a. Benjamin Stevens: Funeral Sermon for Lord William Pepperell. Washington replied, “I consider the sermon on the death of Sir William Pepperell which you were so good as to send me by desire of Lady Pepperell his Relict, as a mark of attention from her which required my particular acknowledgments; and I am sorry that the death of that Lady which I see is announced in the public papers prevents my thanks being returned to her for her respect and good wishes. You, Sir, will please to accept them for your goodness in forwarding the discourse, and my request, that they may be added to the Revd. Author with my approbation of the Doctrine therein inculcated. I am etc.36
b. Isaac Lewis: “The Political Advantages of Godliness. A Sermon, preached before His Excellency the Governor, and the honorable Legislature of the State of Connecticut, convened at Hartford on the Anniversary Election” preached May 11, 1797.37 Isaac Lewis’ second Sermon was entitled, “The divine mission of Jesus Christ evident from his life, and from the nature and tendency of his doctrines. A sermon preached at Stamford, October 11, 1796. before the Consociation of the Western District in Fairfield County. By Isaac Lewis, D.D. Pastor of a consociated church in Greenwich.” (New Haven: Printed by T. and S. Green—New-Haven., [1796]). These sermons were discussed in the chapter entitled, “George Washington Versus Deism.” On 8-30-1799, Washington wrote in regard to these sermons, “Your favor of the 17th. Ulto came safe, but a good while after date. For the Sermons you had the goodness to send me I pray you to accept my thanks. The doctrine in them is sound, and does credit to the Author.”38
c. Mason L. Weems. “The Philanthropist.” 8-29-1799. (see above under 8. b.)
10. Sermons that Washington read with “singular satisfaction”
a. Mason L. Weems: The Immortal Mentor. 7-3-1799. See above under 8. c.
b. John Lathrop: “A Discourse Before the Human Society in Boston.” Given 6-2-1787.39 Washington’s letters were 2-22-1788; 6-22-1778. “You will do me the favor, Sir, to accept of my best thanks for the mark of polite attention in forwarding your discourses to me. The one delivered before the Humane Society is upon a subject highly interesting to the feelings of every benevolent mind. The laudable view of Institutions of this nature do honor to humanity. The beneficence resulting from them is not confined to any particular class or nation; it extends its influence to the whole race of mankind and cannot be too much applauded. I am etc.”40 And again, “I observe, with singular satisfaction, the cases in which your benevolent Institution has been instrumental in recalling some of our Fellow creatures (as it were) from beyond the gates of Eternity, and has given occasion for the hearts of parents and friends to leap for joy. The provision made for the preservation of shipwrecked Mariners is also highly estimable in the view of every philanthropic mind and greatly consolatory to that suffering part of the Community. These things will draw upon you the blessings of those, who were nigh to perish. These works of charity and good-will towards men reflect, in my estimation, great lustre upon the authors and presage an æra of still father improvements. How pitiful, in the eye of reason and religion, is that false ambition which desolates the world with fire and sword for the purposes of conquest and fame; when compared to the milder virtues of making our neighbours and our fellow men as happy as their frail conditions and perishable natures will permit them to be!”41
11. Sermons that Washington quoted in his letters
a. Laurence Sterne: “The Sermons of Mr. Yorick.” In his letter to Reverend Hugh Henry Brackenbridge, 9-8-1779, Washington says, “Sir: I have to thank you for your favor of the 10th of August, and your Eulogium. You add motives to patriotism, and have made the army your debtor in the handsome tribute which is paid to the memory of those who have fallen in fighting for their country. I am sensible that none of these observations can have escaped you, and that I can offer nothing which your own reason has not already suggested on this occasion; and being of [Reverend Laurence] Sterne’s opinion, that ‘Before an affliction is digested, consolation comes too soon; and after it is digested, it comes too late: there is but a mark between these two, as fine almost as a hair, for a comforter to take aim at.’ I rarely attempt it, nor shall I add more on this subject to you, as it would only be a renewal of sorrow, by recalling a fresh to your remembrance things which had better be forgotten.”42
b. Laurence Sterne: In Washington’s letter to Jonathan Trumbull, Jr. Washington writes, “My dear Sir: I came here in time to see Mr. Custis breathe his last. About Eight o’clock yesterday Evening he expired. The deep and solemn distress of the Mother, and affliction of the Wife of this amiable young Man, requires every comfort in my power to afford them; the last rights of the deceased I must also see performed; these will take me three or four days; when I shall proceed with Mrs. Washington and Mrs. Custis to Mount Vernon.
