THE BOOK & VIDEO REVIEWS: i.e. The New England Primer; 1996 AND America's Godly Heritage video series in history & government. 

Christopher Columbus, circa 1492: "It was the Lord who put into my mind - I could feel His hand upon me - the fact that it would be possible to sail from here to the Indies.  All who heard of my project rejected it with laughter, ridiculing me.  There is no question that the inspiration was from the Holy Spirit, because He comforted me with rays of marvelous inspiration from the Holy Scriptures." ^_1 And,  "My hope in the One who created us all sustain me; He is an ever present help in trouble... When I was extremely depressed, He raised me with His right hand, saying, 'O man of little faith, get up, it is I; do not be afraid."' ^_1

Then 128+ years later, The Mayflower Compact 1620:  "Having undertaken, for the Glory of God and the advancement of the Christian Faith and the honor of our King and country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia, do by the presents solemnly and mutually in the presence of God and one of another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil body politic...." ^_10

Then 156 years after that, The Declaration of Independence: 1776.  "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." ^_11

And, George Washington: b. 1732-1797:  "Bless O Lord the whole race of mankind, and let the world be filled with the knowledge of Thee and Thy Son, Jesus Christ." ^_1  George Washington:  "Of all dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.  In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labour to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens." ^{4(pg. 7)}

Thomas Jefferson: b. 1743-1826:  "God who gave us life gave us liberty.  Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed a conviction that these liberties are a gift of God?  Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, and that His justice cannot sleep forever." ^{5(pg. 27) & 1}

Then, Abraham Lincoln: b. 1809-1865:  "It is the duty of nations, as well as of men, to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God and to recognize the sublime truth announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord." ^_1

And, Robert E. Lee: b. 1807-1870:  "Let us pray for our nation. Let us pray for those who have never known Jesus Christ and redeeming love... for our national leaders. Let prayer be our passion. Let prayer be our practice." ^_1

          This primer series was intended for all American families to instruct their children in wisdom and understanding to seek the "Highest Attainable Goals" because anything less is very dangerous and destructive to their best "life, liberty and ... pursuit of happiness." ^_11  The term "Highest Attainable Goals" is a very important wisdom principle for families.  It has qualities that extend beyond a lifetime of experiences to include facts that are without error suitable for making lifetime decisions.  Qualities such as self-control and taking responsibility for ones thoughts, words and actions.  Qualities that would promote right relationships with our neighbor and our neighbor's children.  Right relationships that allow a person when he has failed to know that he can regain his health, honor, hope and forgiveness before God and man, and to know HOW to do it.  All of these qualities begin in THE NEW ENGLAND PRIMER; series.  I'm sure, if you agree that these are good ideas and concepts for your family and for your children, that other parents and grandparents will want to buy this special book for those reasons too.  Other parents will easily recognize that their "Highest Attainable Goal" is to do the very best they can to pass on to their children these values that will provide the safest, most secure present and most secure future for them and their loved ones.

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PREFACE

          It is important to note that American "Primers" (Prim' ers) were printed in cities all over the colonies and territories.  It was extensively used from the 1690's to the 1890's and was a primary level textbook.  The name "Primer", the concept, and the material all came from England where it was used as early as the 1500's. On page 24 the true story of ..

MR. JOHN ROGERS, minister of the gospel in London, was the first martyr in Queen Mary's reign; and was burnt at Smithfield, February the fourteenth, 1554...

 

declares most eloquently his faith in his Creator and his love for his children. His love and hope for his children's future well being typifies every parents heartfelt desire and is expressed through encouraging, up lifting and thoughtful instructions.  This story is in almost all Primers!  This story precisely establishes the theme and purpose for the Primers then and now. The universal use of the Primers reflected the society's consensus to educate their children in the same Puritan way that they were educated.  Freedom of education and freedom of religion were, and are, two high privileges not often found together in other countries of the world.

 

          It is estimated that 90%, +/-, of all of the material in all of the "Primers" printed by the various printers had identical content and that the 10% variation was only comprised of (1.) a proverbial body of information, from which the printers substituted material, (2.) gradual changes and improvements in spelling, language and printing, (3.) the removal of all references to the monarchy and the King of England during the Revolutionary period.

 

          The original content of the 1843 Primer is identified by the original page numbers.  Although each page is not identical to the original, it is word for word except some usage's, spellings and footnoted items.  Direct quotations of the Bible are updated to the New King James version and "thine, thy, thee & ye" have been changed to "you" or "your" but not changed where it would affect rhyme.

As an Adult History Book.

Mr. John Rogers, ... minister of the gospel in London, was the first martyr in Queen Mary's reign; and was burnt at Smithfield, February the fourteenth, 1554.  His wife, with nine small children, and one at her breast, followed him to the stake, with which sorrowful sight he was not in the least daunted, but with wonderful patience died courageously for the gospel of JESUS CHRIST.

          A few days before his, death, he wrote the following advice to his children: –––

GIVE ear, my children, to my word,
Whom God has dearly bought;
Lay up his laws within your heart,
And print them in your thought.
I leave you here a little book,
For you to look upon,
That you may see your father's face,
When he is dead and gone, –––
Who, for the hope of heavenly things,
While he did here remain,
Gave over all his golden years
To prison and to pain;–––
Where I, among my iron bands,
Enclosed in the dark,
Not many days before my death,
Composed for you this work.
And for example to your youth,
To whom I wish all good,
I send you here God's perfect truth,
And seal it with my blood; –––
To you, my heirs of earthly things,
Whom I do leave behind,
That you may read and understand,
And keep it in your mind; –––
That as you have been heirs of that
Which once will wear away,
You also may possess that part
Which never will decay.
Keep always God before your eyes,
With all your whole intent,
Commit no sin in any wise,
But keep his commandments.
Abhor that arrant whore of Rome, ¹⁴
And all her blasphemies,
And drink not of her cursed cup;
Obey not her decrees.
Give honor to your mother dear;
Remember well her pain;
And recompense her, in her age,
With the like love again.
Be always ready for her help,
And let her not decay;
Remember well your father all,
Who should have been your stay.
.... ....
...... .. .
Farewell, my children, to the world,
Where you must yet remain;
The Lord of hosts is your defense
Till we do meet again.
Farewell, my true, my loving wife,
My children, and my friends;
I hope in heaven to see you all,
When all things have their ends.
If you go on to serve the Lord,
As you have now begun,
You shall walk safely all your days,
Until your life be done.
God grant you so to end your days,
As he shall think it best,
That I may meet you in the heavens,
Where I do hope to rest.

 

Page 2.

Page 3.

Page 9.

THE CREED.

I  BELIEVE in God the Father, Almighty Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried.  The third day he arose again from the dead, and ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of God the Father Almighty.  From thence he shall come to judge both the quick and the dead.  I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic⁶ church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.   Amen. ^{8 & 9}

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Page 10.

THE LORD'S PRAYER.

[Mt. 6: 9-13] ⁷

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.  Your kingdom come.  Your will be done on earth as {it is} in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.  And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.  For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.   Amen.

––––‡––––

1. YOU shall have no more gods but me.
2. Before no idol bend your knee.
3. Take not the name of God in vain.
4. Dare not the Sabbath day profane.
5. Give both your parents honor due.
6. Take heed that you no murder do.
7. Abstain from words and deeds unclean.
8. Steal not, though you be poor and mean.
9. Make not a willful lie, nor love it.
10. What is your neighbor's, dare not covet.

⁸ Added, replaced or modified the 1843 text and/or wood cuts with similar items as those found in the following editions of the New England Primer: 1727, '62, '77, 1840, '44, '49 and/or the "Guide for the Child", London, 1725 to exemplify the similarity of the numerous editions spanning two continents and over centuries of time ( 1554 to date).

Isn't this the TRUE American Dream?

The definition of what parents really desire for their children?

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  New England Primer Online Order Form ; http://neprimer.com/emof/nep-emof.htm     | CONTROL |

Abstract:  The balance of this web page contains excerpts of the five (5) Videos. The intent is to demonstrate the CONTENT of the Videos and spiritual character of our first leaders by using selected quotations of our Founding Fathers and supporting material from the American History & Government Videos. The Founding Fathers' faith in their own words, in bold, outright statements of faith in Jesus Christ, The Supreme Authority i.e. God, the Holy Spirit etc., all of which shows that they were not in denial of the spiritual realm.  The integrity of these great men support Biblical training and demonstrate the words, concepts and ideas that became our Constitution and other founding documents of the territories, states & nation!

1. FOUNDATIONS OF AMERICAN GOVERNMENT - (Item 5.9, FOAG_VHS cassette, 20 minutes) Contains an exciting introduction that unites the themes of all the videos. Discusses the First Amendment & Establishment Clause.

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2. AMERICA'S GODLY HERITAGE - (Item 5.1, AGH_ VHS cassette, 59 minutes) This video broadens the Biblical principles in FOAGand expands the social consequences connection in a documentary format.

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3. THE KEYS TO GOOD GOVERNMENT - (Item 5.3, KGG VHS cassette, 59 minutes) Answers these questions. Does good government depend on good voters, good politicians, good laws or something else? You've heard about Multi-culture; but what is THE American Culture?

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4. EDUCATION AND THE FOUNDING FATHERS - (Item 5.5, ED_VHS cassette, 60 minutes) Find out how our Founding Fathers were educated and how the new Government through the public schools were all in agreement for 200 years about the methods and purpose for education. Find out what the original standards were for educating American children?

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5. THE SPIRIT OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION - (Item 5.7, SAR_VHS cassette, 55 minutes) Answers the questions: Who holds the power and who is responsible for our form of government? What MOTIVATED the Founding Fathers of our infant country to declare war on the world's super-power nation of that day?

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George Washington: "To the distinguished character of a Patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of a Christian." ^{3(pg. 7)}  George Washington: "Almighty and eternal Lord God, the great Creator of heaven and earth, and the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ; look down from heaven in pity and compassion upon me Thy servant, who humbly prostrate myself before Thee."^_1  George Washington: c 1779: (At the age of 47) "was approached by Delaware Indian chiefs who desired that their youth be trained in American schools. ...'You do well to wish to learn our arts and our ways of life and above all, the religion of Jesus Christ.  These will make you a greater and happier people than you are. Congress will do everything they can to assist you in this wise intention.' " ^{3(pg. 15)}

James Madison: b. 1757-1836: "Before any man can be considered as a member of civil society, he must be considered a subject of the Governor of the Universe." ^_1  James Madison: (Tradition attributes this quote to Madison but it cannot be confirmed.) "We have staked the whole of our political institutions upon the capacity of mankind for self-government, upon the the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves, to control ourselves, to sustain ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God." ^{5(pg. 18)}

Benjamin Franklin: b. 1706-90: "We have been assured, Sir, in the Sacred Writings that 'except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it.'  I firmly believe this.  I also believe that, without His concurring aid, we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel." ^{5(pg. 27) & 1}  Benjamin Franklin: "The longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth: 'that God governs in the affairs of men.'  And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid?" ^{5(pg. 27) & 2}

Alexander Hamilton: b. 1755-1804: "The sacred rights of mankind are not to be rummaged for among old parchments or musty records.  They are written, as with a sunbeam, in the whole volume of human nature by the hand of the Divinity itself, and can never be erased or obscured by mortal power."^_1

