[My personal highlights of]

GEORGE WASHINGTON’S

SACRED FIRE by Peter A. Lillback with Jerry Newcombe

(Copyright © 2006 - Providence Forum Press)

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TABLE OF CONTENTS FOREWORD ........................................................................................................ 4 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................. 6 PART 1 — THE CONTROVERSY............................................................................. 7 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION: THE CONTROVERSY ............................................................................ 7 NO LONGER A HERO? ......................................................................................................................................................... 7 NO LONGER A CHRISTIAN? ................................................................................................................................................. 7 TH A DEVOUT 18 CENTURY ANGLICAN ................................................................................................................................. 8 DISESTABLISHMENT IN VIRGINIA ....................................................................................................................................... 9 CONCLUSION .................................................................................................................................................................... 10

CHAPTER 2: DEISM DEFINED: SHADES OF MEANING, SHADING THE TRUTH .......................................... 11 CHAPTER 3: DID WASHINGTON AVOID THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST? ................................................. 12

PART 2 — THE HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF GEORGE WASHINGTON ............. 13 CHAPTER 4: WASHINGTON’S VIRGINIA AND THE ANGLICAN MISSION TO THE INDIANS ............................ 13 RENEWAL OF THE MISSION TO THE INDIANS ................................................................................................................... 13

PART 3 — THE LIFE OF GEORGE WASHINGTON ................................................. 14 CHAPTER 7: THE CHRISTIAN EDUCATION OF GEORGE WASHINGTON ................................................... 14 A CHRISTMAS POEM......................................................................................................................................................... 14 GEORGE WASHINGTON’S RULES OF CIVILITY ................................................................................................................... 15 THE YOUNG MAN’S COMPANION BOOK .......................................................................................................................... 16 CONCLUSION .................................................................................................................................................................... 16

CHAPTER 8: THE PERSONALITY OF GEORGE WASHINGTON ............................................................... 17 HIS EFFORTS TO CONTROL IS POWERFUL ANGER ............................................................................................................ 17

CHAPTER 9: GEORGE WASHINGTON THE SOLDIER.......................................................................... 18 WASHINGTON AND THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR .............................................................................................................. 18 WASHINGTON’S INSISTENCE ON CHAPLAINS ................................................................................................................... 18 CONCLUSION .................................................................................................................................................................... 20

CHAPTER 10: GEORGE WASHINGTON ON CHARACTER AND HONOR .................................................. 21 WASHINGTON’S EPIC-MAKING SPEECH “TO THE OFFICERS OF THE ARMY” .................................................................... 21

CHAPTER 11: “THE SACRED FIRE OF LIBERTY”: WAS GEORGE WASHINGTON A GODLY LEADER?............... 22 THE CONSTITUTION: HUMAN DEPRAVITY REQUIRES LIMITED POWER ........................................................................... 22 CONCLUSION: WASHINGTON’S PRINCIPLES OF LEADERSHIP ........................................................................................... 22

PART 4 — GEORGE WASHINGTON, THE CHURCHMAN ...................................... 23 CHAPTER 13: GEORGE WASHINGTON, THE PARISHIONER ................................................................ 23 GEORGE WASHINGTON AND SUNDAY WORSHIP ............................................................................................................. 23

CHAPTER 15: GEORGE WASHINGTON THE LOW CHURCHMAN .......................................................... 24 WASHINGTON’S SERVICE ON THE COMMITTEE ON RELIGION ......................................................................................... 24

CHAPTER 18: VALLEY FORGE: THE CRICIBLE OF WASHINGTON’S “SACRED CAUSE”................................. 25 WASHINGTON WAS PRESENT WHEN AMERICA OPENED IN PRAYER ............................................................................... 25

PART 5 — THE DEBATE OVER GEORGE WASHINGTON AND COMMUNION ........ 27

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PART 6 — GEORGE WASHINGTON THE DEIST? .................................................. 28 CHAPTER 23: GEORGE WASHINGTON AND THE ENLIGHTENMENT....................................................... 28 WASHINGTON ON EDUCATION AS ENLIGHTENMENT ...................................................................................................... 28

CHAPTER 24: GEORGE WASHINGTON AND RELIGIOUS LIBERTY: A CHRISTIAN OR DEIST IDEA? .................. 29 WASHINGTON AS A DELEGATE TO THE CONTINENTAL CONGRESS .................................................................................. 29

CHAPTER 25: GEORGE WASHINGTON, MEMBER OF THE MASONIC ORDER .......................................... 30 CHRISTIAN MASONS ......................................................................................................................................................... 30

CHAPTER 26: MORE OBJECTIONS TO WASHINGTON THE CHRISTIAN: SLAVES, SLANDER, PASSION, & TRIPOLI 31 CONCLUSION .................................................................................................................................................................... 31

CHAPTER 29: WASHINGTON AND THE DOCTRINE OF PROVIDENCE ..................................................... 32 WASHINGTON CONSIDERED HIMSELF “A PREACHER OF PROVIDENCE” .......................................................................... 32

CHAPTER 33: GEORGE WASHINGTON’S CLERGY AND THEIR SERMONS................................................ 33 ATTEMPTS TO CUT AND PASTE TO SAVE A THESIS WITHOUT FOUNDATION ................................................................... 33

CHAPTER 34: GEORGE WASHINGTON ON HEAVEN AND ETERNAL LIFE ................................................. 34 WASHINGTON AND THE PREVENTION OF PREMATURE DEATH ....................................................................................... 34 CONFIDENCE IN THE FACE OF DEATH............................................................................................................................... 34 TEMPERANCE AND HEALTH.............................................................................................................................................. 34 ATTAINING WEALTH ......................................................................................................................................................... 34 TRUE WISDOM ................................................................................................................................................................. 35

CONCLUSION .................................................................................................... 37 CHAPTER 36: GEORGE WASHINGTON’S SACRED FIRE ..................................................................... 37 THE REPACKAGING OF HISTORY ....................................................................................................................................... 37 WASHINGTON NEVER CLAIMED TO BE A DEIST ............................................................................................................... 38 A SUMMATION OF THE EVIDENCE OF WASHINGTON’S CHRISTIANITY ............................................................................ 38 AN INHERITANCE TO OUR CHILDREN ............................................................................................................................... 38 THE TESTIMONY OF HIS CONTEMPORARIES .................................................................................................................... 39

APPENDICES...................................................................................................... 40 APPENDIX 1 — THE RULES OF CIVILITY AND DECENT BEHAVIOUR IN COMPANY AND CONVERSATION .......... 40

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FOREWORD . . . Because some early American patriots, like Thomas Paine, were Deists, that is those who believe in a distant and remote Deity, many more recent historians have tried to label a number of the luminaries of the Founding Fathers of America as also being Deists. For example, it is often said today that Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin were Deists. Yet, each man in a variety of contexts spoke earnestly of their conviction as Theists - that God was both approachable by man and that God played an ever-active role in the affairs of man. Consider Thomas Jefferson’s declaration: “God who gave us life gave us liberty. And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed our only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God?” It is not surprising, therefore, that Thomas Jefferson and his fellow founders would have referred four times in the Declaration of Independence to a Creator God of Providence. Likewise, consider the statement of Benjamin Franklin delivered at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787: “I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth: that God governs in the affairs of man.” In the case of George Washington, this book George Washington’s Sacred Fire documents with exhaustive detail and analysis that Washington was not only a Theist as seen in his very frequent references to Providence but that Washington was also an orthodox Trinitarian Christian. First, in regard to the impact of a Providential God, Washington later in his public life said: “It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the Providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly implore his protection and favor.” (Thanksgiving Proclamation, October 3, 1789) Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 211224). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

. . . during the Revolutionary War, amidst a continuing series of disappointments and setbacks, Washington said: “While we are zealously performing the duties of good citizens and soldiers we certainly ought not to be inattentive to the higher duties of religion. To the distinguished character of patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian.” Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 230233). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

. . . From his lifelong commitment to rectitude and Christian moral principle, Washington stressed in his orders and directives and exhibited in his personal life, that a Christian faith is not just how one speaks but how one acts. As Commander-in-Chief, he set high standards for Christian worship and Christian behavior: “We can have little hope of the blessing of Heaven on our arms if we insult it by our impiety and folly. Let vice and immorality of every kind be discouraged, as much as possible in your brigade; and as a chaplain is allowed to each regiment, see that the men regularly attend divine Worship.” This precedent was established

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earlier in his life as the widely recognized leader of Virginia’s Militia. He emphasized that his troops should “pray, fast, attend worship and observe days of thanksgiving.” Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 234240). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

. . . While Washington maintained great conviction in the merits of the American cause, he nevertheless clearly turned again, and again, to prayer that the Lord God would give him strength and sustain him. Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 245247). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

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INTRODUCTION . . . As evidenced by sermons & books by conservative religious leaders and numerous websites launched by people with an axe to grind, at least in regard to his religious beliefs, the Washington one finds on the internet appears to be a candidate for diagnosis as a multiple personality. He is either a rabid evangelical Christian or else is described as a Deist, a term which seems to be equivalent in the modern parlance of these polemicists to agnostic— someone who feels that there is no way to know if there is or is not a God, so they refuse to take a stand either way, and, if there is a God, he/she/it is unknowable. . . . Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 268273). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

