Stephen McDowell looks at five most influential early Americans on America's Providential podcast

>> Stephen McDowell: Welcome to America's Providential History Podcast, where we talk about the real story of America and explore the hand of God in our history. Now, here's your host, Steven McDowell. Hello. I'm glad you're joining us for this edition of America's Providential History Podcast. In the last number of podcasts, I've been looking at five most influential early Americans. And I pointed out that, some of this list obviously subjective. There's many individuals who could fit, in that category of five most influential early Americans. But I've looked at some who were from different, time periods and contributed to different spheres of influence. Number five, we looked at William Penn, the founder of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and did much more than that. Number four, Cyrus Hall McCormick, who did more to elevate men out of poverty than anybody else in history by common farmer, a tool to make him 10, 20, 30 times more productive. Number three, Noah Webster, the founding father of American scholarship and education, who provided a biblical education, Christian education, that equipped early Americans to live in liberty. And his textbooks are still valuable for us today. And last week we looked at number two, George Whitefield, who was an honorary American because he, lived in England, but came and visited seven trips to America and spent months and months here and preached throughout the colonies and was instrumental in the first great awakening that set aflame the colonists.

Without George Washington, it's likely we never would have had United States

And so today I want to look at the number one most influential early Americans. And this I don't think is a controversial choice or, this one is kind of a unanimous choice by anybody who would understand the early history of America or the history of America. And so the number one most influential early Americans is the father of our country, George Washington. Washington has been called the indispensable man because without Washington, it's likely we never would have had the United States of America as we know it today. Now, Washington, though his name is known by most Americans today, most people don't really know anything about him, just like they don't know anything true things about American history. Hence, this podcast is so important and they certainly, if they know some facts of early American history, the most central fact that it's not taught in our government schools today is the vital role that God played. The essential, role that God and his providence was at work directing the events of history, using men, our founding Fathers, to give birth to a unique nation in history. And our founders knew this. Our founders, just probably every one of them that gave us the Declaration and Constitution acknowledged the providence of God. And in future podcast I will, look at that specific, issue of their belief in divine Providence. Because George Washington certainly was a man of providence, that he spoke of the providence of God and he demonstrated the providence of God in his life. President Calvin Coolidge, honoring the birthday of George Washington on February 22, 1927, gave a speech in which he said this, that Washington was the directing spirit without which there would have been no independence, no union, no constitution and no republic. His ways were the ways of truth. His influence grows in wisdom of action and purity of character. He stands alone. We cannot yet estimate him. We can only indicate our reverence for him and thank the divine Providence who sent him to serve and inspire his fellow men. So President Coolidge, as most Americans for, 150 plus years after the founding of our nation, would acknowledge Divine Providence at work in giving birth to America. And by the way, the failure of modern, academicians, the father and educational, the present educational system, probably one of the greatest things that has led to the secularization of America is failure to communicate what Calvin Coolidge said. Divine Providence not only sent George Washington, but Divine Providence gave birth to the United States of America. God is the author of history. He's directing history. He's the ultimate cause of history. Yes, he uses men and nations, both godly and ungodly, to advance his purposes, but it's his purposes that are being fulfilled. And so, as Calvin Coolidge says, we need to thank the divine Providence who sent him. See, Coolidge expressed why Washington was indispensable and how he came to serve the nation. Divine Providence sent him. Now, Divine Providence is God himself, as Webster defines in Noah Webster in his original 1828 dictionary where he defines Providence. And, certainly the founders had a correct understanding of Providence. God's superintending care over his creation. That God not only kind of governs creation with general providence kind of generally looking over all where history is going, but, general providence is made up of m millions of specific acts of providence. And so God moves specifically in the lives of men and nations in order to advance his general purposes. Washington believed this. Washington spoke of