FAITH OF THE FOUNDERS: Leaders of the American Revolution Asked Colonists to Pray
(QUICK READ) — When John Hancock, President of the Second Continental Congress, called the delegates to order on December 11, 1776, the American Revolution looked all but lost only a little more than five months after the Declaration of Independence.
The Second Continental Congress (Trumbull)
Major battles in Massachusetts and New York had been lost, a three-hour “peace conference” between British Lord Admiral Richard Howe and John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and Edward Rutledge collapsed when Howe demanded retraction of the Declaration, and the Revolutionary Army under George Washington was reeling from heavy losses, poor morale and physical exhaustion.
But Hancock directed the reading of the following prayer, which was adopted without objection and circulated to officials in the 13 colonies. Soon after the proclamation was issued came Christmas and Washington’s daring crossing of the Delaware, which shocked the German Hessians serving the British Army and produced the American victory in the Battle of Trenton!
Note the emphasis on the need for repentance by all Americans and the great faith in the absolute providence of God:
“Whereas, the war in which the United States are engaged with Great Britain, has not only been prolonged, but is likely to be carried to the greatest extremity; and whereas, it becomes all public bodies, as well as private persons, to reverence the Providence of God, and look up to him as the supreme disposer of all events, and the arbiter of the fate of nations; therefore,
“Resolved, That it be recommended to all the United States, as soon as possible, to appoint a day of solemn fasting and humiliation; to implore of Almighty God the forgiveness of the many sins prevailing among all ranks, and to beg the countenance and assistance of his Providence in the prosecution of the present just and necessary war.
“The Congress do also, in the most earnest manner, recommend to all the members of the United States, and particularly the officers civil and military under them, the exercise of repentance and reformation; and further, require of them the strict observation of the articles of war, and particularly, that part of the said articles, which forbids profane swearing, and all immorality, of which all such officers are desired to take notice.
“It is left to each state to issue out proclamations fixing the days that appear most proper within their several bounds.”
Christian Life and Character of the Civil Institutions of the United States of America.
Many of the quotes reprinted in HillFaith’s “The Faith of The Founders” weekly series of posts are compiled from Benjamin F. Morris’ classic work, “The Christian Life and Character of the Civil Institutions of the United States.” Morris, an historian and pastor, published the first edition more than a century ago.
Quotations are also compiled from Mark Strand, author of the Daily Inspirations email he shares on request here and that HillFaith highly recommends to all congressional aides, be they working on Capitol Hill or in a state or district office back home.
Mark was for 16 years President of the Congressional Institute, and he is a former fellow of the Harvard Institute of Politics. He was also a 24-year veteran congressional staffer, including four years as Chief of Staff to Sen. James Talent (R-Missouri).
PREVIOUSLY ON FAITH OF THE FOUNDERS
FAITH OF THE FOUNDERS: A Massachusetts Declaration
FAITH OF THE FOUNDERS: Samuel Adams on the Crucial Importance of Faith
FAITH OF THE FOUNDERS: The Private Prayer of George Washington