Peter Lillback, with Jerry Newcombe, has written George Washington’s Sacred Fire as a means of redressing some of the past wrongs in interpreting the place of God and religion in Washington’s life. Striving for balance, the man to whom Dr. Lillback introduces his readers is decidedly Christian, but hardly an evangelical in the modern sense. He was an active churchman, whose relationship with the Anglican Church underwent change throughout his life, but never altered his relationship with God. Unlike many of the popular writers who have tried to resurrect belief in a very devout Washington, Dr. Lillback has taken great care to document his sources. His fifteen years of research are clearly evident, with very complete notes and appendices, so that readers wishing to explore further can follow the trail to additional sources. Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 297303). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

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PART 1 — The Controversy Chapter 1: Introduction: The Controversy . . . [George Washington] said to his soldiers, “To the distinguished Character of Patriot, it should be our highest Glory to add the more distinguished Character of Christian.” Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 341342). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

. . . Establishing that George Washington was a Christian helps to substantiate the critical role that Christians and Christian principles played in the founding of our nation. This, in turn, encourages a careful reappraisal of our history and founding documents. A nation that forgets its past does not know where it is or where it is headed. Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 360362). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

NO LONGER A HERO? Can an historic national hero become irrelevant? This seems to have happened to George Washington and many other “politically incorrect” founding fathers, at least in the minds of some leading educators. In fact, many of our founders—despite all their sacrifices to establish our great country with unparalleled freedoms—have been denigrated to the category of the irrelevant history of “dead white men.” In fact, the Washington Times reported: “George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin are not included in the revised version of the New Jersey Department of Education history standards, a move some critics view as political correctness at its worst.” The impact of this approach to history can perhaps be seen in a recent Washington College Poll. It found that more Americans had a higher respect for Bill Clinton’s job performance as the nation’s 42nd president than they did George Washington’s. Thus, George Washington is no longer considered to be the hero he once was. Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 365374). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

NO LONGER A CHRISTIAN? Pick up most books and articles on Washington from 1932 or earlier, and generally, with a few exceptions, you will read about George Washington the Christian. That began to change with the iconoclastic scholarship of the mid-20th century that sought to tear down the traditional understanding of our nation and its origins. In particular, the leading modern study of George Washington the Deist, George Washington & Religion, was authored by historian Paul F. Boller, Jr. Boller’s conclusion can be summarized in a single sentence: To the “unbiased observer” George Washington appears as a Deist, not a devout Christian.

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While there have been studies before Boller’s that argued that Washington was a Deist and not a Christian, Boller’s book is clearly now considered the definitive standard book on the subject. . . . The interesting things about Boller’s book is that, to our knowledge, it has never been fully rebutted. . . . Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 376384, 386). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

The erosion of accurate historicity is disconcerting: One scholar casts Washington in a Deistic mold. The next goes further and states—without citing evidence—that he didn’t even go to church. What will the next generation of scholars claim? This ignorance of the facts is what requires us to pursue our question concerning Washington’s religion by constant interaction with his own written words and the unquestionable records of his actions. Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 397400). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

. . . Benjamin Hart notes that at the beginning of the American Revolution, 98.4% of the Americans claimed to be Protestant; 1.4% claimed to be Roman Catholic——thus, 99.8% were professing Christians. This certainly corroborates Benjamin Franklin’s telling observation published in 1794 on the faith of his contemporary fellow Americans in the midst of Washington’s presidency: The almost general mediocrity of fortune that prevails in America obliging its people to follow some business for subsistence, those vices that arise usually from idleness are in great measure prevented. Industry and constant employment are great preservatives of the morals and virtue of a nation. Hence bad examples to youth are more rare in America; which must be a comfortable consideration to parents. To this may be truly added, that serious religion, under its various denominations, is not only tolerated, but respected and practiced. Atheism is unknown there, infidelity rare and secret; so that persons may live to a great age in that country without having their piety shocked by meeting with either an atheist or an infidel. And the Divine Being seems to have manifested his approbation of the mutual forbearance and kindness with which the different sects treat each other, by the remarkable prosperity with which He has been pleased to favour the whole country. Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 411421). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

A DEVOUT 18TH CENTURY ANGLICAN As we analyze the written evidence from Washington himself, we will find that he had an exemplary private prayer life. His biblical literacy suggests the he read the Scriptures regularly, and we can also show that he used the 1662 Book of Common Prayer from the Church of England, which was a very orthodox guide for Christian worship of the Trinity. In fact, the Book of Common Prayer is more theologically sound than the average book available in a Christian bookstore today. Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 429433). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

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George Washington was not a perfect man: He occasionally lost his temper; he drank wine—maybe even too much when he was a young man. He was involved with activities that some would find fault with: he had a revenue producing distillery on his Mount Vernon Estate, he loved to fox hunt, he went to the theatre, and occasionally to the horse races. And, sadly, he owned slaves, something all Americans today would find immoral, but which was not uncommon for a Southern gentleman of his day. Like other human beings, he struggled with personal challenges such as illness, fatigue, pain, deaths of loved ones, loneliness, financial pressures and parenting challenges, to name but a few. Yet, as we can see from his writings, he attempted to walk according to the duties of the Christian faith. We find this in a letter that he wrote to his life-long friend, Rev. Bryan Fairfax (Lord Fairfax), who had been the Pastor of Washington’s church in Alexandria, Virginia. Writing from Mount Vernon on January 20, 1799, only months before he died, Washington looked back over his very full life and described his spiritual walk: The favourable sentiments which others, you say, have been pleased to express respecting me, cannot but be pleasing to a mind who always walked on a straight line, and endeavoured as far as human frailties, and perhaps strong passions, would enable him, to discharge the relative duties to his Maker and fellow-men, without seeking any indirect or left handed attempts to acquire popularity. Remember that Washington was a land surveyor by training who specialized in setting long straight boundary lines. He speaks of such “straight lines” in his letters. But here he tells us, as he surveys his remarkable life, that he also had sought to walk a “straight line” in discharging his duties to his “Maker and fellow-men.” Accordingly, he openly spoke of his own “fervent prayer” to his soldiers. . . . Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 436453). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

DISESTABLISHMENT IN VIRGINIA It is true that as a young man and for much of Washington’s adult life, Virginia had an established church—the Anglican Church. By law one was required to attend services and pay tithes. That was part of the responsibility of a colonist in Virginia. However, that changed in 1786 with the Act for Establishing Religious Liberty. This great step forward in terms of religious liberty was especially the work of Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 466469). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

In other words, Jefferson argues, because Jesus Christ could have forced men to believe in Him, but did not, and instead gave us the personal responsibility to believe, then who are we as mere men to punish others for their religious opinions, no matter how wrong these opinions may be? Secularists sometimes interpret Jefferson’s argument here as a plea for unbelief. Not so. He uses the example of Christ to argue for religious freedom. In fact, religious liberty in America especially stems from two great Christian clergymen who prepared the way for America’s religious liberty. They were also two of our nation’s settlers—Roger Williams and William Penn.

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After Virginia disestablished the Anglican Church, men and women were no longer required by state law to worship there. But Washington did not stop attending church after disestablishment. He kept attending his church long after that—until he died. Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 473480). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

CONCLUSION We believe that modern skeptics have read into Washington their own unbelief. Just as many Christians have read too much piety into the man, we believe modern skeptics have read too much skepticism into George Washington. Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 524525). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

. . . There are numerous accounts from family and military associates—too numerous to be dismissed—of people coming across Washington in earnest, private prayer. He repeatedly encouraged piety, public and private; he insisted on chaplains for the military and legislature; he often promoted “religion and morality” and recognized these as essential for our national happiness, and even called on the nation’s leaders to follow Christ’s example. He turned away from the opportunity to become a king, even though a lesser man would have seized such power; he had not fought the king in order to become a new king, even though men wanted to make him that after he won the war. Indeed, Washington is a striking model of what Christians have called a servant-statesman. Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 533539). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

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Chapter 2: Deism Defined: Shades of Meaning, Shading the Truth The man must be bad indeed who can look upon the events of the American Revolution without feeling the warmest gratitude towards the great Author of the Universe whose divine interposition was so frequently manifested in our behalf. —George Washington (1789) Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 564566). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

The hand of Providence has been so conspicuous in all this, that he must be worse than an infidel that lacks faith. —George Washington (1778) Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 568569). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

. . . A Deist is one who believes that there is a God, but He is far removed from the daily affairs of men. God made the world and then left it to run on its own. The Deist’s God does not take an active interest in the affairs of men. He is not a prayer-answering God. Praying to Him has no value. Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 571573). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

. . . Deism, in general, whether in Washington’s day or after, has not believed what the New Testament declares: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God….And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us…” (John 1:1, 14, NASB). In other words, a Deist most decidedly did not accept the Christian claim of the incarnation—that is that God entered time and space to reveal Himself to humanity through His Son Jesus Christ. Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 577580). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

. . . Thomas Paine, the best representative of what we are calling hard Deism, in his Age of Reason, rejected the idea of Providence, calling it one of the five deities of Christian mythology. . . . Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 585587). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

