Washington designed the Badge of Merit, now known as the Purple Heart.
OUR HIGHEST GLORY: THE DISTINGUISHED CHARACTER OF CHRISTIAN
Was the “Purple Heart” or “Badge of Military Merit” the highest glory that could be afforded to Washington’s soldiers who were being trained to be men of character and honor in pursuit of military glory? Washington didn’t think so. At the conclusion of the severe hardships of Valley Forge, Washington declared what he believed was the highest glory for his soldiers. It had to do with character. But it was not just the character of a patriot. That was a high glory to be sure, but not the highest. The highest glory was having the character of a Christian: “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.”68 For Washington the “road to glory” led to the “Character of Christian.”
CONCLUSION
All Deists, past or present, would deeply disagree with General Washington. But doesn’t this tell us something about Washington’s views of religion? As a man of candor, honor, character, and strict military discipline and leadership, who was daily pursuing glory on the field of military engagement, it would have been impossible for him to say these words of Christian commitment as a mere rhetorical flourish to rally his men. While perhaps an unscrupulous Deist could have done so, the character required for such deception would have been closer to the character of Benedict Arnold than to Washington’s. Let us here emphasize an important point: Washington nowhere, ever even once claimed to be a Deist, in spite of all that skeptics and secularists have written. But on several instances he identified himself as a Christian. His words here from Valley Forge are certainly important, for in his words written for all to read, since they were after all, “General Orders,” he declared, “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.”69 (emphasis added) A man of honor would never have publicly said the words in bold if he had not meant them.
ELEVEN
“The Sacred Fire of Liberty”
Was George Washington a Godly Leader?
“The sacred fire of liberty, and the destiny of the Republican model of Government, are justly considered as deeply, perhaps as finally staked, on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people.
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George Washington, Inaugural Address, April 30, 1789
1
“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 favor.
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George Washington, Thanksgiving Proclamation, October 3, 1789
2
Washington’s skill as a leader was universally recognized by his contemporaries. His oft-quoted eulogy immortalized him as “first in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen.” Washington’s presidency faced great events that challenged the very core of the new Republic. He was conscious that his every act created a precedent for good or ill for all that would follow him.3 Our purpose here is not to develop the issues and accomplishments of Washington’s leadership and administration. Yet we think the following events are important to keep in mind for an understanding of Washington’s impact and effectiveness as the formative leader of America.
1781
Victory at Yorktown effectively ended the War.
1782
Commander in chief of victorious army at Newburgh, New York.
Urged to become king, and refused because of his republican views.
Kept army prepared for duty under the provisional treaty of peace.
1783
Newburgh Conspiracy—Quelled potential coup instigated by weary and unpaid officers who called for the army to force Congress to meet their demands.
Cessation of hostilities with Great Britain announced.
Circular Letter to States calling for justice to the army from the governors.
Definitive Treaty of Peace signed with Great Britain “In the Name of the Most Holy and Undivided Trinity”
Wrote his Farewell to the Army, becoming the new “Cincinnatus,” the Roman General who retired after victory to return to the plow.
Last emotional meeting with his officers.
Resigned his Congressional military commission, and retired to Mount Vernon, arriving home on Christmas Eve to stay for the first time in eight years.
