
[Letter to Israel Putnam,
October 19, 1777]
"…the General hopes and trusts, that,
every officer and man, will endeavour so to live,
and act, as becomes a Christian Soldier defending
the dearest Right and Liberties of his
country."
[July 9, 1776, General Orders of the
Day]
"If we make Freedom our choice, we now
determine to be enslaved or free. If we make
Freedom our choice, we must obtain it, by the
Blessing of Heaven on our United and Vigorous
Efforts."
[To his officers and soldiers of the
Pennsylvania Associators, August 8, 1776.]
"...it is the duty of all nations to
acknowledge the providence of almighty God, to
obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits,
and humbly to implore his protection and
favor."
[Thanksgiving Proclamation, October
3, 1789]"