Letters From Grandpa #271
LETTERS FROM GRANDPA #271 Dearest grandchild,
Today’s letter will deal with the founding of our country. As you know our pilgrim forefathers suffered religious persecution in England and fled first to Leiden in the Netherlands. From there they came to America on the Mayflower in 1620. The religious nature of their journey is reflected in the Mayflower Compact which they signed on Nov. 11, 1620. Among other things this “compact” states that the purpose of their journey was “for the Glory of God, and Advancement of the Christian Faith”.
Over a century later they fought a War of Independence to at last be free from the tyranny of England. That war lasted from 1775-1783 and against all odds these ragged peasants defeated the most powerful nation on earth. It was universally believed by these freedom fighters that their victory came with God’s help, or as General Washington called it, “Divine Providence”. Uncle Steve sent me the book a few days ago titled Miracles in American History by Susie Federer. The following information is taken from that book. It underscores in graphic detail the religious heritage upon which this nation was founded. On almost every page we are reminded that our forefathers were involved in fasting, prayer, and the confession of sins. Perhaps this helps to explain the 32 miracles in American history listed in the book. While the following repetition may be boring, hopefully this brief and partial list will help you to understand our history and inspire you to also be humble, fast, pray, and confess your sins.
m On Oct. 16, 1746 Massachusetts Governor William Shirley declared a Day of Fasting and prayer for deliverance from a fleet of 73 ships, 800 cannons, and 13,000 troops. When they finished praying the sky drew dark and a hurricane scattered the enemy fleet. Lightening even struck several of the ships causing them to catch fire and explode.
m On Dec. 12, 1747 Benjamin Franklin published an article in the Pennsylvania Gazette calling for a Day of Fasting and Prayer. Their prayers on that occasion were also answered and Philadelphia was not attacked.
m In the Battle of Monongahela on July 18, 1755 George Washington had two horses shot out from under him and four bullets passed through his coat. He was unharmed! One Indian fired at him 17 times without drawing a drop of blood. Washington considered that he was protected by the “All Powerful Dispensations of Providence”. The Indians agreed!
m On June 1, 1774 Thomas Jefferson drafted a motion for a Day of Fasting, Humiliation, and Prayer to the House of Burgesses for deliverance from the British. George Washington wrote in his diary “Went to church and fasted all day”. Their prayers again were answered!
m On Sept. 7, 1774 the Continental Congress met in Philadelphia. The next morning the Rev. Duche read the 35" Psalm and broke into an extemporary prayer. John Adams wrote that it was the best prayer he had ever heard. Again, his prayer was answered!
m On April 15,1775 the Provincial Congress, led by John Hancock, set aside May 11" as a Day for the Public Humiliation, Fasting, Prayer and the confessions of sins.
m On April 19, 1775 the Governor of Connecticut, Jonathan Trumbull, proclaimed a Day of Fasting to the end that God would pour our His Holy Spirit and bring about genuine repentance.
m On June 12, 1775 President John Hancock called for all inhabitants of all English Colonies to observe a Day of Public Humiliation, Fasting, Prayer, and the confession of sins.
m On July 5, 1775 Georgia’s Provincial Congress called for another Day of Fasting and Prayer.
m On July 12, 1775 the Continental Congress called for still another Day of Public Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer. John Adams wrote to his wife that millions would be on their knees before our Creator imploring His forgiveness and blessing.
m The next day, July 13, 1775 Jonathan Trumbull ask again for Congress to proclaim a Day of Public Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer.
m On March 6, 1776 General Washington, from his Cambridge Headquarters, asked that “Thursday the 7" be set apart by this Providence as a Day of Fasting, Prayer, and Humiliation.”
m On March 16, 1776 the Continental Congress approved a resolution without dissent by General William Livingston for another Day of Humiliation, Fasting, and Prayer.
m On May 17, 1776 the Continental Congress called for still another Day of Fasting, Humiliation, and Prayer.
m When a dense fog enabled Washington’s troops to make a miraculous escape from the British, he wrote on Aug. 20, 1778 “The hand of Providence has been so conspicuous in all this”.
m This partial list takes us through only a fraction of the book and also only a fraction of our nation’s history. It does prove, however, that our founding fathers did have faith! The question is: “Do we?”
No one claims that our forefathers were perfect and made no mistakes. No one claims that the country they founded is perfect and has made no mistakes. It is clear, however, that our national motto, “In God We Trust,” is historically correct.
I love you,
Grandpa Boyce