Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 35, Number 48, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 February 1903 — WASHINGTON’S SPIRITUAL SIDE [ARTICLE]

WASHINGTON’S SPIRITUAL SIDE

Was Baptized, bat There Is No Evidence that He Ever Took Conmnaloa. Gen. A. W. Greely, U. S. A., contributes a most interesting chapter 04 “The Personal Side of Wnshipgton” (his tecond and concludiag one on the subject) In the Ladies’ Home Journal. In considering Washington’s religious life (or belief) the biographer makes the preface: “This effort to depict Wliaihlngton' as very devout from his childhood, as 4 strict Sabbatarian, uud , as. In Intimate spiritual communication wijh the church. Is practically, contradicted by bis own letters.” s * * Continuing, Gen. Greely Mja: “What Washington really believed'as to tbe fundamental truths of Christianity, or as to non-essentials on which so many sectarian issnes havo been raised, .cannot, be definitely stated. He Inherited-the Episcopal form of faith by baptism, and throughout his life took an active part as a vestryman of that church. But even if ha was ever confirmed In its faith .there Is do reliable jevidenry that he, ever took ‘Communion with It or with any other church. In short, it seems that the*very honesty snd Integrity of the man caused him to refrain from the more spiritual forms of activity In the church. . Possibly his mind, as ■ hire the rolhds of many ’men et bl*b psoeal character, followed tbs Irrational; boat es inseparably associating principles and professions, and so looked

askant at creeds and dogmas, where the lives of their foremost advocates ( gave the lie to the profession of the lips. Il is notable, however, that as time Went on, the occasional indifference of hit youthful days gave place to a respectful even If not devout, attitude with refer ence to religious matters. In a feeling of spiritual indifference to tho church it Is not surprising that, neglecting spiritual reasons, he wrote, as a Virginia colonel; ‘The want of a chaplain does reflect dis honor upon the regiment, as all other offl cers are allowed.’ And when he wai urged to have pyxjbllc prayers In camp, so as to excite the curiosity and foster the conversion of the Indians, ho ignored the recommendation. As to the Sabbath he conformed to the local Virginia habits. After service the day was largely given to riding, visiting, dining, and tc those innocent amusements and gather ings that many then believed to be essential safeguards of a community. The dominating trAit of Washington’s life was a spirit of e<juity, which is tho near est approach to perfect justice.”