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The American Story - The Beginnings
David Barton, Tim Barton
Verlag BookBaby, 2021
ISBN 9781947501256 , 384 Seiten
Format ePUB
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Introduction
THE GOLDEN THREAD OF AMERICAN HISTORY
A “Golden Thread” refers to a connecting ribbon or filament interlaced throughout a valuable tapestry. That Golden Thread is not necessarily prominent—it does not always command immediate attention; however, if searched for, it becomes evident. Running throughout the entirety of a fabric, it not only helps hold it together but also greatly increases its beauty, uniqueness, and worth.
The Golden Thread in American history is the superintending Providence of Almighty God. It includes both His interventions that are recognized by men and women, as well as those that are not. Without them, America would not have become the nation she has.
Across our centuries of existence, noted historians routinely drew attention to this important thread, but in recent decades it is rarely mentioned. The abundant evidence demonstrating God’s Providence in the American tapestry is now commonly ignored, and some even completely deny its presence.1 Nevertheless, for those who have eyes to see, it is readily visible.
This book returns to the practice of historians in previous generations. We, too, point out interesting stories and incidents affirming the Golden Thread of God’s Providence in American history. We do this in part by utilizing the former practice of biographical history—that is, of learning the American Story by looking at the lives of key individuals who shaped and impacted the nation and how God was directly involved in their lives.
We also revive the practice of showing causes and effects, demonstrating that specific ideas and actions throughout our history have had very real consequences: some intended, some unintended; some good, some bad.
The approach we use was articulated by Dr. Jedidiah Morse, the “Father of American Geography.” He was an early American historian who not only lived through the War for Independence but also penned an early history of that conflict.2 He explained that “the interesting office of an historian” is:
To record the progress of human affairs as directed by the Providence of God, to exhibit the connection of events showing how an immense series is produced as cause and effect, [and] to display the character of man and of God.3
We agree with Dr. Morse that to fully grasp significant events in our history, writers should (1) present a Providential view, acknowledging when God’s intervention is seen, whether for or against a particular outcome; (2) demonstrate that specific beliefs and behaviors have direct consequences; and (3) exhibit both the nature of God and the character of humans, pointing out the good as well as the bad and the ugly in America’s story.
Although American history is rarely presented from this viewpoint today, in reality, history can never be totally secular. Even if modern writers completely ignore God, He nonetheless remains actively involved in the dealings of people and nations in all ages. As an elderly Benjamin Franklin acknowledged while helping create the Constitution of the United States:
[T]he longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth: that God* governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid? We have been assured, sir, in the Sacred Writings that “except the Lord build they labor in vain that build it” [quoting the Bible from Psalm 127:1].4
Previous generations believed that to exclude a Providential view of history was to deprive readers of a truthful and accurate portrayal of human events. As Charles Coffin pointed out in a textbook used in 19th century public schools:5
[Y]ou will notice that while the oppressors have carried out their plans and had things their own way, there were other forces silently at work which in time undermined their plans—as if a Divine Hand were directing the counter-plan. Whoever peruses the “Story of Liberty” without recognizing this feature will fail of fully comprehending the meaning of history. There must be a meaning to history or else existence is an incomprehensible enigma [complete riddle].6
George Bancroft, the “Father of American History,” similarly affirmed:
That God rules in the affairs of men is as certain as any truth of physical science….nothing is by chance, though men in their ignorance of causes may think so.7
He continued:
[T]he fortunes of a nation are not under the control of blind destiny [but] follow the steps by which a favoring Providence, calling our institutions into being, has conducted the country to its present happiness and glory. 8
As Bancroft noted, there is more to the American Story than what he termed “blind destiny”; and from a Providential viewpoint, coincidence, accident, or luck is not the deciding factor.
The Hebrew language affirms this perspective, which, according to Pilgrim Governor William Bradford, was the language “in which the Law and Oracles of God were written, and in which God and angels spoke to the holy patriarchs of old time, and [in which] names were given to things from the Creation.”9
It is telling that the word “coincidence” does not exist in ancient Hebrew. Perhaps this is because the all-powerful Master Planner of the Universe knows that nothing is a random accident (see Daniel 4:35 and Job 42:1-2). As Jesus later attested, not even a sparrow falls to earth without God knowing, and He also knows the number of hairs on our heads (Matthew 10:29-30).
Recognizing that God can and will directly intervene in the affairs of men and nations is the basis of what is known as a Providential view of history. Sadly, too many modern writers fail (or refuse) to acknowledge anything spiritual, much less the Providential hand of God.
In addition to missing an essential part of the American Story, ignoring matters of faith is simply bad history. Imagine, for instance, a history of Iran that ignores the influence of Islam in that country. Yet that is precisely what far too many contemporary historians today do with respect to Christianity in America.
For example, when writing about great leaders such as George Washington, many authors today not only disregard his clearly documented Christian faith, they even reject it, claiming that he was nothing more than a deist.10 Those writers use that term to impugn Washington as impious and irreligious, for many sources today associate the word “deist” with the terms “atheist” and “agnostic.”11
In 1855, John Frederick Schroeder compiled Washington’s short and pithy statements into a book titled the Maxims of Washington.12 He divided Washington’s adages into four categories: political, social, moral, and religious, and then introduced each subject with testimonials about Washington from contemporaries who personally knew him.13
In the section on Washington’s religious maxims, many of his friends and associates unequivocally avowed he was a Christian. This included US Supreme Court Chief Justice John Marshall, a military officer under Washington during the War for Independence, who affirmed that Washington “was a sincere believer in the Christian faith.”14 Jonathan Mitchell Sewall, who likewise served with Washington in the War, agreed: “He was a firm believer in the Christian religion.”15 Many other eyewitnesses quoted in that book confirmed the same.
Additionally, Washington’s own granddaughter, Nelly, who lived with him for 20 years at Mount Vernon, declared, “Is it necessary that anyone should certify, ‘General Washington avowed himself to me a believer in Christianity?’ As well may we question his patriotism.”16 And the Rev. John Leland, a prominent Baptist minister who worked on securing religious freedom both in Virginia and in the US Constitution, personally penned a 56-stanza poem entitled “Washington and Christ.”17
Another forceful testimony of Washington’s strong Christian faith comes from the Rev. Henry Muhlenberg, whose son John Peter was one of Washington’s military generals. After a visit to see his son during the difficult encampment at Valley Forge in 1778, he testified that “General Washington…respects God’s Word, believes in the atonement through Christ, and bears himself in humility and...
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