Washington dutifully recorded the words of advice his mother, Mary, gave him when he was leaving home to begin what would turn out to be a lifelong service to his country. She instructed her son with these words: "Remember that God is our only one trust. To Him, I commend you ... My son, neglect not the duty of secret prayer." And did George Washington heed his mother's admonition? Of course he did. Throughout his life, whether while a young man, Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, or President of the United States, George Washington showed, by example, how meaningful were his mother's teachings. He'd stand up at promptly 9:00 pm, take his candle, and go off by himself. There, from 9:00pm to 10:00pm, he wouldn't be seen. He was alone on his knees in front of a chair praying. A candle stood on a stand next to the chair. And his Bible was open before him. This he would do even when guests were present. Then promptly at 10:00pm, he would emerge and go directly to his bedroom. He'd get up every morning at 4:00am, and spend another hour in the same room. He could be found kneeling before the same chair, in the same posture, with the same Bible open before him. Washington never, no matter what the circumstances, received visitors on Sunday, with one exception, a Godly friend named Trumbel. They would spend time reading the Bible and praying together. The paintings of George Washington kneeling in prayer in the snow covered woods of Valley Forge are based on fact. We have all probably heard of his prayer that was overheard by a Quaker, a pacifist, a Tory - a man loyal to the Crown. This man returned home shaken and said to his wife: "Our cause is lost! I came unexpectedly in the woods upon a man who was kneeling in prayer. As I drew closer, I heard his voice. I heard the impassioned plea of his prayers and saw the tears on his cheeks. I knew our cause was lost." The Quaker and his wife were so overwhelmed that they became supporters of Washington and the American cause. When Washington took his oath of office as President of the United States, he subsequently bent forward and kissed the Bible on which he had just taken his oath. The Bible was opened to the Book of Genesis. He then led the Senate and the House of Representatives to the church for a two hour worship service.
About the Author: MEET THE AUTHOR Robert W. Pelton proudly claims a heritage going all the way back to well before the War for American Independence. One of Mr. Pelton's ancestors, John Rogers, came to America on the Mayflower and was one of 41 signers of the Mayflower Compact. Another, John Smith was one of the founders of Jamestown. Peleg Pelton served as the fifer in the Continental Army at age 18 during the Battle of Saratoga (1777) and again in Yorktown (1781). Captain Peter Hager was Commander of the Old Stone Fort in Schoharie, New York, in 1780. Another, Captain Bezaleel Tyler fought in the only Revolutionary War Battle taking place in Sullivan County, New York. Here he fought against Mohawk Chief Thayendeneges, who was also known by the name of Joseph Brant, Mr. Pelton is a member of the Sons of the Revolution, Sons of the American Revolution and soon to be a member of The Order of Cincinnati which was formed by George Washington and General Knox exclusively for the men and the ancestors of men who served as officers in the Continental Army or Navy. Membership in this organization is widely considered to be one of the most prestigious and sought after accomplishments in the heritage society community. Pelton has written five historical biographies dealing with George Washington and the Founding Fathers as well as an acclaimed series of ten historical cook books, three of which contain authentic, updated family recipes of every Signer of our Declaration of Independence and our Constitution. All of Mr. Pelton's books have been unequivocally endorsed by the Freedom & Liberty Foundation; Christian America Foundation; and Sons of the Revolution (SOR). For book purchases contact Mr. Pelton at 865-776-6644; by e-mail at: christianamerica2@yahoo.com or by going online to www.robertwpelton.com