New-York tribune., 1902-05-26
WESTINGHOUSE PIETY.
A CORRESPONDENT ADDUCEs DATA TO
SHOW HIS BELIEF IN THE CHRIS
TTAN RELIGION.

To the Editor Of The Tribune
Sir: To attempt to assail the religious principles
and thus do despite TO the spirit which Is known
TO have actuated the whole life Of revered
Father Of His Country" is wicked and will re-
doUnd TO the shame Of any who dare attempt it,
done in communication from the city Of
Washington, published in your columns yesterday
May 19. A try to prove that God does
not exist; 50 can he try TO prove that General
Washington was not lover Of his Heavenly
Father and of his Saviour. the atriots Of
land know better than to take such words as
anything but an attempt Of the enemies OF religion
to vile influence land. 1t is long
time since General Washington lived among us
but the whole influence the whole tenor OF his life
Of piety and dependence upon Jesus Christ the
Saviour cannot be denied and is too well known
TO be refuted. From the time he thirteen
years old his manuscript school books have been
preserved. Among many maxims proofs Of
Christian spirit at that early Among seiec-
tions transcribed there, written on Christmas
Day commences thus:
Assist me- divine 10 sing the
On which the Saviour Of mankind was born"
Such his constant abiding feeling and prin-
ciple and such Il was that induced him in early
manhood TO apply 70 England earnestly when he
had command of a portion OF the army for chap
lains to perform service regularly. And in given
orders when he was AT the head Of the American
Army are these words: The general hopes and
trusts that every officer and will live and act
as becomes Christian soldier defending the dear
est rights and liberties Of his country.
General Washington was the best Judge TO his
being a commitment of church. and his words
have been preserved When at Morrstown. n. J..
he called on the Rev. DR. Johnes the pastor of the
Presbyterian Church of that village. and said
Doctor | understand that the Lords Supper is 70
be celebrated with you next Sunday. I would learn
II Il ccords with the OF your church to ad-
NIT communicates Of another denominations" The
doctor replied: Most certainly! Ours is not the
Presbyterian table, General. but the Lords table
and we hence give the Lords invitation TO all His
followers OF whatever name" The General re-
pied Il am glad Of it, That is It ought to be
but as ! was not quite aware OF the fact thought
I would ascertain il from yourself as propose 10
Join with you that occasion Though a MEM
Der OF the Church OF England l have exclusive
partialities' Doctor Johnes assured him OF a cord
iaI welcome, and he communed there on the next
Sabbath on a day appointed for fasting humilia-
tion and prayer he wrote In his diary Went to
church and tasted all day" thus conforming both
TO the spirit and the letter OF the appointment
His nephew Robert Lewis. who his private e
secretary when lie was President, said that he had
accidentally witnessed his private devotions both
morning and evening. That those occasions
he had seen him in kneeling posture. with his
Bible open before him. and that he believed him
10 practise such devotions daily In letter dated
1879 a granddaughter Of Mrs. Washington wrote of
General Washington thus
1t was his custom to retire to his library at or
10 o'clock and remain there an hour, He always
until called to breakfast I should have thought
il the greatest heresy TO doubt his firm belief in
Christianity His life. his writings prove that
he was a Christian, He was not one of those who
act pray that they may be seen Of men" He
aunt Miss Custis died suddenly Mount Vernon
before they could realize the event. he knet ;1y
her and praved most farventy and affectiona reIy
Tor her recovery. He thoughtful silent
man. He spoke little OF himself nm ,;. never heard
Is il necessary that any one should certify to me
General Washington avowed himself Christian
As wei may we question his patriotism. his heroic
devotion TO his country.
His notices were: Deeds. not words and For
God and my country" II was MS custom to read
on Sunday evenings the Bible and sermon. His