No other man is honored with the title, “Father of His Country” besides George Washington. He was indeed one of the most prominent figures in the founding of the United States and also served as our first president. This post will seek to lay out the basics of Washington’s life as well as the character of this great man.
First for a little history. Washington was born in 1732 in the then-colony of Virginia. His father, Augustine, died when he was eleven years old. His older brother Lawrence became a father figure in his life. George joined the army when he grew older and fought in the French and Indian War from 1754 to 1761. He was present at the Battle of Monongahela where the Providence of God kept him alive through the deadly fight, which claimed the life of the British general, Braddock, in authority over Washington.
When the Continental Congress wished to appoint a man to lead the Revolutionary Army during the American Revolution, they chose Washington. Washington would lead the Continental Army through the war to eventual victory. After the Revolution, Washington served two terms as our nation’s first president. Washington refused a third term and this made a grand impact on his old nemesis, George III of England. George III said of Washington giving up his power, “If he does that, he will be the greatest man in the world.”
Washington’s character was extremely commendable. He was humble, honorable, polite and a good leader. Though some say he was a deist, Washington himself said,”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 favors.” Washington speaks of imploring God for protection and favor and thanking Him for his benefits. This does not seem to confirm that Washington simply believed in a cosmic, detached power, as deists did. He also speaks of Christ himself when he says, “What students would learn in American schools above all is the religion of Jesus Christ.”
Jace