The Christianity of George Washington

The christianity of George Washington is a great subject of debate, but it’s no secret that he was a devout follower of God and the principles in the BIble. History is best learned from the people who made it and witnessed it. There are so many great examples of actual recorded history. But the problem is that this actual history is harder and harder to find. This is why I became a vintage book collector. And so I was overjoyed when I got my hands on this gem:

Vintage books are practically our only hope for reading real history. I generally look for books published before 1950. This is not an exact science, but I have found that the older the book, the better the history. {I not only collect them for myself, but I sell them in my own bookstore. See below!}

This particular book draws together many sources to illustrate George Washington’s Christianity and how it was displayed in every area of his life. Today, I’m sharing a few excerpts.

Young George descended from clergy in the Church of England (“which was almost the only denomination of Christians then known in Virginia”) on both sides of his family.

“In addition to instruction in the Bible and Prayer Book, which were her daily companions, it was Mrs. Washington’s custom to read some helpful books to her children at home, and in this way they received much valuable instruction. Among the volumes used for this purpose was one entitled Contemplations: Moral and Divine, by Sir Matthew Hale…”

“On April 32-23, 1891, there was sold at auction in Philadelphia a remarkable collection of Washington relics… Among them was found a little manuscript book entitled Daily Sacrifice. This little gem is all in the handwriting of George Washington, when about 20 years old, and is, without exception, the most hallowed of all his writings.”

“Whether Washington composed the prayers himself or copied them from some source as yet unknown has not been determined; but they are a revelation of that striking character which has been the wonder of the world.”

Here is one entitled Monday Morning:

O eternal and everlasting God, I presume to present myself this morning before thy Divine majesty, beseeching thee to accept of my humble and hearty thanks, that it hath pleased thy great goodness to keep and preserve me the night past from all the dangers poor mortals are subject to, and has given me sweet and pleasant sleep, whereby I find my body refreshed and comforted for performing the duties of this day, in which I beseech thee to defend me from all perils of body and soul. Direct my thoughts, words and work, wash away my sins in the immaculate blood of the lamb, and purge my heart by thy holy spirit, from the dross of my natural corruption, that I may with more freedom of mind and liberty of will serve thee, the ever lasting God, in righteousness and holiness this day, and all the days of my life.

Increase my faith in the sweet promises of the gospel; give me repentance from dead works; pardon my wanderings, and direct my thoughts unto thyself, the God of my salvation; teach me how to live in thy fear, labor in thy service, and ever to run in the ways of thy commandments; make me always watchful over my heart, that neither the terrors of conscience, the loathing of holy duties, the love of sin, nor an unwillingness to depart this life, may cast me into a spiritual slumber, but daily frame me more and more into the likeness of thy son Jesus Christ, that living in thy fear, and dying in thy favor, I may in thy appointed time attain the resurrection of the just unto eternal life; bless my family, friends, and kindred unite us all in praising and glorifying thee in all our works begun, continued, and ended, when we shall come to make our last account before thee blessed saviour, who hath taught us to pray, our Father. (Taken from Chapters 1 and 2)

In 1754, the twenty-one year old Washington was now a Lt. Col. in the British Army. The scene is Fort Necessity, Pennsylvania during the French and Indian War. The practice of public worship was a regular occurrence for the commander, which “we learn from the following note, by the publisher of his writings: ‘While Washington was encamped at the Great Meadows, Mr. Fairfax wrote to him: “I will not doubt your having public prayers in the camp, especially when the Indian families are your guests…”’”

“It certainly was not one of the least striking pictures presented in this wild campaign – the youthful commander, presiding with calm seriousness over a motley assemblage of half-equipped soldiery, leathern-clad hunters and woodsmen, and painted savages with their wives and children, and uniting them all in solemn devotion by his own example and demeanor.”

Washington spent a good bit of time writing letters to the Governor requesting a chaplain for his regiment. This request was repeatedly ignored, which was a source of great frustration for Washington.

In “The Life of General Washington” by Mason L. Weems (1808) we read: “I have often been informed by Colonel B. Temple, of King William County, Virginia, who was one of his aids in the French and Indian War, that he has ‘frequently known Washington, on the Sabbath, read the Scriptures and pray with his regiment, in the absence of a chaplain;’ and also that, on sudden and unexpected visits to his marquee, he has ‘more than once, found him on his knees at devotion.’” (Taken from Chapter 3)

Another interesting piece of history has to do with the testimony of an Indian Chief, 15 years after the Battle of Monongahela. Washington was traveling with his boyhood friend in exploration of wild lands near the Ohio River.

“…a company of Indians came to them with an interpreter, at the head of whom was an aged and venerable chief. The council fire was kindled, when the chief addressed Washington through an interpreter to the following effect:

‘I am a chief, and ruler over my tribes. My influence extends to the waters of the great lakes, and to the far blue mountains. I have traveled a long and weary path, that I might see the young warrior of the great battle. It was on the day when the white man’s blood mixed with the streams of our forest, that I first beheld this chief. I called to my young men and said, mark yon tall and daring warrior? He is not of the red-coat tribe – he hath an Indian’s wisdom, and his warriors fight as we do – himself alone is exposed. Quick, let your aim be certain, and he dies. Our rifles were leveled, rifles which, but for him, knew not how to miss – ‘twas all in vain; a power mightier far than we, shielded him from harm. He cannot die in battle.

I am old, and soon shall be gathered to the great council fire of my fathers in the land of shades, but ere I go, there is something bids me speak in the voice of prophecy, Listen! The Great Spirit protects this man, and guides his destinies – he will become the chief of nations, and a people yet unborn will hail him as the founder of a mighty empire.’”  (The Writings of George Washington, by Jared Spark, 12 Volumes, 1834-1837)

Tell me: have you read this anywhere? Do you think this is featured in school textbooks anymore? In the early days of this nation, George Washington was featured as a true hero in school books, and also in the home. Take a look at the dedication page:

The Christianity of George Washington is clear for those would would seek it. There is so much history that we are ignorant of today, but it doesn’t have to continue.  The great news is that this book has been issued in a reprint! You can purchase it by clicking on this photo:

I highly recommend this as a core piece of your American History curriculum! Check out my post: American History Through the Life of George Washington, full of book recommendations for homeschooling!

While you’re here, visit my Knowledge Keepers Bookstore! In it you’ll find the books and the stories that have shaped this great country, the books that influenced our founders and our ancestors, the books that Americans have mostly ignored or never heard of, but the good books that we should all read and protect. Join me in saving Western Civilization, one book at a time!