Description:

Taft William


William Taft Important TLS, Opines on Religion and Politics, The Biblical Statement with Reference to the Joy of One Repentant Sinner …

 

Single page TLS on William Taft's personal letterhead, 6.75" x 10.25". Dated "August 11, 1916" and signed by William Howard Taft as "Wm H Taft" . Small penned "10", to the upper right corner. Expected folds, else near fine.

 

A superb letter written by Taft which both makes mention of the World's Court League, "I have received the World's Court League check for $300 …". And this important and revealing letter also demonstrates Taft's reverence for religion stating "…We must not be impatient with the effort of our candidate to unite the party. The Biblical statement with reference to the joy of one repentant sinner, greater than the satisfaction in respect to the ninety and nine that went not astray, is a sanction for the view that it is wise to bring in the other one and make every effort to do so, especially when that one may constitute a majority…."

 

A self-described “Unitarian,” Taft dealt with criticisms on his religion throughout his career for letting his liberal faith show a little too much. While on the Republican ballot, he received many letters asserting that a Unitarian atheist like himself should not be allowed in the White House. Taft also said that he did not believe “in the literal truth of the creed as it is recited in the orthodox evangelical churches.” He did, however, believe that Jesus had set forth an outstanding system of moral precepts.

 

Regardless, Taft held his own religious moral code, in part of which is shown in this TLS. And in addition his own personal beliefs and values shined brightly in his comment made about the purpose of life:

 

"After all, when you come to the end of your life, the only comfort, the only real satisfaction you have is in the good you have done for others. Now you are earnest for yourselves and you must be. You will always have to have a decent respect for yourself. Nevertheless, it is your usefulness to your friends and to the community which is going to count most. Your service does not have to be important; it only has to be what you can render and render conscientiously to help your brother, your sister. You have a great opportunity. . . "



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