this. Washington exemplified this. So Divine Providence sent Washington. Everyone used to know this about him. Sadly, as I said, most people today are ignorant of this. So Washington was a man of Providence. He spoke of the providence of God at work in life and in history. And he manifested the providence of God in his life. Now, in, July, the summer 1775, after fighting had started in Lexington and Concord In April of 1775, George Washington was selected as the commanding general of the continental army. And so, three years after this, in August 20th, 1778, Washington, in a letter that he wrote, was looking back over the first three years of the war that, they had been fighting. And he said that the hand of Providence has been so conspicuous in all of this that he must be worse than an infidel that lacks faith and more than wicked, that is not gratitude enough to acknowledge his obligations. Washington is indicting most of modern academia because they fail to see the hand of Providence in the American Revolution, in the events of the revolution, in the birth of our nation, in his life. And because of that, Washington would say, such a man is worse than an infidel that lacks faith and more than wicked, that has not gratitude enough to acknowledge his obligations. In a later letter, he said of people who don't see God's providence and the birth of America, they're bad indeed. And so Washington himself, early on in his life, demonstrated the providence of God in a dramatic way. God's providence works in all of us, especially in his people, in little ways that sometimes we rarely ever notice them. but, many times in big ways. And again, those specific acts of Providence are part of his general acts of Providence that helps to determine the course of history. And this was true in Washington's life. Now, a well known incident that took place early on in Washington's life, that the recent movie that had been put out about George Washington, which by the way is very good, presents this, it demonstrates this, it tells this story in different ways. But this is when, Washington was preserved during the battle of the French and Indian War in 1755. In 1754, the governor of Virginia, of course, this is 20 years before independence, he sent Washington to deliver a message to the French, who were building forts on the western boundary of the land of Virginia. This is what is today around the area of Pittsburgh. And in this message, the governor said, get off our land. And the French refused to get off. So the British sent over some troops under General Braddock. And the next year, these troops, their mission was to drive the French off of British soil, British colonial Virginian soil. And so General Braddock was used to doing warfare, as they did in Europe, that they would, the opposing forces would line up and face each other in nice neat lines and fire upon each other. And whoever could kill the most of them the quickest, you know, would, would, win the battle. But Washington, who was, aide de camp for the general, he and the Virginia militia, who understood the nature of the warfare in the Wilderness told General Braddock, well, the French and the French had enlisted some Indians to fight with them. The French and Indians are not going to fight you like you're used to. But General Braddock didn't listen. So he marched his men out into the wilderness. Perfect targets with their red coats on for the French and Indians. Who, hid behind rocks and trees and began to fire upon the British and the Virginia militia. Of course, the Virginia militia were, young men, Virginians, who. All young Virginians from the age of 20 up, 20 to 60 or so. were part of the militia which, when they were called out, they had to come to the aid of their fellow man. And, bring their weapons with them to fight whatever enemy that there was. And so the strategy of the French was to kill the officers. They thought, well, if we kill the officers, we'll, have the day. During this battle, 85% of the officers were killed or wounded. General Braddock was shot. Shot mortally shot. Died not long after. Which, by the way, George Washington performed the Christian burial service for Bragg. Because there was no chaplain there to do that. But, Washington is one of the leaders. Was also singled out by the Indians and the French. And they tried to kill him. They shot at him numerous times. One report says that an Indian said Washington was not born to be killed by a bullet. For I had 17 fair fires at him. And after all, could not bring him to the ground. And in fact, an Indian chief who took part in the battle. And who was one of those many Indians and French who tried to kill Washington, m. Many years later, 15 years later, when Washington returned to that area to look over some land he had purchased, the Indian chief took. When he heard who it was, it was there he came and met with him, to tell him he was at that battle. And this Indian chief, after striving in vain to hit Washington, became alarmed and told his men to desist from firing at one who was plainly under the care of the Great Manitou. That's the name for their God. He would say that our rifles were leveled. Rifles which but for him knew not how to miss. Twas all in vain. A, power mightier far than we shielded him from harm.

