On December 14, 1799, George Washington exited this life and entered eternity. Days later, he was famously eulogized by a fellow veteran general of the Revolutionary War: “First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.”
Those words were certainly true then. Not so much today.
Sadly, thanks to a combination of ignorance, apathy, and political correctness — the latter fueled by a tendency of current generations to harshly judge the sins of the past without confronting their own — Washington no longer captures the widespread respect, acclaim, and gratitude he once did.
To be sure, George Washington was a sinner.
Just as we are.
But God works through sinners. If He didn’t, He wouldn’t bother working through us.
And make no mistake. God worked through George Washington.
Without Washington, there would be no United States of America today.
Since Washington’s death (even, to some extent, during his life), there has been considerable debate over the nature of the man’s faith. Officially, he was a part of the Anglican – later Episcopalian – church. He was also a Freemason.
Of course, many of Washington’s contemporaries (especially those in Virginia) found that being a part of the established church — the Church of England (aka Anglican Church) was the established church for England (and for colonial Virginia) — was crucial to one’s social, economic, and civic life.
The specifics of Washington’s personal beliefs remain a subject of great debate and interest, because he played his cards close to the vest. We do know that he was a man of prayer and reflection, and that he (for much of his life) regularly attended church.
We also know he spoke of the importance of religion and faith in both public and private life. But we also know he intentionally avoided Communion for much of his adult life, and rarely spoke of Jesus in ways that modern evangelicals would most appreciate.
This isn’t to say he avoided Communion at all times or that he avoided speaking of Jesus at all times. On the contrary, he attended church often, and presumably recited the Apostles’ Creed and portions of the Book of Common Prayer in church.
He also reportedly prayed often – both alone and with Martha. And he did speak of Jesus on a few (though rare) notable occasions, including in his Farewell Circular after the Revolutionary War when he referred to Jesus as the “Divine Author of our Blessed Religion.
Regardless of the specifics of his faith or of his sins (slavery being at the top), no one can question his contribution to his history or his great wisdom.
And on that latter note – and in honor of this anniversary of his passing – I offer you ten of Washington’s best quotes. May they inspire you to make wise choices – and a significant, positive difference – in your own life.
- “Human happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected.”
- “I hold the maxim no less applicable to public than to private affairs, that honesty is always the best policy.”
- “I hope I shall possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man.”
- “It is better to be alone than in bad company.”
- “Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence.”
- “Let your heart feel for the afflictions and distress of everyone.”
- “Be not glad at the misfortune of another, though he may be your enemy.”
- “It is better to offer no excuse than a bad one.”
- “Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire called conscience.”
And one quote for our society in general to keep in mind…
- “If freedom of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.”
May the wisdom of Washington help you in your everyday life, and may it continue to guide the United States of America.