. . . the whole point about the Deist’s clockmaker God is that he has set the universe in motion, according to natural law and has thereupon left it to its own devices. . . . Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 590591). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

. . . Deism means an absentee God. Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 594595). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

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Chapter 3: Did Washington Avoid the Name of Jesus Christ? Let’s begin by noting that Washington historian Rupert Hughes is wrong when he writes in 1926, “…there is no direct allusion to Christ, and the word Christ has been found in none of Washington’s almost countless autographs.” For George Washington wrote in 1779, “You do well to wish to learn our arts and ways of life, and above all, the religion of Jesus Christ. These will make you a greater and happier people than you are.” This incident clearly establishes that Washington was openly willing to use the name of Jesus Christ. Washington here was speaking to Delaware Indians, who had come seeking to learn the Christian religion and the ways of the Americans. They had even brought the sons of their chiefs to become students in their educational quest. In this context, Washington freely spoke the name of Jesus Christ to them since he was affirming the religious task of the Christian mission to the Indians. In his mind, the Delawares were doing well to learn the ways of the Americans, but their learning the religion of Jesus Christ was “above all” the other matters of their intended learning. Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 861871). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

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PART 2 — The Historical Background of George Washington Chapter 4: Washington’s Virginia and The Anglican Mission to the Indians RENEWAL OF THE MISSION TO THE INDIANS The most famous story of reaching a Native American for the Gospel is that of Pocahontas. A painting of her Christian baptism is one of the eight massive murals painted for the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol building. Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 13321336). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

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Part 3 — The Life of George Washington Chapter 7: The Christian Education of George Washington A CHRISTMAS POEM Another youthful school paper of Washington’s is his copy of a Christmas poem. It shows that he was exposed to historic Christian teachings concerning Christ’s death and resurrection as well as the human and divine nature of Christ. Most scholars only mention this copied poem, or only cite the first two lines. The whole text, however, is valuable, because it illustrates the Christian orthodoxy in which Washington had been trained. Young Washington probably copied this from the February 1743 issue of Gentleman’s Magazine (London), cited above. ON CHRISTMAS DAY Assist me Muse divine to sing the morn, On which the Saviour of mankind was born; But oh! what numbers to the theme can rise? Unless kind angels aid me from the skies? Methinks I see the tunefull Host descend, Hark, by their hymns directed on the road, The gladsome Shepherds find the nascent God! And view the infant conscious of his birth, Smiling bespeak salvation to the earth! For when the important Aera first drew near In which the great Messiah should appear And to accomplish His redeeming love Resign a while his glorious throne above. Beneath our form every woe sustain And by triumphant suffering fix His reign Should for lost man in tortures yield his breath, Dying to save us from eternal death! Oh mystick Union! Salutary grace! Incarnate God our nature should embrace! That Deity should stoop to our disguise! That man recovered should regain the skies! Dejected Adam! From thy Grave ascend And view the Serpent's Deadly Malice end, Adorring bless th' Almighty's boundless grace That gave his son a ransome for thy race! Oh never let my soul this Day forget, But pay in grateful praise her annual debt To Him whom 'tis my trust I shall [adore(?)—illegible.] When time and sin and death [shall be no more.(?)—illegible.]

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Based on this childhood traditional Christian education, Washington’s adult writings show that he maintained a deep joy in the Christian celebration of the birth of Christ. Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 21852220). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

GEORGE WASHINGTON’S RULES OF CIVILITY Virtually all scholars, even those who believe Washington was not a Christian, agree that a set of sayings, originally composed by a Jesuit priest from a century before and often embellished thereafter, was very influential on George Washington. This set of 110 sayings contains many biblical precepts. They are the Rules of Civility and Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation and are viewed as a blueprint that Washington followed his entire life. . . . Although we will list only a few of them here, these remarkable and at times humorous rules, as William Wilbur suggests, all fall into the following categories: 1. Rules Which Taught Character. 2. Rules Which Counseled Consideration for Others. 3. Rules That Urged Modesty. 4. Rules That Advised Compassion. 5. Rules That Enjoined Respect for Elders and Persons in Positions of Authority and Responsibility. 6. Rules Which Concern Conduct. 7. Rules Governing Table Manners and Cleanliness. Here are a few of the rules. Immediately following, we have supplied a biblical text, of which this maxim is an echo: RULES OF CIVILITY: 43d Do not express Joy before one sick or in pain for that contrary Passion will aggravate his Misery. BIBLE: Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep (Romans 12:15, NKJV). RULES OF CIVILITY: 48th Wherein you reprove Another be unblameable yourself; for example is more prevalent than Precepts. BIBLE: “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged” (Jesus in Matthew 7:1-2, NKJV). RULES OF CIVILITY: 56th Associate yourself with Men of good Quality if you Esteem your own Reputation; for 'tis better to be alone than in bad Company. BIBLE: “Evil company corrupts good habits” (1 Corinthians 15:33, NKJV). RULES OF CIVILITY: 82d Undertake not what you cannot Perform but be Carefull to keep your Promise. BIBLE: When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it; for He has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you have vowed—Better not to vow than to vow and not pay (Ecclesiastes 5:4, 5 NKJV). RULES OF CIVILITY: 108th When you Speak of God or his Atributes, let it be Seriously & [wt.] Reverence. Honour & Obey your Natural Parents altho they be Poor.

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BIBLE: Holy, holy holy is the LORD of hosts (Isaiah 6:3). You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain….Honor your father and your mother… (Exodus 20:7, 12, NKJV). RULES OF CIVILITY: 109th Let your Recreations be Manfull not Sinfull. Note: The 1828 Dictionary of Noah Webster defines manful as “noble, honorable.” BIBLE: Flee also youthful lusts… (2 Timothy 2:22, NKJV). RULES OF CIVILITY: 110th Labour to keep alive in your Breast that Little Spark of Ce[les]tial fire Called Conscience. BIBLE: Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith (1 Timothy 1:5, NKJV). Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 22232230, 2237-2269). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

THE YOUNG MAN’S COMPANION BOOK . . . it is a Dishonour to God, a Scandal to Religion, and a cause why many become atheists that men are permitted to Preach and Teach the People, who are unsound in Morals, Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 23212322). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

CONCLUSION What a man will become is in part due to his education and the books he read. George Washington was taught Christian concepts with the use of biblically-oriented books. These books remained in his library until he died, and there is no evidence that he threw these beliefs overboard as an older man, as some of his contemporaries did, in favor of skeptical beliefs. Further, as we will see in the Churchman chapter, Washington personally assimilated this childhood training and became a leader in the Anglican Church tradition. But more significantly, there is not one written testimony from Washington that he ever left or rejected his educational and family training. Thus, one aspect of the faith or our founding father can be clearly seen in his solidly Christian education. Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 24182424). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

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Chapter 8: The Personality of George Washington HIS EFFORTS TO CONTROL IS POWERFUL ANGER The fact that George Washington was “tremendous in his wrath” was confirmed by various associates. Lafayette’s recollection of the Washington’s response to General Lee’s violation of his orders at the battle of Monmouth is a case in point. A fellow Virginian, General Lee, , disobeyed orders and called for a retreat, for which he was court marshaled. Lee remained a bitter critic of Washington to his death. Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 27632767). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

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Chapter 9: George Washington the Soldier WASHINGTON AND THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR Historian George Bancroft said that George Washington’s decision to accept the post as commander in chief positively changed the colonies’ history. “His acceptance changed the aspect of affairs.” John Adams, who suggested Washington fulfill this role said: “This appointment will have a great effect in cementing the union of these colonies. The general is one of the most important characters of the world; upon him depend the liberties of America.” And so Bancroft observed, “All hearts turned with affection toward Washington. This is he who was raised up to be, not the head of a party, but the father of his country.” But even with all of his great abilities, the battles he personally directed and fought resulted in both victories and defeats: 1775—the Siege of the British who Occupied Boston—Victory 1776—the Battles of Long Island, New York City, Fort Washington—All Defeats 1776—the Retreat Through New Jersey—Defeat 1776—the Battle of Trenton—the Christmas Day Surprise Attack—Victory 1777—the Battle of Princeton—Surprise Attack—Victory 1777—the Battle of Brandywine—Defeat 1777—the Battle of Germantown—Almost Victory Ending in a Draw or Defeat 1777-1778—the British Occupation of Philadelphia & the Winter in Valley Forge 1778—the Battle of Monmouth—Almost Defeat, Ending in Victory 1780—Benedict Arnold’s Treason at West Point—Near Defeat, But Plot Foiled 1781—the Battle of Yorktown—Victory That Forced British Surrender Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 30273046). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

WASHINGTON’S INSISTENCE ON CHAPLAINS George Washington insisted on godly conduct and leadership in his army. He did not permit swearing, cursing, or drunkenness, which might impede rather than implore the “blessings of Heaven.” Precisely a year before America’s Declaration of Independence was dated, Washington’s General Orders declared, The General most earnestly requires, and expects, a due observance of those articles of war, established for the Government of the army, which forbid profane cursing, swearing and drunkenness; And in like manner requires and expects, of all Officers, and Soldiers, not engaged on actual duty, a punctual attendance on divine Service, to implore the blessings of heaven upon the means used for our safety and defence. Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 33433350). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

THE SUFFERING SOLDIER OF CHARACTER AT VALLEY FORGE AND BEYOND The spiritual strength of the Army was necessary not only for confronting the impending assaults of

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the far stronger British Army, but also for enduring the sheer fatigue, exposure, and near starvation that would be part of the Army’s experience before victory was secured. Today the very name Valley Forge implies heroic sacrifice and perseverance. George Washington described the sufferings of his men at Valley Forge to Virginia Congressman John Banister on April 21, 1778, after the long brutal winter. …for without arrogance, or the smallest deviation from truth it may be said, that no history, now extant, can furnish an instance of an Army's suffering such uncommon hardships as ours have done, and bearing them with the same patience and Fortitude. To see Men without Cloathes to cover their nakedness, without Blankets to lay on, without Shoes, by which their Marches might be traced by the Blood from their feet, and almost as often without Provisions as with; Marching through frost and Snow, and at Christmas taking up their Winter Quarters within a day's March of the enemy, without a House or Hut to cover them till they could be built and submitting to it without a murmur, is a mark of patience and obedience which in my opinion can scarce be paralleled. But the sufferings of the American soldiery that Washington so poignantly described had already begun before Valley Forge. Writing the summer before to a committee of Congress composed of Philip Livingston, Elbridge Gerry, and George Clymer on July 19, 1777, Washington explained his men’s lack of food, soap, and clothing. Gentn.: The little Notice I had of your coming to the Army, and the shortness of your Stay in Camp, will, more than probably, occasion the omission of many matters which of right, ought to be laid before you, and the interruption which my thoughts constantly meet, by a variety of occurrences must apologize for the crude, and indigested manner in which they are offered…. With respect to Food, considering we are in such an extensive and abundant Country, No Army was ever worse supplied than ours with many essential Articles of it. Our Soldiers, the greatest part of the last Campaign, and the whole of this, have scarcely tasted any kind of Vegitables, had but little Salt, and Vinegar, which would have been a tolerable Substitute for Vegitables, they have been in a great measures strangers to…. Soap is another Article in great demand. …I have no reason to accuse the Cloathier general of Inattention to his department, and therefore, as his Supplies are incompetent to the wants of the Army, I am to suppose his resources are unequal; … It is a maxim, which needs no illustration, that nothing can be of more importance in an Army than the Cloathing and feeding it well; on these, the health, comfort, and Spirits of Soldiers essentially depend, and it is a melancholy fact, that the American Army are miserably defective in both these respects; the distress the most of them are in, for want of Cloathing, is painful to humanity, dispiriting to themselves, and discouraging to every Officer. It makes every pretension to the preservation of cleanliness impossible, exposes them to a variety of disorders, and abates, or destroys that Military pride, without which nothing can be expected from any Army. Congress’ inability to meet these needs that were already evident in the summer meant that the sufferings of the coming winter at Valley Forge were inevitable. At any rate, the profoundly patient, sacrificial, and ultimately loyal character that Washington had developed among his soldiers required a national character in return. Nothing

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less than gratitude and justice by Congress and the American people would be commensurate with such heroic sacrifice. Thus Washington wrote to Theodorick Bland on April 4, 1783: “We have now a National character to establish; and it is of the utmost importance to stamp favourable impressions upon it; let justice then be one of its characteristics, and gratitude another.” Washington was concerned for many things as a General—food, soap, clothing, shelter, munitions, just payment for his men, and the blessings of Heaven. As we contemplate Washington’s words and place them in his historical circumstances, it occurs to us that a man so concerned for righteousness in his army, and for military chaplains to lead his men in seeking the blessings of Heaven, just might have been a praying man himself. . . . Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 34633500). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

CONCLUSION . . . This was made in 1932 on the Bicentennial of Washington’s birth, by Noel Porter, Arch Deacon of California, when he wrote: Finally Washington manifested the spirit of the Cross of Jesus Christ---the spirit of self sacrifice and unselfish service. During the time Washington lived there was another great general in the person of Napoleon. Napoleon was a great military genius, but Washington was a greater man. France can never repay Napoleon for rescuing her from the hands of the despoilers; yet while he waded through the seas of blood he thought only of a crown and a bauble for his son. Washington waded through blood and hunger and privation for his country’s sake and when it was done he asked no reward save to be left alone in his Virginia farm. Napoleon asked for a crown and received nothing; Washington asked for nothing and received a crown. Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 35043510). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

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Chapter 10: George Washington On Character And Honor WASHINGTON’S EPIC-MAKING SPEECH “TO THE OFFICERS OF THE ARMY” Washington recognized the possibility of a military coup and of the anonymously called meeting of the officers. But he chose not to attend. Instead, Washington called his own meeting, where he gave one of the most important speeches he ever delivered. As the meeting of his officers began, a few simple words and gestures began to melt their hardened hearts of protest. Col. David Cobb recounted the scene: When the General took his station in the desk or pulpit, which you may recollect, was in the Temple, he took out his written address from his coat pocket, and his spectacles, with his other hand, from his waistcoat pocket, and then addressed the officers in the following manner: "Gentlemen, you will permit me to put on my spectacles, for I have not only grown gray, but almost blind, in the service of my country."; This little address, with the mode and manner of delivering it drew tears from [many] of the officers. Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 36503659). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

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Chapter 11: “The Sacred Fire Of Liberty”: Was George Washington A Godly Leader? THE CONSTITUTION: HUMAN DEPRAVITY REQUIRES LIMITED POWER . . . Washington’s religion manifested itself precisely at this point in the constitutional debate. The ideas he expressed by terms such as “limited power,” “the separation of powers,” “the rule of the people,” “checks and balances,” and the “need for amendment,” all existed for one simple reason—people abuse power. The idea of the abuse of power and political depravity were openly admitted at the Constitutional Convention, and also seriously pondered by Washington.. Political depravity is a theological concept that flows from the doctrine of human sinfulness—a basic postulate of Christian teaching. In fact, Washington asserted that human depravity could ultimately destroy the Constitution, even with the checks and balances it possessed. In his proposed Address to Congress in April 1789, he described how the Constitution, with all of its wisdom, could ultimately come to naught by the depravity of the people and those who govern them, since the Constitution in the hands of a corrupt people was a mere “wall of words” or a “mound of parchment.” Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 41374147). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

A PRESIDENTIAL SERMON: WASHINGTON’S FIRST INAUGURAL ADDRESS The second religious precedent from Washington’s inauguration that continues is the addition of the words “So help me God” to his presidential oath of office, which was spoken as Washington had his hand upon the Scriptures opened to Genesis 49. These words were not and are not in the Constitution, but every subsequent president in America’s history has said them following Washington’s lead. Washington’s freely taken oath in the name of God has another important significance beyond mere precedent. It eviscerates James Thomas Flexner’s claim concerning Washington’s Inaugural Address. He states that "Washington …avoided, as was his deist custom, the word ‘God.’” Strange, indeed, that a man who was following Deist custom would scrupulously avoid the name of God in his speech, but then intentionally add it to his oath of office, where it was not even required! Washington’s inaugural sermon does not avoid the name of God, but instead employed the honorific titles of deity that were so often used by the clergy of his era. Washington’s inaugural vocabulary for deity cannot legitimately be construed to be that of a Deist. Every inauguration after Washington has reminded America that Washington did not avoid the word “God.” Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 42304239). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

CONCLUSION: WASHINGTON’S PRINCIPLES OF LEADERSHIP You Can’t Please Everyone, So Seek The Good Of “The Great Whole.” To please everybody is impossible; were I to undertake it I should probably please no body. Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 44104412). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

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Part 4 — George Washington, the Churchman Chapter 13: George Washington, the Parishioner GEORGE WASHINGTON AND SUNDAY WORSHIP Washington was familiar with the special worship of the Anglican Church called “Gunpowder” ---the service that commemorates the providential deliverance of the crown from Guy Fawkes Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 50925093). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

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Chapter 15: George Washington the Low Churchman WASHINGTON’S SERVICE ON THE COMMITTEE ON RELIGION . . . a bill entitled the General Assessment Bill was put under consideration. The background of the Bill was the perceived need to support religion in the post-war era, especially since the Anglican Church in Virginia had been disestablished. Washington had written about the matter to Samuel Chase in January, 1785. The direct effect of the bill would have been state funding of teachers of the Christian religion. Nevins explains A plan had found favor with the Presbyterians, and an eloquent advocate in Patrick Henry. Briefly, it proposed that the State should establish all Christian denominations, make them equally state religions, and support them by regular taxation; it was pressed vigorously in the next few years by many outside as well as inside the Episcopal Church. Henceforth the “general assessment” was the chief religious question before the Legislature. Our available evidence shows that by the end of 1783 the plan of taxing everyone for the support of all Christian ministers had gained wide favor, and was approved by a majority of Episcopalians, Methodists, and perhaps Presbyterians; but it was opposed by the Baptists and many in all other denominations who agreed with Jefferson that any link whatever between church and state was an evil... Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 57195731). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