“As the dirty tavern you are now at cannot be very comfortable; and in spite of Mr. [Reverend Laurence] Sterne observation the House of Mourning not very agreeable; it is my wish, that all of the Gentn of my family, except yourself, who I beg may come here and remain with me; may proceed on at their leizure to Mount Vernon, and wait for me there. Colo. Cobb will join you on the road at the Tavern we breakfasted at (this side Ruffens). My best wishes attend the Gentn. and with much sincerity and affectn.”43
12. Sermons that he possessed and/or commented upon that addressed the topic of Deism
a. Samuel Langdon: “The Co-incidence of natural with revealed religion.” A sermon at the annual lecture instituted in Harvard College by the last will and testament of the Honorable Paul Dudley, Esq; delivered November 1, 1775. By Samuel Langdon, D.D. president of Harvard College. [Three lines from Acts].44 This was in Washington’s library, but there is no letter commenting on it.
b. William Linn: “A Discourse on National Sins” [May 9, 1798] (see Washington’s comments in 7.d.).
c. Isaac Lewis. “The Political Advantages of Godliness. A Sermon, preached before His Excellency the Governor, and the honorable Legislature of the State of Connecticut, convened at Hartford on the Anniversary Election” preached May 11, 1797.45 Isaac Lewis’ second Sermon was entitled, “The divine mission of Jesus Christ evident from his life, and from the nature and tendency of his doctrines. A sermon preached at Stamford, October 11, 1796, before the Consociation of the Western District in Fairfield County. By Isaac Lewis, D.D. Pastor of a consociated church in Greenwich.” (New Haven: Printed by T. and S. Green—New-Haven., [1796]). These sermons were discussed in the chapter entitled, “George Washington Versus Deism.” On 8-30-1799, Washington wrote in regard to these sermons, “Your favor of the 17th. Ulto came safe, but a good while after date. For the Sermons you had the goodness to send me I pray you to accept my thanks. The doctrine in them is sound, and does credit to the Author.”46
d. Jedidiah Morse: “Sermon preached at Charlestown—Exhibiting proofs of the early existence, progress and deleterious effects of French intrigue” (see Washington’s comments in 7.e)
e. Timothy Dwight: “Two Discourses on the Nature and Danger of Infidel Philosophy.”47 Washington’s letter of 9/28/1798 to Reverend Zechariah Lewis says, “I thank you for sending me Doctr. Dwights Sermons to whom I pray you to present the complimts.”
13. Spiritual writings he possessed and directly or indirectly commented upon that were designed to support his soldiers
a. Abiel Leonard: “A prayer, composed for the benefit of the soldiery, in the American Army, to assist them in their private devotions; and recommended to their particular use: By Abiel Leonard, A.M., Chaplain to General Putnam’s Regiment in said Army.”48
b. Israel Evans: “Discourse to Officers and Soldiers of the Western Army; 10/17/1779”49
c. Nathaniel Whitaker: “An Antidote Against Toryism; 1777.” (see Washington’s comments in 8.a.) William Gordon: “Sermon on the Anniversary of Declaration of Independence; 7/4/1777” (see Washington’s comments in 4.c.)
14. Sermons that brought him recognition and honor, or that were dedicated to him
a. Samuel Davies: “Religion and patriotism the constituents of a good soldier. A sermon preached to Captain Overton’s Independent Company of Volunteers, raised in Hanover County, Virginia, August 17, 1755. By Samuel Davies, A.M. Minister of the Gospel there.”50
b. Jacob Duché: “The duty of standing fast in our spiritual and temporal liberties, a sermon, preached in Christ-Church, July 7th, 1775, before the First Battalion of the city and liberties of Philadelphia; and now published at their request. By the Reverend Jacob Duché, M.A.”51
c. William White: “A sermon on the reciprocal influence of civil policy and religious duty. Delivered in Christ Church, in the city of Philadelphia, on Thursday, the 19th of February, 1795, being a day of general thanksgiving. By William White, D.D. Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”52
15. Sermons that he received, that address the relationship between government and religion
a. Isaac Lewis: See above, 12. c. See letter to Zechariah Lewis; Letter, 7/17/1797
b. William White: “A sermon on the duty of civil obedience, as required in Scripture. Delivered in Christ Church and St. Peter’s, April 25, 1799, being a day of general humiliation, appointed by the president of the United States. By Wm. White, D.D. Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”53
16. Sermons that he commented upon that present the Gospel
a. Uzal Ogden: “A sermon on practical religion. By the Reverend Uzal Ogden, of Sussex County, New-Jersey. [Four lines of Scripture texts] Number I. 1779.”54
b. Benjamin Stevens: “A sermon occasioned by the death of the Honorable Sir William Pepperrell, Bart. Lieutenant-General in his Majesty’s Service. Who died at his seat in Kittery, July 6th, 1759, aged 63. Preached the next Lord’s-Day after his funeral by Benjamin Stevens, A.M. Pastor of the First Church in Kittery.”55 (see Washington’s comments in 9.a.).
c. Isaac Lewis: “The divine mission of Jesus Christ evident from his life, and from the nature and tendency of his doctrines. A sermon preached at Stamford, October 11, 1796, before the Consociation of the Western District in Fairfield County. By Isaac Lewis, D.D. Pastor of a consociated church in Greenwich.” (New Haven: Printed by T. and S. Green—New-Haven., [1796]).
17. Sermons that he possessed, that show the spiritual nature of the education that he desired for his family
a. Samuel Stanhope Smith: “A discourse on the nature and reasonableness of fasting, and on the existing causes that call us to that duty. Delivered at Princeton, on Tuesday the 6th January, 1795. Being the day appointed by the Synod of New-York and New-Jersey, to be observed as a general fast, by all the churches of their communion in those states; and now published in compliance with the request of the students of theology and law in Princeton.” By Samuel Stanhope Smith, D.D. vice-president and professor of moral philosophy and divinity, in the College of New-Jersey.56
18. Sermons that reveal the nature of the masonic order
a. Samuel Miller: “A sermon, preached in New-York, July 4th, 1793. Being the anniversary of the independence of America: at the request of the Tammany Society, or Columbian Order.” By Samuel Miller, A.M. One of the Ministers of the United Presbyterian Churches, in the city of New-York.57
b. Uzal Ogden: “A Sermon delivered at Morris-Town, on Monday December 27, 1784, it being the Festival of St. John the Evangelist, before the Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons, of Lodge No. 10, in the State of New-Jersey.” By the Reverend Uzal Ogden. Published at the Request of the Lodge. New-York: printed by J. M’Lean, and Co. 1785.58
19. Sermons noted in Washington’s diaries.
a. Reverend Dr. Robert Davidson: “A sermon, on the Freedom and Happiness of the United Sates of America, preached in Carlisle, on the 5th Oct. 1794. And published at the request of the Officers of the Philadelphia and Lancaster Troops of Light Horse. By Robert Davidson, D.D. Pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Carlisle, and One of the Professors in Dickinson College.”59 Washington wrote in his diary on Oct. 5th—Sunday, 1794, “Went to the Presbiterian meeting and heard Doctr. Davidson Preach a political sermon, recommendatory of order & good government, and excellence of that of the United States.”60
b. “The lame discourses” of a Reverend Pond.61
c. A sermon he had heard preached in Dutch.62
d. November 1789, Sunday 22d. Went to St. Pauls Chappel in the forenoon— heard a charity sermon for the benefit of the Orphans School of this City.63
e. January 8, 1797, Clear & Cold—wind at No. Wt. Went to a charity sermon in Christ Church. Alarmed by a cry of fire while there.64
20. Sermons or theological works that Washington purchased.
a. Reverend James Beattie: Evidences of the Christian religion briefly and plainly stated. 2 vols., London, 1786.65
b. Reverend Hugh Blair: Sermons. To which is prefixed that admired tract, On the internal evidence of the Christian religion. 2 vols. Baltimore, reprinted for the Reverend M. L. Weems. 1792-1793. (Published by and purchased from Reverend Mason Weems).66
c. Reverend Gilbert Burnet, Bishop of Sarum: An Exposition of the Thirty Nine Articles of the Church of England. Written by Gilbert Bishop of Sarum. The sixth Edition corrected. London: printed for J. Knapton, C. Hitch, 1759.67
Modern scholars that ignore the sources that George Washington himself drew from have presented a truncated picture of the man. They have remade him into their own secular image, while ignoring his Christian context.
APPENDIX SIX
Abiel Leonard’s Prayer
1