Indian chief prophesied over George Washington after 1755 battle

He cannot die in battle. I am old and soon shall be Gathered to the great council Fire my fathers and the Land of shades. But ere I go there, something bids me speak in the voice of prophecy. Listen. The Great Spirit protects that man and guides his destinies. He will become the chief of nations. And, a people yet unborn Will hail him as the founder of a mighty empire. By the way, the new movie depicts that prophecy of the Indian chief. They kind of depict it taking place right then around the time of the battle. It actually is 15 years later, according to George Washington, son, adopted son, his step grandson, George Washington Paak Custis. He records this in his memoirs. But here it is the Indian chief prophesying over George Washington. God protected him and watched out for him. Washington himself spoke of God's providence in this. He wrote a letter July 18, 1755, not long after this, battle of the Monongahela. And he said, as I have heard since my arrival at this place, a circumstantial account of my death and dying speech. I take this early opportunity of contradicting both and of assuring you that I now exist and appear in the land of the living by the miraculous care of Providence that protected me beyond all human expectation. I had four bullets through my coat and two horses shot under me and yet escaped unhurt. George Washington Paak Custis. He actually displayed in his house, the Arlington House, also known as Robert E. Lee Memorial. It now stands in the middle of Arlington National Cemetery, across the Potomac river from Washington, D.C. he used to display a lot of the artifacts of his very famous grandfather. But he had a hat on display that had a bullet hole through it and said, this was a hat that my grandfather, George Washington war during the battle of the Monongahela. And here's evidence of the providence of God protecting this man's life. Then it was the following month, August 17, 1755, Samuel Davies was preaching an artillery sermon to some, Virginia militia who were getting ready to go and participate in battle. And Davies, in that sermon, spoke of that heroic youth, Colonel Washington, whom I cannot but hope providence has hitherto preserved in so signal a manner for some important service to his country. So here it is. Washington acknowledged the providence of God in keeping and protecting him from being shot. Why was he not shot? Well, God had plans for him. As the Indian chief prophesied, he wanted him to become the leader of a great nation. As, Samuel Davies, who was a leader in the first great awakening, well known pastor, as he preached, he couldn't help but Providence had a plan, important service to his country. And Washington spoke of God protecting him as well. And so many times throughout his life, George Washington spoke of the providence of God and demonstrated God's providential care, very significantly like the battle of the Monongahela. So he was a man of providence. Now, Washington was also a Man of Christian character. His private secretary, Tobias Lear, who, actually, after he returned, home from his second, service as the president of the United States that he had so much correspondence he had to hire this Tobias Lear to help him out. And Tobias lived in the home with him, during, this time period. Lear said this about Washington. I have never found a single thing that could lessen my respect for him. A complete knowledge of his honesty, uprightness and candor in all his private transactions has sometimes led me to think him more than a man. What a powerful testimony of someone who actually had lived with him in his home, seen him carry on his duties every day. And he was so impacted, by him that he said, I've never found a single thing that he's done or said that would lessen my respect for him. And to the point where he said he sometimes led him to think him more than a man. Now, Washington's Christian character actually was, key to his success. You know, there's power in Christian character. Washington was not known as a great orator, great speaker, but anytime he spoke, people listened. And his words certainly had impact on the audience. And I believe it was the great Christian character behind Washington that gave power to his words, because the power and force of words are dependent upon the character of the individual who speaks them. And so one incident that reveals this, it took place during the American Revolutionary War. Is that, is this. I want to tell you this story. Now. After Washington was chosen as commanding general, his first orders, delivered July 4, 1775, in those orders, part of his orders to his troops, that he forbade, quote, profane cursing, swearing and drunkenness. Now, we might today say, well, you know, our troops have the propensity to do all kinds of rotten things. And if we could just have them keep them to cursing and swearing, then, you know, we would, be in pretty good shape. But see, to our founders, to Washington. Cursing, swearing, using profanity was really one of the most debased, lowest things you could do, because it was, one, reveals you have no self government. Two, they understood that what comes out of your m mouth is a reflection of what's in your heart. See that what you speak reflects what you think and what's a part of you. And you'll end up doing, what you are thinking inside. And so they thought, here's something. You need to govern your life. And let no profanity come out of your life. Because profanity people, when they use profanity, they appeal to the base and low things of Life. And when profanity becomes part of the average, communication of a society, it reveals a downward spiral among the populace and people. That's why every. You know, laws existed throughout America at this time and really for centuries that forbade profanity, swearing in public. I think probably some of those laws are still on the