The Washington Hypothesis–One More Time

By now you know I enjoyed reading Timothy Ballard’s “The Washington Hypothesis.” It gave me some new insights. One particular part of the hypothesis is the reference to the Bible. When George Washington was given the Oath of Office as the new First President of the United States of America, he asked that a Bible be produced so that he could receive the Oath as a Covenant.

The man, the Mason, who ultimately presented the Bible, apparently took care to mark where George opened the Bible and placed his hand. There is only one place in the Old Testament which can be easily interpreted to be prophesying about the new Promised Land. read more

More Washington Hypothesis

George_Washington_Statue_at_Federal_HallI finished the book “The Washington Hypothesis” with an even greater admiration for George Washington. The hypothesis included the question whether or not George knew that he was in the middle of something big. Did he know that he was creating essentially a new exodus from the promised land, or creating a new promised land, like Moses?

How much did Washington really know? What was his relationship with the Masons? What do all the symbols mean surrounding the development of Washington, D.C.? Is everything in our early history just one huge, unbelieveable coincidence, or something greater? How many times was the fledgling nation saved by miracles? These are just some of the questions. read more

The Washington Hypothesis

Landsdowne paintingAn hypothesis is, of course, also defined as a theory, a conjecture, a postulation, or a premise. In other words, it’s not for sure. But it makes for good reading!

The book with the title “The Washington Hypothesis” by Timothy Ballard, is fascinating, engrossing, compelling and intriguing. It is by far one of the best books I have read in a long, long time.

I have read many books about George Washington. Most are full of factual situations, biographical material, and good history. But few have held my interest as riveting and captivating as this book did. I couldn’t put it down. My wife had to interrupt me for dinner and for guests! read more

George Washington Inspires His Troops in 1777

GeorgeWashingtonMost of us remember a little bit about the Revolutionary War as we learned it in our youth. We can recall the heroic efforts of Colonel Knox at Boston as he was requested to recover lost cannon and other materiel lost at Fort Ticonderoga. We remember the victory at Dorchester. Then the move to New York, where George and his valiant soldiers were chased from Long Island, lost at several posts along the retreat, and moved to New Jersey.

The famous painting of George Washington and his military crossing the Delaware reminds us of his small but miraculous victories at Trenton and at Princeton. Spirits were raised again for the battles. read more

Ben Tells Stories While Jefferson Cringes

ThomasJeffersonAfter Thomas Jefferson completed his draft of the Declaration of Independence, he submitted it to the committee ordained for that purpose. They made only a few changes or suggestions. Then it was placed before the whole Congress for its adoption.

Thomas squirmed as members of Congress made their own remarks and suggestions. John Adams defended it. Benjamin Franklin turned to Thomas Jefferson and told this tale from his days as a printer:

“One of my friends, an apprentice hatter, had decided to open a shop for himself. His first concern was to have a handsome signboard with a proper inscription. He composed it in these words: ‘John Thompson, hatter, makes and sells hats for ready money,’ with a figure of a hat subjoined.’ But he thought he would submit it to his friends for their amendments. read more

Independence Declared

On July 2, 1776, the proposition put forward by Richard Henry Lee, of Virginia, that these colonies have a right to be free and independent of Great Britain, was adopted by Congress.

JohnAdamsJohn Adams who had spoken fervently in Congress that such a proposition should definitely be approved, was excited. He was so proud of this accomplishment that on July 3, he wrote home to Abigail:

“Yesterday the greatest Question was decided which ever was debated in America, and a greater perhaps never was nor will be decided among men . . . The Second Day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha [sic}, in the History of America—I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the day of Deliverance by Solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews [sic], Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires, and Illuminations from one end of the Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.” (Capitalization as in the original letter). read more

Independence Day Question

JohnAdamsOn this our 4th of July, or our Independence Day weekend, I am sorely reminded of the quote of Abigail Adams. As you know, she was the wife of John Adams, who argued on behalf of accepting Thomas Jefferson’s draft of the Declaration of Independence. As a result he was nicknamed “the Colossus” by Jefferson.

Abigail Adams uttered the agonizing question: “I wonder if future generations will ever know what we have suffered on their behalf?”

Einstein and Intellectual and Moral Freedom

Liberty BellAlbert Einstien was once an avowed atheist. After study and consideration, he seemed to change his tune. Here’s what he said:

“Only the church stood squarely across the path of Hitler’s campaign for suppressing the truth. I never had any special interest in the church before, but now I feel a great affection and admiration for it because the church alone has had the courage and persistence to stand for intellectual and moral freedom. I am forced to confess that what I once despised I now praise unreservedly” read more

America the Beautiful

thomas paineSeveral years ago, the King at the time told a friend how he had sent 14 of the brightest young men of Rumania to receive some training for future service in the government. He had sent 7 to England and another 7 to the United States of America, to study the respective political and even economic systems.

“The seven who went to England were very smart,” said the King, “and they now each have an important post in the leading councils of Bucharest.”

“What about the 7 you sent to America?” asked the friend. read more