God’s
Providence
in American
History
By Stephen McDowell
T
HE FOUNDERS of America had a providential view of
history. In an address to the United States Congress in
1866, historian George Bancroft reflected this predominant
philosophy when he said: “That God rules in the affairs of
men is as certain as any truth of physical science.” 1
American history is filled with instances of God’s super-
natural intervention in important events. In the colonial
era, this included, among myriads of examples, Pocahon-
tas providentially saving John Smith’s life, God sending
Squanto to help the Pilgrims survive in their new home,
William Penn receiving a charter “through my God” to start
a new colony, the miraculous defeat of the French fleet sent
to destroy America in 1746, the great outpouring of God’s
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Spirit during the First Great Awakening, and God preserving
Washington’s life during the French and Indian War. God’s
providence continued during the American Revolution and
was acknowledged by all.
In reviewing the events of the first few years of the Revolu-
tionary War, George Washington wrote in 1778: “The hand
of Providence has been so conspicuous in all of this, that
he must be worse than an infidel that lacks faith, and more
than wicked, that has not gratitude enough to acknowledge
his obligations.” 2
A conspicuous providential event that occurred two years
later was the discovery of Benedict’s Arnold’s treason. In
September 1780, “a combination of extraordinary circum-