Great Minds Quotes

“Religious controversies are always productive of more acrimony and irreconcilable hatreds than those which spring from any other cause. I had hoped that liberal and enlightened thought would have reconciled the Christians so that their [not our?] religious fights would not endanger the peace of Society.” Letter to Sir Edward Newenham, June 22, 1792

Rev. Dr. Abercrombie: “On sacramental Sundays, Gen. Washington, immediately after the desk and pulpit services, went out with the greater part of the Congregation.” Rev. Dr. Wilson: “After that [Dr. Abercrombie’s reproof], upon communion days, he absented himself altogether from the church.” Rev. Dr. Beverly Tucker: “The General was accustomed, on communion Sundays, to leave the church with her [Nelly Custis], sending the carriage back for Mrs. Washington.” Rev. Dr. Bird Wilson: “He never was a communicant in them [Dr. White’s churches].” Rev. William Jackson: “I find no one who ever communed with him.” * Rev. E.D. Neill: “The President was not a communicant.” * Rev. Jared Sparks: “This [his refusal to commune] may be admitted and regretted.” Gen. A.W. Greely: “There is no reliable evidence that he ever took communion.” St. Louis Globe: “There is nothing to show that he was ever a member of the church.” Washington himself (as quoted by Dr. Abercrombie): “I have never been a communicant.”