God's Providence in South Carolina in the American Revolution
What if the American Revolution was more than luck and coincidence?
You love American history. You have walked the battlefields, read the accounts, and marveled at the unlikely victories that secured independence. But something lingers beneath the surface of the stories you know. The impossible timing, the sudden storms, the narrow escapes. Were they simply fortune, or was a greater hand at work? If you have ever sensed that the founding of this nation carries a deeper, spiritual significance, you are not alone.
God's Providence in South Carolina during the American Revolution invites you to see the Southern Theatre of the war through a Biblical worldview. William Wise examines pivotal battles and forgotten heroes across South Carolina, from Sullivan's Island and Great Cane Brake to Musgrove's Mill, Cedar Springs, Blackstock’s, and Cowpens. Through careful study of weather, timing, and seemingly miraculous turns of events, Wise reveals a pattern of divine intervention woven into the fabric of American independence. You will also discover the profound influence of colonial ministers who prepared their congregations not only for worship but for war.
Inside these pages, you will find:
• Detailed accounts of South Carolina battles reexamined for evidence of God's providential hand
• The overlooked role of pastors and faith communities in shaping the fight for liberty
• A fresh, spiritually grounded perspective perfect for the 250th anniversary of American independence
Written with passion, reverence, and deep historical research, this book is essential reading for anyone who believes that faith and freedom are inseparable.
My great-uncle, Abe Norfleet, a World War II US Marine Corp. Veteran with my book!
PERSPECTIVES ON PROVIDENTIAL HISTORY & POLITICS
A biblical world view applied to American and South Carolina politics and history.
Why do you need to vote?
October 5, 2026
Okay everyone, it’s election season. Did you know that God talks about politics, taxes, government, and laws/judging? Did you know that there are Biblical standards for those chosen to represent God’s people? We bear the responsibility for putting into power individuals who will ensure our community and nation upholds Biblical, moral standards. Let’s examine the Biblical role of government in Romans 13.
1Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. 2Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. 3For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. 4For he is God’s minister to you for good, but if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.
If we break this down, Paul tells us that God put civil leaders in place- good and bad- and will execute His will. Whether the leader is good or bad, God’s will is going to progress. It’s usually a blessing to a nation when good leaders (as opposed to bad ones) are in place. Resisting civil authority is akin to resisting God, and will incur judgment. This is key, because (per verse 3) civil leadership is in place to punish evil doers and to praise those who do good. The Apostle Peter also tell us in 1 Peter 3:
13Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, 14or to governors, as to those who are by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good.
We’ve established that civil government has the two biblical responsibilities to punish evildoers and praise those who live righteously. The laws we have in place should be designed to define what is ‘evil’. How does this happen? The individuals who make laws must be able to properly define ‘evil’; which means they need to have a moral standard from which to do so. The moral standard preferred by our nation’s founders was the Holy Bible. The more immoral our society becomes, the more laws are needed; and more laws require more enforcement measures and bigger government. If we want to reduce the size of government, we have to live as a moral society, teach the future generations how to do so, and select leaders who know the difference between righteous and evil.
We established that America needs individuals in government who must know how to define what is moral and immoral (evil). The Bible also provides a reference for selecting those individuals. Moses had taken on the burden of leading Israel out of Egypt and into a new beginning before entering Canaan. His father-in-law had noticed that he needed help, so he gave Moses some guidance for choosing civil leaders to assist him. Examine Exodus 18:21-22
12Moveover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. 22And let them judge the people at all times.
Moses was presented with the idea to select civil leaders over larger bodies (e.g. tribes/states) of people all the way down to smaller bodies (communities/families) to handle the local matters. To ‘judge’ was to settle and adjudicate civil disputes: to simply to interpret the law (which at that time was God’s law). The qualifications of those civil leaders were (1) “able” men – those with the mental aptitude; (2) fear, love, respect for God; (3) tell the truth- and hate lies; (4) not interested in growing their own wealth- exhibit self-control. God put these ideas into Jethro’s heart to give to Moses and they were implemented. (For even more, see also Deuteronomy 16: 18-22 and Deut. 1:15.) This is where our representative form of government comes from!
As a patriot to our community, region, and nation, it is our duty (as well as our right) to go to the polls and vote. Whether or not you agree with the specific individuals listed, you are obligated as a Bible-following Christian to select the civil leaders which BEST represent the virtues listed above for the purpose of leading governments intended to punish evildoers and praise the righteous. Jesus isn’t on the ballot, so all candidates will not be perfect. If you hate the system, get involved and work to change it. If you are interested, ask your Chaplain for ideas. Failure to vote is a slap in the face to all who fought on behalf of this great nation. Let’s step up and do our Biblical, civil duty on November 3. Amen.