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Chapter 18: Valley Forge: The Cricible of Washington’s “Sacred Cause” WASHINGTON WAS PRESENT WHEN AMERICA OPENED IN PRAYER Unaccustomed as most Americans have become to the beliefs of our founders, it may be a surprise to learn that America was begun in prayer. . . . To set the stage for Valley Forge, we need to go back a little over three years and consider America’s first step toward independence begun in Philadelphia at Carpenter’s Hall. The First Continental Congress could not meet at the Pennsylvania State House, today called Independence Hall, because their discussions were viewed as too radical for the Pennsylvania legislature, which was loyal to the King. So the local carpenters’ guild shared their newly constructed building, Carpenter’s Hall. When the American delegates gathered, they knew why they had come—to address the crisis that had begun in Boston. But how should they go about their work? The Congress decided that its first official act would be to open in prayer. This was not a simple decision, as can be seen in John Adams’ letter to his wife Abigail written from Philadelphia on September, 16, 1774: …When the Congress first met, Mr. Cushing made a motion that it should be opened with prayer. It was opposed by Mr. Jay, of New York, and Mr. Rutledge of South Carolina, because we were so divided in religious sentiments, some Episcopalians, some Quakers, some Anabaptists, some Presbyterians, and some Congregationalists, that we could not join in the same act of worship. Mr. Samuel Adams arose and said he was no bigot, and could hear a prayer from a gentleman of piety and virtue, who was at the same time a friend to his country. He was a stranger in Philadelphia, but had heard that Mr. Duche (Dushay they pronounce it) deserved that character, and therefore he moved that Mr. Duche, an Episcopal clergyman, might be desired to read prayers to the Congress, tomorrow morning. The motion was seconded and passed in the affirmative. Mr. Randolph, our president, waited on Mr. Duche, and received for an answer that if his health would permit he certainly would. Accordingly, next morning he appeared with his clerk and in his pontificals, and read several prayers in the established form; and then read the Collect for the seventh day of September, which was the thirty-fifth Psalm. You must remember this was the next morning after we heard the horrible rumor of the cannonade of Boston. I never saw a greater effect upon an audience. It seemed as if Heaven had ordained that Psalm to be read on that morning. ……After this Mr. Duche, unexpected to everybody, struck out into an extemporary prayer, which filled the bosom of every man present. I must confess I never heard a better prayer, or one so well pronounced. Episcopalian as he is, Dr. Cooper himself (Dr. Samuel Cooper, well known as a zealous patriot and pastor of the church in Brattle Square, Boston) never prayed with such fervor, such earnestness and pathos, and in language so elegant and sublime--for America, for the Congress, for the Province of Massachusetts Bay, and especially the town of Boston. It has had an excellent effect upon everybody here.. .

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Dr. Jacob Duché’s prayer in Carpenter’s Hall, Philadelphia given at the first meeting of the First Continental Congress in September, 1774 says, Our Lord, our Heavenly Father, high and mighty King of Kings, Lord of Lords, who dost from thy throne behold all the dwellers upon the earth, and reignest with power supreme and uncontrolled over all kingdoms, empires, and governments, look down in mercy, we beseech thee, upon these American States who have fled to Thee from the rod of the Oppressor, and thrown themselves upon Thy gracious protection, desiring to be henceforth dependent only upon Thee. To Thee have they appealed for the righteousness of their cause. To Thee do they now look up for that countenance and support which Thou alone canst give. Take them, therefore, Heavenly Father, under Thy nurturing care. Give them wisdom in council and valor in the field. Defeat the malicious design of our cruel adversaries. Convince them of the unrighteousness of their cause, and if they still persist in their sanguinary purpose, O let the voice of Thine own unerring justice, sounding in their hearts, constrain them to drop their weapons of war from their unnerved hands in the day of battle. Be Thou present, O Lord of Wisdom, and direct the Council of the honorable Assembly. Enable them to settle things upon the best and surest foundation, that the scene of blood may speedily be closed; that order, harmony, and peace may effectually be restored, and truth and justice, religion and piety, prevail and flourish amongst Thy people. Preserve the health of their bodies, the vigor of their minds. Shower down upon them, and the millions they here represent, such temporal blessings as Thou seeist expedient for them in this world and crown them with everlasting glory in the world to come. All this we ask in the name and through the merits of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Savior. Amen. Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 75787618). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

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Part 5 — The Debate Over George Washington and Communion [There were no highlights in this section.]

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Part 6 — George Washington the Deist? Chapter 23: George Washington and the Enlightenment WASHINGTON ON EDUCATION AS ENLIGHTENMENT In his First Annual Address to Congress, January 8, 1790, the President explains the importance of knowledge to the new republic. Simply, the American experiment would not work if the people were ignorant . . . . . . a well-educated citizenry is essential to maintain both the law and liberty and for having the ability to distinguish between liberty and license. This discernment comes through education. Washington insisted that religion and morality were integral to a sound education. Clearly, religion and morality, according to our founders, were to be driving forces in America’s schools. Since religion and morality were critical in our schools, George Washington praised the proposed effects of an enlightened education. An enlightened education valued liberty, but rejected licentiousness (doing whatever one’s nature might desire regardless of flaws). Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 96349635, 9343-9345, 9650-9653). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

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Chapter 24: George Washington and Religious Liberty: A Christian or Deist Idea? WASHINGTON AS A DELEGATE TO THE CONTINENTAL CONGRESS As surprising as it sounds in a secular America, the first act of the first Congress was to pray, despite a myriad of Christian denominations represented. John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail, explaining what happened on September 6, 1775, and September 7—the first two meetings of the newly formed Congress. When the Congress first met, Mr., Cushing made a motion that it should be opened with prayer. It was opposed by Mr. Jay, of New York, and Mr. Rutledge of South Carolina, because we were so divided in religious sentiments, some Episcopalians, some Quakers, some Anabaptists, some Presbyterians, and some Congregationalists, that we could not join in the same act of worship. Mr. Samuel Adams arose and said he was no bigot, and could hear a prayer from a gentleman of piety and virtue, who was at the same time a friend to his country. He was a stranger in Philadelphia, but had heard the Mr. Duché (Dushay they pronounce it) deserved that character, and therefore he moved that Mr. Duché, an Episcopal clergyman, might be desired to read prayers to the Congress, tomorrow morning. The motion was seconded and passed in the affirmative. Mr. Randolf, our president, waited on Mr. Duché, and received for an answer that if his health would permit he certainly would. Accordingly, next morning he appeared with his clerk and in his pontificals, and read several prayers in the established form; and then read the Collect for the seventh day of September, which was the thirty fifth Psalm. You must remember this was the next morning after we heard the horrible rumor of the cannonade of Boston. I never saw a greater effect upon an audience. It seemed as if Heaven had ordained that Psalm to be read on that morning. After this Mr. Duché, unexpected to everybody, struck out into an extemporary prayer, which filled the bosom of every man present. I must confess I never heard a better prayer, or one so well pronounced. Episcopalian as he is, Dr. Cooper himself (Dr. Samuel Cooper, well known as a zealous patriot and pastor of the church in Brattle Square, Boston) never prayed with such fervor, such earnestness and pathos, and in language so elegant and sublime – for America, for the Congress, for the Province of Massachusetts Bay, and especially the town of Boston. It has had an excellent effect upon everybody here. I must beg you to read that Psalm. If there was any faith in the Sortes Biblicae, it would be thought providential. This prayer not only began America, but it began the continuing congressional tradition of prayer and the work of chaplains among our government officials. Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 97729792). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

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Chapter 25: George Washington, Member of the Masonic Order CHRISTIAN MASONS When the Rev. Dr. William Smith preached his Masonic Sermon on December 28, 1779, a sermon that Washington also had in his collection, he declared that in effect Masonry was a form of non-denominational Christianity. He wrote, Looking far beyond the little distinctions of sect or party (by which too many seek to know, and be known by, each other) we should labor to imitate the great Creator, in regarding those of every Nation Religion, and tongue, who “fear Him, and work righteousness.” Such conduct becomes those who profess to believe that when our Master Christ shall come again to reward his faithful workmen and servants; he will not ask whether we were of Luther or of Calvin? Where we prayed to him in white, black, or grey; in purple, or in rags; in fine linen, or in sackcloth; in a woolen frock, or peradventure in a Leather-Apron? Whatever is considered as most convenient, most in character most for edification, and infringes least on Spiritual liberty, will be admitted as good in this case. But although we may believe that none of these things will be asked in that great day; let us remember that it will be assuredly asked—were we of CHRIST JESUS? “Did we pray to him with the Spirit and with the understanding?” Had we the true Marks of his Gospel in our lives? Were we “meek and lowly of heart?” did we nail our rebellious affections to his Cross, and strive to subdue our spirits to the Rule of his Spirit? But above all, it will be asked us—Were we clothed with the Wedding-garment of love? Did we recognize our HEAVENLY MASTER in the Sufferings of those whom he died to save? Did we, for his sake, open our souls wide, to the cries of HIS DISTRESSED POOR? “When they were hungry, did we give them meat? When thirsty, did we give them drink? When strangers, did we take them in? When naked, did we clothe them? When sick, did we visit them? When in prison, did we come unto them,” with Comfort and Relief? Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 1014610161). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

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Chapter 26: More Objections to Washington the Christian: Slaves, Slander, Passion, & Tripoli CONCLUSION Washington was not a perfect man. In Christian terms, he was a man who sinned. But the definition of a Christian is not perfection, and being a sinner does not make a man a Deist. If that were the case, then every Christian would be a Deist, since Christianity affirms the universality of sin. Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 1062510626). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

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Chapter 29: Washington and the Doctrine of Providence WASHINGTON CONSIDERED HIMSELF “A PREACHER OF PROVIDENCE” General Washington once said of himself that he could become, should time and circumstances permit, “a preacher” of Providence. He made this pronouncement based on the fact that he had so often witnessed what he believed to be the Almighty intervening on behalf of the American cause. After several years of battle, the most powerful army in the world could not subdue a ragtag assembly of farmers! So awestruck was Washington by God’s intervention that he said that an American who would not acknowledge God’s help to the American cause was “worse than an infidel.” An infidel, by the way, was a synonym for a Deist in Washington’s day! Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 1163011636). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

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Chapter 33: George Washington’s Clergy And Their Sermons ATTEMPTS TO CUT AND PASTE TO SAVE A THESIS WITHOUT FOUNDATION To Lady Pepperrell. … Although you have less one of the best friends, yet overlook not your many remaining mercies, nor forget the many arguments of consolation, which our excellent religion affords. You have reason for thankfulness, … you do not sorrow as others who have no hope. The certainty of a future existence, and of the resurrection of the just to immortal glory and felicity, which the Gospel gives, affords strong consolation to those who are mourning for the death of pious friends: and the comfortable hope you have, that he who is not taken from you is present with the Lord, and that he is now freed as well from the temptations as the pains and sorrows of this state of trial, and is with the spirits of just men made perfect, and that you shall ‘ere long meet again in the regions of perfect friendship never be separated more; may justly sooth your grief. Therefore, instead of giving way to dejection of spirit, let it be your concern to maintain the eminency of your character, by giving proof that your religion is your support in a time of affliction, as well as the rule of your conduct in life…I am Madam, your Ladyship’s affectionate, and obliged humble servant. Benjamin Stevens. Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 1329613305). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

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Chapter 34: George Washington on Heaven and Eternal Life WASHINGTON AND THE PREVENTION OF PREMATURE DEATH . . . In one instance in Europe, a person had been dead for three days. When a physician looked in the coffin, he decided the body was worthy of an attempt at resuscitation which proved to be successful. Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 1364113642). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

CONFIDENCE IN THE FACE OF DEATH . . . he [Washington] said, “Doctor, I die hard; but I am not afraid to go; I believed from my first attack that I should not survive; my breath cannot last long.”” When the doctors had him sit up he said, “I feel myself going, I thank you for your attentions; but I pray you to take no more trouble about me, let me go off quietly, I cannot last long.” Lear then heard his last words, “I am just going. Have me decently buried; and do not let my body be put into the Vault in less than three days after I am dead. Do you understand me?” When Lear said he did, Washington spoke his last words, “Tis well.” Martha Washington had been seated by his bed the whole time with her Bible. Lear’s narrative concludes, “He expired without a struggle or a sigh! While we were fixed in silent grief, Mrs. Washington (who was sitting at the foot of the bed) asked with a firm & collected voice, “’Is he gone?’ I could not speak, but held up my hand as a signal that he was not more. ‘’Tis well,” said she in the same voice, ‘All is now over I shall soon follow him! I have no more trials to pass through!” Lear’s account concluded on Christmas Day, 1799. . . . Washington’s death was faced with a confident acceptance of the decrees of God, as a debt that all must pay, to be looked upon with perfect resignation. Thus he could say to his dear friend, Dr. Craik, “I die hard; but I am not afraid to go” and “I pray you to take no more trouble about me, let me go off quietly, I cannot last long.” So he could address his burial and conclude his life with the last words of “’Tis well.” These were expressions of a confident faith. Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 1398113991, 13996-14001). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

TEMPERANCE AND HEALTH [From the book The Immortal Mentor, one of the authors named Cornaro wrote:] The sad reflection , that we must one day cease to live, is no disturbance to me, nor am I afraid of the terrors of hell, because, blessed be God, I have long ago shaken hands with my sins, and put my trust in the mercy and merits of the blood of Jesus Christ.

ATTAINING WEALTH The second section by Benjamin Franklin shows that when one works hard and exercises thrift and industry, he is able to accumulate wealth. In this regard he offers many practical hints from Franklin’s well-known Poor Richard’s Almanack such as: Away, then with your expensive follies, and you will not then have so much cause to complain of hard times, heavy taxes, and chargeable families; for

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Women and wine, game and deceit, Makes the wealth small, and the want great. And farther, “What maintains one vice, would bring up two children.” . . . Beware of little expences; “A small leak will sink a great ship,” as Poor Richard says.” The practical advice given to the “Young Tradesman” also helps make a man wealthy: Remember that time is money….Remember that credit is money. If a man lets his money lie in my hands after it is due, he gives me the interest, or so much as I can make of it during that time….Remember that money is of a prolific generating nature. Money can beget money, and its offspring can beget more, and so on… Finally, in Franklin’s mind, this accumulated wealth has a spiritual context. Under the providence of God, wealth enables the diligent worker to become a useful neighbor to others. This doctrine, my friends, is reason and wisdom: but, after all, do not depend too much upon your own industry and frugality, and prudence, though excellent things; for they may all be blasted, without the blessing of Heaven; and therefore, ask that blessing humbly, and be not uncharitable to those that at present seem to want it, but comfort and help them. Remember, Job suffered, and was afterwards prosperous…. In short, the way to wealth, if you desire it, is as plain as the way to market. It depends chiefly on two words, industry and frugality; that is, waste neither time nor money, but make the best use of both. Without industry and frugality nothing will do, and with them everything. He that gets all he can honestly, and saves all he gets, (necessary expenses excepted) will certainly become rich; if that Being who governs the world, to whom all should look for a blessing on their honest endeavors, doth not, in his wise providence, otherwise determine. Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 1434614374). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

TRUE WISDOM Just as happiness cannot be found in the body, nor can it be found in the wealth of this world. Dr. Scott writes, But the vanity of seeking happiness from riches, honors and pleasures, is yet more convincingly felt when death comes to put a final close to this mortal scene. Ah! my friends, this is the awful hour that strips off the tinsel coverings of folly, stamps vanity on all beneath the sun, and shews that “too low they build, who build beneath the stars.” In that day of terror and despair, what can a vain world offer its poor deluded followers? … The remembrance of a life misspent in vain or in guilty pleasures, will fill the soul with pangs of remorse, with agonies of horror, of which none but the wretched sufferers can form any idea. . . . “I have neglected God, and sold my birth-right to heaven! Me, miserable! Whether am I going? My golden sands are all run out! The sun of my life is about to set, and, utterly unprepared, I am going to appear before God.” . . . then, when earth, and only earth, hath been the pursuit, what wretchedness to be torn from all that was counted happiness; to leave this dear world behind them forever, to go—Ah! Whither? Not to treasures laid up for them in heaven; not to the place where they have made

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themselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; but where that rich man went who lift up his eyes in torment, because, though rich in this world, he was not rich towards God.” Instead of finding happiness in the pleasures of the body or in the pursuit of wealth, Dr. Scott argues that happiness can only be found in love, a love that is aimed toward God and toward one’s neighbor. “Lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth,” says the divine Teacher. … “but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven; for where the treasure is, there will the heart be also.”—What treasures? Why love, --Love to God and to our neighbour. The man who loves God, says Dr. Scott, is the only truly wise man. He is the one following the words of “the divine Teacher”─Jesus Christ. He who loves God is the alone wise, dignified and happy man. For he loves the only good that is worthy the affections of an immortal mind. mind. He loves a friend who alone possesses almighty power to protect him, unerring wisdom to counsel him, and infinite love to bless him. He loves an immortal friend who can never die and forsake him, and an unchangeable friend who will never requite his love with neglect. Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 1439214415). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

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Conclusion Chapter 36: George Washington’s Sacred Fire In his first Inaugural Address Washington explained that an experiment had been entrusted to the American people. What was at stake in America’s experiment in self-government was the “preservation of the sacred fire of liberty.” This “sacred fire” had been entrusted to Americans by heaven. Liberty’s flame was sacred or holy because it was sustained by heaven’s “eternal rules of order and right.” Washington believed that the great American experiment with the “republican model of government” had no hope of success without regard for these rules, and without the aid of the “propitious” or gracious “smiles of Heaven.” Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 1446514469). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

THE REPACKAGING OF HISTORY Rev. Mason Weems, George Washington’s first biographer, opened his biography of George Washington with these words: “Go thy way old George. Die when thou wilt, we shall not look upon thy like again.” Rev. Weems could never have imagined that his words of praise would be ironically fulfilled by the erasure of Washington’s legacy from the minds of America’s school children and the denial of his Christian faith by many of our nation’s historians. But this is happening reflecting the adage that “the living can make the dead do any tricks they find necessary!” The re-creation of George Washington into a Deist has been considered necessary by secular historians in order to create a secular America. . . . Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 1447914485). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