Thomas Jefferson: "I have sworn upon the altar of God eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man."^_2  Thomas Jefferson: (on his death bed July 4, 1826)  "I resign myself to my God, and my child to my country." (and he wrote his own epitaph...) "Here was buried, THOMAS JEFFERSON, Author of the Declaration of Independence, Of the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom, And Father of the University of Virginia." ^{15(pg. 182)}

Abraham Lincoln: "I know that the Lord is always on the side of right.  But it is my constant anxiety and prayer that I - and this nation - should be on the Lord's side." ^{5(pg. 27)}

John Adams: b. 1735-1826: "Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people.  It is wholly inadequate for the government of any other."^{4(pg. 6)}  John Adams: "Suppose a nation ...should take the Bible for their only law book, and every member should regulate his conduct by the precepts there contained!  Every member would be obliged in conscience to temperance, frugality and industry: to justice, kindness and charity towards his fellow men; and to piety, love and reverence toward Almighty God." ^_1  John Adams:  "Is it not that, in the chain of human events, the birthday of the nation is indissolubly liked with the birthday of the Savior?  That it forms a leading event in the progress of the Gospel dispensation?  Is it not that the Declaration of Independence first organized the social compact on the foundation of the Redeemer's mission upon earth?  That it laid the cornerstone of human government upon the first precepts of Christianity?" ^{3(pg. 18)}

Samuel Adams: b. 1722-1803: "The Rights of the Colonists as Christians. ...may be best understood by reading and carefully studying the institutes of the great Law-Giver and Head of the Christian Church, which are to be found clearly written and promulgated in the New Testament." ^{3(pg. 6)}

Noah Webster: b. 1758-1843: "The religion which has introduced civil liberty is the religion of Christ and His apostles.  This is genuine Christianity and to this we owe our free constitutions of government." ^{3(pg. 20)}

Daniel Webster: b. 1782-1852: "If the power of the Gospel is not felt throughout the length and breadth of this land, anarchy and misrule, degradation and misery, corruption and darkness will reign without mitigation or end." ^_1

David Barton: ...describing "a library .. (that) contains textbooks used in America's schools from 1775 through 1900." "An examination of the books in that library demonstrates that it is indeed a difficult challenge to find any area of curricular studies not based on the Bible and Christian principles."^{7(pg. 21)}

Patrick Henry: "Is Life so dear, or Peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of Chains and Slavery?  Forbid it, Almighty God!  I know ...but as for me, give me Liberty, or give me Death!" ¹⁴  Patrick Henry:  "I wish I could leave my most cherished possession - my faith in Jesus Christ.  For with Him you have everything; without Him you have nothing at all."^_2  Patrick Henry: (Tradition attributes this quote to Henry but it cannot be confirmed.) "It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ!" ^{5(pg. 5)}

Charles Finney: b. 1792-1875: [Evangelist] "The church must take right ground in regard to politics... Politics are a part of a religion in such a country as this, and Christians must do their duty to the country as part of their duty to God...[God] will bless or curse this nation according to the course [Christians] take [ in politics]."^{6(pg. 26)}

George Mason: b. 1725-1792: [The Father of the Bill of Rights] "As nations cannot be rewarded or punished in the next world, they must be in this. By an inevitable chain of causes & effects, Providence punishes national sins by national calamities." ^{5(pg. 26)}

"We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, ... do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America...." ^_12

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; ...." ¹³ [Article the Third, Bill of Rights, {a.k.a. Amendment 1 of the Constitution}; (45 total word count )(Was honored and upheld from 1789 to 1947.  There were NO EXCEPTIONS to the 1st Amendment!)]

          ( Our hope rests in God; 2 Chron. 7:14, "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."     After you've prayed, love your children; fortify their mind & heart; protect them from the inside; develop their character with The New England Primer; 1996. )

          " If we can still save OUR CHILDREN and OUR SCHOOLS, we will have done well for our Lord's plan for His children as well as for our nation and our churches.  We must not forget that NINETY percent of all our church children still attend public schools!" Robert Simonds, Th.D. President's Report, National Association of Christian Educators/Citizens for Excellence in Education. March 1997; (http://www.nace-cee.org);                (Ed: capitals were added for emphasis)

Let them Master the NEP, the way our Founding Fathers mastered it.

