This is a day to remember America is not invincible, that enemies can defeat us. On this date, August 24th in 1812, the British army marched on Washington D.C. At Bladensburg the British defeated the American militiamen, even though the British were outnumbered. With nothing between the British and the capital, President James Madison and the government fled the city.
Stop and picture that, the President of the United States and government officials fleeing the capital.
When snipers in Washington killed four British soldiers, orders were given to destroy the White House and Capital. Writes Robert Rimini, "The burning of the House (of Representatives) chamber was especially severe. All the mahogany furniture was piled high in the room and ignited with rocket fuel. The blaze consumed everything but the outer walls." (The House, p. 98)
Stop and picture that, the Capitol burning.
Was it just luck or was it divine Providence when a violent rain storm came and put out the fires? One Washingtonian called it a "hurricane".
"I urge, then, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone-for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness" (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
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