This enterprise of remaking George Washington in particular into a Deist has been one of the most successful repackagings of an historical figure ever. But in the process, a great disservice has been done to our founding father. For no longer can it be said that Washington is “first in war, first in peace, and first in the heart of his countrymen.” This loss of our historical consciousness of Washington’s centrality in our nation’s history was preceded by the denial of his Christian faith. Yet the evidence overwhelmingly establishes that Washington was a devout 18th century Anglican Christian. George Washington’s Sacred Fire, based on Washington’s own words, demonstrates that no other conclusion can honestly and accurately be reached. For if we intend to truly do justice to history rather than to the hubris of historical revisionism, we must let the words, actions, and primary sources of Washington be determinative in our interpretation of Washington. Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 1449114498). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

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WASHINGTON NEVER CLAIMED TO BE A DEIST . . . There is no evidence for Washington’s Deism. It is a scholarly myth. The Deist Washington is an exemplar of the very worst of scholarly historical revisionism. Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 1453014531). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

A SUMMATION OF THE EVIDENCE OF WASHINGTON’S CHRISTIANITY “His mottoes were, “Deeds, Not Words;” and “For God and My Country.” Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Location 14557). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

AN INHERITANCE TO OUR CHILDREN The impact of the secularist revision of Washington’s legacy is profound. To remove Christianity from Washington’s life is to take away his “sacred fire.” It is to strip him of the core of his essence and to leave him a mere hollow shell of an action hero. Indeed, to uproot Washington from his historical context is to distort Washington’s history. Sadly, the living indeed can make the dead do any tricks they find necessary. Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 1458414588). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

By anyone’s standards, this is the description of a man of great character, as well as a man of piety, who should serve as a role model for our children, our citizens, and our statesmen. The list of the moral tributes of his character are striking: Just, humane, incorruptible integrity, drawing information from all, pious, strong and sound judgment. Indeed President John Adams agreed: …His example is now complete, and it will teach wisdom and virtue to magistrates, citizens, and men, not only in the present age, but in future generations, as long as our history shall be read. Perhaps Adams should have said, as long as our history is not revised. Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 1459714603). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

By anyone’s standards, this is the description of a man of great character, as well as a man of piety, who should serve as a role model for our children, our citizens, and our statesmen. The list of the moral tributes of his character are striking: Just, humane, incorruptible integrity, drawing information from all, pious, strong and sound judgment. Indeed President John Adams agreed: …His example is now complete, and it will teach wisdom and virtue to magistrates, citizens, and men, not only in the present age, but in future generations, as long as our history shall be read. Perhaps Adams should have said, as long as our history is not revised.

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THE TESTIMONY OF HIS CONTEMPORARIES The dead Washington must do the tricks the secular historians require. Their view of Washington will not be altered even by the primary sources, the very words of Washington himself. Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 1462414625). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

“THE SPIRIT OF LIBERTY” Washington knew that the divine flame of freedom would not light the path of a happy nation unless that nation pursued “justice and loved mercy.” And further, Washington called upon his nation to follow the “humility, charity and pacific temper of mind” of Jesus Christ as their great example. For this “Divine Author” of Washington’s “blessed religion” was the ultimate source of America’s “sacred fire of liberty.” That which made them a “happy nation.” “The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty” Washington said was “entrusted to the hands of the American people.” As keepers of this sacred fire, let us never forget that the “destiny of the republican model of government” is “deeply” and “finally” staked” on us, and what we do with the divine gift of liberty. What can we do to assure that the sacred fire will burn as an eternal flame? Clearly we must pass it on by educating the next generation. Washington’s “sacred fire” can and must burn brightly again. Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 1471014713, 14723-14724). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.

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Appendices Appendix 1 — The Rules of Civility and Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation George Washington, sometime before the age of 16, transcribed these Rules of Civility & Decent Behaviour In Company and Conversation. Most historians of Washington see a great deal of consistency between his life and these rules for “civility and decent behaviour.” The evidence is also clear that Washington’s father, Augustine, and his two older half brothers were exposed to these rules as well, since they were part of the basic education of the Appleby School in England, where both boys had been educated. Rules 108 to 110 lay the groundwork for a life of exemplary piety. (Original errors in numbering have been corrected; original spelling is unchanged.) 1st Every Action done in Company, ought to be with Some Sign of Respect, to those that are Present. 2d When in Company, put not your Hands to any Part of the Body, not usually Discovered. 3d Shew Nothing to your Friend that may affright him. 4th In the Presence of Others Sing not to yourself with a humming Noise, nor Drum with your Fingers or Feet. 5th If You Cough, Sneeze, Sigh, or Yawn, do it not Loud but Privately; and Speak not in your Yawning, but put Your handkerchief or Hand before your face and turn aside. 6th Sleep not when others Speak, Sit not when others stand, Speak not when you Should hold your Peace, walk not on when others Stop. 7th Put not off your Cloths in the presence of Others, nor go out your Chamber half Drest. 8th At Play and at Fire its Good manners to Give Place to the last Commer, and affect not to Speak Louder than Ordinary. 9th Spit not in the Fire, nor Stoop low before it neither Put your Hands into the Flames to warm them, nor Set your Feet upon the Fire especially if there be meat before it. 10th When you Sit down, Keep your Feet firm and Even, without putting one on the other or Crossing them. 11th Shift not yourself in the Sight of others nor Gnaw your nails. 12th Shake not the head, Feet, or Legs rowl not the Eys lift not one eyebrow higher than the other wry not the mouth, and bedew no mans face with your Spittle, by approaching too near him when you Speak. 13th Kill no Vermin as Fleas, lice ticks &c in the Sight of Others, if you See any filth or thick Spittle put your foot Dexteriously upon it if it be upon the Cloths of your Companions, Put it off privately, and if it be upon your own Cloths return Thanks to him who puts it off. 14th Turn not your Back to others especially in Speaking, Jog not the Table or Desk on which Another reads or writes, lean not upon any one.

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15th Keep your Nails clean and Short, also your Hands and Teeth Clean yet without Shewing any great Concern for them. 16th Do not Puff up the Cheeks, Loll not out the tongue rub the Hands, or beard, thrust out the lips, or bite them or keep the Lips too open or too Close. 17th Be no Flatterer, neither Play with any that delights not to be Play'd Withal. 18th Read no Letters, Books, or Papers in Company but when there is a Necessity for the doing of it you must ask leave: come not near the Books or Writings of Another so as to read them unless desired or give your opinion of them unask'd also look not nigh when another is writing a Letter. 19th let your Countenance be pleasant but in Serious Matters Somewhat grave. 20th The Gestures of the Body must be Suited to the discourse you are upon. 21st: Reproach none for the Infirmaties of Nature, nor Delight to Put them that have in mind thereof. 22d Shew not yourself glad at the Misfortune of another though he were your enemy. 23d When you see a Crime punished, you may be inwardly Pleased; but always shew Pity to the Suffering Offender. 24th Do not laugh too loud or too much at any Publick Spectacle. 25th Superfluous Complements and all Affectation of Ceremonie are to be avoided, yet where due they are not to be Neglected. 26th In Pulling off your Hat to Persons of Distinction, as Noblemen, Justices, Churchmen &c make a Reverence, bowing more or less according to the Custom of the Better Bred, and Quality of the Person. Amongst your equals expect not always that they Should begin with you first, but to Pull off the Hat when there is no need is Affectation, in the Manner of Saluting and resaluting in words keep to the most usual Custom. 27th Tis ill manners to bid one more eminent than yourself be covered as well as not to do it to whom it's due Likewise he that makes too much haste to Put on his hat does not well, yet he ought to Put it on at the first, or at most the Second time of being ask'd; now what is herein Spoken, of Qualification in behaviour in Saluting, ought also to be observed in taking of Place, and Sitting down for ceremonies without Bounds is troublesome. 28th If any one come to Speak to you while you are are Sitting Stand up tho he be your Inferiour, and when you Present Seats let it be to every one according to his Degree. 29th When you meet with one of Greater Quality than yourself, Stop, and retire especially if it be at a Door or any Straight place to give way for him to Pass. 30th In walking the highest Place in most Countrys Seems to be on the right hand therefore Place yourself on the left of him whom you desire to Honour: but if three walk together the middest Place is the most Honourable the wall is usually given to the most worthy if two walk together. 31st If any one far Surpassess others, either in age, Estate, or Merit yet would give Place to a meaner than himself in his own lodging or elsewhere the one ought not to except it, So he on the other part should not use much earnestness nor offer it above once or twice.

