Pride leads to treason

One of the most tragic stories in American history is the rise and fall of Benedict Arnold. Today, the very mention of his name brings to mind treachery and deceit. That was not always true, for there was a time when Benedict Arnold was considered an American hero. Benedict Arnold had helped Ethan Allen win a victory at Fort Ticonderoga. His heroics provided America with much needed cannons, in order to carry out the siege of Boston. Later in the war Benedict Arnold helped General Gates win the Battle of Saratoga. During the battle Arnold was wounded and his absence kept the American troops from gaining a completely decisive victory. After the battle Gates and Benedict Arnold argued concerning the battle strategy. Gates not only left out any mention in his report of Arnold’s role in the battle, but he also relieved him of his command. This event caused Benedict Arnold to decide to become a traitor. He also needed money, but the main reason for his betrayal seems to be his pride that was wounded by General Gates. The Bible has numerous warnings concerning Pride. Proverbs 11:2 says; “ When pride comes, then comes dishonor.” Proverbs 16:18 says; “Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before stumbling.” Benedict Arnold allowed pride to send him over to the other side, and begin working with the enemy. Benedict Arnold was able to persuade General Washington to put him in command of West Point. He planned to turn West point over to the British. This would have basically cut the United States in half, and may have given the British the advantage they needed for victory. God intervened by allowing Arnold’s plan to be discovered. Just before the agreed upon time for turning over West Point, John Andres was caught with a copy of the plans. Andres was found guilty of treason, and hanged. Benedict Arnold heard of Andres’ capture, and fled to the British for protection. He ended up leading several battles for the British side. At the end of the war he moved to England. There he died a lonely, unhappy, and broken man. The British did not trust someone who had sold out his own country. He truly had become a man without a country. Had Benedict Arnold not given in to his injured pride, he may have been remembered as a great leader, along side of our other founding fathers. Instead, he is remembered as a traitor who almost cost the Americans their chance for freedom in the Revolutionary War.