This estimate of the Unitarians of Boston during the first half of the nineteenth century is eminently just and accurate. To a large extent these men and their associates in the Unitarian churches gave to the city its worth and its character; and they built up the industries, the commerce, the educational and philanthropic interests, and the progressive legislation of Massachusetts. They were men of integrity and sincerity, who were generous, faithful, and just. They accepted the religion of the spirit, and they gave it expression in daily conduct and character. [1] F.B. Carpenter, Six Months in the White House, 190. [2] James Parton, Life of Thomas Jefferson, 711. [3] Charles W. Upham, Life of Timothy Pickering, IV. 327. [4] P.L. Ford's edition Jefferson's Works, X.220. [5] Life of Pickering, IV. 326. [6] P.L. Ford, The True George Washington, 81. [7] P.L. Ford, The Many-sided Franklin, 174. See Diary of Ezra Stiles, III. 387. [8] John Quincy Adams, in reply to a question about the church in Washington, said: "I go there to church, although I am not decided in my mind as to all the controverted doctrines of religion." Years later he said to a preacher in the Unitarian church at Quincy: "I agree entirely with the ground you took in your discourse. You did not speak of any particular class of doctrines that were everlasting, but of the great, fundamental principles in which all Christians agree; and these, I think, are what will be permanent." See A.B. Muzzey, Reminiscences and Memorials of the Men of the Revolution and their Families, 53.