#9 The Battle of Bunker Hill
Dr. Stephen Phinney: The Battle of Bunker Hill was a significant event in the American Revolution, not only for its military outcome, but also for its Christian and moral implications.
“Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes!” This command was reportedly given by Colonel William Prescott, the American commander of the redoubt on Breed’s Hill, to conserve the limited ammunition of his men.
The Battle of Bunker Hill was a significant event in the American Revolution, not only for its military outcome, but also for its Christian and moral implications. Some of the aspects of the battle that relate to Christian history are mind-bending.
The battle was fought on a Sunday, which was considered a Holy Day, a day of rest, by many colonists. Some of them hesitated to join the fight due to violating the Word of God, while others saw it as a duty to defend their rights and liberties whenever called to service.
The battle was preceded by a prayer service led by Reverend Samuel Langdon, a former president of Harvard College and a supporter of the patriot cause. He invoked God’s blessing and protection on the colonial forces and urged them to fight bravely and faithfully unto the Supreme God.
The battle claimed the life of Dr. Joseph Warren, a prominent patriot leader, and a devout Christ follower. He was a member of the Old South Church in Boston and a friend of several ministers, including Samuel Cooper and Jonathan Mayhew. Unfortunately, he was also a Freemason and a member of the St. Andrew’s Lodge, which had many “Christian” members who did not necessarily support the born-again principles many Christians proclaimed. Before he died, he shouted:
“The day, perhaps, may come, when all America may feel the consequence of this day’s work.”
The battle inspired many sermons, poems, and songs that celebrated the heroism and sacrifice of the American soldiers and invoked divine providence and justice. Some of the most famous examples are William Billings’ hymn “Chester”, Philip Morin Freneau’s poem “The Battle of Bunker Hill”, and John Trumbull’s painting "The Death of General Warren at the Battle of Bunker’s Hill."
The battle also sparked a debate among Christians about the morality and legitimacy of the war. Some, like John Witherspoon, a Presbyterian minister and a signer of the Declaration of Independence, argued that the war was a just and necessary defense of natural and civil rights. Others, like John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, condemned the war as a rebellion against God’s ordained authority and a violation of the biblical commandment to love one’s enemies.
"I shall rely, therefore, confidently on that Providence which has heretofore preserved and been bountiful to me, not doubting but that I shall return safely to you in the fall."
This quote is from a letter he wrote to Martha on June 18, 1775, after accepting the position of Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army. He expressed his trust in God’s protection and his hope of reuniting with his wife soon.
General Washington rode to Boston and fulfilled his responsibilities and took command. At this time, Georgia’s Provincial Congress passed a motion on July 5, 1775:
That this Congress apply to his Excellency the governor… requesting him to appoint a Day of Fasting and Prayer throughout this Province, on account of the disputes subsisting between America and the Parent State.
Not only did the governor appoint the Day of Fasting and Prayer, but this motion spread throughout the churches and other provinces. It was classified by many as a revival of sorts. John Adams was so taken up by this motion he penned the following words:
We have appointed a Continental fast. Millions will be upon their knees at once before their great Creator, imploring His forgiveness and blessing; His smiles on American Council and arms.
Governor Johnathan Trumbull, being compelled by the Christian movement, wrote to General Washington these words:
The Honorable Congress has proclaimed a Fast to be observed by the inhabitants of all the English Colonies on this continent, to stand before the Lord in one day, with public humiliation, fasting, and prayer, to deplore our many sins, to offer up our joint supplications to God.
They have… appointed you to the high station you possess. The Supreme Director of all events hath caused a wonderful union of hearts and counsels to subsist among us.
Now, therefore, be strong and very courageous. May the God of the armies of Israel shower down the blessings of His Divine Providence on you, give you wisdom and fortitude, cover your head in the day of battle and danger, add success, and convince our enemies of their mistaken measure.
As history notes, God indeed honored the governor’s prayer and encouragement to George Washington! Was John Witherspoon right? Did God honor the war to ignite a revival? Or was John Wesley correct in stating it was a rebellion against God? You decide.
The Battle of Bunker Hill was a glorious display of God’s power and grace in the midst of a righteous struggle for liberty. The brave patriots who fought and died on that hill were instruments of His divine will, and their sacrifice was not in vain.
Though the British claimed the field, they paid a heavy price for it, and their arrogance was humbled by the Lord. The battle also showed the world that the American cause was not a mere rebellion, but a noble crusade for the rights and duties of mankind, inspired by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Today, citizens of America enjoy their freedoms due to the spiritual revival ignited during this war while setting the stage for full ownership and victory of this great land we call America.
Dr. Stephen Phinney
Identity Politics | Co-writer: Judge Mark T. Boonstra