Historian Daniel Dorchester reported numerous other similar incidents: Of Rev. John Craighead it is said that “he fought and preached alternately.” Rev. Dr. Cooper was captain of a military company. Rev. John Blair Smith, president of Hampden-Sidney College, was captain of a company that rallied to support the retreating Americans after the battle of Cowpens. Rev. James Hall commanded a company that armed against Cornwallis. Rev. Wm.
Graham rallied his own neighbors to dispute the passage of Rockfish Gap with Tarleton and his Britain dragoons. Rev. Dr. Ashbel Green was an orderly sergeant. Rev. Dr. Moses Hodge served in the army of the Revolution. In fact, so prominent were the clergy in the struggle that the British called them the “Black Regiment” 117 due to the black clerical robes they wore. On May 2, 1778, when the Continental Army was beginning to emerge from its infamous winter at Valley Forge, Commander-in-Chief George Washington commended his troops for their courage and patriotism and then reminded them that: While we are zealously performing the duties of good citizens and soldiers, we certainly ought not to be inattentive to the higher duties of religion.
To the distinguished character of Patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian. Later that year, still in the midst of the Revolution, the help that America had already received from their “firm reliance on Divine Providence” was so obvious that George Washington told General Thomas Nelson: The hand of Providence has been so conspicuous in all this that he must be worse than an infidel that lacks faith, and more than wicked, that has not gratitude enough to acknowledge his obligations. The exploits of many of these clergy-patriots are recorded in several older historical works, including The Pulpit of the American Revolution – 1860; Chaplains and Clergy of the Revolution – 1861; and The Patriot Preachers of the American Revolution – 1860.
On October 12, 1778, Congress again reaffirmed the importance of religion and made provision for its widespread encouragement when it issued the following act: Whereas true religion and good morals are the only solid foundations of public liberty and happiness: Resolved, That it be, and it is hereby earnestly recommended to the several States to take the most effectual measures for the encouragement thereof.
We don't have to make the Bible relevant because it already is. - David Barton.
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