"Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports," [Washington] declared in his farewell address. For Washington, morality was so central to Christianity's message that, "no man who is profligate in his morals or a bad member of the civil community can possibly be a true Christian." That Washington believed in the need for good works as well as faith can be seen in his extensive charity. George and Martha Washington never turned away beggars at their doorstep. "Let the hospitality of the house with respect to the poor be kept up," Washington informed his estate manager after being named commander of the Continental Army. "Let no one go hungry away ... provided it does not encourage them in idleness." The Washingtons tried to practice anonymous charity even when it would have been politically expedient to advertise it loudly. Washington's secretary, Tobias Lear, recorded hundreds of individuals, churches, and other charities that, unbeknownst to the public, benefited from presidential largesse. Even leftovers from the executive mansion were transferred to a prison for needy inmates. Washington had particular sympathy for those imprisoned for debt and gave generously to an organization -- later called the Humane Society of the City of New York -- that was formed to assist them. He took a special interest in the care and education of orphaned and indigent children and turned into a major benefactor of the Alexandria Academy, established for that purpose.
-- Ron Chernow, Washington: A Life, Chapter 12: Providence, p. 133.