books. Now, we don't, enforce such things, but I would imagine if you go do a search, there's some that still, could be enforced. And so everybody, all the soldiers, all the officers knew this was part of Washington's, laws, his orders for the army. Well, one day during the war, when he was dining with a number of officers in his tent one afternoon, one of the officers uttered an oath during the middle of the meal. Well, Washington, he dropped his knife and fork, and he made the remark I thought that we all supposed ourselves, gentlemen. And he resumed eating. And the officer to whom that remark was directed, later, you know, spoke of the great impact that that had upon him because that remark struck like an electric shock and as was intended, did execution. So no person swore at the table after that. And when dinner was over, the officer referred to, said to a companion that if the general had given him a blow over the head with his sword, he could have borne it, but that the home thrust which he received was too much. And so that's just one incident that demonstrates the Christian character of Washington. Now, God's hand was evident upon Washington throughout the Revolutionary War. God preserved him in battles in the midst of bullets flying and cannonballs going off. Many, many times he was preserved. Many miracles occurred during the war. God used the weather to assist the American cause numerous times in the war. War. And if you want to read more, I would encourage you two books you can read. One, you can get my book, Apostle of the world Changing leadership of George Washington. You can order that at our website, providencefoundation.com it's also available Amazon. marvelous introduction to Washington. And in my book, I highlight the providence of God in his words and in his actions. Because I didn't want George Washington to indict me when I wrote this brief bio. Brief introduction to this indispensable man and one of my heroes. So that's one place. And you can also get our book, America's providential history, because we talk about God's hand miraculous work during the American Revolution. And you can see how God was supporting the American cause using the weather and many other things. Things. And so, either of those books, you can get them from our website, providencefoundation.com and learn about how God providentially moved and protected Washington and, the American cause.

George Washington issued orders after Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown in 1781

Now, eight years we fought the American Revolution. In the sixth year of fighting, in October of 1781, the last major battle of the war took place. And that's when Cornwallis surrendered to the Americans and the French and the militia at Yorktown. And you can read about that story in my book on Washington. And again, in that particular incident, God used the weather to, help assure our victory. And then the general orders that Washington issued after Cornwallis surrendered, he said, the general congratulates the army upon the glorious event of yesterday. Divine service is to be performed to morrow in the several brigades and divisions. The commander in chief recommends that the troops not on duty should universally attend with that seriousness of deportment and gratitude of heart which the recognition of such reiterated and astonishing interpositions that Providence demand of us. So we can see Washington's faith and character, revealed in these orders. We're going to go to church tomorrow, and I want everybody to go, if you're not on active duty, to give thanks to God because, of his providence, we've gained this victory in that particular battle. And really that was the, what led to the victory over, Britain and the American Revolution, which led to our independence and assurance of the birth of our nation. So Washington was a man of providence, a man of Christian character, a man of faith, and he was a man of self government as well. You know, Washington never grasps for power. He never exercised more authority than would enable him to accomplish his delegated purpose. This is a great indication of his self government. He said, okay, I'll do, whatever I need to do to accomplish the mission that was given to me. He was commissioned to be the commanding general. He wasn't commissioned to be a dictator, and he wasn't about to do that. And one incident that occurred as the war was wrapping up reveals his great self government, his great Christian character as well. And that's when some folks tried to make George Washington King. Now, October 1781, surrender of Yorktown. That was the last major battle of the war. But it would take almost two months before the. Excuse me, almost take two years before the official peace treaty was signed. The Treaty of Paris, the Treaty of Peace. It was signed in Paris that Britain recognized the United States of America. So during that period, Washington kept the army together in case fighting broke out again and it was needed. So we had, in essence, we'd won the war, looked like we regained our independence, but there was no Assurance that America was going to survive as a new nation. There's lots of problems. There was no central government in the 13 United Colonies, and Washington had recognized this more than anyone during the war, because the continental congress had no way to raise money to pay for what they had promised the troops, for salary. But they couldn't even get enough money to give them food and clothing. And many, many times they were starving. They didn't have enough clothes or anything. And so, there's a group of officers who said, look, we need to make sure that we're going to survive as a nation. And, of course, we were a very fragile condition. Other european powers could have come in taking advantage of this, and easily the British could have risen back up. And so they said, what we want to do, we. We're going to make George Washington king. People