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32d: To one that is your equal, or not much inferior you are to give the cheif Place in your Lodging and he to who 'tis offered ought at the first to refuse it but at the Second to accept though not without acknowledging his own unworthiness. 33d They that are in Dignity or in office have in all places Preceedency but whilst they are Young they ought to respect those that are their equals in Birth or other Qualitys, though they have no Publick charge. 34th It is good Manners to prefer them to whom we Speak before ourselves especially if they be above us with whom in no Sort we ought to begin. 35th Let your Discourse with Men of Business be Short and Comprehensive. 36th Artificers & Persons of low Degree ought not to use many ceremonies to Lords, or Others of high Degree but Respect and highly Honour them, and those of high Degree ought to treat them with affibility & Courtesie, without Arrogancy. 37th In Speaking to men of Quality do not lean nor Look them full in the Face, nor approach too near them at lest Keep a full Pace from them. 38th In visiting the Sick, do not Presently play the Physicion if you be not Knowing therein. 39th In writing or Speaking, give to every Person his due Title According to his Degree & the Custom of the Place. 40th Strive not with your Superiers in argument, but always Submit your Judgment to others with Modesty. 41st Undertake not to Teach your equal in the art himself Proffesses; it Savours of arrogancy. 42d Let thy ceremonies in Courtesie be proper to the Dignity of his place with whom thou conversest for it is absurd to act the same with a Clown and a Prince. 43d Do not express Joy before one sick or in pain for that contrary Passion will aggravate his Misery. 44th When a man does all he can though it Succeeds not well blame not him that did it. 45th Being to advise or reprehend any one, consider whether it ought to be in publick or in Private; presently, or at Some other time in what terms to do it & in reproving Shew no Sign of Cholar but do it with all Sweetness and Mildness. 46th Take all Admonitions thankfully in what Time or Place Soever given but afterwards not being culpable take a Time & Place convenient to let him him know it that gave them. 47th Mock not nor Jest at any thing of Importance break no Jest that are Sharp Biting and if you Deliver any thing witty and Pleasent abstain from Laughing there at yourself. 48th Wherein you reprove Another be unblameable yourself; for example is more prevalent than Precepts. 49th Use no Reproachfull Language against any one neither Curse nor Revile. 50th Be not hasty to beleive flying Reports to the Disparagement of any. 51st Wear not your Cloths, foul, unript or Dusty but See they be Brush'd once every day at least and take heed that you approach not to any Uncleaness.

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52d In your Apparel be Modest and endeavour to accomodate Nature, rather than to procure Admiration keep to the Fashion of your equals Such as are Civil and orderly with respect to Times and Places. 53d Run not in the Streets, neither go too slowly nor with Mouth open go not Shaking yr Arms kick not the earth with yr feet, go not upon the Toes, nor in a Dancing fashion. 54th Play not the Peacock, looking every where about you, to See if you be well Deck't, if your Shoes fit well if your Stokings sit neatly, and Cloths handsomely. 55th Eat not in the Streets, nor in the House, out of Season. 56th Associate yourself with Men of good Quality if you Esteem your own Reputation; for 'tis better to be alone than in bad Company. 57th In walking up and Down in a House, only with One in Company if he be Greater than yourself, at the first give him the Right hand and Stop not till he does and be not the first that turns, and when you do turn let it be with your face towards him, if he be a Man of Great Quality, walk not with him Cheek by Joul but Somewhat behind him; but yet in Such a Manner that he may easily Speak to you. 58th Let your Conversation be without Malice or Envy, for 'tis a Sign of a Tractable and Commendable Nature: And in all Causes of Passion admit Reason to Govern. 59th Never express anything unbecoming, nor Act agst the Rules Moral before your inferiours. 60th Be not immodest in urging your Freinds to Discover a Secret. 61st Utter not base and frivilous things amongst grave and Learn'd Men nor very Difficult Questians or Subjects, among the Ignorant or things hard to be believed, Stuff not your Discourse with Sentences amongst your Betters nor Equals. 62d Speak not of doleful Things in a Time of Mirth or at the Table; Speak not of Melancholy Things as Death and Wounds, and if others Mention them Change if you can the Discourse tell not your Dreams, but to your intimate Friend. 63d A Man ought not to value himself of his Atchievements, or rare Qualities of wit; much less of his riches Virtue or Kindred. 64th Break not a Jest where none take pleasure in mirth Laugh not aloud, nor at all without Occasion, deride no mans Misfortune, tho' there Seem to be Some cause. 65th Speak not injurious Words neither in Jest nor Earnest Scoff at none although they give Occasion. 66th Be not forward but friendly and Courteous; the first to Salute hear and answer & be not Pensive when it's a time to Converse. 67th Detract not from others neither be excessive in Commanding. 68th Go not thither, where you know not, whether you Shall be Welcome or not. Give not Advice without being Ask'd & when desired do it briefly. 69th If two contend together take not the part of either unconstrained; and be not obstinate in your own Opinion, in Things indiferent be of the Major Side. 70th Reprehend not the imperfections of others for that belongs to Parents Masters and Superiours.

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71st Gaze not on the marks or blemishes of Others and ask not how they came. What you may Speak in Secret to your Friend deliver not before others. 72d Speak not in an unknown Tongue in Company but in your own Language and that as those of Quality do and not as the Vulgar; Sublime matters treat Seriously. 73d Think before you Speak pronounce not imperfectly nor bring out your Words too hastily but orderly & distinctly. 74th When Another Speaks be attentive your Self and disturb not the Audience if any hesitate in his Words help him not nor Prompt him without desired, Interrupt him not, nor Answer him till his Speech be ended. 75th In the midst of Discourse ask not of what one treateth but if you Perceive any Stop because of your coming you may well intreat him gently to Proceed: If a Person of Quality comes in while your Conversing it's handsome to Repeat what was said before. 76th While you are talking, Point not with your Finger at him of Whom you Discourse nor Approach too near him to whom you talk especially to his face. 77th Treat with men at fit Times about Business & Whisper not in the Company of Others. 78th Make no Comparisons and if any of the Company be Commended for any brave act of Vertue, commend not another for the Same. 79th Be not apt to relate News if you know not the truth thereof. In Discoursing of things you Have heard Name not your Author always A Secret Discover not. 80th Be not Tedious in Discourse or in reading unless you find the Company pleased therewith. 81st Be not Curious to Know the Affairs of Others neither approach those that Speak in Private. 82d undertake not what you cannot perform but be carefull to keep your promise. 83d when you deliver a matter do it without passion & with discretion, however mean the person be you do it too. 84th When your Superiours talk to any Body hearken not neither Speak nor Laugh. 85th In Company of these of Higher Quality than yourself Speak not til you are ask'd a Question then Stand upright put of your Hat & Answer in few words. 86th In Disputes, be not So Desireous to Overcome as not to give Liberty to each one to deliver his Opinion and Submit to the Judgment of the Major Part especially if they are Judges of the Dispute. 87th Let thy carriage be such as becomes a Man Grave Settled and attentive to that which is spoken. Contradict not at every turn what others Say. 88th Be not tedious in Discourse, make not many Digressigns, nor repeat often the Same manner of Discourse. 89th Speak not Evil of the absent for it is unjust. 90th Being Set at meat Scratch not neither Spit Cough or blow your Nose except there's a Necessity for it. 91st Make no Shew of taking great Delight in your Victuals, Feed not with Greediness; cut your Bread with a Knife, lean not on the Table neither find fault with what you Eat. 92d Take no Salt or cut Bread with your Knife Greasy.

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93d Entertaining any one at table it is decent to present him wt. meat, Undertake not to help others undesired by the Master. 94th If you Soak bread in the Sauce let it be no more than what you put in your Mouth at a time and blow not your broth at Table but Stay till Cools of it Self. 95th Put not your meat to your Mouth with your Knife in your hand neither Spit forth the Stones of any fruit Pye upon a Dish nor Cast anything under the table. 96th It's unbecoming to Stoop much to ones Meat Keep your Fingers clean & when foul wipe them on a Corner of your Table Napkin. 97th Put not another bit into your Mouth til the former be Swallowed let not your Morsels be too big for the Gowls. 98th Drink not nor talk with your mouth full neither Gaze about you while you are a Drinking. 99th Drink not too leisurely nor yet too hastily. Before and after Drinking wipe your Lips breath not then or Ever with too Great a Noise, for its uncivil. 100th Cleanse not your teeth with the Table Cloth Napkin Fork or Knife but if Others do it let it be done wt. a Pick Tooth. 101st Rince not your Mouth in the Presence of Others. 102d It is out of use to call upon the Company often to Eat nor need you Drink to others every Time you Drink. 103d In Company of your Betters be not longer in eating than they are lay not your Arm but only your hand upon the table. 104th It belongs to the Chiefest in Company to unfold his Napkin and fall to Meat first, But he ought then to Begin in time & to Dispatch with Dexterity that the Slowest may have time allowed him. 105th Be not Angry at Table whatever happens & if you have reason to be so, Shew it not but on a Chearfull Countenance especially if there be Strangers for Good Humour makes one Dish of Meat a Feast. 106th Set not yourself at the upper of the Table but if it Be your Due or that the Master of the house will have it So, Contend not, least you Should Trouble the Company. 107th If others talk at Table be attentive but talk not with Meat in your Mouth. 108th When you Speak of God or his Atributes, let it be Seriously & wt. Reverence. Honour & Obey your Natural Parents altho they be Poor. 109th Let your Recreations be Manfull not Sinfull. 110th Labour to keep alive in your Breast that Little Spark of Celestial fire Called Conscience. Finis *Washington, George. Rules of Civility & Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation: a Book of Etiquette. Williamsburg, Va.: Beaver Press, 1971. Newcombe, Jerry; Lillback, Peter A. (2010-05-20). George Washington's Sacred Fire (Kindle Locations 1472914880). Providence Forum Press. Kindle Edition.