John F. Bigelow

The Hand of God in American History John F. Bigelow

This book contains three books in one; all on the same subject, which is God?s guiding hand in the founding and progress of the United States of America.

Book One
THE HAND OF GOD IN AMERICAN HISTORY
A Study of Divine Providence as Seen in the Life and Mission of a Nation

By Wilbur Fisk Tillett, D. D., LL. D., 1923

Chapter 1: God's Use of Nations
Chapter 2: Christopher Columbus, The Christ-Bearer
Chapter 3: The Faith of Our Fathers
Chapter 4: The Religious Faith and Moral Character of Our Presidents
Chapter 5: Our Ethical Idealism and Altruism
Chapter 6: What Makes a Nation Great?

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Book Two
THE HAND OF GOD IN AMERICAN HISTORY
By: John F. Bigelow
1861

If we look into the History of Nations, we shall find that not a few of them supposed themselves to be the special favorites of Divine Providence. If we inquire also into the state of national feeling, as it now exists in different countries, we shall find, in numbers of them, no lack of present evidences of the same assumption. . . . Does the story of other nations tell of remarkable events, of hairbreadth escapes, of wonderful deliverances, of daring exploits and grand achievements? The annals of the Israelites relate those, the equal of which veritable history nowhere else records, and which the most romantic legend has hardly surpassed. In the case of the American people, as in that of the Jews, we believe that it is no dictate of national vanity, when we claim that God has given us a history unique and peculiar: when we claim that "He hath not so dealt with any nation." Accordingly the subject, on which I propose to address you at this time is, the Hand of God in American History.

I. In the first place, let me point you to some of the manifestations and developments of peculiar Providential agency in our historical career.

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GOD'S HAND IN AMERICA
By the Rev. George B. Cheever
1841

1. That God is governor among the nations.
2. That he deals with nations on the same principles as with Individuals.
3. That the responsibilities and duties of nations as individuals, are commensurate with their capabilities, opportunities, and mercies.
4. That the disregard and violation of this principle will be followed with the divine retribution, and if persisted in, must result in national degradation and ruin.
5. That in the light of these principles an enumeration of the elements of national gratitude, is an exceedingly solemn and admonitory service.

These propositions may occupy two or three of the following chapters, and afterwards the main subject to which they are introductory will be discussed, viz: The opportunities and responsibilities of this country for its own and the world's evangelization. Here opens that most striking aspect of providence and duty, to which I have referred in the general title of this volume; a title which may be pardoned for its apparent singularity and quaintness, in consideration of its condensed expression of a most comprehensive and important theme.