24.16 To THE CLERGY OF DIFFERENT DENOMINATIONS RESIDING IN AND NEAR THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA [March 3, 1797.] That your labours for the good of Mankind may be crowned with success; that your temporal enjoyments may be commensurate with your merits; and that the future reward of good and faithful Servants may be your’s, I shall not cease to supplicate the Divine Author of life and felicity.
24.17 To JOHN QUINCY ADAMS Mount Vernon, June 25, 1797. I am now, as you supposed the case would be when you then wrote, seated under my Vine and Fig-tree; where, while I am permitted to enjoy the shade of it, my vows will be continually offered for the welfare and prosperity of our country; and for the support, ease and honor of the Gentleman to whom the Administration of its concerns are entrusted.
24.18 To SIR EDWARD NEWENHAM Mount Vernon, August 6, 1797. I am now seated in the shade of my own Vine and Fig tree, and shall devote the remainder of a life, nearly worn out to such Agricultural and rural amusements as will afford employment for myself, and cannot, or ought not, to give offence to any one; offering while I am on this Theatre, my sincere vows that the ravages of war, and the turbulence of passions; may yield their scepters to Peace and tranquility that the world may enjoy repose.
24.19 To REVEREND WILLIAM GORDON Mount Vernon, October 15, 1797. Rural employments while I am spared (which in the natural course of things cannot be long) will now take place of toil, responsibility, and the sollicitudes attending the walks of public life; and with vows for the peace, the happiness, and prosperity of a country in whose service the prime of my life hath been spent, and with best wishes for the tranquility of all Nations, and all men, the scene will close; grateful to that Providence which has directed my steps, and shielded me in the various changes and chances, through which I have passed, from my youth to the present moment.
24.20 To GEORGE WASHINGTON MOTIER LAFAYETTE Mount Vernon, December 5, 1797. If my best vows would have contributed to a prosperous Voyage, and a happy meeting with your Parents and Sisters in France, both must have happened to the utmost extent of your wishes ‘ere this, for they were offered on the Altar of Sincerity; and are now followed with assurances that, if you should ever return to America again, that you will find the same cordial reception within the Walls of this Mansion, as you have heretofore experienced.
24.21 To THE TRUSTEES OF WASHINGTON ACADEMY Mount Vernon, June 17, 1798. Sentiments like those which flowed from your Pen, excite my gratitude, whilst I offer my best vows for the prosperity of the Academy, and for the honor and happiness of those under whose auspices it is conducted.
24.22 To JULIAN URSYN NIEMCEWICZ Mount Vernon, June 18, 1798. That your country is not as happy as your struggle to make it so, was Patriotic and Noble, is a matter which all lovers of national Liberty and the Rights of Man, have sorely lamented: and if my Vows, during the arduous contest could have availed, you would now, have been as happy in the enjoyment of these desirable blessings under your own Vine and Fig Tree, as the People of these United States may be under theirs.
25. Washington also uses the word “supplication” as a synonym for prayer.
25.1 To THE CLERGY OF DIFFERENT DENOMINATIONS RESIDING IN AND NEAR THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA [March 3, 1797.] That your labours for the good of Mankind may be crowned with success; that your temporal enjoyments may be commensurate with your merits; and that the future reward of good and faithful Servants may be your’s, I shall not cease to supplicate the Divine Author of life and felicity.
25.2 THE FIRST INAUGURAL ADDRESS [April 30, 1789.] Fellow Citizens of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Such being the impressions under which I have, in obedience to the public summons, repaired to the present station; it would be peculiarly improper to omit in this first official Act, my fervent supplications to that Almighty Being who rules over the Universe, who presides in the Councils of Nations, and whose providential aids can supply every human defect, that his benediction may consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the People of the United States, a Government instituted by themselves for these essential purposes: and may enable every instrument employed in its administration to execute with success, the functions allotted to his charge....Having thus imparted to you my sentiments, as they have been awakened by the occasion which brings us together, I shall take my present leave; but not without resorting once more to the benign parent of the human race, in humble supplication that since he has been pleased to favour the American people, with opportunities for deliberating in perfect tranquility, and dispositions for deciding with unparalleled unanimity on a form of Government, for the security of their Union, and the advancement of their happiness; so his divine blessing may be equally conspicuous in the enlarged views, the temperate consultations, and the wise measures on which the success of this Government must depend.
25.3 To THE FREEHOLDERS AND INHABITANTS OF KINGS COUNTY New York, December 1, 1783. For my own part, Gentlemen, in whatever situation I shall be hereafter, my supplications, will ever ascend to Heaven, for the prosperity of my Country in general; and for the individual happiness of those who are attached to the Freedom, and Independence of America.
25.4 THANKSGIVING PROCLAMATION City of New York, October 3, 1789. And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions, to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually, to render our national government a blessing to all the People, by constantly being a government of wise, just and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed, to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shown kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord. To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and Us, and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.
25.5 EIGHTH ANNUAL ADDRESS TO CONGRESS December 7, 1796. Fellow Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives: In recurring to the internal situation of our Country, since I had last the pleasure to Address you, I find ample reason for a renewed expression of that gratitude to the ruler of the Universe, which a continued series of prosperity has so often and so justly called forth. The situation in which I now stand, for the last time, in the midst of the Representatives of the People of the United States, naturally recalls the period when the Administration of the present form of Government commenced; and I cannot omit the occasion, to congratulate you and my Country, on the success of the experiment; nor to repeat my fervent supplications to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and Sovereign Arbiter of Nations, that his Providential care may still be extended to the United States; that the virtue and happiness of the People, may be preserved; and that the Government, which they have instituted, for the protection of their liberties, maybe perpetual.
25.6 GENERAL ORDERS Head Quarters, Cambridge, July 16, 1775. The Continental Congress having earnestly recommended, that “Thursday next the 20th. Instant, be observed by the Inhabitants of all the english Colonies upon this Continent, as a Day of public Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer; that they may with united Hearts and Voice unfeignedly confess their Sins before God, and supplicate the all wise and merciful disposer of events, to avert the Desolation and Calamities of an unnatural war.” The General orders, that Day to be religiously observed by the Forces under his Command, exactly in manner directed by the proclamation of the Continental Congress.
25.7 GENERAL ORDERS Head Quarters, New York, May 15, 1776. The Continental Congress having ordered, Friday the 17th. Instant to be observed as a day of “fasting, humiliation and prayer, humbly to supplicate the mercy of Almighty God, that it would please him to pardon all our manifold sins and transgressions, and to prosper the Arms of the United Colonies, and finally, establish the peace and freedom of America, upon a solid and lasting foundation”—The General commands all officers, and soldiers, to pay strict obedience to the Orders of the Continental Congress, and by their unfeigned, and pious observance of their religious duties, incline the Lord, and Giver of Victory, to prosper our arms.
25.8 GENERAL ORDERS Head Quarters, New York, June 30, 1776. Upon the Signal for the enemies approach, or upon any alarm, all fatigue parties are immediately to repair to their respective Corps, with their arms, ammunition and accoutrements ready for instant action,...to see that every Soldier is completed to Twenty-four Rounds, and has a good Flint, well fixed into the lock; in short to be well prepared for an engagement is, under God, (whose divine Aid it behooves us to supplicate) more than one half the battle.
25.9 GENERAL ORDERS Head Quarters, near Germantown, September 13, 1777. The General, with peculiar satisfaction, thanks those gallant officers and soldiers, who, on the 11th. instant, bravely fought in their country and its cause. ...Altho’ the event of that day, from some unfortunate circumstances, was not so favorable as could be wished, the General has the satisfaction of assuring the troops, that from every account he has been able to obtain, the enemy’s loss greatly exceeded ours; and he has full confidence that in another Appeal to Heaven (with the blessing of providence, which it becomes every officer and soldier humbly to supplicate), we shall prove successful.
26. Examples of “implore” as a synonym for prayer include:
26.1 ANSWER TO AN ADDRESS OF THE MASSACHUSETTS LEGISLATURE July 4, 1775. In return for your affectionate wishes to myself, permit me to say, that I earnestly implore the divine Being, in whose hands are all human events, to make you and your constituents as distinguished in private and public happiness, as you have been by ministerial oppression, and private and public distress.
26.2 GENERAL ORDERS Head Quarters, Cambridge, July 4, 1775. 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 drunkeness; 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.
26.3 GENERAL ORDERS Head Quarters, Cambridge, March 6, 1776. Thursday the seventh Instant, being set apart by the Honourable the Legislature of this province, as a day of fasting, prayer, and humiliation, “to implore the Lord, and Giver of all victory, to pardon our manifold sins and wickedness’s, and that it would please him to bless the Continental Arms, with his divine favour and protection”—All Officers, and Soldiers, are strictly enjoined to pay all due reverence, and attention on that day, to the sacred duties due to the Lord of hosts, for his mercies already received, and for those blessings, which our Holiness and Uprightness of life can alone encourage us to hope through his mercy to obtain.
26.4 GENERAL ORDERS Head Quarters, White Marsh, November 30, 1777. Forasmuch as it is the indispensible duty of all men, to adore the superintending providence of Almighty God; to acknowledge with gratitude their obligations to him for benefits received, and to implore such further blessings as they stand in need of; and it having pleased him in his abundant mercy, not only to continue to us the innumerable bounties of his common providence, but also, to smile upon us in the prosecution of a just and necessary war, for the defence of our unalienable rights and liberties. It is therefore recommended by Congress, that Thursday the 18th. day of December next be set apart for Solemn Thanksgiving and Praise; that at one time, and with one voice, the good people may express the grateful feelings of their hearts, and consecrate themselves to the service of their divine benefactor; and that, together with their sincere acknowledgements and offerings they may join the penitent confession of their sins; and supplications for such further blessings as they stand in need of. The Chaplains will properly notice this recommendation, that the day of thanksgiving may be duly observed in the army, agreeably to the intentions of Congress.
26.5 GENERAL ORDERS Head Quarters, V. Forge, Sunday, April 12, 1778. The Honorable Congress having thought proper to recommend to The United States of America to set apart Wednesday the 22nd. instant to be observed as a day of Fasting, Humiliation and Prayer, that at one time and with one voice the righteous dispensations of Providence may be acknowledged and His Goodness and Mercy toward us and our Arms supplicated and implored; The General directs that this day also shall be religiously observed in the Army, that no work be done thereon and that the Chaplains prepare discourses suitable to the Occasion. The Funeral Honors at the Interment of Officers are for the future to be confined to a solemn Procession of Officers and soldiers in number suitable to the rank of the deceased with Revers’d Arms; Firing on those occasions in Camp is to be abolished.
26.6 GENERAL ORDERS Head Quarters, Middle Brook, Monday, April 12, 1779. The Honorable the Congress having recommended it to the United States to set apart Thursday the 6th. day of May next to be observed as a day of fasting, humiliation and prayer, to acknowledge the gracious interpositions of Providence; to deprecate deserved punishment for our Sins and Ingratitude, to unitedly implore the Protection of Heaven; Success to our Arms and the Arms of our Ally: The Commander in Chief enjoins a religious observance of said day and directs the Chaplains to prepare discourses proper for the occasion; strictly forbiding all recreations and unnecessary labor.
26.7 To THE STATE SOCIETIES OF THE CINCINNATI Mount Vernon, in Virginia, October 31, 1786....it only remains for me to express the sense I entertain of the honor conferred by the last General Meeting in electing me their President, and to implore in future the benediction of Heaven on the virtuous Associates in this illustrious Institution.
26.8 FIFTH ANNUAL ADDRESS TO CONGRESS Philadelphia, December 3, 1793. I humbly implore that Being, on whose Will the fate of Nations depends, to crown with success our mutual endeavours for the general happiness.
27. Examples of “invoke” as a synonym for prayer include:
27.1 To CHEVALIER DE CHASTELLUX New Windsor, May 7, 1781. May you participate in those blessings you have invoked heaven for me, and may you live to see a happy termn. of a struggle which was begun and has been continued for the purpose of rescuing America from impending Slavery, and securing to its Inhabitants their indubitable rights in which you bear a conspicuous part, is the ardent wish of Dr. Sir etc.
27.2 To THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF VIRGINIA Virginia, July 15, 1784. For those rewards and blessings which you have invoked for me in this world, and for the fruition of that happiness which you pray for in the one which is to come, you have all my thanks, and all my gratitude. I wish I could insure them to you, and the State you represent, an hundred fold.
27.3 To JAMES MADISON Mount Vernon, May 20, 1792. I take the liberty at my departure from civil, as I formerly did at my military exit, to invoke a continuation of the blessings of Providence upon it; and upon all those who are the supporters of its interests, and the promoters of harmony, order and good government.
28. Examples of the use of the word “benediction” include:
28.1 To THE MINISTERS, ELDERS, DEACONS, AND MEMBERS OF THE REFORMED GERMAN CONGREGATION OF NEW YORK New York, November 27, 1783. Disposed, at every suitable opportunity to acknowledge publicly our infinite obligations to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for rescuing our Country from the brink of destruction; I cannot fail at this time to ascribe all the honor of our late successes to the same glorious Being. And if my humble exertions have been made in any degree subservient to the execution of the divine purposes, a contemplation of the benediction of Heaven on our righteous Cause, the approbation of my virtuous Countrymen, and the testimony of my own Conscience, will be a sufficient reward and augment my felicity beyond anything which the world can bestow.
28.2 To THE MILITIA OFFICERS OF THE CITY AND LIBERTIES OF PHILADELPHIA Philadelphia, December 12, 1783. While the various Scenes of the War, in which I have experienced the timely aid of the Militia of Philadelphia, recur to my mind, my ardent prayer ascends to Heaven that they may long enjoy the blessings of that Peace which has been obtained by the divine benediction on our common exertions.
