The Battle Of Lexington P3

Last week we ended with the dispute on who fired first in the Battle of Lexington. The question of who fired first might seem to be of little consequence today, but not to those patriots. They knew the blessing of God was crucial, but believed it would occur only if they acted in self-defense.

The Rev. Clark was committed to presenting a Biblical view of issues to his parishioners, including on war and self-defense. For years he taught, like many others in his day, that God would not bless an offensive war but only a defensive one. Thus, if an individual, city, community colony, or nation was attacked, it had a God-given right to defend itself and could engage in war to protect the people, their property, and their rights; but it could not start the fight. This is why Captain Parker issued his order.

The Battle of Lexington was followed later that same day by the Battle of North Bridge at Concord, where 400 Americans again engaged the British. Toward the end of the day came the extended battle along the road to Boston as the British troops withdrew from Concord and attempted to reach safety.

In their panicked retreat, they wantonly shot Americans and tried to kill wounded Americans in violation of the rules of warfare. They also burned American homes and farms. A rapidly growing number of colonists responded to fight back against the British rampage, often firing at the British from behind trees and stone walls at different places along both sides of the road.

More on this next week for another American moment.

Sourced From The American Story: The Beginnings by David Barton and Tim Barton.