Early American Christianity: Chaplain Samuel MacClintock
ABSTRACT The blog post details the author’s analysis of the epitaph of Congregationalist pastor Samuel MacClintock, specifically pertaining to MacClintock’s service as a military chaplain during the American Revolution. To add context and historical depth, the article briefly discusses the background and history of military chaplains from antiquity through their adoption by the British army. Scholarly journals and works were consulted for the historical details, and one of Reverend MacClintock’s noteworthy sermons was employed to provide additional historical depth. INTRODUCTION AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND Good afternoon. Today I am writing on an interesting facet of early American Christianity, Army Chaplains in the American Revolution. The practice of priests following soldiers into battle dates from antiquity, as evidenced by a passage from Deuteronomy 20: 2-4: And it shall be, when ye are come night unto the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak unto the people...