love him. They'll support him. We, as the army, will get behind him as well. We know that he won't, abuse his power, but he can have whatever power he needs to set things right and make sure that we survive. So this idea of making him king was suggested to him in the early part of 1782 in a letter that Colonel Louis Nicola wrote as the spokesman for, many of these, officers who had come up with this idea. So after getting this suggestion of making him king, Washington replied to colonel Louis Nicola in a letter. And he said, sir, with a mixture of great surprise and astonishment, I have read with attention the sentiments you have submitted to my perusal. By the way, Washington was homeschooled. Basically, it's where he learned, to communicate with such words, as this. And, we learned the great character that was necessary to accomplish his mission. So he said with great surprise and astonishment, I've read with attention the sentiments you've submitted to my perusal. Be assured, sir, no occurrence in the course of the war has given me more painful sensations than your information of there being such ideas existing in the army as you have expressed and I must view with abhorrence and reprehend with severity. So what did Washington do? Here it is. We want to make you king. You'll set everything right. His response, want to be made king, is saying, this is the hardest news that I've heard during the whole war. And this is astounding, because when you think of the hardship of the troops at valley forge and other winters that they faced where thousands were incapacitated because they, didn't, have enough clothes or their limbs had to be amputated, they didn't have Enough food, you could trace their marches from the blood, from their feet as Washington and wrote to members of Congress trying to get money, for them. And he said, this is more painful than all those difficulties that I had to do that you would think there's wanting to make you king. And so he said, I must view the abhorrence and reprehend with severity. So the first thing he did is he rebuked the guys. In essence, he's saying, what do you think that we're fighting this war force not to set up kings is to get rid of kings. And then listen to what he said. I am much at loss to conceive what part of my conduct could have given encouragement to an address which to me seems big, with greatest mischiefs that can befall my country if I am not deceived in the knowledge of myself. You could not have found a person to whom your schemes are more disagreeable. So the next thing he did, after rebuking the guys, he searched his own heart and he said, look, in essence, he said, look, hope, there's nothing you that I've said or done that would make you think I would want to be king. As far as I know, I'm against the idea more than anyone. So what great demonstration of a humble guy, guy of Christian character and self government. So because of this, he put aside this attempt to make him king. But the problems still remained and troops weren't getting paid what they were promised and all these other difficulties. And so later on, there was talk, well, if Washington won't take matters into his hands, then we will. And so there is a talk of having a military coup where the military is going to take control, bring order, make sure everything was established right. And Washington got word of this. And so he went to meet with these officers to convince them, don't do this. And so he met with them. He was presenting his ideas, giving arguments for all of these things, and. And it seemed like he was not getting anywhere. They resolved, no, something has to be done. Congress can't do it, you're not going to do it, so we're going to do it. And so during the midst of his arguments, to dissuade them from taking such action, he pulled out a little piece of paper and he said, look, I've got these assurances from Congress that they are acting on this. And because of shortage of paper, this congressman had to write very small on a little piece of paper. Washington pulled out this, and he was going to read it, to them, but he began to Struggle, because as old age his eyesight was weak and he was having a difficulty reading. And so then he said, gentlemen, he then reached into his pocket, he said, gentlemen, you will permit me to put on my spectacles, for I have not only grown gray, but almost blind in the service of my country. Now nobody knew he wore spectacles. Hardly anyone at all. And when they saw their general and how this man had laid down so much during the cause of the American Revolution, fought without pay, slept on the ground when his troops, had to encourage them in every way, he sacrificed more than anybody in the army during this time. And when they saw this action and when they heard him say, I've not only grown gray, but almost blind in the service of my country, that is what pierced their heart and began to weep when Washington left. And they then all voted, I think, but one extension, to put aside any idea of having a military coup. So Washington's Christian character kept America from having any kind of dictatorship. And so you have to realize the suggestion of making him king was not odd. We might consider it today odd. But throughout the history of man, anytime there was a revolution, one king replaced another king, one monarch or dictator replaced another in governance of that nation or kingdom. This was just how things are done. But in the birth of the United States of America, a new era of liberty and government was coming to mankind. George Washington was instrumental in securing a self governed republic. And it was his understanding of providence, his worldview, his Christian character, his humility, his self government. His self government assured that that came about well after the Treaty of Paris was signed in September 1783, which by the way begins with the words in the name of the most holy and undivided trinity.

