God’s Instructions to a New Nation

From Bible Verses That Made America by Robert Morgan

December 11, 1783

In his book Reading the Bible with the Founding Fathers, Daniel L. Dreisbach observes that the leaders of the American Revolution repeatedly referred to Micah 6:8. “The literature of the founding era has numerous references and allusions to this biblical text,” he wrote. This includes John Winthrop, John Adams quoted it frequently, and George Washington.

It was also a key text used by George Duffield, a Presbyterian minister in Philadelphia who served as chaplain of the Continental Congress.

Duffield’s story is interesting. He was appointed pastor of the Pine Street Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia in 1771, but when he arrived at his church on his first Sunday the door had been locked by a group opposed to his appointment. His supporters pushed him into the sanctuary through an open window, and thus he began his ministry.

The Colonies were in turmoil, trying to decide whether to sever their ties with England, and Duffield became a vocal advocate for independence. So many of the Founding Fathers crowded into his pews that Pine Street became known as the Church of the Patriots.

During the Revolutionary War, the British put a price on Duffield’s head, and when Philadelphia was occupied, his church was converted into a hospital and the pews were burned to keep the wounded British soldiers warm. Duffield put his gifts to work as chaplain of the Continental Congress and chaplain of the Pennsylvania regiment. He also counseled and comforted General George Washington at Valley Forge.

After the War was won and peace established, Congress appointed December 11, 1783, as a Day of Thanksgiving, and Duffield gave a powerful sermon praising God for His providence:

Who indeed hath heard such a thing? Who, but a few years back, would have believed the report, had a prophet himself declared it? . . . Who since time began, hath seen such events take place so soon? The earth has indeed brought forth, as in a day. A nation has indeed been born, as at once. . . . Let us look back, on what God hath done; and contemplate the prospect He opens before us.

Then, like so many other early American preachers, he referenced Micah 6:8 and reminded us of our greatest obligations as citizens of a great nation and as followers of God:

Micah 6:8 He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

It is, that we love the Lord our God, to walk in his ways, and keep his commandments, to observe his statutes and his judgments. That a sacred regard be maintained to righteousness and truth. That we do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God. Then shall God delight to dwell amongst us. And these United States shall long remain, a great, a glorious, and a happy people. Which may God, of his infinite mercy, grant. Amen.[1]

To Duffield, Micah 6:8 represented God’s instructions to the new nation.

In a world adrift with moral confusion and ethical lapses, there’s no better instruction for any nation—or for any of us as individuals—than the proclamation of the prophet Micah. God isn’t as interested in our rituals as He is in our righteousness. “The Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).

If this plan encouraged you or deepened your appreciation for God’s Word in history, continue the journey with Robert J. Morgan’s book, 100 Bible Verses That Made America. Through compelling stories, historical insight, and biblical encouragement, you’ll discover how Scripture has influenced the heart of a nation and why it still matters now more than ever. Check it out for more.

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[1] George Duffield, “A Sermon Preached on a Day of Thanksgiving” (sermon, Philadelphia, PA, December 11, 1783), https://www.consource.org/document/a-sermon-preached-on-a-day-of-thanksgiving-by-george-duffield-1783-12-11/.