Storming the Gates
Wednesday, March 6, 2024
“In the name of the Great Jehovah, and the Continental Congress!” – Ethan Allen
Ethan Allen had a long and varied resume. He was a farmer, businessman, land speculator, philosopher, writer, lay theologian, patriot, politician, and soldier.
Prior to the Revolutionary War, Allen became involved in some controversies involving land grants that were being sold by the Governor of New Hampshire. Unfortunately, the Governor of New York was also issuing grants for some of the same land. As a result, Allen formed a militia group called the Green Mountain Boys with the goal of driving New Yorkers from the overlapping territories.
After the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the Connecticut militia decided to attack Fort Ticonderoga and asked for Allen’s help. Allen agreed and advanced on the fort along with 60 militia men and 130 of his Green Mountain Boys. There was a last-minute dispute over who would lead the attack when Benedict Arnold showed up with a commission from the Massachusetts Committee of Safety. However, Allen’s men refused to follow Arnold and so, Allen assumed command.
Arriving at the gate of the fort shortly after dawn on March 10, 1775, Allen’s forces surprised the lone sentry. Awakened by the noise, Lieutenant Jocelyn Feltham sent for the fort's commander, Captain William Delaplace, who demanded to know by what authority Allen was demanding his surrender. It was then that Allen thundered his famous response about the Great Jehovah and the Continental Congress authorizing his raid.
Intimidated and overwhelmed, Delaplace handed Allen his sword and surrendered the entire garrison without a single shot being fired.
My friend, as a child of the One True Living God, you and I have untold spiritual authority. We are ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20), His ministers of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18), and joint heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17). We are also God’s royal priesthood (I Peter 2:9) and will reign and rule with Him forever (Revelation 22:5).
“Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!” I John 3:1 (NKJV)
- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President
