Christian Book Notes

Reed, Anna C. Life of Washington. Green Forest: New Leaf Publishing Group, 2010. 300 pp. $16.99. Purchase at Amazon for $11.55 or less.

Introduction

Originally published in 1842 by the American Sunday School Union (now called the American Missionary Fellowship), the Life of Washington was more of a spiritual biography regarding God’s providence through the life of one man—George Washington. Anna C. Reed, the author, was the niece of a signer of the Declaration of Independence. The book was so popular that it was translated into over 20 languages within a few years of its being published. The books published by the ASSU were designed to be used by missionaries to leave with the struggling Sunday Schools and churches that they had planted. Their design was to promote literacy, education, and the best of Christian morals and values in the lives of famous individuals and the like.

Summary

The book is divided in years through twelve chapters. Beginning with Washington’s birth in 1732 and ending with his death in 1799. Throughout each major event in the life of Washington, and, consequently, the early life of the United States, we are treated to a providential understanding of how God was going to use the man, George Washington. We see how he survived a full frontal assault while at war on horseback as the General of his forces even though his coat had four bullet holes in it. We read of how he regularly went before the Lord in prayer and supplication on behalf of his men, his country, and for the furthering of his wisdom.

We are able to peer behind the man that history has violated by stripping him of his faith and rich spiritual heritage. What made Washington tick was the fact that he was serving his Lord in his various roles in the government—be they military or government leadership.

The end of the book has the Declaration of Independence that, contrary to apparent popular belief by some today, did in fact reference God as the Creator and that they appealed to the Supreme Judge (i.e., God) as to their sole authority by which they, the United States, was declaring independence.

Review

It was refreshing, though a challenge, to read a historically accurate biography of George Washington complete with the references to his spirituality and faith in Christ as Lord and Savior. To strip the Founding Fathers of their faith is to strip away the foundations of our country. Anna C. Reed helped to tie us back to those foundations.

I will be honest in that I struggled to read this book. Not because it was dry (it was action-packed to say the least) but because of the style in which it was written. It was not written in a KJV style or anything. On the contrary, it was written with proper English. I was struck by the stylistic elements of a biography written in 1842 compared to one of today.

I am a huge fan of the Puritans and read their works regularly. I am used to reading “different” stylistically. While I can’t quite put my finger on it, reading Life of Washington was extremely difficult though extremely rewarding to persevere through to the end. This obviously speaks more to how far we have fallen as a culture in regards to our literary and writing standards than anything else.

Recommendation

This biography of George Washington is an excellent, though challenging read. I think any teen in high school can read it and understand what is being said. To see Washington as he was is a sight to behold indeed and one, I fear, we do not see in the classroom today. If you enjoy biographies, then you need to read Life of Washington. If you want to challenge your teen to read a solid biography or even a solid book period, have them read Life of Washington.