President George Washington, September 17th, 1796 “It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible”
His Prayer At Valley Forge “Almighty and eternal Lord God, the great Creator of heaven and earth, and the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ; look down from heaven in pity and compassion upon me Thy servant, who humbly prostrates myself before Thee.”
“Bless O Lord the whole race of mankind, and let the world be filled with the knowledge of Thee and Thy Son, Jesus. “Of all dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens.”
“To the distinguished character of a Patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of a Christian.”
The draft of the circular letter is in the hand of a secretary, although the signature is Washington’s. Some have called this concluding paragraph “Washington’s Prayer.” In it, he asked God to: “dispose us all, to do Justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that Charity, humility and pacific temper of mind, which were the Characteristicks of the Divine Author of our blessed Religion, and without an humble imitation of whose example in these things, we can never hope to be a happy Nation.”
George Washington as he resigned his commission as general of the Continental Army on December 23, 1783. “I consider it an indispensable duty to close this last solemn act of my official life by commending the interests of our dearest country to the protection of Almighty God and those who have the superintendence of them into His holy keeping.”
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A rider on horseback, many years ago, came upon a squad of soldiers who were trying to move a heavy piece of timber. A corporal stood by, giving lordly orders to “heave.” But the piece of timber was a trifle too heavy for the squad.
“Why don’t you help them?” asked the quiet man on the horse, addressing the important corporal.
“Me? Why , I’m a corporal sir!” Dismounting, the stranger carefully took his place with the soldiers.
“Now, all together boys—heave!” he said. And the big piece of timber slid into place. The stranger mounted his horse and addressed the corporal.
“The next time you have a piece of timber for your men to handle, corporal, send for the commander-in-chief.”
The horseman was George Washington.
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George Washington shocked General Lafayette one morning by merely being, what the father of our country described as, a gentleman. It seems George Washington and Lafayette were talking together when a slave passed. The old colored man paused, tipped his hat and said, “Good Mo’nin, Gen’l Washin’ton.”
Immediately George Washington removed his hat, bowed and wished the man a pleasant day.
After a moment of shocked silence General Lafayette exclaimed, “Why did you bow to a slave?”
The great man smiled and replied, “I would not allow him to be a better gentleman than I.”