Welcome to Call to Decision 

 American Minute with Bill Federer

 October 7

 Henry Melchior Muhlenberg died OCTOBER 7, 1787.

 One of the founders of the Lutheran Church in America, his son John
 Peter was a pastor promoted to Major-General in the Continental Army,
 then elected to Congress. Another son, Frederick, was a pastor who
 became the first Speaker of the House.

 Both sons served in the first U.S. Congress and passed the First
 Amendment.

 Henry Muhlenberg pastored German congregations near Valley Forge
 during the Revolution.

 In The Notebook of a Colonial Clergyman, Henry Muhlenberg wrote:

 "I heard a fine example today, namely that His Excellency General
 Washington rode around among his army yesterday and admonished each
 to fear God, to put away wickedness...and to practice Christian
 virtues."

 Rev. Muhlenberg continued:

 "From all appearances General Washington does not belong to the
 so-called world of society, for he respects God's Word, believes in
 the atonement through Christ, and bears himself in humility and
 gentleness.

 Therefore, the Lord God has also singularly, yea, marvelously
 preserved him from harm in the midst of countless perils, ambuscades,
 fatigues, etc., and has hitherto graciously held him in his hand as a
 chosen vessel."