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MANSFIELD — Ohio has a unique history unlike any other state. The state was the topic of discussion between a famous Founding Father and Great Awakening preacher. One area pastor with a niche for local history believes that with Congress originally dedicating the land to be used for religion, it is no wonder faith in GOD can be seen locally today by the public eye.
Pastor Paul Lintern is a local history enthusiast and coordinator of a month-long local prayer initiative called the “March for Prayer” which begins March 1st. Lintern says his prayer life for the community is fueled by his familiarity with the historic roots of the area.
(Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
“The State of Ohio really does have a rich spiritual heritage. Knowing this helps create a fervancy when I pray” says Pastor Paul Lintern. “It is important to note that in a letter dated July 2, 1756, Benjamin Franklin presented a proposal to the famous preacher George Whitefield, that they partner together to establish a Christian colony ‘in the Ohio.’ Ohio was frontier country at the time. I believe this land was dedicated for GOD’s purposes and that special calling is being played out today.”
In the letter, Franklin expressed confidence GOD would give them success in such a project, “If we undertook it with a sincere regard to his honor.”
Pastor Lintern says Franklin attended George Whitfield’s meetings and was attracted to the young, fiery revivalist. “It proved to be the beginning of a close, life-long friendship. Franklin and Whitefield became business partners with Franklin printing and distributing Whitefield’s sermons and advising him in business matters.”
“It is important to note that in a letter dated July 2, 1756, Benjamin Franklin presented a proposal to the famous preacher George Whitefield, that they partner together to establish a Christian colony ‘in the Ohio,’ which was frontier country at the time. I believe this land was dedicated for GOD’s purposes and that special calling is being played out today”
Pastor Paul Lintern
“I imagine we could do it effectually and without putting the nation at too much expense,” Franklin wrote. “What a glorious thing it would be, to settle in that fine country a large strong body of religious [Christian] and industrious people! Might it not greatly facilitate the introduction of pure religion among the heathen, if we could, by such a colony (Ohio), show them a better sample of Christians?”
Lintern says since Ben Franklin is writing to Whitefield, so there can be no doubt that ‘pure religion’ in Franklin’s mind was the evangelical revivalism that Whitefield preached throughout the Colonies.
According to Pastor Lintern, Benjamin Franklin’s vision appeared to take form in 1785, when Congress designated Section 29 of every township in Ohio as ‘Ministerial Lands’ to be donated for the support of clergy. While small specific mission grants were made in several western states, the massive land grant devoted to religion is an anomaly and evidence of Ohio’s unique experience with federal lands. With a total of 43,525 acres dedicated, Congress made no other provision for the support of religion elsewhere in the public domain las it did with Ohio.
In 1833, Congress authorized Ohio to sell its Ministerial lands. Money from the sale was invested and interest given to churches inside the township until the constitutionality of church and state partnerships were challenged in 1968. Eventually In May of 1968, Ohio voters approved a constitutional amendment directing any future ministerial income be used solely for educational purposes.
George Whitfield’s influence on Benjamin Franklin can be seen at the Constitutional Convention seventeen years after Whitefield’s death. When the Convention reached an impasse in 1787and was in danger of disbanding without completing its work, it was Franklin at age 81 who arose and called the convention to prayer.
Lintern believes the case could be made that Ohio’s rich spiritual heritage is manifesting today.
“I believe history will later tell us that our local area in North Central Ohio is presently going through a spiritual awakening. As Benjamin Franklin demonstrated, we must first devote our time to prayer if we are going to accomplish the special destiny GOD has given for our community.”
View the slideshow below of clergy involvement in the government and culture.
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The Bottom Line:
The Bible says in 2 Chronicles, “If My people, who are called by Name, will humble themselves, pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven, forgive their sins, and heal their land.”