George Washington's Christian faith was key to his career and accomplishments

So the whole recognition of our United States of America by Britain and really the world begins with an acknowledgment of the Trinity of God. It was done in the name of the Trinity that, reflects, you know, where the our founding fathers worldview and their heart was. And so after that he resigned as general, and when he resigned his commission as commanding general, it assured we would have no military rule. It assured civilian rule in the United States of America, which we've had ever since then. Washington went back to his farm. He'd hoped to retire and take up the cause for which he loved. He loved farming and agriculture and, and wanted to be at home with a friend or two about him. He said, I'd rather be at home at Mount Vernon with a friend or two about me than entertaining all the heads of state of Europe, at the seat of government. But the people came calling for him again when, everyone, lots of people began to realize that we need a new form of government if we're going to, maintain our independence and remain a constitutional republic, or a republic that they called a Constitutional Convention that was going to meet in Philadelphia in the summer of 1787. But the people, many people said, washington, you have to come. We need you. without you, we're not going to succeed in this endeavor. So he reluctantly responded to the call and to fulfill his duty. He'd actually just been recovering from an illness for many, many months and could barely travel. But he went. He was elected the president of the convention. And Washington declared as it launched that the event is in the hands of God. And it certainly was. And that's a story we've told some in past. President. Podcast about the Constitutional Convention may cover that more in the future. Well, when the new Constitution went into effect in 1789, Washington was unanimously elected the first President of the United States, serving two terms. Again, he'd rather be at home at Mount Vernon. But duty called, and our Founding fathers, like Washington, recognized, if I can be of service, service to God's purposes and my fellow man, I will fulfill my duty. So Washington was sworn in with his hand on the Bible. He added the phrase, after taking the oath of office, so help me God, which every president since then, has added. And that's become part of the official oath of office. And so just with this brief introduction to George Washington, again, I encourage you to get my book, Apostle of World Changing Leadership of George Washington, to learn more about this indispensable man. If you want to read more after you read my book, my bibliography has lots of very good books to read. There are a lot of very good books on Washington. Then there's a lot of other books that are not so good. A lot of them in what they leave out or how they misrepresent Washington's faith in particular. So Washington, Thomas Paine, called him the world's apostle of liberty. And this is true because without Washington, we would not have won the American Revolution due to Washington's influence. We did not set up a monarchy or military rule, and we would never have completed the Constitutional Convention without Washington. We may never have set into motion our constitutional form of government with limited role of the president, the chief executive, without his example. And Washington also set the standard for international relations in his farewell address that impacted our foreign policy for many, many generations. You may have seen the painting of Washington in prayer at Valley Forge. It's on the COVID of our America's providential history book. One rendition of that. There have been many, and I think that depicts. Well, the reason for Washington's great success is his Christian faith was key to his character and career and his accomplishments. In the United States Capitol building today. There's a, room set aside as the prayer room to be used by members of Congress. And in the prayer room, there's a. A table with an open Bible on it. Behind that, there's a stained glass window of George Washington in prayer. Etched in the stained glass is Psalm, 16. 1. Preserve me, O God, for in thee do I put my trust. Now, George Washington, when he was, wrapping up affairs as commanding general, as we. Toward the end, in the middle of 1783, as the Peace treaty is about to be signed, he wrote a letter, a circular letter that was sent to all the governors. And in this letter he was telling them, giving them some advice. He thought it was going to be his last public service and public advice. And he wanted to let them know, here are some things that you can do that we can do to help assure that we serve survive as a nation. In his circular letter, after giving some different bits of information, he concludes that with these I, ah, now make it my prayer that God would have you in the state over which you preside in his holy protection, that he would most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy and to conduct ourselves with that charity, humility and peaceful m. Mind. Which were the characteristics of the divine author of our blessed religion. Without a humble imitation of his example in these things, we can never hope to be a happy nation. So here it is, George Washington. His final advice