CHAPTER II.

HIS RELIGIOUS

OPINIONS.

IMPRESSED, as we have seen, at an early age, with reverence for the Divine Being, and educated in the principles of Christianity, the next subject of inquiry claiming attention, involves the question of Washington's matured opinions, in regard to the truth of those things, which had been received by him, in the less competent season of youth. It has been affirmed by some, that whatever may have been imagined on the subject, he never did in fact fully embrace the Christian system, or admit its divine authority. To establish this point, has been a favourite design with individuals of a certain class, ever since his eminence has imparted peculiar weight to his opinions. With the motives, which have induced these statements, we have not so much to do, as with their want of claim to public confidence.

The following incident, taken from a northern journal, will at once explain the allusions just indulged, and introduce the written testimony of Washington, in favour of a sincere belief, on his part, in the truth and divinity of the Holy Scriptures.

"MESSRS EDITORS.-The publication in your last paper on the subject of the religious sentiments of Gene

ral Washington, and other distinguished men of the revolution, reminds me of a conversation I heard some years ago on the same subject, at the residence of the late Judge Boudinot, at Newark, N. J. It was asserted by some one, that although General Washington had, in his public documents, acknowledged the existence and sovereignty of a Supreme Being, who governed and ruled the affairs of this world, yet there was no proof that he was a Christian, or acknowledged a divine revelation or belief in a Saviour. This, Judge Boudinot remarked, was a mistake. The General,' he observed, was a Christian,' and cited the address or circular letter* to the several governours of the different states, as a proof. This address he produced, and from it I extracted the part bearing on this subject, a copyt of which I now enclose for publication, if y think proper."

"The citizens of America, placed in the most enviable condition, as the sole lords and proprietors of a vast tract of continent, comprehending all the various soils and climates of the world, and abounding with all the necessaries and conveniences of life, are now, by the late satisfactory pacification, acknowledged to be possessed of absolute freedom and independency. They are, from this period, to be considered as the actors on a most conspicuous theatre, which seems to be peculiarly designated by Providence, for the display of human greatness and felicity. Here, they are not only surrounded with every thing, which can contribute to the completion of private

The circular letter was dated Head-Quarters, Newburg, 8 June, 1783.

†The extract given above is somewhat more extended than the one referred to.

and domestic enjoyment, but heaven has crowned all its other blessings, by giving a fairer opportunity for political happiness, than any other nation has ever been favoured with. Nothing can illustrate these observations more forcibly, than a recollection of the happy conjuncture of times and circumstances, under which, our republic assumed its rank among the nations. The foundation of our empire, was not laid in the gloomy age of ignorance and superstition; but at an epocha, when the rights of mankind were better understood, and more clearly defined, than at any former period. The researches of the human mind after social happiness, have been carried to a great extent the treasures of knowledge, acquired by the labours of philosophers, sages and legislators, through a long succession of years, are laid open for our use, and their collected wisdom may be happily applied in the establishment of our forms of government. The free cultivation of letters, the unbounded extension of commerce, the progressive refinement of manners, the growing liberality of sentiment, and above all, the pure and benign light of Revelation, have had a meliorating influence on mankind, and increased the blessings of society. At this auspicious period, the United States came into existence as a nation, and if their citizens should not be completely free and happy, the fault will be entirely their own."

Having thus supplied us, especially in the words which we have italicized, with a conclusive proof of his belief in revealed religion, we have from his pen, in the conclusion of the "Letter," if possible, a still stronger expression of his faith in the fundamental verities of the Gospel. His words are:

"It remains then to be my final and only request, that your Excellency will communicate these sentiments to your legislature at their next meeting, and that they may be considered as the legacy of one, who has ardently wished, on all occasions, to be useful to his country, and who, even in the shade of retirement, will not fail to implore the Divine benediction upon it.

"I now make it my earnest prayer, that God would have you, and the State over which you preside, in his holy protection; that he would incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government; to entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another, for their fellow-citizens of the United States at large, and particularly for their brethren who served in the field; and finally, that he would most graciously be pleased, to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that humility and pacific temper of mind, which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without an humble imitation of whose example in these things, we can never hope to be a happy nation."

Does the language here quoted require any comment? What more satisfactory evidence could be asked or given, of unqualified faith in Revelation as a fact, or in the doctrines announced thereby. The illustrious author dwells, delighted, on the sources of national good, distinguishing the age. He refers to education, commerce, refinement of manners, and liberality of sentiment, as promising a favourable influence; and then adds—“But, above all, the pure and benign light of Revelation has had a meliorating influence on mankind and increased the blessings of society." Revelation in his

view, has not only shed "light" upon the world, but that light is "pure and benign." By it the condition of mankind has been improved, and the "blessings of society increased." Nor does his testimony end with this strong expression of his belief. He proceeds, in the closing paragraph of this memorable letter, to give utterance to opinions, which must be regarded as still stronger than those before recorded, as more decisive of his evangelical convictions. In urging upon his fellow-citizens the amiable virtues of social life, such as justice, mercy, humility, and charity; their observance is enforced by no less a motive, than the example of Jesus Christ, as the "Divine Author of our blessed religion." Let the reader mark the force of the language. It is not Jesus Christ "the Author," but the "Divine Author." Nor is it the "Divine Author of our religion," but of our "blessed religion."

With so good a confession before them, subject to their investigation and scrutiny, how is it, that men have professed doubt and ignorance, in relation to the religious belief of Washington. Could terms more explicit, or language more transparent, be employed to announce the honest convictions of the mind? Or was there ever an individual, on whose formal declarations of opinion, more entire reliance might be placed?

There is yet another public official expression of his religious sentiments, to which we are concerned in giv- レ ing special attention. In his "Farewell Address to the People of the United States," when retiring from the Presidential Chair, we have a forcible and unequivocal declaration of his confirmed opinions, in relation to the doctrines of Revelation. Having devoted the greater