Henry Melchior Muhlenberg (September 6, 1711-October 7, 1787) was one of the founders of the Lutheran Church in America. He was the father of John Peter Gabriel Muhlenberg, the Lutheran clergyman who became a major general in the Continental Army and U.S. Senator. He was also father of Frederick Augustus Conrad Muhlenberg, a clergyman who was a member of the Continental Congress and eventually the first Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. Henry Melchior Muhlenberg pastored the Lutheran Church near Valley Forge during the Revolutionary War. He commented regarding George Washington:
<I heard a fine example today, namely that His Excellency General Washington rode around among his army yesterday and admonished each and every one to fear God, to put away wickedness that has set in and become so general, and to practice Christian virtues.
From all appearances General Washington does not belong to the so- called world of society, for he respects God's Word, believes in the atonement through Christ, and bears himself in humility and gentleness.
Therefore, the Lord God has also singularly, yea, marvelously preserved him from harm in the midst of countless perils, ambuscades, fatigues, etc., and has hitherto graciously held him in his hand as a chosen vessel.> 1711HM001
--
American Quotations by William J. Federer, 2024, All Rights Reserved, Permission granted to use with acknowledgement.
Endnotes:
1711HM001. William J. Federer, American Quotations (2014). Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, The Notebook of a Colonial Clergyman, translated and ed., by Theodore G. Tappert and John W. Doberstern (Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1975), p. 195. Lucille Johnston, Celebrations of a Nation (Arlington, VA: The Year of Thanksgiving Foundation, 1987), p. 87. Peter Marshall and David Manuel, The Light and the Glory (Old Tappan, NJ: Fleming H. Revell Company, 1977), p. 323.