The Reverend Samuel Doak presented a fiery sermon to the Patriot Militia prior to their departure and search for battle with Major Patrick Ferguson.
This sermon was presented on September 26, 1780 at Fort Watauga at the Sycamore Shoals in the town currently known as Elizabethton, TN. The OVTA has been recreating this sermon at Sycamore Shoals on the 26th of September since 1975.
See a copy of the sermon below.
Patriot militia musters in at Sycamore Shoals to listen to the fiery sermon.
The Reverend George Cobb of Alabama presents Doak's sermon to the troops. He does a great job and every time I hear it it sends shivers up my spine. Kudos to George for the effort he puts in to this presentation.
The Patriot Militia being motivated by Doak's Sermon.
The Reverend finishes with a blaze of glory and with the "SWORD OF THE LORD AND GIDEON." SAMUEL DOAK'S FAMOUS SERMON AND PRAYER
GIVEN AT SYCAMORE SHOALS MUSTER SEPTEMBER 26, 1780
"My countrymen, you are about to set out on an expedition which is full of hardships and dangers, but one in which the Almighty will attend you.
"The Mother Country has her hands upon you, these American Colonies, and takes that for which our fathers planted their homes in the wilderness‑OUR LIBERTY.
"Taxation without representation and the quartering of soldiers in the homes of our people without their consent are evidence that the Crown of England would take from its American Subjects the last vestige of Freedom.
"Your brethren across the mountains are crying like Macedonia unto your help. God forbid that you shall refuse to hear and answer their call‑but the call of your brethren is not all. The enemy is marching hither to destroy your homes.
"Brave men, you are not unacquainted with battle. Your hands have already been taught to war and your fingers to fight. You have wrested these beautiful valleys of the Holston and Watauga from the savage hand. Will you tarry now until the other enemy carries fire and sword to your very doors? No, it shall not be. Go forth then in the strength of your manhood to the aid of your brethren, the defense of your liberty and the protection of your homes. And may the God of Justice be with you and give you victory."
"Let Us Pray"
"Almighty and gracious God! Thou hast been the refuge and strength of Thy people in all ages. In time of sorest need we have learned to come to Thee‑our Rock and our Fortress. Thou knowest the dangers and snares that surround us on march and in battle.
"Thou knowest the dangers that constantly threaten the humble, but well beloved homes, which Thy servants have left behind them.
Oh, in Thine infinite mercy, save us from the cruel hand of the savage, and of tyrant. Save the unprotected homes while fathers and husbands and sons are far away fighting for freedom and helping the oppressed.
"Thou, who promised to protect the sparrow in its flight, keep ceaseless watch, by day and by night, over our loved ones. The helpless woman and little children, we commit to Thy care. Thou wilt not leave them or forsake them in times of loneliness and anxiety and terror.
"Oh, God of Battle, arise in Thy might. Avenge the slaughter of Thy people. Confound those who plot for our destruction. Crown this mighty effort with victory, and smite those who exalt themselves against liberty and justice and truth.
"Help us as good soldiers to wield the SWORD OF THE LORD AND GIDEON." "AMEN".
GIVEN AT SYCAMORE SHOALS MUSTER SEPTEMBER 26, 1780
"My countrymen, you are about to set out on an expedition which is full of hardships and dangers, but one in which the Almighty will attend you.
"The Mother Country has her hands upon you, these American Colonies, and takes that for which our fathers planted their homes in the wilderness‑OUR LIBERTY.
"Taxation without representation and the quartering of soldiers in the homes of our people without their consent are evidence that the Crown of England would take from its American Subjects the last vestige of Freedom.
"Your brethren across the mountains are crying like Macedonia unto your help. God forbid that you shall refuse to hear and answer their call‑but the call of your brethren is not all. The enemy is marching hither to destroy your homes.
"Brave men, you are not unacquainted with battle. Your hands have already been taught to war and your fingers to fight. You have wrested these beautiful valleys of the Holston and Watauga from the savage hand. Will you tarry now until the other enemy carries fire and sword to your very doors? No, it shall not be. Go forth then in the strength of your manhood to the aid of your brethren, the defense of your liberty and the protection of your homes. And may the God of Justice be with you and give you victory."
"Let Us Pray"
"Almighty and gracious God! Thou hast been the refuge and strength of Thy people in all ages. In time of sorest need we have learned to come to Thee‑our Rock and our Fortress. Thou knowest the dangers and snares that surround us on march and in battle.
"Thou knowest the dangers that constantly threaten the humble, but well beloved homes, which Thy servants have left behind them.
Oh, in Thine infinite mercy, save us from the cruel hand of the savage, and of tyrant. Save the unprotected homes while fathers and husbands and sons are far away fighting for freedom and helping the oppressed.
"Thou, who promised to protect the sparrow in its flight, keep ceaseless watch, by day and by night, over our loved ones. The helpless woman and little children, we commit to Thy care. Thou wilt not leave them or forsake them in times of loneliness and anxiety and terror.
"Oh, God of Battle, arise in Thy might. Avenge the slaughter of Thy people. Confound those who plot for our destruction. Crown this mighty effort with victory, and smite those who exalt themselves against liberty and justice and truth.
"Help us as good soldiers to wield the SWORD OF THE LORD AND GIDEON." "AMEN".
2 comments:
I will comment. This is a great sermon and a tribute to liberty. The Battle of King's Mountain was the turning point of the American Revolution. We owe our freedom to the Overmountain Men. I can only hope that we have the kind of courage and love of liberty that they had.
I am blessed to be the 6th great granddaughter of Rev. Samuel Doak. He was a man of conviction and character. I hope that my life will help continue that vision of freedom he and so many others were willing to die for.
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