By Denise Gorrell, Primary School
George Washington is remembered as the Father of Our Country. The indispensable man. First in War. First in Peace. First in the hearts of his countrymen.
He was born in Virginia February 22, 1732, the fifth of ten children. Sadly, his father died when he was eleven years old.
In school he studied hard. He began to write a list of rules that his teachers taught him. They were rules of character that he wanted to remember. He called them “Rules of Civility”.
When you speak of God or His attributes,
Let it be seriously and with reverence.
At fifteen his formal education ended. He was expected to help his mother care for their large family. He became a surveyor, a blacksmith and a carpenter. He grew by reading and observing.
While he was in his twenties, he volunteered to lead a party through 900 miles of wilderness to deliver a message to the French. He was young, but he was trusted.
Labor to keep alive in your breast
That little spark of celestial fire called conscience.
The weather was bone-chilling. He traded with Indians, he was thrown into a swift roaring river and almost drowned. But his strength saved him. He accomplished his mission and came home a respected and wiser man.
Associate yourself with men of good quality
if you esteem your own reputation, for ‘tis better to be alone
than in bad company.
Later he returned to the woods and helped to drive the French from North America. During this adventure, four bullets went through his coat and two horses were wounded under him. A lead ball passed through his hat, but he was not injured.
He married Martha, a widow and mother of two children. His principles were clear. The Rules of Civility had been a part of him since he copied them as a young man. They sustained him through the birth of our nation.
When a man does all he can, though it succeeds not well,
blame not him that did it.
This historical thought was delivered by our grammar school students at devotional on 11/14/2024. Each week one class leads the student body in prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, scripture recitation, a meditation, and an historical thought. Family and friends are welcome, Thursdays 8:30-9:05 am.
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