America’s Greatness: The Black Robed Regiment — Part One

During the Founding Era of our country, the Black Robed Regiment was the name that the British gave to the courageous and patriotic American clergy. In fact, the British blamed the Black Regiment for American Independence, and rightly so, for modern historians have documented that: “There is not a right asserted in the Declaration of Independence which had not been discussed by the New England clergy before 1763.” (Alice M. Baldwin, New England Clergy, 1958) 

This article deals with the role of the clergy in laying the foundations for the popular support of the American Revolution. It may seem strange to some today to consider that the rights enumerated in the Declaration of Independence were little more than a listing of sermon topics that had been preached from the pulpit in the three decades leading up to the American Revolution, but such was the case. 

It was not just the British who saw the American pulpit as largely responsible for American independence-our own leaders agreed. For example, John Adams rejoiced that “the pulpits have thundered” and specifically identified several ministers as being among the “characters most conspicuous, the most ardent, and influential in the awakening and a revival of American principles and feelings that led to American independence.”

“The ministers of the Revolution were, like their Puritan predecessors, bold and fearless in the cause of their country…by their prayers, patriotic sermons, and services they rendered the highest assistance to the civil government, the army, and the country.” (B.F. Morris, historian 1864)

The American clergy were faithful advocates of the fullness of God’s Word, applying its principles to every aspect of life, thereby shaping America’s institutes and culture. They were at the forefront of proclaiming liberty, resisting tyranny, and opposing any encroachments to God-given rights and freedoms. In 1898, Methodist bishop Charles Galloway rightly observed of these ministers: “Mighty men they were, of iron nerve and strong hand and unblanched cheek and heart of flame. God needed not reeds shaken by the wind…but heroes of hardihood and lofty courage…and such were the sons of the mighty who responded to the Divine call.” 

But the ministers of the Revolutionary period were not unique; they were merely continuing to do what ministers had been doing to shape American government and culture in the century and a half preceding the Revolution.

For example, the early settlers who arrived in Virginia in 1606 included ministers such as Revs. Robert Hunt, Richard Burke, William Mease, Alexander Whitaker, William Wickham, and others. In 1619, they helped form America’s first representative government-the House of Burgesses, with its members elected from among the people. That legislature met in the Jamestown church and was opened with prayer by the Rev. Mr. Burke; the elected legislators then sat in the church choir loft to conduct business. As Bishop Galloway later observed: “The first movement toward democracy in America was inaugurated in the house of God and with the blessing of the minister of God.”

In 1620, the Pilgrims arrived in Massachusetts to establish their colony. Their pastor, John Robinson, charged them to elect civil leaders who would not only seek the “common good” but who would also discourage special privileges and status between governors and the governed-a radical departure from the practice of the rest of the world at that time. The Pilgrims eagerly took that message to heart, organizing a representative government and holding annual elections. By 1636, they had also enacted a citizens’ Bill of Rights-America’s first. 

In 1630, the Puritans founded the Massachusetts Bay Colony, and under the leadership of their ministers, they, too, established a representative government with annual elections. They also formulated a Bill of Rights, a document drafted by the Rev. Nathaniel Ward.

In 1636, the Rev. Roger Williams established the Rhode Island Colony and its representative form of government, affirming that “the sovereign, original, and foundation of civil power lies in the people.” 

Next: more on the influence of the Black Robed Regiment. 

Tim Lewis can be reached at timlewis1@windstream.net.