&

Children Spell Love:  T~I~M~E.

t-i-m-e

The mini video reviews are concluded; however, below are the synopses of the Videos & corresponding Instructors Transcripts with the FOOTNOTES immediately following.  | CONTROL |

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FOUNDATIONS OF AMERICAN GOVERNMENT
This short video acquaints viewers with the truth that the current doctrine of "separation of church and state" is something never intended by the Founders. It not only surveys the historical records surrounding the drafting of the First Amendment, but also documents what has happened statistically since the Court rejected the Founders' intent. It further shows that the current Court is beginning to return to many values previously struck down. An excellent tool to use with state or local officials to prove that they can include Godly values in their polices. (20 Min., c1992)

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AMERICA'S GODLY HERITAGE
The beliefs of our Founding Fathers concerning the proper role of Christian principles in education, government and public affairs. The views of men like Patrick Henry, George Washington, John Adams, and others are clearly presented and accompanied by famous portraits and pictorial reliefs from America's history. Discover court cases showing that for 160 years Christian principles were inseparable from public affairs. Numerous graphs are used to document what has occurred since the courts began rejecting the Founders' beliefs. (59 Min., c1992)

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KEYS TO GOOD GOVERNMENT
In recent years, our government has been plagued with a growing number of scandals and increased corruption, yet for almost two centuries American government was characterized as sound and morally untainted. The change has come because of our disregard for the advice given by the framers of our original government. Discover the keys to good government by investigating the wise counsel of leaders like William Penn, Benjamin Rush, and John Witherspoon, and learn how we can reclaim the quality of government we once enjoyed. (59 Min., c1994)

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EDUCATION AND THE FOUNDING FATHERS
This video examines the educational system which produced our great Founding Fathers. Learn not only about the school they attended and textbook they used, but also discover how far we've strayed from their plans to maintain a successful educational system. This video includes famous portraits from America's history and many excerpts from original textbooks and writings of the Founders. It is excellent for learning what was intended by the Founders and what can be done to return to their original plans for educational excellence. (60 Min., c1992)

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SPIRIT OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
The American Revolution was to dream the unthinkable: fifty-six men pledged their "lives, fortunes, and sacred honor" to establish a new & independent nation. What was the spirit that motivated these remarkable men? What was the spirit behind the American Revolution? Learn the answers to these questions as you investigate both their words and their actions. Discover their strong reliance upon God for wisdom and direction, and witness fascinating accounts of God's providential care in many of their military endeavors. (55 Min., c1993)

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Buy them NOW, use them before grading period ends. Excellent for home bound,

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

home school, PTA, civic or other group meetings

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(These notes introduce the reader to the following facts that: (1. ) these men were believers; (which is NOT officially taught in public schools) & (2.) therefore in effect DENY the information; and that (3.) these materials can supplement your children's education so they may understand the American Culture, where it came from and why.)

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_a  Ten Basic Steps Toward Christian Maturity, Step 5: The Christian and the Bible, (Florida: (Bill Bright), NewLife Publications, 1994).

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  € WELCOME & TABLE of CONTENTS.

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PAGE CONTROL:  for the major topics on the MINI REVIEWS Page.

  | #Abstract / Top |

  | #1-NEPrimer Review |  "PREFACE" | "CREED"   | "LORD's PRAYER" | "10 COMMANDMENTS" |                                               | "Mr. John Rogers" |

 | #2-Video Review| Washington | Madison | Franklin | Hamilton | Jefferson | Lincoln | Adams | Webster |                                    | Henry | Finney | Mason | Luther | 

  | #3-FOOTNOTES |      | Top |     /NEP-MBR.HTM, 61k.

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