28.3 To THE STATE SOCIETIES OF THE CINCINNATI Mount Vernon, in Virginia, October 31, 1786. Highly approving as I do, the principles on which the Society is now constituted; and pleased to find, so far as I have been able to learn from reiterated enquiries, that it is acceptable to the good people of the United States in general; it only remains for me to express the sense I entertain of the honor conferred by the last General Meeting in electing me their President, and too implore in future the benediction of Heaven on the virtuous Associates in this illustrious Institution.
28.4 To ANNIS BOUDINOT STOCKTON Mount Vernon, August 31, 1788. I hope that you and yours may have the enjoyment of your health, as well as Mrs. Washington and myself: that enjoyment, by the divine benediction, adds much to our temporal felicity.
29. Examples of Washington’s use of the word “beseech” as a synonym for prayer:
29.1 GENERAL ORDERS Head Quarters, Moore’s House, Saturday, November 27, 1779. The Honorable the Congress has been pleased to pass the following proclamation. RESOLVED, That it be recommended to the several states, to appoint Thursday, the 9th of December next, to be a day of public and solemn thanksgiving to Almighty God for his mercies, and of prayer for the continuance of his favor and protection to these United States; to beseech him that he would be graciously pleased to influence our public councils, and bless them with wisdom from on high, with unanimity, firmness, and success; that he would go forth with our hosts and crown our arms with victory; that he would grant to his church the plentiful effusions of divine grace, and pour out his holy spirit on all ministers of the gospel; that he would bless and prosper the means of education, and spread the light of christian knowledge through the remotest corners of the earth; that he would smile upon the labours of his people and cause the earth to bring forth her fruits in abundance; that we may with gratitude and gladness enjoy them; that he would take into his holy protection our illustrious ally, give him victory over his enemies, and render him signally great, as the father of his people and the protector of the rights of mankind; that he would graciously be pleased to turn the hearts of our enemies, and to dispense the blessings of peace to contending nations; that he would in mercy look down upon us, pardon our sins and receive us into his favor, and finally, that he would establish the independence of these United States upon the basis of religion and virtue, and support and protect them in the enjoyment of peace, liberty and safety.
29.2 FAREWELL ADDRESS, September 19, 1796, ...Though in reviewing the incidents of my Administration, I am unconscious of intentional error, I am nevertheless too sensible of my defects not to think it probable that I may have committed many errors. Whatever they may be I fervently beseech the Almighty to avert or mitigate the evils to which they may tend. I shall also carry with me the hope that my Country will never cease to view them with indulgence; and that after forty five years of my life dedicated to its Service, with an upright zeal, the faults of incompetent abilities will be consigned to oblivion, as myself must soon be to the Mansions of rest.
APPENDIX FOUR
George Washington’s “Daily Sacrifice Prayers” or “The Spurious Prayers”
Long after George Washington’s death, a series of hand-written prayers were found in his personal effects. When these came to public attention in 1891, a debate ensued over their authenticity. Questions debated in this context included:
(1) Did Washington write them?
(2) Did Washington copy them?
(3) Did Washington use them if they had been written by another and given to him?
Because these questions cannot be answered with finality, we have chosen not to use the “Daily Sacrifice” prayers as part of our argument. Instead, we have employed what we have termed “a minimalist facts approach.” We have relied only on evidence that is indisputable. But we have included them here since they have been used so frequently in the debate over Washington’s Christianity.
For the background to this discussion, we begin by citing the historical summation from Washington historian, Rupert Hughes. Hughes refused to call these prayers “The Daily Sacrifice Prayers” of Washington. Instead he called them “the Spurious Prayers.” His summation of the background of these controversial “Daily Sacrifice” prayers of Washington seems accurate enough so we begin by quoting it. Rupert Hughes writes,
In 1891, there appeared at an auction in Philadelphia, among a mass of relics offered for sale by Washington’s descendents, a little manuscript book found at Mount Vernon and promptly assumed to be in his autograph. It was also decided that he wrote it when he was about twenty.
Save for one newspaper at the time, nobody seems to have questioned its authenticity and no protest has been made against enshrining it as “without exception the most hallowed of all his writings.” Yet there is really every reason to cast this document out as not only the work of some other hand than Washington’s, but as a writing that could hardly have been written by anybody during his lifetime. The Reverend W. Herbert Burk, in a privately printed edition of the manuscript, describes it as a confirmation of the story of Washington’s prayers at Valley Forge…
Their first publisher, Stan V. Henkels, said of the little memorandum book, “This gem is all in the handwriting of George Washington, when about twenty years old, and is without exception, the most hallowed of all the writings. It is neatly written on twenty-four pages of a little book about the size of the ordinary pocket memorandum.”
Mr. Burk describes their discovery:
