–AND–
The Throne of Grace (Hebrews 4:16)
To the German Lutherans of Philadelphia, April 27, 1789:
“I flatter myself opportunities will not be wanting for me to shew my disposition to encourage the domestic and public virtues of industry, oeconomy, patriotism, philanthropy, and that righteousness which exalteth a nation. . . and amidst all the vicissitudes that may await me in this mutable state of existence, I shall earnestly desire the continuation of an interest in your intercessions at the Throne of Grace.”72
Recoil on their Own Head (Psalm 7:15-16)
To Colonel Adam Stephen, July 20, 1776:
“Dear Sir: Your Letter of the 4th. came duly to hand. I thank you for yr. kind congratulations on the discovery of the vile Machinations of still viler Ministerial Agents. I hope the untimely fruit of their Intentions will in the end recoil upon their own heads…”73
Rise as One Man (Judges 20:8)
To Theodorick Bland, July 8, 1781:
“Would to God they could rise as one Man, and extirpate Lord Cornwallis and his whole Band.”74
Haman’s Gallows (Esther 6:4)
To President Joseph Reed, December 12, 1778:
“…the most attrocious of each State was hung in Gibbets upon a gallows five times as high as the one prepared by Haman.”75
To Open the Eyes of the Blind (John 10:21)
To The Secretary of State, April 16, 1798:
“….One would think that the measure of infamy was filled, and the profligacy of, and corruption in the system pursued by the French Directory, required no further disclosure of the principles by which it is actuated than what is contained in the above Dispatches, to open the eyes of the blindest”;76
Blind the Eyes of the Enemy (2 Kings 6:12-20)
To Joseph Reed, January 14, 1776:
“….If I shall be able to rise superior to these and many other difficulties, which might be enumerated, I shall most religiously believe, that the finger of Providence is in it, to blind the eyes of our enemies; for surely if we get well through this month, it must be for want of their knowing the disadvantages we labour under.”77
Blessing vs. Curses (Deuteronomy 28)
From a Circular to the States, June 8, 1783:
“…considered as a blessing or a curse: a blessing or a curse…”78
Engraved on the heart (Jeremiah 17:1; Jeremiah 31:31)
To the Earl of Buchan, May 26, 1794:
“The sentiments which are expressed in your lordship’s letter of the 30th of June, do honor to the goodness of your heart, and ought to be engraved on every man’s heart.”79
In His Good Time (Ecclesiastes 3:11)
To Major General Israel Putnam, October 19, 1777:
“Dear Sir: Your favor of the 16th. I received Yesterday morning, and was much obliged by the interesting contents. The defeat of Genl. Burgoyne is a most important event, and such as must afford the highest satisfaction to every well affected American breast. Should providence be pleased to crown our Arms in the course of the Campaign, with one more fortunate stroke, I think we shall have no great cause for anxiety respecting the future designs of Britain. I trust all will be well in his good time. …”80
Peace of Mind (Isaiah 26:3)
To the President of Congress, September 24, 1776:
“…but experience, which is the best criterion to work by, so fully, clearly, and decisively reprobates the practice of trusting to Militia, that no Man who regards order, regularity, and oeconomy; or who has any regard for his own honour, Character, or peace of Mind, will risk them upon this Issue.”81
All Must Die (Hebrews 9:27)
To Major General Israel Putnam, October 19, 1777:
“I am extremely sorry for the death of Mrs. Putnam and Sympathise with you upon the occasion. Remembring that all must die, and that she had lived to an honourable age, I hope you will bear the misfortune with that fortitude and complacency of mind, that become a Man and a Christian.”82
Washington is commending facing death as a Christian. Found in Washington’s writings are several references toward being Christian—-all are positive.
The Decalogue (The Ten Commandments) (Exodus 20)
To Annis Boudinot Stockton, September 2, 1783:
“Thus are you sheltered under the authority of prescription, and I will not dare to charge you with an intentional breach of the Rules of the decalogue in giving so bright a colouring to the services I have been enabled to render my Country.”83
The race not to the swift (Ecclesiastes 9:11)
In his circular to the northern states on January 31, 1782:
