Edward Everett Hale was asked if he prayed for the Senators. He replied:

“No. I look at the Senators and pray for the country.”

The Reverend Mr. Edward Everett Hale (1822 – 1909) served as  Chaplain to the U.S. Senate. He was appointed to the position because of his outstanding public ministry as Minister of South Congregational (Unitarian) Church in Boston. He proposed a public retirement pension system for both women and men long before there was Social Security.

First Church Boston’s website provides this account of his  ministry.

Thanks to Caroll Bryant for capturing our attention with her blog’s publication of the witticisms famous historical figures.