George Washington-first in the hearts of his countrymen; Part 1

THE UNCOMMON MAN

The great British statesman and four times Prime Minister, William E. Gladstone, once proposed the creation of a grouping of pedestals for statues of history's most famous men. One pedestal stood higher than all the rest, and Gladstone was asked to identify the figure to be given the place of honor. Without a moment's hesitation, he named George Washington.

At the Continental Congress, meeting in Philadelphia, December 1799, one of Washington's finest military commanders, the famous cavalry general, Henry "Light-Horse Harry" Lee, now Congressman from Virginia (and later to become that state's governor) upon hearing of the death of our first president, rose to his feet and with tears in his eyes spoke for all Americans for all time when he said of Washington, "First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen."

Many students of history consider George Washington to be the greatest man who ever lived. Certainly, he was the greatest American - a brilliant, educated, successful man who risked everything for the freedom of our country.

Washington was a man of great moral character. He was forthright, honest, charitable and a gentle man of quiet modesty and proper deportment - considerate, kind and courteous.

Washington was also a man of great talent. He was knowledgeable in agriculture, was a surveyor with an established reputation, and early in life became a land owner of some importance and considerable wealth.

He was held in such respect that at the age of 21 he was made a Major and Adjutant of the Virginia Militia, and so distinguished himself that at the age of 23 was made Commander in Chief of the Frontier Forces of Virginia.

Washington had a commanding appearance. He was the most physically impressive of all of our Presidents, and in his prime stood over 6 feet 4 inches tall and was a lean and powerful 225 pounds. In addition, this handsome figure had a distinct military bearing.

Washington was appropriately described by colleagues and writers of the time as "... straight, tall, wide- shouldered, with head well shaped, large straight nose, penetrating blue-gray eyes, a long handsome face terminating in a good firm chin, clear fair skin, firm mouth, and a commanding countenance; with speech, movement and gestures which are agreeable, differential, engaging and graceful."

Most important of all, Washington was a man with a total sense of responsibility, unquestioned integrity and deep devotion to God.


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       Part 2 : THE RESOLUTE LEADER

Among the many outstanding men of leadership in the American Colonies, Washington stood out above all. Once the War for Independence began, he was quickly and logically chosen Commander-in-Chief of the Colonial Forces. Washington had the impossible task of taking a few thousand untrained volunteers and leading them against the armies of the world's greatest empire......

     Part 3 :  WASHINGTON IN BATTLE

General Washington led his men with a passion, courage and fortitude that could come only from total dedication. When the Continental Congress did not, or could not, send the funds for his soldiers' supplies and salaries, Washington paid for them out of his own pocket.....

     Part 4 : THE VISION

Various accounts of George Washington's vision and prophecy all agree in content. There have been only minor variations in some details as the story was repeated over the years by those to whom it was related by General Washington.

The place was Valley Forge, in the cold and bitter winter of 1777. Washington's army suffered several reverses and the situation was desperate. Food was scarce. The Continental Congress was not sending supplies or money. Some of the troops did not even have shoes to wear in the snow. Many soldiers were sick and dying from disease and exposure....

    Part 5 : WASHINGTON'S OWN WORDS 

"This afternoon, as I was sitting at this table engaged in preparing a dispatch, something seemed to disturb me. Looking up, I beheld standing opposite me a singularly beautiful female. So astonished was I, for I had given strict orders not to be disturbed, that it was some moments before I found language to inquire the cause of her presence. A second, a third and even a fourth time did I repeat my question, but received no answer from my mysterious visitor except a slight raising of her eyes......

      Part 6 :  COMMENTARY

George Washington's vision has been published from time to time and is recorded in the Library of Congress. What I have related regarding this prophecy, as well as the explanations and remarks setting the historical background of this profound event, are not original thoughts or even initially reported facts. It has simply been my duty to set them down in order to increase your understanding and motivation for the struggle ahead.

We are now moving rapidly into the third and greatest peril of Washington's revelation. The signs of its fulfillment are readily evident to all who are not blinded by apathy, over indulgence, or self-delusion.....

   Part 7 : AN ADMONITION

Sons and Daughters of the Republic, you are living in the most crucial and momentous period in the history of mankind. It will be a time of great trial. The events foretold are not only foretold in George Washington's vision; but the Holy Bible as well and they are coming. There is no escape. The only question is whether or not you will have the judgment, courage, and sense of destiny to stand with those of us who already stand; for with the help of Almighty God and his son; Jesus Christ our savior, we shall be victorious!.....