The book, “George Washington the Christian,” by William J. Johnson highlights Washington’s religious foundation, his prayers, his religious habits, and his actions taken as a Christian soldier.
One of the stories that Johnson recounts of a 13-year-old Washington includes some verses that he copied on Christmas Day.
“Assist me, Muse divine, to sing the Morn, on Which the Savior of Mankind was born,” Washington said.
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According to Johnson, when Washington was told that the British troops at Lexington had fired on and killed several Americans, Washington replied, “I grieve for the death of my countrymen; but rejoice that the British are still determined to keep God on our side.”
The day after Washington took command of the army on July 4, 1775, he issued an order saying, “The General most earnestly requires and expects due observance of those articles of war established for the government of the army, which forbid profane cursing, swearing, and drunkenness. And in like manner he requires and expects of all officers and soldiers, not engaged in actual duty, a punctual attendance on Divine service, to implore the blessing of Heaven upon the means used for our safety and defense.”
About a year later on July 9, 1776, Washington issued another order defining a “Christian soldier.”
It stated, “The honorable Continental Congress having been pleased to allow a chaplain to each regiment, with the pay of thirty-three dollars and one-third per month, the colonels or commanding officers of each regiment are directed to procure chaplains accordingly, persons of good characters and exemplary lives, and to see that all inferior officers and soldiers pay them a suitable respect.”
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