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Samuel Doak's Famous Sermon & Prayer

Sycamore Shoals Muster

September 1780 preceding the battle:


"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 own 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. "O, 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. "O, 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"

Rev. Doak was the first president of Washington College, near Greeneville, Tennessee. His son Dr. John Whitfileld Doak succeeded him in later years as the president of Washington College.
 

Conclusions of the webmaster::
At the battle Colonel Ferguson boasted that "he was on King's Mountain, that he was king of the Mountain, and God Almighty could not drive him from it".   Rev. Samuel Doak in the closing words of his sermon said,  "O, 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"   Colonel Ferguson would difinately fit into the catagory of "those who exalt themselves".

I think God was listening to Rev. Samuel Doak and not to Colonel Ferguson to which we should all stop and offer up gratefulness to our Heavenly Father.

I am glad Rev. Doak and the patriots were not meeting in a public school room.  We might not have what freedoms we have today.
 



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Disclaimer:  The purpose of this Web Page is to share information for the purpose of research.  I have not proved documentation of all genealogy material, nor have I kept source notes as I should.  But I had lots of fun and met some great people along the way..

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