GENERAL WASHINGTONS VISION

The Response To His Prayers

WASHINGTON’S VISION

rumble link:https://rumble.com/v59z11o-valley-forge-song-by-jmc.html?e9s=src_v1_ucp_a

(Originally published by Wesley Bradshaw. Reprinted in the National Tribune, Vol. 4, No. 12, December 1880.)

We have all heard about Washington’s prayers at Valley Forge. This account goes much deeper, describing what were said to be answers to those prayers.

The last time I ever saw Anthony Sherman was on the 4th of July, 1859, in Independence Square. He was ninety-nine years old and very feeble, yet his dim eyes rekindled as he gazed upon Independence Hall one final time.

“Let us go into the Hall,” he said. “I want to tell you an incident of Washington’s life — one which no one alive knows except myself. If you live long enough, you may see it verified.”

“From the opening of the Revolution, we experienced every phase of fortune — now good, now ill; at times victorious, at others defeated. The darkest period, I believe, was when Washington retreated to Valley Forge in the winter of 1777.”

“I have often seen tears run down our commander’s face as he spoke of the suffering of his soldiers. You have heard of him praying in the woods — it is true. He prayed often for divine aid, and that providence carried us through those dark days.”

“One afternoon, during bitter cold, he remained alone in his quarters. When he emerged, his face was pale, and something in his expression struck me deeply.”

He later described a vision.

Before him appeared a vast landscape showing the nations of the world — Europe, Asia, Africa, and America — separated by the great oceans.

A mysterious voice spoke: “Son of the Republic, look and learn.”

A shadowy figure appeared between continents, sprinkling water upon them. Dark clouds rose and merged, eventually moving toward America, bringing turmoil, lightning, and the cries of the people.

Again the waters were cast, and the clouds receded.

A third time, the voice spoke, and he saw America growing — towns and cities spreading across the land.

Then came another vision: conflict within the nation itself. People turned against each other until a radiant figure bearing the word “Union” intervened, restoring unity.

Once more, the voice commanded him to observe.

A great global force advanced toward America — armies crossing land and sea, bringing destruction. The land was engulfed in chaos and war.

Then a brilliant light descended, breaking the darkness. A radiant figure returned, leading forces that restored strength and victory.

The conflict ended, and the land was restored. The figure declared that the Union would endure as long as the heavens remained.

The vision faded, and the voice gave its final message:

“Three great perils will come upon the Republic. The third will be the most severe, yet the nation will endure. Let every citizen live for God, country, and Union.”

The vision then vanished.

“Such were the words,” concluded the narrator, “that I heard from Washington himself. America would do well to remember them.”

— John Michael Chambers

Note

The embedded audio/video referenced was written, performed, and recorded by John Michael Chambers circa 1999-2000, with additional vocals by Britta Johnson and Mary Strate (R.I.P.). Produced by Gary Smith Productions, Grand Junction, Colorado.