George Washington the Christian
posted by on 07/6/07
Washington is one of the few presidents that have become well-known and remained well-known in schoolrooms across the world. So impecable was his character that not even his enemies could find an occaision to speak evil of him. The foundation for this tremendous accomplishment is explored in a book I have just finished reading: George Washington the Christian.
George Washington the Christian was given to me as a birthday present from my family this year. It was published in 1919 and provides a stepping stone as it were between the past and the present with direct quotations from Washington and those who knew him. Included among others are the testimonies of his relatives, those who fought with him during the war and those who found him at prayer. While a man of few and carefully-chosen words, his life spoke volumes.
In the back of the book is a list of some of the many names that Washington used to describe his Heavenly Father, including Providence. What may seem to us an indirect or impersonal title was, to Washington, a very dear term. After seeing the providential hand of God in saving his life, guiding his battle plans and founding his country, Washington was deeply aware that God worked, and loved to work, providentially in the lives of those who trust Him.
When I finished reading this book, I realized how well Washington could exhort the Christians of today with the apostle Paul: “Our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for you sake” (I Thessalonians 1:5). I would recommend it for anyone who wants to know George Washington.
The parts of this book that I was able to hear were very inspiring. It is basically a copy of the quotes of those who were around him. It is not a book of modern opinions trying to make him into something the writer wants him to be. In the past I had no deep desire to be like George Washington, but after hearing parts of this book my view of him is different. He was committed to daily private prayer, not only in the middle of the war but also in his life at Mount Vernon and his busy time as President. Daily private prayer became important to me when I came to know the One I was praying to, and I am compelled to believe that Washington knew Him too. This gives me not only a deep love and respect for our first President but a strange sense of oneness and unity with him, as we share something in common in the deepest core of our hearts and in our desires for our country.
Donald, your captivating report of Washington here reminds me of the phrase to ‘witness often and sometimes use words.’ As you said, Washington demonstrated the power of a quiet testimony seasoned with sparing words of vision, hope, and wisdom.
Good report, Donald! I remember enjoying “The Bulletproof George Washington” and would really love to gain a better understanding of the spiritual life of this man who was “first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.”
I also recommend this book. I heard bits and pieces of it here and there. You would bring the book to have me read to you while you drove places, even if it was just a short jaunt to town and back. I also remember, and remember quite vividly, reading a chapter or two while our family waited in line for a tour of Mount Vernon. There was something about being on the exact location that made it special.