The God of Battles 

After a discouraging start, prospects for the Revolutionary War were looking better for the Americans in their fight against the British. In May 1778 the Continental Congress authorized “An Address of the Congress to the Inhabitants of the United States of America.” It quoted the Bible and called for divine aid—along with public support for the war and the “heavenly gift” of funding the army. It was recommended to be publicly read to congregations assembled for worship. The next month the British army evacuated Philadelphia, the previously captured Patriot capital.

“At length that God of battles, in whom was our trust, hath conducted us through the paths of danger and distress, to the thresholds of security. It hath now become morally certain, that, if we have courage to persevere, we shall establish our liberties and independence … Arise then! to your tents! and gird you for battle [Jeremiah 1:17].… Although much is done, yet much remains to do. Expect not peace, whilst any corner of America is in possession of your foes. You must drive them away from the land of promise, a land flowing indeed with milk and honey [Exodus 3:8]. Your brethren at the extremities of the continent, already implore your friendship and protection. It is your duty to grant their request. They hunger and thirst after liberty. Be it yours to dispense the heavenly gift.

“… If you exert the means of defense which God and nature have given you, the time will soon arrive when every man shall sit under his own vine and under his own fig-tree, and there shall be none to make him afraid [Micah 4:4].

“… Yet do not believe that you have been, or can be saved merely by your own strength. No! it is by the assistance of Heaven, and this you must assiduously cultivate, by acts which Heaven approves [Psalm 44:1–8]. Thus shall the power and the happiness of these sovereign, free, and independent states, founded on the virtue of their citizens, increase, extend, and endure, until the Almighty shall blot out all the empires of the earth.”

Reflection

What does the Continental Congress see as the role of God and the role of the people in the war? What vision do they have for the United States? What sort of acts would “Heaven approve”? What do they see as the foundation of liberty? Are you facing a battle now?