Depending on who you are, you either love or hate General Robert E. Lee. Due to his status as the most prominent leader of the Confederate army, there is not middle ground when it comes to sentiment concerning him. We have learned of his military genius in history class, but often overlooked is the deep piety of this humble servant of God. In this post, we will look at the often overlooked part of the life of this general among generals.
Robert E. Lee was raised as an Anglican Christian. General Lee, along with his daughters Mary and Annie, was confirmed by Rev. John Johns at Christ Church in Alexandria, Virginia on July 17, 1853. After his confirmation, there was a remarkable change in his manner of life. With firm, and deep, conviction he began to study the Bible and pray daily. He also began to attend church regularly. His deep faith in the Lord Jesus Christ informed all areas of his life. For example, when he was president of Washington College, he saw himself as much a missionary as an educator.
We will now look at a few examples of how his faith impacted his life. General Lee hated slavery. General Lee, long before the War, freed slaves that he had inherited from his wife's estate. In a letter to President Franklin Pierce, General Lee wrote that we should give the final abolition of slavery the aid of our prayers.
General Lee also prayed for his friends. Upon hearing of the injury of General Thomas Jonathan "Stonewall" Jackson, General Lee prayed for him, and requested that word be sent to General Jackson informing him of General Lee's prayers for him. General Lee also prayed for his family, enemies, the men who served underneath him, and prayed for revival.
General Lee often fasted and prayed, and encouraged others to do likewise. When President Jefferson Davis declared a day of prayer and fasting, General Lee encouraged all those serving under him to fast and pray.
General Lee, also, had a heart for the lost. As president of Washington College, General Lee once remarked that his desire was for all the men there to become true Christians.
There are many other examples of his piety, but they would fill many volumes. We can say, with firm confidence, that General Lee was a humble servant of the Lord. We would do well to imitate this great hero of the faith.
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