to the governors, if we're going to make it as a nation, was to imitate the divine author of our blessed religion. Who's that? That's Jesus Christ. He said, if we're going to make it, guys, you need to imitate Jesus Christ. Without a humble imitation of his example, we can never hope to be a happy nation. So again, this reflects the worldview, the heart, the character of Washington and the founding generation. This is why we were birthed as a free nation. A new era of liberty came to man with the birth of Jesus. The United States of America and Washington was an indispensable part of that. on the death of Washington in December 1799, just a few years after he served his last term as president, at his funeral oration, Henry Lee gave a famous speech in which he said, first in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen. Now the reason that was Lee gives this remark earlier that the man designed by heaven to lead in the great political as well as military events which have distinguished the area of his life. The finger of an overruling Providence pointing at Washington was neither mistaken nor unobserved. So again he yes, in fact there's many different speeches and sermons given out the death of Washington about all of them acknowledge God's providence. God was at work, as Henry lead in here, that the finger of overruling Providence was pointing at Washington and God had raised him up. In fact, George Washington himself believed that. In March 30, 1785 he wrote, I have only been in instrument in the hands of Providence to effect a revolution which is interesting to the general liberties of mankind and to the emancipation of a country which may afford an asylum if we are wise enough to pursue the paths which lead to virtue and happiness to the oppressed and needy of the earth. So Washington acknowledged, I have been an instrument. God is the one who has raised me up and used me to bring about a revolution which not only was important to Americans, but interesting to the general liberties of mankind. Because with the birth of America, it was showing the world, here's how you can live in liberty. Here's how you can build a nation upon Christian self government where God given rights and liberties are protected and the people are free to pursue pursue their calling in God. Where government is limited and taxes are limited and they are there to protect our rights to life, liberty and property. And so Washington acknowledged the providence of God and so many others did as well. The Earl of Buchan said this of Washington. He was one of those whom the Almighty in successive ages has chosen or raised up to promote the ultimate designs of his goodness and mercy and the gradual melioration of his creatures in the coming of his kingdom which is in heaven. What a providential understanding of history the Earl had. Because he's saying Washington is one of those that God raised up and used to promote the cause of God to, to, amelioration of mankind is for its betterment, for the uplifting of creatures and bringing God's kingdom. And that's been God's part from the very beginning to bring his kingdom to earth as it is in heaven. And God has used men like Washington to bring about increase of mankind, to bring flourishing to man, to bring betterment to mankind. Washington certainly was an indispensable man in the birth of America. But he also was a key figure in the advance of liberty throughout the world. All types of liberty, Civil liberty, political liberty, economic liberty, religious liberty, personal liberty. He was a key character. And that's why, without a doubt, George Washington was the most influential early American, most influential American period. In fact, one of the most influential men in all of history. He certainly ranks in the top five or so men in history that was important in the bringing of God's kingdom to earth and the advance of God's purposes for mankind.

This brief look at five influential early Americans inspires you to learn more

Well, I hope this brief look at these five influential early Americans, inspires you to, learn the story, pass on the story, in order that we might preserve America as God intended to be from the very beginning as a nation. That is a reflection of the mission God gave to man in the very beginning. To be fruitful, to multiply, to fill the earth, to go and bear fruit as Jesus said. These men went, fulfilled their calling. They bore great fruit. Each one of us have a calling as well. And God wants us to, to be, faithful, to fulfill our duty, to learn about him, to learn how to carry on our mission in accordance with his precepts, because as we do, we will bring blessing to us, blessing to the nation and blessing to the world. Well, I encourage you to read more about these men. And we have many resources where we cover the lives of these five most influential early Americans. William Penn, Cyrus McCormack, Noah Webster, George Whitfield, George Washington, but many others as well. And not just looking at the lives of individuals, but we give precepts and principles of how to live in liberty. Visit our website, providencefoundation, dot com. They have many resources and free articles where you can learn much more. Well, thank you for joining us for this, edition of America's Providential History. Hope you come back with us next week. God bless you.